Breast Cancer/Pain in ribs

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Expert: - 4/18/2007


Question
In 2005 I was diagnosed with stage 1 Ductal invasive cancer of right breast. I had lumpectomy and auxilla clearance and was node negative. I elected chemo (I had the choice) and had radiotherapy ending in Feb 2006. I take tamoxifen. I am now 41. A few weeks ago I felt pain in my ribs on my right side. It persists and is enough to make me wince when I touch the area or roll over in bed. I have had problems with pain from the auxilla clearance on my right side but not this far down. Is it possible this is connected to lymph fluid or should I be more concerned about possible spread of secondary cancer to my ribs. I don't want to worry my Consultant if I can avoid as my prognosis was excellent for full recovery and/ or reoccurence. I don't wish to be paranoid!

Answer
Dear Cheryl, you have a symptom that should be investigated! It may not be anything dangerous but then again it may! We do not KNOW! So it MUST be checked! You can not do that yourself, so you MUST "disturb" your dr. with this! Besides that is what your dr. is there for! To do this is not to be paranoid! If there are any complaints show my answer! Good luck!

Breast Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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