I am so glad (if that's the right word!) to find this thread.

I'm 55, post meno, and been having pain in right boob, shoulder blade, armpit and arm (kind of where my bicep would be,if I had any muscles haha).

It's been 12 months now, still no answers.  My CRP level was recently checked at 9.25, so somethings going on somewhere. All other bloods are fine.  Dr thinks it is rhumatoid arthritis but as usual i think I think I know best .  I don't feel ill tho, just incredibly blooming worried!

Had a mammo and ultrasound 10 months back, shortly after first pains started (have private medical as live overseas as an expat).  Also had a chest x ray 2 weeks ago.

My husband, who's all about logic, says that surely after a year, something would have progressed.  I wouldn't have the same energy levels, same appetite,  no lost weight etc.  It does make sense but then again he's not the one with a sore armpit and a dead arm!  

Hi Scottishmuppet,

I am so sorry to hear that you still do not feel reassured by your various tests. I can appreciate that it is difficult to accept this, until you have a definite diagnosis. Has your GP done anything to find out if it is definitely rheumatoid arthritis? I am sure that you might feel happier if s/he could substantiate their suspicions. 

A year seems a long time to wait for a diagnosis. There are tests for rheumatoid factor, so it might be a good idea to ask your GP to pursue these. I am glad to hear that your mammogram, ultrasound and x-ray haven't found anything more sinister, but I'm sure that you won't be able to share your husband's logic until, you know exactly what you are dealing with. His take on things does make sense and it is unusual for breast pain to accompany breast cancer, so I sincerely hope that he proves to be correct.

Please keep in contact and let us know how this develops. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine, I appreciate your reply.

I saw a rheumatologist who suggested RA, but the kind that doesn't show in the RA factor test (seronegative).  He dismissed the arm pain tho as its not consistent with RA.  2nd option from another rheumatologist says it's not RA.  

I'm pulling my hair out!  I don't even care about the pain! As long as its not life threatening, I'll happily limp along.

Anyway, again, appreciate your reply. It's very good of you. Xx

Hi Scottishmuppet,

It is so frustrating when the medical views are so conflicting. Did the doctor who gave you the second opinion run another test for rheumatoid factor, or did s/he rely on the results from the previous test? I would push for another test from time, to time to ensure that you are still seronegative. 

Do please update us, if you find out the cause and I sincerely hope that it is nothing too untoward.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello, I found a lump in outer upper left breast in June 2020, I finally saw my doctor in 2021 and went for tests and they said it was fat necrosis.

On Friday I found another lump in the same breast, I'm constantly tired and have felt nauseous on and off for the last 11 days and it sometimes feels tender along my collarbone.

Currently I have not spoken to a doctor as I'm 44 and started my cycle on Monday so I am putting it down to that at the moment.

hi, I found this forum while googling. I have a large lump in my left breast and have the same dull ache in the arm and shoulder blade. I'm so glad to see many success stories as I'm worried sick with it. I had my GP appointment on Tuesday and am awaiting my referral letter. Any advice as obviously I googled and the worst came up and am now so worried as I'm only 24. 

I agree waiting is the worst