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What Causes Pain In Abdomen Radiating To Back With History Of Breast Cancer?

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Posted on Wed, 24 Jun 2015
Question: I am a 54 year old with the following ailments:
Breast Cancer at 49-mastectomy on both breast, this is my 5th year remission. I have been experiencing pain on the top of my abdomen that sends a piercing sharp pain to my back, also sometimes I have to lay down because I get dizzy, in the past two weeks I have been experience chest pain, but have a hard time figuring if its from healing pain from the surgeries. I have been feeling really fatigued and without energy.
In XXXXXXX of last year my 12 year old had a stroke, and ever since then I have had a hard time focusing, first six months were as if I couldn't focus, it go better but little things overwhelm me and give me anxiety. I have been experiencing high pulse rates from 71-108 ppm. My blood pressure seem to be in the normal range.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You need proper diagnostic.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Can you please give some more details about the breast cancer you have had (which stage, grade, ER status, HER2 status, treatment given)?

Abdominal pain which radiates to the back can be caused by gallstones, urinary tract infection and stones. As a cancer patient, you should consider possible recurrence. Pain in the chest can be related to such recurrence but not necessarily.

Gallstones usually give upper right abdominal pain radiating to the back. It appears after fatty foods, spicy foods. Nausea can be present.
Urinary tract issues give frequent urinating, burning while urinating, fever along with the pain.

If there was radiation given and chemotherapy, heart problems are possible. This can be the reason of dizziness and fluctuating pulse.

As you can see, lots of things needs to be checked. Please start with blood work (CBC, Ca 15-3, AP), urine analysis, abdominal ultrasound and chest CT. Heart ultrasound should be done as well.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 minutes later)
Cancer was stage 1 with HER2, received chemo, no radiation.
Just wanted to add shortness of breath. Should I go to the emergency room or to a doctor, should this test be done immediately?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Heart issue seems most probable.

Detailed Answer:
Well, if the shortness of breath and chest pain has appeared suddenly, yes, go to ER.
If this symptoms are present for a long time, consult your regular doctor.
The recurrence possibility in stage I is minimal. So I do not think it is cancer related symptom. More probable is that this is heart related symptoms. Heart had very hard time receiving chemo and Herceptine (if it was given). So it should be checked at first.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (11 minutes later)
Thank you for all the information, it really help. Since I am in between doctors, I know how to proceed.
Respectfully, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5798 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Abdomen Radiating To Back With History Of Breast Cancer?

Brief Answer: You need proper diagnostic. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Can you please give some more details about the breast cancer you have had (which stage, grade, ER status, HER2 status, treatment given)? Abdominal pain which radiates to the back can be caused by gallstones, urinary tract infection and stones. As a cancer patient, you should consider possible recurrence. Pain in the chest can be related to such recurrence but not necessarily. Gallstones usually give upper right abdominal pain radiating to the back. It appears after fatty foods, spicy foods. Nausea can be present. Urinary tract issues give frequent urinating, burning while urinating, fever along with the pain. If there was radiation given and chemotherapy, heart problems are possible. This can be the reason of dizziness and fluctuating pulse. As you can see, lots of things needs to be checked. Please start with blood work (CBC, Ca 15-3, AP), urine analysis, abdominal ultrasound and chest CT. Heart ultrasound should be done as well. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.