What are symtoms of bone mets?
I had treatment for breast cancer and have 6 months to go on Herceptin.
My middle back aches constantly and I seem to be very limited in what I can do physically - can only bend over for about 10 minutes and my back is killing me.
Does this sound like bone mets?
Comments
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moonwolf: I sure hope you get lots of replies as I too am having significant pain in my mid back on right side. I have told this to my Rad Onc , my surgeon after my first mammo which came out good and my Diabetic specialist. They all tell me it could be possible muscle spasms and to talk to my Med Onc about it and my first appt is in April.
Mine gets better as long as I sit or lay but when I stand or walk it gets bad again, which appears like a muscle problem but has been going on for three months now, since I started taking Arimidex. As for me, I suspect Arimidex and am stopping it for three weeks to see if this pain is effected. Dont take this as what to do, as this is only my decision. I called the pharmasist to find out how long before Arimidex is out of my system and was told half life is 50 hours so I am giving it three weeks to see if the back pain stops or changes. If my back pain continues, I guess I will have to find out exactly what causes it. Hope you get lots of replies. I will be watching. Luck Cathey
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I also started experiencing pain in my middle back on the right side, severe when I walked or stood for long periods of time. Convinced it was bone mets, I went to the doctor. She ordered an x-ray which showed arthritis in my lower back but nothing in my middle back, so she sent me to a physical therapist. He feels like it is caused by the fact that I had a right mastectomy and I am experiencing "trauma" to the muscles in my back because of the surgery. That never even occurred to me, but it makes sense and the physical therapy is definitely helping. I am on Aromasin and have noticed other aches in my lower back and hips and contribute that to the medicine.
This may not be the case for you, but you should see your doctor and have it checked out, so that you don't worry about it.
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I had a mastectomy also, and radiotherapy and chemo in 2003. Shortly afterwards, I was experiencing consistent pain in my spine between my shoulder blades. I was, naturally, convinced this was bone mets but a subsequent bone scan showed arthritis in the lower spine and nothing further up. I suspect the mastectomy, (left side), and also favouring the right side for carrying stuff etc as I was wary of developing lymphodema. I still get a bit of pain every now and again, especially since I have had a lat dorsi reconstruction (where they use muscle from your back and move it to your front. I know, I know, it's a bit Frankensteinish!)
Try not to worry. Easier said than done, I know. Ask your onc for a bone scan to put your mind at rest.
Best wishes, Mel
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Hi Moonwolf (love the name!). I think only a scan can tell. I have bone mets and it really doesn't feel any different from lower back pain that I've had in the past.
In the Not Diagnosed with mets but worried forum there's a big thread called something like Bone mets vs Arthritis (it's about 10th down the list) and it might have some more info there. In any case, bring this up with your doctor -- better to get a scan and have peace of mind that you're OK.
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Please also consider getting your kidneys checked out. Seriously. I had back-pain for years and found out I have kidney problems! They are high up on your back....
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This can also be a side effect of herceptin too in some people, and it's often usual to have aches for quite a while after chemo ends. www.herceptin.com
If you check the www.her2support.org site there's a long thread on herceptin side effects.
You could mention the possibility of a scan to your onc, if you're really concerned.
Tricia x
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Certainly don't listen to my internist who was treating me last year for a pinched nerve; a chest x-ray and sonogram showed nothing. Someone must have messed up my chest x-ray because later on the hospital said they saw the spine fracture and cancer mets on their x-ray and CT-scan.
I have unrelenting pain/throbbing in my back. I take 3-4 pains killers a day to handle it. Moral of my story, my internist knew of my cancer background and should have ordered more tests; I should have demanded more as well.
