Well, here I am.

littlecatsfeet

I haven't needed to lurk on the boards for a while, but my how things change. 

I went camping two months ago, slept on a pad on the ground for four nights, got bit by a few ticks, and developed some joint pain in my hip (on the opposite side of bc) - figured I'm just too old for roughing it. Been having a bit of pain in my shoulder and noticed my right thumb joint became a bit swollen and painful for a bit (also on the opposite side of bc).

The hip pain got worse - felt more like a pulled muscle, so I started going to a chiropractor, which gave me tremendous relief and has really improved. The shoulder actually didn't start hurting as much as it is now until I started getting adjusted, but I figured it was arthritis/old age/ect. Took Advil to help break the inflammatory response, and just kept going.

During a visit to my oncologist two weeks ago - bloodwork came back great - I'd mentioned the hip pain. He immediately suggested an MRI, but since I was getting better we both agreed to wait two weeks to see how I was feeling.

After the appointment, I did some research in here - and got really really scared. Waited a week, and called his office to schedule that MRI - he was on vacation. For two weeks. Called once more in the middle of last week, and spoke to one of the nurses, who listened to my story and scheduled a bone scan for me for last Friday. That was an interesting comedy of errors in itself, but a story for another day.

Called the office this morning, and the oncologist called me back. He said that the scans came back 'questionable', that there appeared to be areas in the hip, shoulder, and rib, and wants me to come in tomorrow morning for a few more tests. He says 'don't panic' - it could be arthritis. We will have all of the results by next week.

I really don't have any questions for you - just asking for all the prayer I can muster, and maybe encouragement.  

Leslie 

pupmom

Leslie, so sorry you are scared! This journey is just no fun. Scans revealed several spots of arthritis in my (semi) elderly, 63 year old body. Nothing more. Think positive sweetie! Prayers on their way!

Anonymous

Prayers from Arizona, too. I think we'll never be let out of the recurrence fear.  Remember, until the evidence is indisputable, you don't have a recurrence.

XXOO

Claire

toomuch

I hate this disease and the associated fear that never goes away. I am sending you lots of positive vibes that additional tests show arthritic changes! Who would have thought we'd be hoping for arthritis. I hope that you have lined up some good distractions to get you through the waiting!

Lee64

I'm sending lots of hugs, prayers, and positive thoughts your way. Please let us know what you find out. I go for my check-up a week from today and already I am stressing about it.

Kelloggs

Sending hugs, prayers and positive vibes your way!

barsco1963

Prayers and good thoughts coming your way.  (((hugs)))

littlecatsfeet

Thank you, thank you, thank you :-)

Lee 64 sending prayers your way for a good report as well :-)  

lisa-e

I hope your doctors have also tested you for Lyme Disease, given your history of tick bites.

  

littlecatsfeet

lisa-e, I finally reached my PCP this morning (she was recovering from surgery when I called the first time - funny how all of my attempts to get tests done quickly have been thwarted) who wrote out a script for me, but I'm wondering if my oncologist can do this tomorrow along with the other tests.

I know Lyme was in the area, because one of the students had the bull's eye rash. 

lisa-e

littlecatsfeet, it is good that your pcp wrote a script for the Lyme test & it would be more convient if your onc can have the test run along with any other blood tests he wants to run.  Good luck!

littlecatsfeet

So - saw the oncologist - and the bone scan. My BC was on my left side, but everything I saw was on the right: two spots on my skull, one on a rib, and two smaller spots on my pubic bone. My oncologist focused on the shoulder and hip, which did not jump out at me as much as the others did; he has ordered an MRI for 8am tomorrow morning of the shoulder and hip, with a follow-up appointment the next day to discuss the results. he still does not want me jumping to conclusions; he says that bone scans are very sensitive and pick up a lot of things, and he is hoping that we will be pleasantly surprised on Thursday.

So am I. Thank you for your prayers; I will gratefully keep accepting them! 

pennylane

Fellow-member of 2005 here...wishing you a quick happy ending to this episode...Although focus on hips and shoulders sounds like symptoms of either arthritus or inflammation from tick bites and resulting lyme disease...So sorry your life is being turned upside down by these fears again...I will be thinking positive thoughts for you... 

littlecatsfeet

Hello fellow 2005-er :-) thanks!

littlecatsfeet

Just got the results this morning. Not the ones I'd wanted. May as well go introduce myself.