is it a metastasis?

BeataF

if there is anyone that can offer a little bit of insight I would be immensely grateful...

my mother 77, had in May mastectomy (stage IIIB, 3 tumors the biggest 5cm, no induction chemo, hormone positive 90%, Her negative, ki67-16%, 1/22 node positive), she is on aromatase, and now was supposed to start radiotherapy, however CT showed in her sternum some suspicious shadow, I wonder therefore if it is an early sign of bone meta or doctors are simply very much careful. Our radiologist said that the CT is simply inconclusive and he can't say for sure what is it, rtg was ok, the same for blood tests, there are no other worrying symptoms, no pain, she did not have MRI or scynygraphy , next week we are having Pet test to resolve the issue, but in the meantime the whole situation is killing me - maybe you know what is the likelihood of sternum meta? Is it positive that doctors have doubts?, is it possible that elderly people may have there something else? If you have any knowledge please share it with me, the internet articles are so confusing that I feel utterly lost.

mustlovepoodles

Elderly bones *can* look different under xray. A CT scan wouldn't necessarily give you the answers you're seeking. I think all you can do right now is sit tight and wait on the Pet Scan. Fingers crossed that it will be something minor.

BeataF

I'm really tkankful for your response, and hope you're right saying that eldely bones look different, but why all the other bones in my mum CT look normal except that one. Maybe I'm wrong but some age related abnormalities should also concern spine, ribs etc. Is my line reasoning wrong? I hope so much that I'm mistaken.

mustlovepoodles

Was the radiologist concerned about it? It's entirely possible that the sternum looks a little different from the ribs. The sternum is a very thin bone with inky a tiny bit of marrow in it. If you have the report you could post it under "Interpreting your Reports". Djmammo is our resident radiologist there. Perhaps he could shed some light on this

BeataF

yes it was radiologist who was concerned, he looked at the screen and claimed that it might be something minor and age-related or quite the opposite. He examined my mum by pressing her sternum and asking if she felt any pain, but she felt nothing, then he said that before starting on a planned radiotherapy he must be absolutely sure what is it, unfortunately we do not have the written report from CT, (it was performed as a test for the internal purposes), our doctor mentioned something about a shadow.

By the way, I'm very grateful for the information about a resident radiologist (perhaps after getting Pet results I will need to consult someone, and it is really precious to have such a chance) but I also wish to add that your expert anatomical explanation has brought me fresh hope.

I wish you all the best, and may that awful thing never ever cross your way again.

bevin

hi there

I would call and pick up a copy of the radiologist report. That may help tell the story. Also important for Mom have you listed as someone who can get her medical records and be spoken to about medical issues..

Good luck. Hope all goes well

BeataF

So far I have not arranged for any official permission to get her medical records or so on , to be honest I did not even think about it. Mom is in a very good physical condition therefore it has never even crossed my mind. Of course I know all the details because we often go there together.

As for a copy of the report they informed us that it was performed only for the internal purposes, it was my impression that either they did not have it or did not want to give us this paper (during the visit our radiologist doctor was only looking at the images and I did not notice any official report). Do you think that despite it is internal test we can always request such a document? Wising you all the best many thanks for your time

windingshores

You have a right to see any record. You can go to the medical records dept. and request records. But if you have an online patient portal for test results that is much faster.

bevin

yes, you can even request and receive doctor notes and any records, internal or not. They may charge you a print fee but you are entitled to them. They are your medical records. It may be helpful to get a signed document for your mom to allow you access to amd request things etc on her behalf. It can only help when trying to guide her care.

BeataF

I appreciate so much Your advice, and once again wish to ask for some kind of interpretation . PET-CT report (it is written in Polish that's why I don't attach its scan here) reads: ostesclerotic-osteolotic sternum lession, SUV 4.5, SUV max. 2.9, suspicious of mets, solitary, 50mm in length.

I'll only add that It's entirely painless at palpation (according to our oncologist there should be some pain considering the very size of that lesion), anyway there are no other symptoms. My Mum however just before a surgery for a few days had a small swelling and a bit of pain over her sternum then eveyrtghing went away.

Now we wait for a bone scan, in the meantime however I would be immensely grateful for any suggestions, is it always meta ? or still there is some hope?