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cancersuks: Sorry that you are in such pain all the time. I have heard that cancer in the bone is very very painful. I know that in this new world, we bear a responsibility for our own health and I am prepared to do just that. However, dont we have the right to expect the Drs to do their part as well. Thats why we pay them, for their expertise and knowledge. Do we have to follow up on them like they were children that we have to check their work? Most of us have none or limited medical knowledge and why cant we rely on those who tell us they are medically trained for our very lives to do their jobs
I suspect that my own back pain is due to an accident that occured in May during an attempt for a breast MRI. While inserting me into the MRI machine, the tech hit my back on the top of the interior of the machine. The pain was unbearable and they were not able to begin the MRI. A week later after a lot of pain, I had an xray done in the ER which they said showed no broken rib or cracked rib. I wish I knew how to read xrays as this is hard for me to believe due to the pain I had. I went to my family Dr. who said I probably had a bruised rib. I had to postpone my breast surgery for 3 weeks until I could tolerate just laying on my back. After my lump.and I was up and around I began to feel this awful back pain again when I stand or walk. .I try cold and heat and take celebrex which seems to help temporarily.
I have an appt with my med onc on Monday and will discuss this with her. Perhaps she can help me. At this time I need to know the cause, muscles, kidneys, spinal problem, arthritis, etc. Makes you crazy.
What do you have to do now? Do you have to do Chemo and/or rad for the bone mets. Have they determined that this is from your breast cancer. Have you taken Arimidex? Thanks for your info and I wish you well and will be thinking of you. Cathey from Indiana
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Hi Cathey,
Thank you very much. Right now I'm doing Zometa infusions every 4 weeks and Femara on a daily basis. Yes, the spine mets are from my original breast cancer in '97. The two drugs as a side effect cause additional bone pain, so to treat the cancer I have additional pain. I'm also taking high dosages of calcium and vitamin D. Even though I'm 50 my oncologist said I have the bones of someone much older. He said the pain is a good sign and means the drugs are working..
I hate MRI's, I almost freaked out inside when they put me in, I was in there for 45 minutes, when they wanted to do my head with the special helmet, I said I'm out of here....
I hope you find out the cause of your pain and find relief as well!
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moonwolf,
I think you'll find that everyone's experience varies. I was recently diagnosed with extensive bone mets in October. I had rib pain which I though was lymph node pain on my right side (opp breast) when I had my 6 mo mammo and u/s. I didn't think much about it. Then, shortly thereafter I developed a sharp pain next to my shoulder blade. It hurt most when I was laying down and when I had pressure (bra, towel wrapped around the area). It went away and so I didn't think much about it but then it started to come back. I mentioned it to my oncologist on my 6 mo visit and she suggested a PET/CT scan. I almost didn't go...thank God the place called me to set up an appt. The PET/CT showed mets everywhere..literally. Anyway, so I was symptomatic. I also realized the neck pain I had been experiencing may have also been related to my mets...but not sure. After 2 1/2 months I have relatively little to no pain. I am on tamoxifen, Zometa and Lupron injections. I hope this helps you. When in doubt...get it checked out.
Cat
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cancersuks: As I am new to this cancer world, please forgive me if error. My beloved cousin had bone cancer and suffered a lot. When she was in the hospital, I, being her only living relative went to the charge nurse and requested on her chart that her Dr. call in a Pain specialist on her case. This was done and she described to me that after she consulted with him that she was given the correct pain medicine and had relief for the first time since she got bone cancer. Many people are not aware that there are Drs that are "Pain Specialists" and dont know to ask. The hospital had access to one and brought him into the case. I was so glad that I stepped in and asked. No one should be in pain in todays world, just finding the right medicine might be the answer. Have you thought of a consult with a Pain Specialist. Call your hospital and ask for the name and number of one. Maybe this will help you. Caring Cathey
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Hi there,
I would ask for an x-ray or scan as I have bone mets pretty much everywhere including the scull. I have to tell you I have not had any pain whatsoever. I couldn't believe it. The reason they checked out my bones is because my liver counts were elevated and that is when they did a bone scan. Ask for a scan to put your mine as ease.
Take care,
Monique
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Thanks for all your replies. All very helpful.
konokat - the link looks very helpful - will read it next. Here's the link if anyone else is interested http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/105/topic/732244?page=1
Would I need an MRI or CT to check for bone mets? I have had had so many x-rays in past 18 months it worries me.
