Odd pain going on 4 weeks...

chicago-37

BTW, I'm lying here in bed and my husband wants me to go out...he keeps trying to get me to do other things..I understand he's trying to distract me, but I am a bit depressed. 

chicago-37

Could not get anybody to read the MRI today.  Got pictures home, looked at them.  One thing stands out to me.  Here is the picture:

Here is the picture this thing doesn't want to work <http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/chicago-37/MR000005.png&gt;

Does anybody know if this is something to worry about?  I apperciate your feedback...need to wait until monday.

alligans

I hesitate in posting this because I may be completely wrong but I can read from your posts have scared you are.  At this point, nothing anyone says will calm you down until you talk to your doctor.  I know because I've been in your position.  This is a scary place to be in mentally.  You are wondering if your life is going to change.  All I can say is that worrying yourself into a depression isn't going to fix it or change the results so try to stay as calm as you can.  If possible, try to find something that can somewhat distract you.  Easier said than done I know. 

That being saidm I'm not a radiologist but I have seen what bone mets look like on my dad's MRI (he has stage 4 colon cancer) and I've done quite a bit of research on MRIs after having my bone marrow discussed on my own MRI (which really freaked me out).  MRIs are extremely difficult to read especially by someone who isn't trained in reading them.  Different sequences produce different signals and what may appear on one sequence as a cancerous lesion (based on signal intensity or lack of intensity) may be completely benign on a different MRI sequence.  Also, any contrast that is given also changes what the signals (gray scale/instensities/shortening/prolongation) means.

I cannot tell what the image provided anatomically is or what it means.  Is it your neck?  This particular view is very hard to decifer for someone who isn't medically trained.

Anyway, if you look at the coronal or sagittal images of the vertebrae, a bony metastasis will often look like a dark erosion within a white vertebrae (T1 imaging).  On T1 the vertebrae are usually inform in whiteness and in shape.  Metastasis usually appears as dark erosions or as a darkening vertebrae.  I'm not sure exactly  how they appear on T2 but if you compare the images below you'll see the difference.  I'm not sure what C++ means.  I've never seen that before.

http://www.radpod.org/2008/01/08/spinal-cord-metastasis/

Please keep in mind that other things can cause your vertebrae to look "off" which is why I warn you not to get scared when looking at your MRI.  As I said, they are extremely difficult to read and interpret if you are not a MRI trained radiologist.  I had an MRI of my lower spine and spent 4 months trying to understand what exactly 2 cm focus of increased intensity displaying T1 shortening and hypointensity on fat suppresion meant in my bone marrow (wanted to make sure the radiologist wasn't screwing up when he called this area of my bone marrow fatty). 

MRIs are much more sensitive to change than bone scans are but they are also much more specific as to what a lesion is which is why they sent you for an MRI.  I've often read that bone mets usually are numerous when found so try not to get too scared at this point.  It may be something and it may not.  If you had numerous questionable spots on your bone scan then you may want to be a bit concerned.  My dad's bone scan had suspicious spots all over it so they were sure that he had bone mets.  The uptake on the bone scan was labeled as intense. 

Good luck!  Hugs to you!

changes

Chicago,

I am so sorry you are going through this. I'm not going to tell you not to worry, because worrying is to be expected. However, I was in a similar place not too long ago, and assumed the worst, too. I had pain start in my leg, with no clear injury. It interfered with sleep at night. At first, I wasn't worried, but it continued. I put off telling my doctor because I was not up to anymore bad news. It persisted for over 3 months and I was completely convinced it was mets. Finally told my surgeon at a followup and he ordered a bone scan. Like you, I read into the techs behavior (the "nice" tech who had been chatty disappeared after the full scan; the next tech who came out avoided eye contact). They took extra pictures of my ribs and neck, which really freaked me out, since that was not what was hurting (I then had myself convinced that it had gone to my ribs and probably my brain). I had to wait over the weekend for the results - and everything was fine. They had no idea WHY my leg was hurting, but I started doing yoga and it is finally getting better.

Also, while going through this I spent a lot of time looking up stuff on bone scans. From what I understand, they are sensitive but not specific. This means that they pick up a lot of stuff - not all of it cancer. It sounds like the radiologist saw something that wasn't there before, but that could be a new injury, arthritis, etc. Yes, it could be mets, but that would be unlikely given your stage of cancer.

My heart goes out to you, because I know how miserable the waiting is. Hoping you get good news.

