Odd pain going on 4 weeks...

I hesitate in posting this because I may be completely wrong but I can read from your posts have scared you are.  At this point, nothing anyone says will calm you down until you talk to your doctor.  I know because I've been in your position.  This is a scary place to be in mentally.  You are wondering if your life is going to change.  All I can say is that worrying yourself into a depression isn't going to fix it or change the results so try to stay as calm as you can.  If possible, try to find something that can somewhat distract you.  Easier said than done I know. 

That being saidm I'm not a radiologist but I have seen what bone mets look like on my dad's MRI (he has stage 4 colon cancer) and I've done quite a bit of research on MRIs after having my bone marrow discussed on my own MRI (which really freaked me out).  MRIs are extremely difficult to read especially by someone who isn't trained in reading them.  Different sequences produce different signals and what may appear on one sequence as a cancerous lesion (based on signal intensity or lack of intensity) may be completely benign on a different MRI sequence.  Also, any contrast that is given also changes what the signals (gray scale/instensities/shortening/prolongation) means.

I cannot tell what the image provided anatomically is or what it means.  Is it your neck?  This particular view is very hard to decifer for someone who isn't medically trained.

Anyway, if you look at the coronal or sagittal images of the vertebrae, a bony metastasis will often look like a dark erosion within a white vertebrae (T1 imaging).  On T1 the vertebrae are usually inform in whiteness and in shape.  Metastasis usually appears as dark erosions or as a darkening vertebrae.  I'm not sure exactly  how they appear on T2 but if you compare the images below you'll see the difference.  I'm not sure what C++ means.  I've never seen that before.

http://www.radpod.org/2008/01/08/spinal-cord-metastasis/

Please keep in mind that other things can cause your vertebrae to look "off" which is why I warn you not to get scared when looking at your MRI.  As I said, they are extremely difficult to read and interpret if you are not a MRI trained radiologist.  I had an MRI of my lower spine and spent 4 months trying to understand what exactly 2 cm focus of increased intensity displaying T1 shortening and hypointensity on fat suppresion meant in my bone marrow (wanted to make sure the radiologist wasn't screwing up when he called this area of my bone marrow fatty). 

MRIs are much more sensitive to change than bone scans are but they are also much more specific as to what a lesion is which is why they sent you for an MRI.  I've often read that bone mets usually are numerous when found so try not to get too scared at this point.  It may be something and it may not.  If you had numerous questionable spots on your bone scan then you may want to be a bit concerned.  My dad's bone scan had suspicious spots all over it so they were sure that he had bone mets.  The uptake on the bone scan was labeled as intense. 

Good luck!  Hugs to you!

Hi Chicago, Im sorry I dont have a clue what the picture means - all I know is that Im staggered that they let you take away the pictures without any chat! I dont think we get given piccies at all here in the UK...well not as far as I know anyway. Of course you are going to look at them and read all sorts into them, I would be exactly the same - but we dont know what we are looking at really do we so in a way it seems to cause more of a worry than not handing out the pictures in the first place. 

What can I say...to you and me both - another day has gone by and we are one more day nearer to knowing something.

I think you have to follow your own mood - I had a day in bed earlier in the week and thats just the way I wanted/needed it. Perhaps reassure your hubby that you wont always be taking to your bed, but for you, today, that is what you need. They want to help, bless them, but at times helping means allowing you to have a wallow - it cant be helped, we wouldnt choose to feel so grim would we. Are you managing to get some sleep? I spent my duvet day nodding off inbetween the odd read, and the odd think...the thinking bit being the least preferable activity of the day. But the next day I was able to get up and get through the day without withdrawing from everyone so much.

Do you have a time set for Monday when you can get your results? I hope its early! Still no letter for me so I dont know yet if I will find anything out this week or next!

Thinking of you sweetie and wishing you some peace as you wait just a little bit longer.

Hugs, Sue x 

Hello Chicago,

My daughter walked by here and said the bright white areas/spots on your MRI are your arteries..she works in the field...she could not see anything else outstanding...plus told me to stop( my family thinks I worry too much)......I have been reading you odd pain posts all along and feel as if you are me....I am hoping that all is well with you, as it seems it should be all things considered..

LOVELESLIE55

Sent you a PM. 

Chicago.

I keep coming on here to check on you. I have prayed many times for you that  this is not mets. I am hoping for something way more simple. If it is mets. I read on another board here that MD Andeson is doing a study on CURING! women with bone mets only.  I surely hope this is not the case but did want to offer some hope if their research is successful. I get so frustrated this time of year, I walked in the race for the cure.. and I applaud them but when I looked at the booklet on where all the money goes it was mostly to low income facilities that help people to get mammograms. I am all for that but would like to see more of the money going towards research.  My mom, aunt and grandma all had BC. I was of course next on the list. I knew it was coming and so luckily found it at an early stage. Although even still it has robbed me of a lot. I am currently dealing with hip and leg pain since June. Had xray and PT but to no avail it still hurts. Anyways, I am off subject here. Just want you to know you have not left my mind o prayers. I am so  so anxiously awaiting good news. Many more prayers for you today!. God Bless!!!!

xxoo

big cyber hugs

Dear Chicago...

I am anxiously waiting for your results as well xoxoxoxoxox

LOVELESLIE55

Wish my daughter was home so I could ask her..

Your husband  sounds like a gem of a man xoxo

Hi Chicago...wishing you the best for tomorrow. LIke you and many others I've had a new pain in my hip - was convinced it was mets .... but it's getting better -- it's been there for about 6 - 7 weeks now. I know exactly how you feel. (((Chicago)))

That's great news!  I can imagine the relief you must be feeling right now!  And what a terrific onc to call you on a Sunday night!     Deanna 

Chicago,

I just started reading this thread b/c I'm worried about rib metz. I am soooo happy for you!!!!!!  Life is so precious...go enjoy yourself and celebrate!~ Thank God for degenerative discs!:)

Chicago,

I have been following this thread since you first posted it and I am so thankful that you "only" have a degenerative disc! What a great oncologist to call you on a Sunday night. Now, have yourself a nice glass of wine and R-E-L-A-X.......

Mary 

So great to hear. That is encouraging for so many to know that the terminology used isn't always correct, and technicians actions can't really be "read". I am thanking God for an answered prayer for you.

Joni

Wonderful news, Chicago!! You were so generous to share your journey with us - so glad it had a happy ending!

Thank god. I have been following this without commenting. Thank god, just thank god. I am thrilled for you!!!!!!!!!