My Onc said Herceptin can cause joint pain, but I'm not sure if that includes the spine. Will have to ask. I declined Arimidex because I have Oesteoporosis and chemo finished April 2009 so it can't be that.
So, I am thinking Oesteoporosis, Arthritis or mets, but hopefully it's the Herceptin.
And to think you can have mets with no pain - yikes!
I will get a scan.
All the best to you all.
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hI, SOUNDS SO FAMILIAR, my mom had horrible back pain (3 years after initial breast cancer) and went to a chriopractor, he adjusted her back, without taking xrays, even knew of her previous cancer, and broke her back, as the cancer mets to back. .he quit his practice and moved to california. .in a way, blessing, as we wouldnt have caught the mets, since her onc never scheduled an mri after her breast cancer, we have been through 7 doctors, the 1st 3 didnt' even realize she was her positive, or she could have started a tx immediately after breast cancer to help prevent mets. ..does anyone know what they are doing?
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My bone mets were discovered by bone scan and ct scan. I have mri;s as well. All 3 will tell you if you have bone mets. Good luck. Hope its the herceptin.
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My mets were discovered by an Orthopedic surgeon who ordered a bone scan after an X-ray showed disc degeneration.
Six months on Arimidex and Bonefos, med Onc says they are working, I don't need any more scans for a while.
In December, during 3 monthly 'check up,' I mentioned hearing 'crunching' noises in my neck and pins and needles in my right arm/hand.
She writes a CT scan referral for me, I usually get these done 1-2 weeks before my next 3 monthly consult. Onc rings me 1 week after Dec app't wanting to know where my scan results are!
OOps! Get it done Mon before Xmas. Two days later, I get call from Cancer Care Co-ordinator, I need to have another scan done, something new in my neck, he says. He rings off to arrange it. Twenty minutes later, I get call from Dr I've never heard of, at Hospital, I must get there ASAP, (I live three hours drive away) for MRI. The thing in my neck could be arthritis but maybe not. I should also be prepared to stay for two weeks??
After very fast trip south, and red carpet treatment by all at the hospital, MRI shows that I have a new growth on my neck but that it is not 'involved' with my spinal cord. Finally, after 8 hrs worry, they actually tell us what the panic was about and it certainly wasn't about arthritis! Got myself discharged from the hospital and headed home again at 8pm.
I will start 10 palliative rads txs to neck next Wed to put the cells to 'sleep.'
My question is, " What if they don't feel tired?"
Sheila.
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Why does everyone have so many types of scans? What's the difference between having an Xray, CT, PET, CAT, MRI? Surely, having so much radiation on the same area is only adding to the risk of cancer? Would the safer MRI do the trick on it's own?
Also, when people say they have a bone scan, is that like the scan we have to check for oesteoporosis?
Michel - Sorry to hear about your Mum - how awful. I feel I have to double check everything. We are so lucky to have the net to get info from.
Actually, come to think of it, I did tell my Onc that my back was making crunching noises, but she made nothing of it!
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When they first found out I had bone mets it was in a bone scan which they did after I complained about this constant pain in my sternum which would come and go, but finally did not let up. It felt like there was an ice pick just chipping away at this area and got to the point where it was like contractions and I could time the duration of the pain vs the short time it would let up. The second time I had new mets it was also a pain that did not let up and they found I had a new place in my sacrum right where the pain was with an MRI of the lower back(ordered by on orthopedic dr, not my onco) . However, Barb is right about back pain and kidneys. Also you said she was getting treatment and if she is doing any of the aromatase inhibitors those can cause bone and joint pain.
Re the different types of scans, I have no answer. I have had many bone scans and no it's not the same one they do to look for osteoporosis. I have also had many CAT scans (that is when they are checking my organs) and I have had maybe 4 or 5 MRIs in the course of 12 years, but I have never had a PET scan and both of the oncos I have seen said I did not need one. I don't worry about the radiation exposure at his stage of the game since it seems to be the only way they can really tell what is going on with me.
I wish you the very best.
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Can bone mets cause any symptoms when they are microscopic?
Can you have pain from bone mets and have them not be seen on an xray?
Please answer as soon as possible.......
