Getting Nervous about Bone Scan

pupfoster1

Hi Ladies,

So back after surgery in November when they did all the follow up scans the bone scan showed a fuzzy area near the 7th rib that they weren't sure if it was fluid from my drain or early bone mets (ugh).  They said to have a follow up and that will be done this Wednesday.  Not only am I scared about hearing the results, I've been having pain in both rib cages the last few weeks.  So of course I'm starting to freak myself out that it's mets. 

I just HATE all of this.  I just want to get my life back and not be constantly concerned about every ache and pain.  I'll keep you all posted on what happens.

Thanks for being here,

Sharon

Leah_S

Sharon, I'm praying for B9 results from your scan.

Leah

Bugs

Sharon,

You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week.  Try not to worry (I know, but try).  When I am in situations like scans or appts and I start worrying I tell myself "worrying will not change the outcome or solve the problem, so stop".  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it doesn't.

Frankie_

Sharon,

I know how you are feeling! At the time of my initial staging back in October/09. I had a bone scan (which I had my surgeon) order prior to me being treated at my cancer center. Anyways, he called me to tell me it was clear. About a month later I was seen by my Onc at the cancer center. He told me that the SAME bone scan (findings) showed a "subtle sclerotic focus" on my left 7th anterior rib. He then ordered a CT Scan (neck/chest/abdomen) and it was also seen as well on this test as well as a new finding on my right S1 pedicle, which was NOT identified on the bone scan (1 month prior). I was so scared. They ordered a MRI to take a closer look at the S1 "questionable spot". The MRI showed the S1 (spot) to be a bone island-non cancerous. The CT Scan and bone Scan could not determine the (rib) to be cancerous. They told me that in their opinion they felt that it was likely a "previous" fracture scar BUT were not 100% (in other words) not 100% sure it wasn't cancer either. So they treated me as a Stage 3er. Anyway, had chemo and started my herceptin treatments  and just before starting my rads (which I start today) my Rad Onc ordered a CT-chest scan as he wanted to re-look at my clavicle nodes. I asked that he have them take another look at my left rib as I have be worried about it from the get go. I also started having pain in that area for a couple of months. I had even talked to my medical Onc  about the pain but he said he felt that it was not cancer-related pain but rather pain from treatment-taxol... He told me that he would not order a scan to re-look at this area because he felt that it was not warranted and that he would not do one for at least a couple of months as I finished my chemo on March 9th and he felt that "we" could be chasing "tails from ends" or something like that???-In other words, he felt that if we did a scan the findings may pick up false positives due to inflammations etc. So when my Rad Onc told me that he wanted to do a scan prior to starting rads of course I jumped for the chance for him to (re-look) at my rib, since my medical Onc would not. Anyway, had a chest CT Scan done on April 9th *4 weeks after my last chemo. They found 2 new "questionable spots" on my T5 & T11. WTH??? The rib "spot" was still there. So now...they put a hold on my rads (was suppose to start) on April 19th. They ordered a bone scan -(April 26). On April 27th, I was told the bone scan did NOT show any spots on the T5 & T11 and the rib (just had a shadow) -could not be seen by the Radiologist (they had to compare it to the original bone scan). They still feel that it is from a healing "fracture". They think the spots on my T5 & T11 from the CT Scan were inflammation, etc. So my point is that at times things turn out to be anything from bone islands, fracture healing scars, inflammation etc. I hope this is the case for you. Prayers it is. Hang in there. I know it is difficult and very stressful and scary!

Hugs

Frankie

KerryMac

Sharon - thinking of you!! Ohhh, it really sucks, this cancer business. I will echo what Bugs said - worrying will not alter anything. So try and put it out of your mind as much as you can. (yeah, I know...)

Every good thought coming your way!! 

DCMom

OK...the mind is a terrible thing.  You will be perfectly capable of convincing yourself of all sorts of pain and it is really hard to not focus on it.  The good thing is you are feeling pain in both rib cages instead of one area on one side.  Poking and prodding to feel the pain is another good way to cause the pain.  Trying to put it out of your mind is probably the best thing...and probably a pipe dream.  Get out exercising or go to lunch with good friends.  Anything that keeps your mind busy.  I am sending you positive thoughts............................................................................... LOTS OF THEM........................................

