Lower back pain - mets?

Cuetang

Last month I was diagnosed with IDC and I'm currently in the process of scheduling surgery, etc.  About 4 days ago, I developed a lower back ache (I was thinking it could be my poor posture and sitting here all day researching BC).  The pain is in my lower back, and it feels like a bruise on top of my spine when I touch it, about 5 inches above my pelvic area.  As you all know, with a BC diagnosis, my mind has gone to the dark side.  I'm meeting with my BS tomorrow for a follow-up appointment and to schedule surgery.  I'm freaking out of course and wondering if it's mets....  Has anyone had similar symptoms?

stride

Cuetang, I have had lower back pain for the past two days, and my mind is going to all of the same places as yours, even though I had a clean PET/CT scan two months ago! But lower back pain is so very, very common. I think most oncologists say to report pain that lasts two weeks or more and does not improve.

Cuetang

Stride -- thanks for your response.  I haven't had any scans/tests yet.  Everytime I bring up something, the doctors keep telling me that my biosy and MRI indicate "early stages" and unless there's proven lymph node involvement they aren't pushing for scans. I met with my oncologist and she didn't even bother really looking at my back -- but offered a bone scan "if I really wanted it".  It's been less than a week, so I said "maybe later".  However, I can't keep my mind wandering in that direction.  Hopefully this will go away!!!

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I have worsening lower back pain a year after mastectomy. My doctor is sending me for PET scans. I'm waiting for the date. I'm wishing us all well.

fightinhrd123

Im almost five years out and have had scans for back pain and headaches.  Im only 42. I think its natural to freak out when you have any pain, but it turned out i just had arthritis in my back.  Try not to stress too much, i know much easier said than done.  It does get easier when time goes on

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

It probably is a good idea to wait until I know something. I was very worried about BRCA and having additional surgeries and my results were negative.

Cuetang

Mariasnow -- good luck with your scan!  I ended up with a bone scan and a CT scan (for another reason/surgery) and came back clear.  I think it was a combination of stress and poor posture with long hours in front of the computer that contributed to it.  It's amazing how much stress can make your body break down.  I wish you the best with the scan and that it is just some lousy B9 thing that's causing your pain!

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

Good to hear Cuetang. I know others who have had AC and now have mild arthritis in lower back or hips but their scans were also clear. I'm kind of a wreck this week. My big toenail snapped - another gift from chemo. And, I seem to have a ear infection or something so I'm dizzy and having headaches and imagining the worst. Now with this new I have to have a PET I'm super upset. My boyfriend and I have been fighting constantly. He wants me to be happier. I'm not. Meanwhile he is a perpetual negative grouch. Life is just not easy right now. My mom's care for her alzheimer's isn't going great and my sister who is a 6 year survivor is having a major health scare with no answers. I'm also being told repeatedly at work that missing so much work for appointments is a problem...and now I have to schedule the scan. I'm just hoping some brighter days are ahead - or at least that I find ways to cope better.

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I got my PET scan back today and my back shows all clear. My doc also ordered an MRI of my brain. I'm waiting for that to be scheduled. Right now it looks like straight up chemo and neulasta side-effects on my back.

Cuetang

Yippee for the all clear PET scan!! Sending similar great vibes for the brain MRI as well to you!!

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I got the great news today. My brain MRI showed no evidence of cancer! It did show migraine activity consistent with "acute hypertension." but that is something I can deal with. So happy to still be NED!!!!

Cuetang

Hurray, congrats! *NED Dance*

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I am definitely celebrating tonight!!!