inflammation

[Browniem]

A question regarding my wife’s situation. She has MBC diagnosed about 5 years ago and has been on three types of treatment - the latest is capecetabine. She has developed a large lump over her sternum which has been extremely painful. Her radiation oncologist thought it was inflammation of rib muscles due to cancer in her sternum. She has had two doses of radiation as well as steroids. So far (about 2 weeks later)there has been minimal improvement. Doctors want to treat the pain but there has been limited investigation of the cause. We are presently awaiting CT results.

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[nonna70]

It's so hard to wait. It does sound as if CT results are in the works to find out what's going on. I have my CT results but am waiting on the doc to talk with me about them! Waiting stinks.

[Browniem]

Thank you for your response. I just received CT results that show a hairline fracture in sternum.

[Hazelgreen in reply to Browniem]

It makes sense that a fracture underlay the pain! Your wife is lucky to have you looking after her issues. Keep up the good work!

[Bella_mum in reply to Browniem]

Sorry to hear that. Is there anything they can do to help healing or is it just a waiting game?

[Browniem in reply to Bella_mum]

We wll find out tomorrow whrn we see her oncologist. My worry is because there is so much cancer in the sternum that it won’t heal on its own but will require some form of intervention. I will update as someone else may face similar situation.

[bikebabe]

Firstly im sorry that your wife is in pain and hope you get some decent pain relief whilst healing. Not sure how relevant this is and your wife may already be having bone strengtheners. I’ve been on denosumab for the 3 yrs I’ve had MBC. This is part of my first line treatment and is similar to bisphosphonates in that it apparently stops cancer eating the bones. It may not help with the current active sternal problem but may be worth asking onco about it to help healing and prevent further problems. My 3mthly Ct showed multiple rib fractures after the open heart surgery done earlier this year (feb) which also severed my sternum top to bottom. I’m guessing the denosumab has helped the bones to heal as I’m doing ok. Denosumab does have some bad risks which comprehensive personal dental hygiene will help minimise.

[Browniem in reply to bikebabe]

Thank you fir your response. We see her oncologist tomorrow and will ask about bone strengthening meds.

[Oberammergaux2]

Mercy, PLEASE go to Drugs.com and look for the side effects for capecetabine.

It’s an excellent site. It has listed all the known side effects (common to serious) for the medication your wife is taking. One of the “Serious” side effects listed is a swelling on the chest.

I have called the pharmaceutical company who makes one of the meds I was given for clarification on a side effect. I have found that MDs aren’t always aware of rare but serious side effects.

Best wishes for the CT scan. Please known we are all with you.

[Browniem]

Thank you for that suggestion. I did go to that site. I was shocked by the number of potential side effects. She has had a long run on capecitabine so it’s probably time to move on to next treatment since Chest CT also shows progression in ribs and spine.