Pure

Good wishes and prayers coming your way:) I have a good feeling allw ith be fine.

revkat

A good friend of mine who was diagnosed stage 3 about 4 years ago, recently had a spike in her tumor markers and was sent for a PET scan. It showed several spots on her ribs (that weren't there before). The onco then sent her for a bone scan, but the imaging center is out of the radioactive tracer and since they get it from Europe told her that the volcano in Iceland has disrupted shipments and it may be several weeks! Anyone else run into this? Fortunately, she is far better than I would be at putting things out of her mind while she waits! 

kimber3006

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!  I think the others are right - keeping busy with fun stuff sounds like the best chance to maintain sanity. 

pupfoster1

Hi girls and thanks again,

My rad onc today was relatively reassuring and said the same thing you said DCMom that "usually" mets do not present themselves symetrically and since now that I'm more active (going back to the gym,etc) that I maybe pulling something.  So, for now I will try to stay calm and stay busy and see what happens on Wednesday. I'll be sure to keep you posted!

Love,

Sharon

lkc

hi sharon, for what it's worth I have never seen Mets be symmetrical. and I  went into Oncology nursing way back in 1979.

Scan xiety sucks. we all have it. But the odds are with you that all is ok.

Anonymous

Sharon,

Glad you have us to come to and share your fears.  We all so know about this.  Prayers that things will be ok and NED.

Barb

caaclark

Sharon,

I am sorry you are having to deal with this stress.  It is so hard when we worry about each ache and pain, when we would not have even given them a second thought prior to breast cancer.

About 2 years ago, a friend of mine died of liver mets.  It was about 1 month before my check up.  2 weeks before my appt. time I began to feel what I identified (after looking at the interactive model of the body online) as liver mets.  I was certain my oncologist was going to tell me to get scanned since I was absolutely certain that the bc was in my liver.  I was even planning how I would tell my children again and which relatives I would call first.  When I got to the onc. and told her my symptoms she felt around and asked me to describe what I was feeling.  She asked if it ever goes away.  I said yes, with antacids.  She then pointed out that cancer typically does not go away with antacids and that where I was feeling pain was no where near my liver.

I will keep you in my prayers on Wed. but since what you are feeling is symetrical I am going with it being some type of exercise issue.

pupfoster1

Ladies,

I LOVE YOU ALL SOO MUCH!  Although I'm still in some discomfort my mind is a little quieter.  Hopefully tonight I'll be able to get some rest and just try to stay busy between now and Wednesday.

And did I tell you all I LOVE YOU ALL???
Sharon

Anonymous

Awwwww, I love you too pup  

Barb

pupfoster1

So cute Barb!!

Bugs

Get your husband to take you out and ply you with alcohol to take your mind off things.

pupfoster1

That sounds like a good idea, except I don't think I could handle a hangover right now.....:::))))

karen1956

Sharon.....well don't drink too much....we don't want you to have a hangover...just drink enough to feel good!!!!  sending thoughts for only good news

jan-m

Good luck tomorrow Sharon.. I will be thinking of you and sending good positive thoughts your way!

jan

KerryMac

Sharon - hope it goes well today.Thinking about you.

Let us know when you are done.

pupfoster1

Thanks Kerry, et al for all your well wishes.  Got that queazy feeling in my tummy this morning.  Test is at 2:00, probably won't know much today, but I'll keep you all posted.

(Hugs) to you all,

Sharon

Pure

Hi Sharon,

Praying for you today.... Your going to be ok!

Leah_S

Sharon, best of luck with the test!

Leah

Bugs

Thinking of you today, Sharon!  {{hugs}}

lexi4

Thinking of you as you wait for your scan. Prayers for NO ca and fast results.

Hugs,

Lexi

AnacortesGirl

Hoping your scan today is clear!

I rate these things as a 1 ativan test or a 2 ativan test.  This one might be a 2'er just to calm the nerves.   

bejuce

Wishing you peace of mind and a clean scan today.  We're all here praying for you and sending our positive thoughts!

clariceak

Hey Sharon

I've been thinking of you, but unable to post because I only have had internet access with my iphone.  Wishing you the best results today.  We're all in this together.  Hugs.

pupfoster1

You all are so sweet!   Made it through the scan w/out any trouble.  They were following up on an unclear spot by my rib after surgery.   The tech said she was going to do 3 extra shots of the rib area just to cover the bases, but she didn't see anything.  She gave me a copy of the films, but of course I don't know what I'm looking at so I couldn't tell anything.  Here's hoping she's right!!!!

I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Love,

Sharon

Bugs

I think you just got an unofficial okiedokie!