Rib Pain

Hi everyone - it's been a while since I've posted a message BUT I have a real problem.  I have been on Arimidex for 3 years now.  I didn't do well on Arimidex for the 1st 6 months but then everything got better - no pain anywhere!  The only thing I suffer from occassionally is joint stiffness - but that's not really an issue.  THEN in March of this year, my left rib cage began to hurt.  It has persisted until now (July).  I had breast cancer surgery (right side) in 2004.  But it is my left rib cage that is hurting.  I have had x-rays and a bone scan done and nothing is showing up.  So, now I wonder if it could be a side effect from the Arimidex?  Have any of you who are or have taken Arimidex experienced this problem?  The rib cage itself is tender to touch but mostly it just feels like a HUGE catch in my rib cage area - like something is in there.  This is worrisome to say the least.  Please write me back if any of you have experienced this kind of pain.  I can't imagine what it is as many of our vital organs are on our right side.  I look forward to hearing from any of you when you have a mintue to write.  Thanks!!  Carolyn in Washingto state

Hi - I'm a two-time breast cancer survivor (one in 2003, one in 2006).  In 2006 it recurred in the breast and moved to my left lung - both were operated on and removed.  Since that time, my rib cage is very sensitive to the touch.  When I turn to my left, at times it just feels like something is in there stopping me from doing it and makes me catch my breath.  I have mentioned this to my doctor and she said it is probably something from the surgery or even radiation.  (I had a mastectomy on my left side and a thorocotomy to remove the spot on the lung.)  The sensitivity comes and goes, and usually does not bother me.  She said to only worry about it if it doesn't stop or gets worse.  The most sensitve area seems to be right in the middle, around the sternum.  I have been taking Arimidex for 1-1/2 years.  Since taking it, I have had such odd things happen to my body.  My doctor always says she doubts that it is from the drug, just my growing older.  After reading all of the Arimidex/Femara posts, I feel much better in knowing that I am not crazy and these side effects are from the drug (even if the medical community doesn't believe us).  However, the worst is the joint pain (and the weight gain!) which I can tolerate.  The joint pain is mostly when I get up from sleeping or sitting in a chair and then it goes away.  I exercise daily and I think that helps.

Hope this helps --

Marcia

Isn't it funny how we all seem to have many of the same symptons, but our doctors always seem to say that " I do not think that this is being caused by the Arimidex ( or any of the other drugs in this cateory)?  I have been on this for a little over a year.  I have the muscle pain, bone pain, tiredness, bone loss, thinning my hair, etc., but I do have to say that if the medicine is helping in any way that I will continue to put up with these side effects. I am willing to do anything to fight.