Lymph Nodes Non Cancer Side + T12 Lit Up During Scan

Francesca30

Hi Ladies,

I just received my routine Pet/Ct scan results earlier and I'm quite scared.

First, my lymph nodes in my non cancer side lit up - I'm praying it's caused by my breast lift (augmentation) 3 months ago.

Second, my t12 vertebrae lit up as well but it can be due to degenerative / inflammation as written in the report (I've been on Femara for a year) . A bone scan is recommended.

I am scheduled to see my breast surgeon and MO next week. I'm really praying those are the causes and not metastasis.

Has anyone experienced this? What other tests did you have to go through to prove that it isn't cancer?

MinusTwo

Francesca - my MO did schedule me for a PET/CT scan - BUT his advice was that many docs won't order PET/CTs because there are so many false positives. I'm surprised you said "routine" PET.

Because this picks up any activity it's sometimes hard for people to keep absolutely, totally, still the 30-45 minutes before the scan. I was not even allowed to read a book because my hand turning the pages would show up as activity 30 minutes later. It is the only time I ever took Xanax because I can not sit still. I believe PET/CTs also pick up different kinds of inflammation - as you saw with your vertebrae.

From what I've read, most docs do the tests in this order: screening mammo, diagnostic mammo, ultrasound, then either CT or Breast MRI or both - and finally (maybe) PET/CT.

Hoping you find no mets.

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I had *something* light up on my left femoral neck (hip area) on three different PET scans. However, when MO ordered an MRI, it wasn't there. (If something had been there, she would have ordered an MRI-guided biopsy.) Yep, PET scans produce lots of false positives which produce further anxiety and further scans. A bone scan seems to be in order for the t-12 vertebrae -- hopefully, it's nothing (also hope the nodes are nothing). ((Hugs))

TectonicShift

I have a lot of arthritis and wear on my spine from scoliosis and it shows up. Words like "degenerative" show up on the scan reports. Once I had a glowing spot on a scan and I could see the monitor and I was sure it was a recurrence and it turned out to be my plantar fasciitis.

Francesca30

@minustwo thank you for your reply ❤️ I do petscan 2x a year upon my insistence . I get very paranoid with each ache and pain , knowing I had many positive lymph nodes affected.

Francesca30

thank you for your replies, ladies🙏🏼 I just received my bone density report and it shows osteopenia in the L1 and L2 areas. So I’m relieved to know that and I’m looking forward to discuss this further with my doctors next week. Crossing my fingers for those lymph nodes

Cowgirl13

My oncologist does not do any scans, blood tests, etc. What I have always heard is that it really doesn't change the outcome, the outcome eventually. I could be wrong on this. For myself, I would be a wreck if I were having scans and things would be lighting up. I'm 11 years out and I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life worrying. I realize its different for everyone but ignorance in this case is bliss. One the other hand I am all for mammograms, biopsies, rads, chemo, arimidex, etc. The whole works and I also think 2nd and 3rd opinions can be very helpful. I'm glad I did everything because if I were to recur I would know I gave it my best shot and wouldn't go on for years blaming myself for what I didn't do.

MinusTwo

Cowgirl, I agree. I had to REALLY push for a PET/CT before they removed my port - 4 years after chemo started. But that was only because I wanted some type of "closure" before they removed the port. I can't tell you how many docs have said PET/CT has a large preponderance of false readings. I wouldn't want to choose that on a regular basis if I had anxiety. Or for that matter, I wouldn't want that much radiation on a regular basis.

I go in for an ULS every two years because I have Allergan 410 implants. After 9 years, they did a breast MRI. That's enough for me.

Cowgirl13

MinusTwo, I hear you about "closure". How great that you were able to have this done.

NorCalS

Minustwo:

I would like to get a PET/CT scan before I remove my port as well. I spoke to MO and she refused to recommend it. She is very against MRI and PET scans. I don’t understand why some doctors are so against these scans. Before I take my port out, I want to make sure there are no Mets. Why isn’t that a reasonable requesr

LaughingGull

The settled, evidence-based practice is no scans and no cancer markers, unless there are symptoms. I was told by four different MOs that the data is very clear that scans in the absence of symptoms do more harm than good, creating unnecessary anxiety, plenty of false positives requiring follow up, and exposure to radiation, without any measurable benefit. A clear scan will not guarantee there are no mets and there will not be mets. I have high risk of recurrence, so I understand how this is not reassuring. One needs to trust that the treatment received will do the trick, and handle the fear and the anxiety somehow. I know it's easier said than done. I also understand being uneasy about removing the port. I was anxious about it but honestly forgot all about it as soon as it was gone. You can also keep the port I think.

Francesca30

Hi Everyone!

Just want to give you an update. My ultrasound on my right axillary nodes came out normal. And my MRI on the spine turned out clear! So it must be the Femara weakening my bones.Thank God! I can now breathe.

LaughingGull

Excellent news. Congrats! What a relief.