Should I be concerned?

NotBrokenJustBent

• hope all is well. Your MRI of the thoracic spine report is as follows:1. Nonspecific enhancing 7 mm focus in the T8 vertebral body.2. Minimal degenerative changes without significant spinalcanal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.3. No evidence for compression fracture.RECOMMENDATION: Follow up MRI of the thoracic spine, withoutand with contrast is recommended in 4-6 months, or sooner asclinically indicated, to assess for stability. A whole bodybone scan can also be considered to assess for osseousmetastatic disease.

K-Gobby

I usually take each sentence and Google it. I find it hard reading medical terms so I translate the info first.

Reading the last sentence I say "what". I am on my phone. Tomorrow I will look up your info. I too want to know what they found.

Follow up in 6 mo for your spine makes sense.

All will work out.

NotBrokenJustBent

I am worried. I just asked for a back MRI as I have been having some back issues. I assumed maybe a bit of arthritis or spondylosis but never expected something that suggests a tumor. Of course these things always happen on weekends. It's going to be a long one til I can speak to my doctor.

Sure hope my insurance company doesn't take too long for an approval for a bone scan. I seriously can't wait a month til I get some answers.

Any/all insight is appreciated. Thank you

Sabbymama

Hi Notbrokenjustbent,

I completely understand your concerns and why you are so worried, that is absolutely natural. In my case, I have multiple problems up and down my spine that I have suffered from prior to my cancer diagnosis but they freak me out even more now. My initial CT scans after BC diagnosis in 2020 indicated a focus on my T1, T2, T8, and a 9mm lesion on my left hemi-sacrum that were not present on my previous MRI about 18 months earlier. The MO ordered a bone scan to follow up and even though the T1 and T8 took up tracer, they said it was probably just "degenerative changes" and sent me on my way. Recently I have had excruciating pain in my back, particularly between my shoulder blades and when I lie down it gets worse, so I contacted my MO and expressed my concerns and she blew it off as a result of the Anastrozole. Since I am moving to another country soon, I haven't fought her on the issue and I will seek assistance from my new MO in South Korea, but I want answers too. I would ask your MO to order the bone scan. It's an easy process that is painless and should be approved by your insurance company and may give you some peace of mind. I can't see your particulars so I don't know if you are at an increased risk of metastases (lymphovascular invasion, node-positive, etc.) but try not to panic. You are being proactive and it seems your MO is supportive and hopefully all the results will be in your favor! Thinking of you.

Cheers,

Sabbymama

NotBrokenJustBent

Thank you Sabbymomma. The radiologist's report said I could wait 3-6 months and redo the MRI to look for changes but also felt that a bone scan may also be a good idea. I just had it done Friday and have an appointment with a spine specialist on Monday. I am Stage 1 but according to my BCI I had a very aggressive tumor so my MO watches me closely. I will know more tomorrow.

Best of luck to you. Unfortunately this journey sometimes feel like it will never be over. 9 years for me.

NotBrokenJustBent

Sabby, radiologist said the spot on my back is not cancer but oncologist still referred me to a spine surgeon who agreed. I will redo the MRI in four months to watch for any sign of changes but it is precautionary only. I am very grateful and relieved but gotta admit, I don't think about BC much after 9 years but this scare just brought it all to the forefront again.

Hoping you get good results as well.

Sabbymama

Oh, what a relief! I am happy to hear your good news . I'm sure you feel like a great weight has been lifted off your shoulders .