Degrees of Bone Metastasis?

BalkanHope

Thank you everyone for all you share in this forum.

My very dear friend (and ex girlfriend) is in her early 30's in Eastern Europe and nearly done with 8 sessions of chemo after a single mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes (very aggressive). Contrary to my fears she seems to be getting treatment on par with "the West," though the info flow is tough (the docs there are not especially forthcoming, she doesn't ask a lot, and by the time I get the info [in another country] who knows what's been lost?).

They said after surgery that they'd gotten it all. But after a suspicious test (bone -- part of a set of tests they said were standard) around chemo #7 they did an MRI and found 2 small "lesions of a metastatic type" in one bone above her breast. They say they're going to give her a new medicine for her bones and target this spot with radiation (they were planning to do radiation anyway).

Is there a meaningful difference between "lesions of a metastatic type" and just plain old bone metastases? Or is the first a euphemism for the second? How do we interpret this new factor and do you have any suggestions about questions she should ask?

I suspect I'll be writing more on other topics but this is my specific question for now.

Your postings have helped me a lot and my thoughts are with you all.

konakat

Hi BalkanHope -- I would assume that "lesions of a metastatic type" and bone metastases are the same thing.  For my bone mets I was given Aredia (Pamidronate) or Zometa which strengthens the bones -- this is probably what your friend will be receiving.  I haven't had rads yet for my bones -- so far the chemo is working.  I know another woman here who has breastbone mets and she received rads too.  It sounds like your friend is getting good treatment. 

The only questions I can think of asking is if she will be receiving another systemic chemo along with the one for the bones or do they think the bone chemo and rads will get rid of all the cancer.  Also, when they will scan again to see if the treatment is working.  Best of luck for your friend.

Elizabeth

TriciaK

Hi,

 I'd take it to mean this is not a definate diagnosis as yet but simply look like mets, the only way to know for certain is a bone biopsy so she could try to request one. I recently had a small spot show on an mri and bone scan, but as the pe/ct was negative my onc wanted a biopsy before she'd diagnose mets.

Sometimes many Dr's don't need to do a biopsy and are sure of the diagnosis but your friend needs to be certain this is the same cancer rather than a primary and also if the hormone and her2 status remain the same.

I'd agree with the first poster that she'll probably be given a bone strenghtener like zometa or one of the others which is usual.  Good wishes to your friend.

Tricia x

lexislove

Hi BalkanHope,

I was diagnosed in my early 30's. I do not have bone mets but I have a good idea of "western" regimes.

My husband is from former Yugoslavia too, so maybe he can translate. My Serbo/Croatian is limited ...but getting there..

We do have a cousin in Belgrade who has been diagnosed stage 4 in June. I believe she has bone mets and lung. She is getting treatment and doing well. Her Dr.'s have her on Zometa and some chemo, not sure the name.

I agree with the above, a bone biopsy needs to be done before it is definative that she has some bone lesions.

Be well.

GoldenEyes

HI

I have a copy of my PET Scan/CT..it did show. two spots. I hope someone can help me with this

Bone Marrow/Bone:  Two areas of abnormal uptake posterior cervical spine region. ONe is in the posterior elements on the left.. at C2-C3 with uptake of 2.6 and an area of  uptake also ont he posterior on the right side with SUV of 2.6 There appears to be some blastic change in vertebrae. This appears to lie at C3-C4..

Ok what does that mean? Also...Muscle: Increased uptake int he shoulder on the left side with SUV of 3.1? NO mass is seen but the study is done WITHOUT IV Contrast.. i am having an MRI tomorrow... Can any help me.. tell me what this means? Funny thing is. I am having more pain on my RIGHT shoulder....than the left.. for months now.. why would it show up on the left? AND.. is it possible.. that I have cancer there too.. just too small for PET to pick up?

BalkanHope

Thanks for these replies everyone. There's a lot to learn and understand. I hope that one day soon science will make it unnecessary for "civilians" to know or understand any of this. Best wishes to you all.

BalkanHope

Golden_Eyes, I am worried that not enough people will see your post here in this thread with my question. Maybe post to another category where you'll get more attention? Good luck to you.