Karen

sueUK

Hi Chicago, Im sorry I dont have a clue what the picture means - all I know is that Im staggered that they let you take away the pictures without any chat! I dont think we get given piccies at all here in the UK...well not as far as I know anyway. Of course you are going to look at them and read all sorts into them, I would be exactly the same - but we dont know what we are looking at really do we so in a way it seems to cause more of a worry than not handing out the pictures in the first place. 

What can I say...to you and me both - another day has gone by and we are one more day nearer to knowing something.

I think you have to follow your own mood - I had a day in bed earlier in the week and thats just the way I wanted/needed it. Perhaps reassure your hubby that you wont always be taking to your bed, but for you, today, that is what you need. They want to help, bless them, but at times helping means allowing you to have a wallow - it cant be helped, we wouldnt choose to feel so grim would we. Are you managing to get some sleep? I spent my duvet day nodding off inbetween the odd read, and the odd think...the thinking bit being the least preferable activity of the day. But the next day I was able to get up and get through the day without withdrawing from everyone so much.

Do you have a time set for Monday when you can get your results? I hope its early! Still no letter for me so I dont know yet if I will find anything out this week or next!

Thinking of you sweetie and wishing you some peace as you wait just a little bit longer.

Hugs, Sue x 

LRM216

Chicago - at least it's done.  I wish I could alleviate the awful wait until Monday for you.  I wouldn't know how to read an MRI for the life of me.  I never had one, just the body CT scan and bone scan and echocardiogram, so I can be of no help to you.  What part of the body is it - I can't even discern that!!  Aren't MRI tons of little pics as it travels over the body?  Is this just one of many.  Maybe someone with some more knowledge than I will come along, however, I doubt they will be a radiologist - and that is what you would need.  I think it's just a horror that someone couldn't have told you something today - with all you have been going through.  All I can say is, once again, hang in there, it's a nasty wait, but I thank God you have your husband to be by your side.  I wish I could fast-forward tomorrow for you, I truly do.

Thinking of you -

saltwater-cowgirl

Hello Chicago,

My daughter walked by here and said the bright white areas/spots on your MRI are your arteries..she works in the field...she could not see anything else outstanding...plus told me to stop( my family thinks I worry too much)......I have been reading you odd pain posts all along and feel as if you are me....I am hoping that all is well with you, as it seems it should be all things considered..

LOVELESLIE55

CoolBreeze

I'm amazed you got your films too.  I had a bone scan yesterday and asked to see my bones - just 'cuz I wanted to see my skeleton, and they wouldn't let me at all.

But, maybe there is a reason for that - we aren't trained to read them and we can work ourselves up over normal things.  I would listen to your husband.  Get out of bed and go somewhere.  I remember when I was first diagnosed and in that dark space, where you think you are going to die and it's all horrible.   I went out with my son and we ate lunch, went shopping, did fun things.  A black cloud was over my head but it was good to get out and do something.  I enjoyed myself. Lying in bed being worried isn't good for your health either.

We both get our results on Monday.  Try and have a nice weekend!  Whatever is there is there and nothing is going to change between now and Monday.  I'm going to make gazpacho with garden tomatos for the work week and go rug shopping with my husband.

alligans

Sent you a PM. 

chicago-37

All,

  Thank you for your support.  I actually have a dvd filled with almost all images taken today and my husband and I are reading them all and trying to make sense of them.

LOVELESLIE55,

  Thank you for the information, we actually found some information online that explained that.  We first freaked out since that was one of the common images with bright spots..and we all know bright spots are bad! (just joking)

We are looking at the pictures, but realize we just need to wait until Monday as the MRI is too complicated of a view for us to see.  Bone scans/X-rays are easy...CT/MRI/Ultrasound are too difficult for us who are untrained.

We will continue to browse and see what pops up...actually shortly after we posted that picture we realized that part of my chin is visualized as well as where the other components of the neck were.....this picture is pretty far from the areas on the bone scan that were bright. 

sunnyhou

Chicago.

