Bone Scan Yesterday

JAYSFAN65

I’m a person who would rather be educated or aware of possibilities and then hope for the best but expect the worst. Seems to work better for me. So don’t be afraid to tell me your honest opinions as to whether
or not I have anything to worry about.

My treatment ended in December and I’m trying to bounce back.  In late Dec / early Jan I was
experiencing intense pain in my right arm every night…..I would wake up with sort of a pin and needle feeling but also a shooting pain that would run from my forearm down to my fingers.  I could only relieve it by standing up.  I almost could describe it as a Charlie horse in my arm. That sort of died down…I still have it from time to time but not to the same extent.  But since Feb I have had chronic neck pain. I mentioned it to my
family doctor in Feb and he didn’t think it was cause for concern.  But it didn’t go away. So 2 weeks ago on my
visit with my oncologist I mentioned the neck pain to her (I’ve also been very fatigued but I’m sure that’s just radiation hangover).  Because I never complained about anything during my chemo or radiation, she thought me even mentioning it raised cause for concern so she sent me for a bone scan.  The tech did one test…then was setting up for another and said….hold on I’m going to change the test a bit because I see something on your neck.  So now I’m concerned.  I know the tech is not allowed to discuss anything but she sort of had to so she could change the test. 

When I google (I know it’s bad to google but as I said. I’d rather be prepared and as knowledgeable as possible) I keep getting directed to spinal cord compression.  The only saving fact for me right now is that I haven’t lost any weight.  So I figure even if I did have this , which I’ve read is rare anyway, no weight loss would signify it’s still very early and treatable.

Any thoughts ?

dlb823

The tech never should have made that kind of comment to you because it's impossible to guess what he/she meant. I don't think it necessarily points towards mets -- just some possible irregularity they spotted that could be due to any number of things -- a new or old injury, a degenerative condition like arthritis or osteoporisis, to name a few. And yes, the numbness does sound like some type of nerve compression, and unexplained weight loss would add to the concern, so glad you don't have that.

It's good your onc took your pain seriously and ordered a scan. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long to find out what's going on. Hoping for a totally B9 explanation! (((Hugs))) Deanna

JAYSFAN65

Thank you for your response.  Yes I'm thinking perhaps arthritis...because I am 49.  But I have not had any prior neck issues or arthritis issues at all for that matter.  No injuries either.  But I know arthritis will show up on the tests to so you could be correct.

Thank you for your feedback :-)

JAYSFAN65

I am still waiting for the results from my bone scan; however, this weekend I had extensive pain....I went to clinic and they said I have shingles.  I was actually happy it was shingles and not cancer related.   I just typed SHINGLES into the search and was surprised to see there were so  many threads on it.......is it because our immunity is down ? Or is this a sign of something else?

Luvmydobies

Hi, so were the shingles what caused the pain in January? I wouldn't read too much into it. Lots of folks get shingles. I think I read that stress can trigger it. I'm sure you already know that everyone who had chicken pox has the shingles virus in them. Anyway, hope you feel better soon!

NeyNey

I suffered with shingles after all my treatments as well.