X-ray results - and still no answers

txstardust

I started having pain in my shoulder about five weeks ago.  Then, pain in my lower back.  Then, slightly elevated blood calcium.  I waited a few weeks to see what would change, if anything.  The shoulder and the back were still hurting, so I put in a call to the onc.  He sent me for xrays on Monday, of my back and my shoulder.  He called today to say that the back was fine, but that the radiologist noticed something in my humerus - I can't remember what word he used, maybe it was "anomaly" or "inconsistency" - something like that.  Basically, they can't rule out mets.  He wants me to have an MRI either tomorrow or Friday to get a better look at the area.

I'm freaking out a little bit here.  I fully expected his nurse to call and say that everything was fine, just like every other time I've had an unexplained ache or pain.  Now, I'm in the no-man's land of "maybe, maybe not".  And, I'm still waiting for the call back to schedule the MRI - which my onc PROMISED someone would call me by the end of the day to do.  

So, how do I get through the nightmare of waiting?  And more importantly - how likely does it seem that there could be something wrong with my bone other than mets?  

Ugh.  I hate BC. 

asmd

Sorry you're going thru this. It's scary stuff, always.

BUT-it could be anything. The requisition for films would have mentioned your BC dx. Therefore, the radiologist will scrutinize the films looking for anything unusual, and any anomaly, for a  BC pt,  means further studies.

You could have an old scar, a congenital anomaly, a bone cyst. Yes, you could have a met, but that's only one of a number of possiblities.

My antidote for waiting is to take action. Call the rad practice where the scan is to be done. Play the cancer card-cry, plead, cajole-whatever works. Don't wait for them to call you-

txstardust

Thanks for the reply!  I will take your advise about calling the imaging center if I do not get a call first thing this morning.  I just get so angry when promises are made and not kept.  And I don't think it's my onc - he's not one to say things lightly.  I have a feeling the office staff may have just not gotten around to it.  I was really hoping to be able to go yesterday, because I figured I'd get results before the weekend then.  Now, I'm not so sure.  

Of course, now my shoulder/arm is just aching and aching.  I'm hoping it's just a psychological thing, but who knows? 

I just have to keep reminding myself not to freak out ahead of time.  I'm not so good at that!  Who among us is? 

Thanks again, it helps just to know there's someone out there on my side