need some advise

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, underwent a mastectomy and chemo (A/C) followed by 2 years of Lupron injections.  I’ve been cancer free since.

A few months ago I started having night sweats, which I haven’t had since before the original cancer diagnosis.  To be clear these are not your typical warm room, too many blankets kind of night sweats.  I sweat enough to soak through my pajamas but my skin is cool to the touch.  In the past month I’ve started experiencing a mild to sharp pain on my right side, on the back under my rib cage.  In the last few days the pain has migrated to my side, again under the bottom of the rib cage.  I don’t believe I’ve injured myself in any way, haven’t fallen or bumped into anything and I’m not sure if the night sweats and pain is related.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing and if so what was the outcome?  My next oncology appointment isn’t until August and I’m wondering if I should go in sooner.

Thanks, Lisa

Unfortunately health problems do not respect human time tables! 

There are things that the night sweats could represent other than cancer, but with the onset of rib pain, I think you would be wise to get it checked out sooner rather than later..  You could call your oncologist office - ask to talk to one of the nurses.  Tell them your symptoms, ask them to ask the doc if they want to see you sooner than August.  Or you could make an appt to be seen by your family doc.

Please let us know what you find out.  If it's good news, we'll do the happy dance with you!  If it's not so good news, we are here to support you.

Sincerely,

Tre

On 4/24/2009 Lt2797 wrote:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, underwent a mastectomy and chemo (A/C) followed by 2 years of Lupron injections.  I’ve been cancer free since.

 

A few months ago I started having night sweats, which I haven’t had since before the original cancer diagnosis.  To be clear these are not your typical warm room, too many blankets kind of night sweats.  I sweat enough to soak through my pajamas but my skin is cool to the touch.  In the past month I’ve started experiencing a mild to sharp pain on my right side, on the back under my rib cage.  In the last few days the pain has migrated to my side, again under the bottom of the rib cage.  I don’t believe I’ve injured myself in any way, haven’t fallen or bumped into anything and I’m not sure if the night sweats and pain is related.

 

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing and if so what was the outcome?  My next oncology appointment isn’t until August and I’m wondering if I should go in sooner.

 

Thanks, Lisa

Please go in sooner than later.  I had a mooshy lump on top of my rib cage and just under the scar of the mastectomy.  I had a bi-leteral in '06.  I struggled for about a year before one of the docs (oncologist) decided it was NOT just the way I am built and  sent me to physical therapy.  It turned out to be LYMPHEDEMA in that area.  I also had tender ribs (due to the radiation) and I am on FEMERA (which weakens bone structure).  Learning the technique to remove the fluid was key in my recovery.  I, now, know how to get rid of the fluid.  I was not told to expect Lymphedema in that area and it surprised me that it took a year of complaining to get results.  You know your body better than anyone so perhaps this info is helpful.  Insisting docs help in after care is in your ball park..be persistant and let them know that this is stressful and needs attention...and that you are willing to work at it too.

warm regards, ILAFF

On 5/3/2009 Ilaff wrote:

 

On 4/24/2009 Lt2797 wrote:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, underwent a mastectomy and chemo (A/C) followed by 2 years of Lupron injections.  I’ve been cancer free since.

 

A few months ago I started having night sweats, which I haven’t had since before the original cancer diagnosis.  To be clear these are not your typical warm room, too many blankets kind of night sweats.  I sweat enough to soak through my pajamas but my skin is cool to the touch.  In the past month I’ve started experiencing a mild to sharp pain on my right side, on the back under my rib cage.  In the last few days the pain has migrated to my side, again under the bottom of the rib cage.  I don’t believe I’ve injured myself in any way, haven’t fallen or bumped into anything and I’m not sure if the night sweats and pain is related.

 

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing and if so what was the outcome?  My next oncology appointment isn’t until August and I’m wondering if I should go in sooner.

 

Thanks, Lisa

Please go in sooner than later.  I had a mooshy lump on top of my rib cage and just under the scar of the mastectomy.  I had a bi-leteral in '06.  I struggled for about a year before one of the docs (oncologist) decided it was NOT just the way I am built and  sent me to physical therapy.  It turned out to be LYMPHEDEMA in that area.  I also had tender ribs (due to the radiation) and I am on FEMERA (which weakens bone structure).  Learning the technique to remove the fluid was key in my recovery.  I, now, know how to get rid of the fluid.  I was not told to expect Lymphedema in that area and it surprised me that it took a year of complaining to get results.  You know your body better than anyone so perhaps this info is helpful.  Insisting docs help in after care is in your ball park..be persistant and let them know that this is stressful and needs attention...and that you are willing to work at it too.

warm regards, ILAFF

I forgot to address your night sweats.  I don't think I know your age, but CHEMO throws you into full-on MENOPAUSE!  even if you were done with that.  i am 57 years old, the (gabapentin) pill really works with none side effects.  this condition is quite miserable so ask for something to relieve your symptoms.

again best wishes,ILAFF