Back Pain/Worry Again

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pupfoster1
pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi girls,

You all have been my rock(s) over the past year or so, and especially when I've been worried about something, so here I am again worrying.

I've been having this weird pain in my lower spinal area, sometimes like a burning sensation that has been hanging around now for several weeks.  My GP had an xray done of my back about a month ago and didn't find anything to report, but I know xrays don't show everything.  Of course I'm worried it's mets, but REALLY do not want to pursue it.  I want to be in denial and just wish it would go away.  I also am concerned that all these scans, xrays, etc are going to cause me to get some other kind of cancer because of all the radiation exposure over such a short period of time. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!  

I do go to see my Gyn tomorrow for my annual exam(whom has been a huge advocate of mine over the years when I had previous scares before my ultimate dx) so I plan on asking what she thinks.  I did just have some pre-op work done Monday(chest XRAY, blood work, etc) for my recon revision and haven't heard that anything is wrong yet, so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

Any thoughts out there?  Do mets of the spine have specific symptoms?  I'm afraid to look at Dr. Google.

Love you all,

Sharon

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited May 2011

    Seems like this is what we do....talk each other off ledges of fear Smile  I've had lower back issues for a while now and since I've had this rib thing going on it does seem worse on my lower right side. My dr's use x-rays to check for mets and I have had them done before.  I know they don't show everything but I'd trust them to show mets that's large enough to cause pain.  I was told I could have a herniated disc because it was a weird sensation pain. Have you done any activities that could have aggrevated it?  Does it go away with a heating pad or warm bath, I was told if so that was a good sign.  I hope others who know more will chime in soon.  I hope you get some answers tomorrow that ease your mind, let us know.

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited May 2011

    Usually a burning sensation is a nerve issue.  A pinched nerve, etc.  I am hoping for you that is what this is.  Not that nerve issues don't hurt - but I think I can endure anything - no matter how annoying as long as it's not cancer related!  Wishing you the best,

    Linda

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  • tlundy
    tlundy Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2011

    Hi Sharon,

    Chiming in that we are here for you and sending prayers and wishes for speedy resolution to free you from your worries.  

    Hugs,

    Tara  

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited May 2011

    Hey,

    So when I get back stuff I always try, massage, reicki, and then acupuncture. In the past it has always resolved the issue therefore saving me a scary scan.  Just a thought..It sounds like a nerve issue and any of the above in that order could help!

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited May 2011

    Sharon - Definitely stay away from Dr. Google, and I reallly believe that the burning sensation would seem to indicate something other than mets.  Hope you gyn can reassure you and please keep us informed.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2011

    Well, as I sit here I am just now realizing I FORGOT my freakin Gyn appt!!!! 

    Argh, I have been so busy hustling my daughter to cheer tryouts and getting my son to get caught up on his HW, I COMPLETELY forgot.   DRAT!   I hope they don't charge me for a missed visit, plus I really wanted her spin on this.  Oh well, I'll call and reschedule.

    Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

    Sharon

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited May 2011

    Relax  Sharon. Your sxs sound very much like a radiating/nerve pain and not mets.

     (Mets pain is constant and worsens)

    Also, you would need mega scans over many many years to have an issue with radiation. so plase don't worry about that.

    I just know you'll get good news when you see your doc. 

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited May 2011

    Are you taking Tamoxifen?

    I just started it about 3 weeks ago and suddenly my lower back is KILLING me.  I have read that occasionally it can cause an enlarged uterus which can press on the lower spine and cause pain.  If you're seeing an OB soon, maybe they can rule that out for you.

    I'm having a transvag. US in two weeks.

    Good luck!

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited May 2011

    I agree, I'm not on Tamoxifen but Aromasin and I think mine has got worse since I started.  When I was on Arimidex it ached but now it just hurts.  Hope you get some answers soon.

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited May 2011

    ((((Sharon))))) - so sorry, just saw this!

    i think the gals are right. and God, don't we get sick of the #*@(@! worry/scanxiety/TESTS.

    sounds like you have a lot on your plate - and that can ratchet up the anxiety. be kind to yourself.

    hoping it clears up soon. thinking of you.

    xo

    j

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2011

    Thanks girls,

    So I had myself worked up AGAIN---after my last post I checked my VM on my cell phone and it was the GP's office who called 2 days ago and asked me to call back about my pre-op labs.  So once I get through to the NP she says it was not an emergency but my WBC was on the low side (3.5) and was wondering if I wanted it sent to my onc.  Of course now I am in full panic mode, but once I got to work I called my onc, spoke to a nurse (whom I love) and she told me the doc had already reviewed it and had no comments of concern, and she also said it wasn't extremely low and that it wasn't something to be concerned about.  She also was suggesting a heating pad for my back, and that if heat helps it's probably a muscular issue.  SOOOO, I feel at least a bit relieved what with the long weekend ahead.  Hopefully the pain issue will subside and I can get back on with life!

    I've said it before, and I'll say it again----SOMEONE STOP THIS RIDE, I WANT TO GET OFF!!!!!

    Love you all,

    Sharon

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  • gutsy
    gutsy Member Posts: 391
    edited May 2011

    I totally understand. I have also been having these pains in my lower back and in my lower right abdomen. I had pain last year in my abdomen and it went away. It feels like it is back. I feel worried again and my mind is going where I get so scared. I am also on Tamoxifen and have started the stairmaster in the gym. I never seem to have a time of calm, something will feel weird and I feel panicky. I was supposed to go away with two of my kids for the long weekend, but I got too panicky before leaving. The thought of being out in the woods with nothing much to do besides relaxing scared me. At least at home, I can put my mind on the many loads of laundry and everything else that needs to be done.

    I do feel sometimes like sitting in the middle of the floor and just crying because I am often so afraid. I have to go for an ultrasound next week because of this bumpy area besides my alloderm implant.

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited May 2011

    this stuff is so hard.  pain is pain...and for what we have been through it becomes a wild ride.

    i think the first few years are the worst because you are still coming off the trauma of diagnosis and treatment.  our bodies take a long time to heal; the hormone drugs really do create all kinds of pain and weird sensations.

    the only thing you can do is have it checked out.....watch it....and see if it resolves.  i think paying attention is what we do....and coming here and chatting with us.

    hang in there sharon. sending support, prayers and comfort*

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited May 2011

    I know this is not what any of you want to hear, but my spine mets didn't show on the x-ray, it lit up on the PET and was confirmed by the MRI. I did have back pain, but what hurt me the most were my ribs, which we now know is the nerve.  It is radiating from the spine around my ribs. 

    Sharon - As cancer survivor we live in constant fear.  More than likely it's something else, arthritis, bulging disk, pulled muscles putting pressure on the nerves........ Jen had wonderful suggestions. Try to see if you can schedule a massage this weekend, drink plenty of water, try Aleve if you can take it and stretch.   However, if it gets worse, not better over the next week or so, have it checked out.  Your peace of mind is very important. 

    Jenn

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited May 2011

    Sharon ,

    My prayers are with you. Our wonderful sister's have givin you some great advice, they are the best. This constent fear of the unknown is sooooo hard. Try to surrender it to God. Do what the girls said, keep your mind busy and breath, just breath.

    Keep us posted, hugs prayer's and lots of peace!

    Steph

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  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited May 2011

    Sharon,

    Just hoping for you that it is muscular and you start feeling better.  None of my aches have been consistent.  Some days I wake up fine.  Other days it's my left hip (sometime both hips) or just my overall joints.  Not the spring chicken I was back when I was 50 and had cancer and didn't even now it.

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