New enhancement in ribs, chest wall on MRI

SandyNP

Hey everyone,

I apologize if there is another thread for this topic.....I am a little rattled at this point. This is my first time posting but I have been following topics as my neoadjuvant chemotherapy was in progress. This site is so helpful and informative. I am now finished with 18 weeks of chemotherapy AC x 4, and Taxol/Herceptin x 12 and continue with Herceptin due to Her 2 positive status. I had a follow up breast MRI last week- and while there was great reduction in prior areas of cancer demonstrating good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Yay!) - there is new chest wall and rib enhancement (on the left, where the cancer was) not seen in prior studies. There is also a suspicious lymph node in the same area. The OS has ordered a repeat PET/CT scan. Heading to Maui with my adult children and grandchildren tomorrow so testing will be delayed until my return in one week.
Of course I am very worried and concerned.

Any words of encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Sandy

SandyNP

Hi there,

I want to repost this because I want others to know that if an MRI shows scary things...do not assume the worst. Wait for the PET scan! I was worried for 8 days that I had metastasis to the bone due to a breast MRI that had enhancement in chest wall and ribs. However, the subsequent PET scan showed no enhancement (cancer) of chest wall or ribs. The lymph node in the area that was thought to be showing signs of metastasis also is normal on PET scan. So hang in there ladies, the waiting is the worst. Now just looking forward to the BMX on November 21!

Sandy