Bone Mets

germangal

Bone Mets

germangal

I was dx'd in 12/06, ER/PR+, Her2-. I had the AC/T chemo, MRM with 4/11 nodes positive, had prophy mastectomy at same time, followed by 35 rads. On Femara ever since - quarterly blood tests & onc visit have been good, some mild lymphedema requiring a sleeve when I fly or over-exert. I started an exercise pgm last wk, to lose the 00# I gained over the past 2 yrs. Now I have a tender spot on edge of radiation field, near site of node removal. It hurts when pressure is applied there (ie, mastectomy bra band!) and my husband says the skin looks a little blotchy (it's in a spot I can't quite see.) 

 I wonder if I just stretched something that is protesting being stretched (I have not been wearing the sleeve during exercise ...) or if this is something requiring onc visit prior to next appt in September?  I live in fear of bone mets to the ribs, not sure what those would feel like ...

 Any experiences out there?

Thanks

hollyann

I had something similar happen to me...It turned out ot be scar tissue formation and the blotchiness was from irritation of the bra band rubbing the scar formation.....From what I understand bone mets don't hurt per se.......Also give it the 2 week wait and see....If after 2 weeks it is still hurting you then call your onc....These things usually clear up in about 2 weeks.....Gentle hugs to you and good luck!.......

germangal

Thanks, Hollyann - I didn't think about scar tissue! That definitely could be, esp since nerves in that are regenerating as well ... I'll give it the 2 weeks, and wear that darn sleeve while exercising. I noticed my last post didn't include the amount of weight I have to lose: 100 pounds!!!  I thought we were supposed to lose weight with cancer

Hugs back at you!

lovinmomma

I had no pain with my bone mets, so I cannot help you there, but with my mast, I have some scar tissue and tghat is how it feels to me also.

Binney4

Hello, kwhite,

Another possibility you need to be alert for (especially with lymphedema) is cellulitis infection. Signs of infection can include redness, rash, streaks or splotches; pain; warmth to the touch; fever; new swelling; itching. If there's "blotchy" redness your DH can see, have him mark it with a permanent marker so he can judge later if it's spreading or resolving. If you suspect infection, do get help at once -- even if it's after hours in the ER -- as infection in an area subject to lymphedema can spread rapidly. (Perhaps I should mention that lymphedema is possible in the trunk as well as the arm, as our entire upper quadrant on the affected side is at risk.)

Hope it's nothing even remotely worrisome and it resolves quickly!
Be well,
Binney 

germangal

Hi there!

Binney, thanks for the info re cellulitis, I hadn't considered that. I will have DH mark it for me, just in case. It doesn't feel warm or itchy, though. Just tender, like a bruise.

Bonnie, no, I didn't have reconstruction. I like "choice" - nothing for exercise, B-cup for out & about, C-cup for work and D-cup for "oo-la-la"  

I just had a bone density test in May and results showed in the high end, right where they were when I started chemo (thank you, Neulasta!) but I will certainly ask the onc about it again.

And no, she doesn't order PET/CT scans for me ... both she & GP believe blood markers will give an early enough sign, no need to subject body to tests. (I really think it's because insurance company fought them over the first PET scan and MGH ended up eating about $15K ....)

Traveling USA, huh? I envy you some. I quit my executive job in March because of the stress level, and am living off the savings account for the summer while I find a new position. Wish I felt that I could use some of that $$ to travel with DH as opposed to paying for COBRA & household expenses. Enjoy it!

Karen  

Binney4

Hello, Gg,

Oral antibiotics usually work IF you catch it early enough. Otherwise it's a few days to a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics, followed by a course of oral antibiotics. Can't drain it because it's systemic. 

<Sigh!>
Binney