I keep coming on here to check on you. I have prayed many times for you that  this is not mets. I am hoping for something way more simple. If it is mets. I read on another board here that MD Andeson is doing a study on CURING! women with bone mets only.  I surely hope this is not the case but did want to offer some hope if their research is successful. I get so frustrated this time of year, I walked in the race for the cure.. and I applaud them but when I looked at the booklet on where all the money goes it was mostly to low income facilities that help people to get mammograms. I am all for that but would like to see more of the money going towards research.  My mom, aunt and grandma all had BC. I was of course next on the list. I knew it was coming and so luckily found it at an early stage. Although even still it has robbed me of a lot. I am currently dealing with hip and leg pain since June. Had xray and PT but to no avail it still hurts. Anyways, I am off subject here. Just want you to know you have not left my mind o prayers. I am so  so anxiously awaiting good news. Many more prayers for you today!. God Bless!!!!

xxoo

big cyber hugs

chicago-37

All,

  I'm waiting anxiously for Monday morning, but my husband has been pouring over the MRI images most of the night and even this morning. He's not a doctor, but it seems I may have a herniated disc. I hope this is the only thing going on.... The thing is we don't know if this is C6/C7 (where the lesion was seen), or C5/C6. Here are some of the pictures that show that the disc may be bulging/herniated.

 

Hopefully the experts come to the same conclusion, and that there isn't anything else... only Monday will tell.

Will let you all know once I know more. 

saltwater-cowgirl

Dear Chicago...

I am anxiously waiting for your results as well xoxoxoxoxox

LOVELESLIE55

Wish my daughter was home so I could ask her..

Your husband  sounds like a gem of a man xoxo

tougherthanithought

Hi Chicago!  I've been thinking about you a lot and am hoping and praying that you get good news tomorrow. 

((((((Hugs))))))

Sherrill

hrf

Hi Chicago...wishing you the best for tomorrow. LIke you and many others I've had a new pain in my hip - was convinced it was mets .... but it's getting better -- it's been there for about 6 - 7 weeks now. I know exactly how you feel. (((Chicago)))

LRM216

Thinking of you, Chicago and wishing for all good news (not that I wish you a herniated disk, but I do in this case).

Linda

chicago-37

**** GREAT NEWS!!!! ****

Just got a call from my Onco.  The report was there and the only thing seen was the degenerative disc!  No Evidence of Metastasis!!!!

tougherthanithought

Yay!  I'm so happy to hear this!!!!!!  Great News!!!!!!

dlb823

That's great news!  I can imagine the relief you must be feeling right now!  And what a terrific onc to call you on a Sunday night!     Deanna 

sunnyhou

THANK YOU JESUS!!. I have come on here a million times to check on you. My husband kept walking by and asking WTH was I doing !.. So so so so so so happy.. I had a good feeling, I honestly did.. I know you are breathing the deepest sigh of relief!.. sleep good tonight!

xxoo

5andcounting

Chicago,

I just started reading this thread b/c I'm worried about rib metz. I am soooo happy for you!!!!!!  Life is so precious...go enjoy yourself and celebrate!~ Thank God for degenerative discs!:)

chicago-37

I actually posted this before I called my family.  My husband answered the phone because it was from a number that we didn't recognize and I didn't want to talk.  He started smiling and gave me a big thumbs-up.  He talked for awhile and I was in disbelief....(my niece is visiting and I asked her to go listen in).... after he hung up he was explaining she read the report word for word and then gave him the name, and number, of a specialist to follow-up with.  I don't know if I've ever felt such relief as I just did.

YramAL

Chicago,

I have been following this thread since you first posted it and I am so thankful that you "only" have a degenerative disc! What a great oncologist to call you on a Sunday night. Now, have yourself a nice glass of wine and R-E-L-A-X.......

Mary 

jacee

So great to hear. That is encouraging for so many to know that the terminology used isn't always correct, and technicians actions can't really be "read". I am thanking God for an answered prayer for you.

Joni

jacee

So great to hear. That is encouraging for so many to know that the terminology used isn't always correct, and technicians actions can't really be "read". I am thanking God for an answered prayer for you.

Joni

Char2010

Chicago - I am so very happy for you.  Enjoy the rest of your evening :-)

1Athena1

Wonderful news, Chicago!! You were so generous to share your journey with us - so glad it had a happy ending!

CoolBreeze

I'm so happy for you.  How great your onc called you on a Sunday!  That'll teach you to do exercise DVDs, LOL.

Now, go play with your husband - you guys have had a hard week and you deserve some fun! 

Anonymous

Thank god. I have been following this without commenting. Thank god, just thank god. I am thrilled for you!!!!!!!!! 

hrf

Great news!!! I am very happy for you and your family. Who would think a degenerative disk would be such good news!!!!