....well let me tell you my concern. I am having bone pain in my upper left arm. Sometimes I can not lift it. My ribs, sternum, collarbone, and spine hurt as well. I have not been diagnosed with breast cancer. My xrays and bloodwork are all clear except for an elevated SED rate.
I have deep breast pain and itching for 3 months now. My doctors refuse to give me an MRI since my mammos are all clear. I do have dense breasts and calcifications, but they are not concerned about that.
I am so worried that something could be going wrong in my breasts, and now that I have these mysterious bone pains, I just do not know what to think. I know that many women have been diagnosed with bc because bone mets were found first. My bones hurt and burn, but nothing is showing on the xrays. What's a girl to do?
Thanks and I hope everyone is doing well.
Love Helen
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Hi Cathey,
Thank you for the suggestion of a pain specialist, I will check into it!
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cancersuks
Seeing the pain management folks was the best thing I ever did - followed by the psychiatrist that specializes in bone mets patients - Effexsor is combating the depressive part of the Arimidex se's and the pain meds are working on the Aredia working on the healing the bones pain. I, too, started the calcium and D. Interestingly, she indicated that somewhere around 7 - 10 months into the daily Al's and monthly infusions - the bone pain starts to subside. I will keep you posted as you are 2 months behind me in this - I have infusion # 6 next Friday. Maybe I can give you some hope that 2 months after my pain lessens (optimism here), yours might too!
Hugs
Sharon
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Helen
Talk to the Dr. about doing a breast MRI. I went for my routine 10 year cancer free full checkup and that is what they ordered for me. Long story short - couldn't do it and did an X-ray instead and showed something funny which led to another test and another and finally a PET scan - bone mets all in my spine.
I had no pain, no burning, no symptoms - nothing. No bone pain at all. I had no symptoms that would indicate anything was wrong.
Try the breast MRI and if that shows nothing and your x-rays are picking up no abnormality at all, perhaps it is something else entirely and may be time to look to at another possible cause for your pain.
Good Luck!
Sharon
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Hi Sharon,
Yesterday my pain was so bad I went to see my onc. today and he put me on the patch...fentanyl 25 mcg. He put me on the lowest dosage so I will see how it goes. Please let me know how your treaments and pain management are going. That would be great if over-time my pain lessens with the treatments, in the meantime a little narcotic might just do me good. Not quite a cocktail but close enough...
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cancersuks...
That is great you are getting some relief...I bucked at any suggestion at first but my mood has changed now that I am no longer in constant pain. You really don't realize how totally distracting it is until it just won't ever go away. Nothing wrong with a little narcotic with this crappy disease. I will absolutely keep you posted and keep me up to date where you are...
Still a bit of experimenting at night time - trying to get the right combination so I can move when I get up in the am - this 'shuffle queen' routine is getting old - if I take too much before bed, I am still groggy - too little or too early, it is shuffle city - I tried half the dose last night and I think I may have finally hit on something...slept fairly well and was able to move a little better first thing in the am.
The onc wasn't ready to give me the patch at the last visit since I was getting some relief - and suggested I try different combinations at night. With the patch, you should get 24 hour relief - did they give you something for breakthrough pain? If you do have that happen, there is a medication specifcally for the breakthrough pain with the patch - I am sorry but I forget what it is.
Here's to less pain!!!!
Hugs
Sharon
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Hi Sharon,
Hugs back
Today, I feel great the patch is really working and I'm pain-free for the most part. If I feel a tinge of something I have naproxin and over the counter tylenol or aleve. An additional benefit to the patch is fentanyl is a mood enhancer. I feel happy and nothing phases me now...even the people at work...believe me it's the drug. I know now why he gave me the patch and not the pills, I can see where it would be very easy to become dependent on this one. As long as I'm not in physical pain, I can handle almost anything. One patch is good for 72 hours...I'm happy you're finding the right combination as well in order to sleep. If you still aren't pain-free, please go back to him. This disease is horrible enough to deal with without the minute by minute reminder with the pain.
