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Any One Have A Sore Spot On Rib Cage After Mastectomy And Reconstruction? Non Cancer Side Feels Like A Bruise On Top Rib Near Bra Band?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Merrill, ny
August 24, 2018
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A MyBCTeam Member

After my mastectomy, I had a spot I felt in my ribs. I had to wait for my reconstruction due to having Avastin as part of my first chemo cocktail. Then I had 2 more different chemos then added radiation to it. I thought the worst like the cancer had spread. Turned out that during my mastectomy, my PS put in an implant to keep my skin stretched. However, he used part of my pec to create a pocket to hold the implant and needed a source of blood flow under my incision. Due to Avastin, it severely slows down healing. So the sore spot I was feeling was where he anchored the pec to my rib.

As for reconstruction, I just had it last month. This is two years after my mastectomy. My ribs hurt. I was getting spasms on the underside of my ribs. I had a free tram flap and gave me a tummy tuck at the same time. My ribs hurt. This time is that my abdominal muscles were shortened and so it does not allow me to take deep breaths...as I recover and heal. My pain should get better with time.

You are not alone with rib pain

August 28, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

They are not concerned because they are not in pain🤐😬

August 24, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I had terrible rib pain after my excision surgery (before the mastectomy). When I voiced this concern to my surgeon he was certain it was as a result of the digging and tugging during my surgery. Indeed, the pain did eventually subside. Even after my mastectomy, it was less. If I were you I'd give it a little more time. Your body has been through a lot and you are still healing!

August 26, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member yes -had pain for about 3-4 weeks after. And my PS did drain me a few times too.

August 24, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I have a sore spot near my rib cage on the reconstructed side. Glad to hear I am not the only one.

August 24, 2018

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