Very common side effect, sorry to hear you have endured it for so long. You need to see a physiotherapist for some treatment and get taught some homework . Even better if it is a physio expereinced in cancer rehab .
Lymphoedema therapists can also help, and advice you . From better bras, wide sides, compressive , inserts to help spread the fluid and soften the fibrotic tissue.
You need to be assessed for chest/trunk lymphodema and get proactive about self care , or it just gets worse.
Like wise mastectomy bra specialists are a big help . ( even if your node removal was for another cancer)
Scar thickening, radiation fibrosis, lymphtaic fibrosis etc also reponds well to cold laser and also scar therapy trianed massage .
Couple great ones in Sutherland Shire Sydney if your lucky enough to live here.
Heap great videos on stretches, rib pain , slef lymphatic massage, radiation fibrosis, shoulders, and much more on this you tube channel .
https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreastCancerPhysio/featured
Find a scar therapist https://restorescartherapy.com/
Find a lymphoedema therapist https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/accreditation-nlpr/find-a-practitioner/
Some bra names
Compression bras and products for lymphoedema swelling, similar, but different to post surgical recon medical compression bras.
Haddenham Prairie wear Hugger bras -Prima, Vida ( Aria not in in AU yet ) https://hadhealth.com/hugger-bras www.lymphshop.com.au
Haddenham Comfiwave -cotton ribbed stretchy chest band for sleep https://hadhealth.com/comfiwave
Anita Lymph O fit bra, Anita sew in pocket, https://www.heavenlycurves.com.au/anita-lymp-o-fit-bra-nude.html
Amoena- Cura lymph/Lymph flow range, Linda/Leslie soft bra, Liane singlet top, silicone texture pad, breast shell
https://www.amoena.com/au/lymph-care/ https://www.opchealth.com.au/bellisse-compression-bra https://au.brightlifedirect.com/search?q=jovipad
Jobst- Bellisse pocketed compression bra, various shaped JoViPads -lateral pad, breast pad with tail, surgical vest, PitPaks
Juzo -soft compress breast pad or breast bandage https://oaplshop.com.au/bandage
Mobiderm bra https://mobiderm.com.au/products/mobiderm-intimate-bra & pads 5mm or 15mm https://mobiderm.com.au/collections/mobiderm-bandage-system
Lymph pads various textures – Medi https://www.mediaustralia.com.au/products/lymph-pads-leg/ Juzo, https://www.juzo.com/en/products/compression-garments/additional-products/replacement-products/juzo-... , Cosmac Healthcare Swell spots https://cosmac.com.au/Swell-Spots/
*Many of these things you may need a lymphoedema therapist to order for you as they are medical grade.
Anita and Amoena brands can be ordered from a mastectomy bra specialist.
I am still doing rib stretches every day 18 yrs later , i get on the floor with a foam roller , do various stretches and lymph moving movements learnt from physios, Encore, EPs, and lymphodema therapists. It really helps reduce pain and discomfort. Move the body, move the fluid, stretch out the stiffness.
My lymphoedema FB page is Lymphoedema Lymphatics Stuff
and Sutherland Shire Breast Cancer Support Group
