Tumor on rib = mets?

indenial

I have a tumor on my rib... It was found after a bone scan I had several months ago for severe hip pain. I just had a repeat bone scan today and all clear except that one spot. My onc said he and the radiologist agreed that it was very unlikely for a cancer recurrence to show up like this, they think it's some benign congenital thing, but they both felt it would be a good idea to do a chest CT next, just to be sure. So I should be relieved, and I sort of am, but all I can think is -- maybe they're just trying to be optimistic for now but will end up telling me it's mets once they're sure? My onc said he's not worried, just covering all the bases, but is this how they would handle it if it was actually mets? Do they go easy on you and avoid alarming you until they're sure, or would they tell you they're alarmed & concerned right off the bat if it was really mets? I guess I just want a fortune teller to reassure me. I over-analyze everything ("the tech isn't talking to me -- he must see something on the scan" or "the tech is awfully chatty, he must be nervous cause he sees something"). Did anyone have mets show up like this, just a single bone met, opposite side? Three years post diagnosis at age 30, stage 1, grade 2 IDC with LVI, ER/PR+, had bilateral mastectomy & 4 rounds chemo.

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I think your onc is telling you the truth. Lots of things show up during scanning, and there's no need to worry until you have to. Your onc is doing the right thing, looking to see what the tumor looks like on another scan. If your onc was really concerned, he would have the tumor biopsied (if possible, depending on where it was exactly).

I have had three PET scans since diagnosis, and all three showed "something" on my left femural neck (hip). I had no pain in my left hip, and it's never been injured. But, it didn't show up on a CT scan or an MRI, so my onc has decided it's just a false positive.

Best wishes!

new_direction

don't you have a baseline CT scan to compare with?

KBeee

Sounds like they are just being extra cautious. Unfortunately no one has that crystal ball, but hopefully you can distract yourself and keep busy and you'll have good news soon.

indenial

Thanks, that is what I keep telling myself but the waiting process is just so hard and some days I panic!

I didn't have a baseline CT, they did no scans at diagnosis except MRI.

KBeee

When is hte CT?

indenial

Tomorrow, and I'll get the results when my doctor returns from vacation at the end of the week.

KBeee

hoping for all good news for you.

pajim

Good luck! I hope it all turns out benign.

indenial

I need a biopsy. They said it's probably not cancer but it's grown slightly since December. Anyone have a bone biopsy? Is it really painful? Can it still turn out benign?

GG27

I had a bone biopsy in my sternum. It wasn't painful at all, they made sure that I had lots of local anesthetic, for mine it was a CT guided one & the most annoying part was going in & out of the scanner to make sure they hit right in the tumor. Afterwards they put one of those tiny little round bandaids on it and DH & I left on vacation immediately afterwards. The scariest part was the no knowing what was going to happen, so post with any questions.

cheers, GG

KBeee

Keep us posted on how it goes. Hoping it's benign!

indenial

Does the rib biopsy require conscious sedation or just a local anaesthetic? I just had to go for bloodwork to make sure my blood is clotting before they schedule the biopsy. It's not surgery is it??

indenial

hmm. I'm not on blood thinners

HappyHammer

Not sure where to post this but this thread seems like a good place to start. Please point me in a different direction if needed. I have recently found a little "lump" on each forearm and one on the inside of the upper arm on my "good" side. Last Herceptin infusion is May 5 and will meet with MO same day. Also, scheduled for first mammo since dx. No pain- nothing...should I be worried?

Edited to say- Indenial- in your pocket for the CT- hope it's benign and you can breathe deeply again!