Onc, Zometa, Tumor Markers Today

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

So I saw my Onc today for my Zometa Infusion and follow up.  I asked him why I have so much bone pain and if it was normal. Then I asked him if it could be from the Arimidex.  He looked at me and smiled and said yes, "it's killing all the cancer."Undecided  Now I'm thinking in my mind oh shit is there cancer in my system??.  So I asked for scans, and he said I don't need them.  Then I reminded him of my first scans before starting chemo showing, a "lesion on the liver too small to characterize" and the "small nodule on my lung".  He said to me I want you to sleep at night so I'm going to order scans for next Tuesday.  He also did tumor markers today.  Now I'm really worried because he said I have legitimate concerns.

image

Barb

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited June 2010

    I know it's hard not to worry, but try to put your mind elsewhere.  The scans are a safeguard.  We'll be here with you until you get your results and rest easy.....  (((HUGS))) headed your way.

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited June 2010

    Yeah I had 2 small lesions on my lungs and they said it was nothing-no need to rescan. lol And I have way more nodes then you. He is just trying to put your mind at rest.

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  • ktn
    ktn Member Posts: 181
    edited June 2010

    It will put your mind at ease when you get all the results. I'm on Arimidex and get bone pain and joint pain and my labs are good. I don't have any scans scheduled but will if things occur. I remember my onc saying after all my initial scans that all looked good but they did see some cysts on my liver. I freaked then she said, oh people have them all the time, they don't mean anything!!! Don't mention it then! I wish we could go back to the time of not worrying so much....this after treatment time is hard too!

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2010

    I think anytime you have a concern when you're Stage III, it can be considered legitimate.  But that doesn't mean it will be mets.  We are all going to have aches and pains from surgery, growing older and side effects from hormonals.

    I think it creates a Catch-22.  I know if I notice a pain and start stressing about it, it increases. When I first dxed I could actually make my ribs hurt by thinking about cancer. 

    Do you notice any fluctuation in your bone pain with the weather?

    Barb - I truly believe your scans will be clear, but wonder if that will be enough to give you some peace of mind. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2010

    Sherri,  Thanks,  I know he's not going to let me lose sleep.  He told me "I need you to be happy" so I  take courage in knowing he's a good onc.

    Pure, I do totally worry about anything that is on the lung or liver and now that there has been so much bone discomfort, we always think the worst, right?

    clariceak, The bone pain is always worse with the weather systems coming thru. I'm counting on these scans being clear and take courage in everyone's assurance.  You know how we all go crazy worrying with this bitch of a disease.

    image

    Barb

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  • drsfelix
    drsfelix Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2010

    Hi Barb , I am a Medical Practitioner and a Breast cancer survivor . Arimidex is well known for giving joint pain and Zometa for bone and muscle pain which increases in severity as you progress with treatment . So either of them is very likely giving you the body aches you are experiencing. Liver and lung " spots " are as common as skin spots , thanks God . And we really do not get concerned with them , they usually look different from metastasis . 

    You have to dissociate the body ache from the cancer , actually the side effects from drugs from the cancer itself . That is so important .

    I know they are very disabling because I suffer with them and Drs usually smile , I believe is because of their impotence towards it . I have severe feet pain after rest and I finally found way to manage it .

    I have been a Dr for long time , unfortunately , mets dont usually hurt much till late , I say unfortunately because , otherwise we would find them easier them we usually do !!!!

    The most important thing you can do is really take care of you , your immune system , try meditation ... daily !!

    Good Luck !

    Soraya 

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2010

    Barb

    If your bone pain changes with the weather I think that's another sign that it's not mets.  My opinion doesn't have a medical basis, but I've never heard of mets pain flucuating with the weather.

    I know you'll keep us updated.  Best wishes tomorrow for a clear scan.

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited June 2010

    My doc always says if it is consistent, persistent and worsening then we should investigate.  If it is something that comes and goes it is more likely caused by something other than cancer.

    All that being said, I completely understand the worrying.  I have been there.  I'm sure all of us have been there.  It sounds like no matter what your oncologist said you would be worrying.  I went through a period of time when I would misinterpret what my doctors were saying.  I just had trouble seeing past the fear.  It passes.

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited June 2010

    Barb...good luck tomorrow....Wishes for only good news.....

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