I've suffered from costochondritis on and off for 7 years. The first time, I was very frightened because I was about 6 months out from finishing chemotherapy. My oncologist told me at that time that people who have mastectomies or open heart surgery often suffer from costochondritis as a result of the trauma to the chest. I've had about 5 bouts and they've always been fairly mild. There was a pressure and pain right on the sternum and it would feel as if I had been socked. This week though, I came down with the worst bout I've ever gone through. It's right at the 6th costal joint and the pain goes from dull to stabbing. The pain shoots down along the sixth rib and refers to my shoulder and the right side of my back. I went to get a massage and it was a big mistake. It just didn't occur to me how important it is to make sure that anyone who works on your back--be it massage therapist or chiropractor knows and understands this condition. The pain afterwards almost took my breath away. I just had my 6mo check up with my oncologist and my chest xray and bloodwork were all completely normal---which is a great relief. The pain is so intense that it is easy to imagine all kinds of problems---not the least of which is that the cancer has come back.I know that most of the people who get this have not had these types of surgery, but I wanted to put this out there so those who have will know they aren't alone.