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Paradiseflower:
I highly recommend you have it checked out. Your doctor may order a PET or bone scan and possibly an MRI. Pain and itching were my symptoms also. The itching was weird but resolved once I started responding to treatments.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Cat
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cancersuks
Great news! I too found the pain meds to be a mood lifter and work has become almost fun - I know what you mean about people not phasing you.
I go back on the 12th - we will go over how things are but if this combination is working...and for two nights now, it has been way better in the morning - I think they will likely recommended continuing. I see them every month for the infusion and last month they did tell me that I was able to take up to 6 of the pills a day if necessary - I am taking 3 1/2 so I could double the dose if needed - they said when it gets to 6 everyday - we should talk about something different - like a patch.
Glad to hear the pain is under control! I am sorry that I was so stubborn and waited so long to ask...duh. Anyway...have a really good day and a few more, and more...and I will sure let you know if and when the pain lessens - wouldn't that just be the bomb! Here's to long runs on hormones and biophoaslsjfdlkjf.....whatever Zometa and Aredia are!
Hugs!
Sharon
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Hi Ladies
Ok here is my situation.. I had my yearly PET Scan.. it showed spots on m yspine. then I had MRI. which also showed the same area ALSO a lesion on my neck.. I then went to Spine Specialist./Surgeon..He put me on steroids to see if the pain and swelling would go down..It hasnt.. there is NO change...My Onc. thought my BC spread to my bones (two hot spots) that is why He sent me for 2nd opinion.. The Spine Surgeon.. HE said... It looks like I have METS to my neck (lesion). Lets see what the steroids will do...OK....Confused yet? lol.. The radiologist report said.. NOT cancer.. Although it LOOKS like it COULD be cancer. HE is saying.. not because I have it on both sides of my spine. That does NOT make sense at all to me...JUST because I have hot spots on B OTH sides of my spine.. that means I DONT have cancer? Does that make sense to anyone?.. Sooooo.. I now have an appointment on the 10th with my Onc...To see what we will do.. to finally found out. what hell this is I have.. Cancer or not?.. I have been having pain on and off for months....neck. shoulder...upper back...tingling fingers.. numbness.. on and off. I always took something (advil/tylenol) and it used to take the edge off... Not anymore. I am always in pain. .constant pain now...Some days are OK. I can deal with it.. Other times. I am in so much Pain I cant move my arms....Does this sound like METS to any of you? Who do I Listen to. .the ONc.. the Spine Specialist or the Radiologist? How will they KNOW for sure one way or another.. IF this is METS or not? Sorry this is so long. I am so frustrated
Thanks for letting me ramble on.. as I always do lol
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Golden Eyes
Well, confused is a good word. I got lost after the PET scan lit up and so did the MRI and then steroids??? Ok, I may have just be dx'd in September but it does not sound right to me - my PET lit up on a Tuesday, MRI on Wednesday showed it and it was off to the biopsy for confirmation on Friday. The doc that did the biopsy had already concluded it was mets before I even went in. Saw the onc the following Wednesday and started on Aredia/Arimidex combo right then and there.
I would be frustrated too. I was not having any pain so I don't know what to tell you there - I started out with my 10 year cancerversary checkup and one test led to another and ta-da, bone mets in the spine.
I wish you the best - and that it is not mets...
Hugs
Sharon
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Sorry for the confusion Low.. lol.. My Pet scan show two areas on my spine....Then I had MRI done.. after that...That also showed something...I have ONe Dr saying possible METS to my cervical spine...One Dr saying.. I have METS to my neck He saw a lesion on the MRI.. on my neck on the right side..This is where most of my pain has been for months and it hasnt stopped.. The radiologist that read my scan.. does NOT think it cancer. He thinks its just OLD fractures on my spine and I have degenerative disc diseas.. That is why the Spine Specialist put me on steroids for week to see if that help at all. It didnt do thing. There is no change at all..I am going to see my Onc. on the 10th.. to see what HE and the Spine Specialist came up with.. Cancer or NOT cancer..From everything that I have been reading and talking to so many.. .it sounds like cancer to me. Whatver it is... I will deal with it.. but I just need to know
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