Bone scan tomorrow - scared to death

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KP1970
KP1970 Member Posts: 192
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I called my oncologist this morning about the ache in my hip/back. I talked to the nurse and unfortunately, she had no words of encouragment for me; she basically said that since I have had cancer, that the bones are a very common place for the cancer to come back and spread to. :( She talked to the doctor and he ordered a bone scan for me. I am so scared. They told me the results take about 3 days to get back. Isn't there any way to get at least an idea of anything while I'm in there tomorrow? I have only had one bone scan in my life, right after I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago, and the tech said that although she could not give me the results, she said that "if I were you, I'd be very happy right now..let's put it that way". I'm not sure I can wait 3 days. :(((

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  • tlundy
    tlundy Member Posts: 142
    edited June 2011

    No experience to share though I know someone will come along who can help in that regard,  In the meantime, I have said a prayer for you for peace, comfort, and good results - HUGS!

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited June 2011

    Kim, I'm so sorry you're going through this. First of all, your oncology nurse was quite unprofessional and unkind to speak that way to you! It is NOT her place to declare such things.

    What have your symptoms been? Does your onc tend to order tests quickly?

    I think talking to the techs is tricky, and they certainly aren't supposed to give patients an idea of the test. They are not the final word on the reading; the radiologist is, and imagine the uproar and trauma to a patient if the tech gives the wrong impression either way. I would just grit my teeth, do the test, and then call the doc every day until you get results. I have found that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

    Thinking of you. let us know how it goes. And remember - there is a very good chance all will be well.

    xo

    janyce

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited June 2011

    Kim, sending good thoughts for your bone scan!  Big deep breath and let that stress go........unfortunately, the techs are not supposed to tell us anything it is for your doc to announce all good or not but that doesn't mean you can't be the proverbial pain in the a$$ and keep ringing the doc for the results and hopefully getting the results earlier.  Good luck!

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

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  • KP1970
    KP1970 Member Posts: 192
    edited June 2011

    Symptoms have been "small" ache in my hip, back and sometimes shoulders. It comes and goes and completely goes away in my hip when I lie down at night. I am praying that I pulled a muscle doing a (very) intense workout video last month. The video involved doing the twist (the dance from the 50s!) and some moves involving moving the hips from side to side and arms up in the air back and forth while moving the hips (lol, I know that sounds funny/hope it makes sense). I guess I worry too, because the ache is in only one hip, not both.

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited June 2011

    Kim, mets tend to be painful most of the time and they definitely interupt sleep so maybe it is just a pulled muscle or tendon or maybe even bursitis.......here's hoping!

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

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  • beau
    beau Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2011

    Hi KIm.

     I have not been in your exact shoes, but I just had a bone scan yesterday after I had a "hot spot" on an MRI on my jaw. They called me last night to give me the results (which were all good!). I mention this to encourage you to push the doctor to see if you can get your results earlier. The only question that I did ask the tech was when he thought the results would be ready - he told me later that same day and than my doctor would probably see them the day after. My strategy was to close my eyes during the whole procedure _ I did not want to see a screen full of hotspots because then I would freak out. 

    Along the way, I also learned that bone scans are not the final word on mets v. arthritis ,etc so please be sure they explain the results to you in a way that you understand. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you are not happy with your doc or the explanation.

    In my case, my doctor explained that I got the all clear because when they compared the hotspot in the MRI to the bone scan, the hotspot was clearly outside the bone in the soft tissue. Merely very painful arthritis, for which I am grateful (can you believe it?) I hope that it turns out to be B9 as well for you but keep us posted.  

    Best, Beau

    P.S. Please be sure that you get some sleep. If you are worrying to much, consider small dose of valium or sleep aid. I believe it is really important to keep up your strength and rest is key. 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited June 2011

    Kim, it seems like whenever someone posts about pain and the fear of a recurrence, and they also mention that they recently did something a lot more strenuous than normal (which is very common), their scans always seem to come out clean.  I know when you're in the midst of the pain (as I was over the weekend due to something I'd done), it's almost impossible to rid your mind of the fear.  But reading your post, what jumps out at me is the very intense workout video.  Hopefully, that's the root cause of the pain you're experiencing.    

    I don't think a rad tech can venture an opinion until a radiologist reviews your images, but since you've had bc and are obviously extremely worried about a potential recurrence, perhaps they'll be sensitive to that and take a look while you're there.  I'd certainly ask if that's possible.  Deanna

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