Bone scan...when?

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mnh
mnh Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi, all--I've been having pain in my left hip...occasional twinges in ribs, and I'm worried--I see from a couple of threads that arthritis can be mets.

 But I'm 4 years past surgery/chemo (lumpectomy, 4 positive lymph nodes--so axillary lymph node dissection), and my oncologist has never suggested a bone scan...we just do standard blood chemistry, mammograms, and bone density tests (I'm on arimidex). My last bone density test was normal except for some decrease in the hip that's sore.

 Should I be demanding a bone scan? I just also had a new diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma (spot on my forehead), which also can metastasize to the bone.

Opinions please?

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  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited May 2010

    As the pain is in a few area's I'm inclined to think this is from arimidex, but if you haven't had a bone scan and you have the pain for longer than two weeks I'd request one. Not that I think you have a problem but simply to give you peace of mind:)

    Do you have a dexa scan too every 12-18 months which is recommended with arimidex???

    Tricia xx

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  • mnh
    mnh Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2010

    Thanks, Tricia for the sound (not panicked) advice. It probably is Arimidex, but it's been about a month. I'll just call and inquire.

     And my oncologist is good about making sure I get a dexa scan--my last one (last October) was still in the normal range (with just some loss in the hip, which he thought was normal). I do appreciate your calm :-)

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited May 2010

    mnh

    often times when there are bone mets; your calcium levels are elevated and also one of the other enzymes usutally taken with blood work is elevated. the dexa scan wouldn't show bone mets.  the bone scan uses radioactive injection; my oncologist really tries to avoid a lot of scans as the stuff they give us to "light" up ..over a period of time...can be harmful to kidneys.  it is hard when there is pain...and we never know "for sure" what is causing it. however, my experience is that my body pretty much aches after all the treatment. arimidex really does cause aches and pains...i was on it for 5 and half years.  i would continue to pay attention to your pain..how you feel...and follow up with oncolgist.  remember; our oncologists treat cancer....every day...all day...and if you trust your oncologist....try to hang in there.  however, you know your body better then anyone; and if you continue to have problems...request whatever scan you think you need.

    sorry you are going through this...hang in there. remember; you do have to be your own advocate.

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  • mnh
    mnh Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2010

    I took a break for a few days to try not to worry, but was back at it this morning. Diana--your information about the blood work really helped me! I do trust my oncologist. And I know he doesn't like a lot of scans, either. But he certainly didn't hesitate during my treatment if there was a concern. So I'll relax about this, but pay attention to any changes in the pain. Thanks!

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