Rib pain

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dunnmd
dunnmd Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am three months from being a 10 year survivor. 5 weeks ago I started feeling a random pain in my lower right rib (same side that my primary tumor was located). The pain is worse at night.Seems to be getting more intense as time goes on.  Went in to see my PCP who sent me directly to the Oncologist. She ordered a chest x-ray and blood test.

She called the next day to say that the x-ray was clear not fractures, but she had issues with the blood work.  Hemocrit is low, and my Alkaline Phosphatase level elevated. She ordered a bone scan in about 10 days. I am scared.  Anyone out there know much about the Alkaline Phosphatase levels. What is considered high?  Does low hemocrit indicate mets?  What about Vit. D?  Check up last visit with PCP showed the Vit D at 8.

I have asked twice for a copy of the lab report and they just will not sent it.  What are your thoughts?

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited July 2011

    Hi dunnmd,

    I'm sorry to hear about your rib pain and labs. I don't know exactly the answers, but I'm glad you are getting in for a bone scan.  Can they do it sooner than 10 days?  That seems like a long time to have to wait, which is so nerve wracking.  Maybe you can call them on Tuesday to see if it can be scheduled sooner and perhaps ask your oncologist about a PET/CT as well.  

    In the meantime, try taking tylenol or advil for the pain and, if that isn't cutting it, don't be shy about asking for something stronger, especially if the pain is strong enough to wake you up in the middle of the night.   

    Sending positive thoughts your way.  

    NancyH 

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  • DiDel
    DiDel Member Posts: 1,329
    edited July 2011

    In looking at my labs it indicates normal Alkaline Phosphate levels from 33-115 and hematocrit is 35 - 45%

    My onc told me that he looks at Liver function and Alkaline Phosphates levels for signs of recurrence  I don't know about the other ..sorry I hope someone more knowledgable comes along.

    Hang in there...good luck..sending positive vibes your way!

    Diane

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  • 37antiques
    37antiques Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2011

    Hi Dunnmd,

    For what it's worth-

    My vitamin D is at 8 too, my phosphates are off and my calcium is high.  Has your onc checked your PTH levels?  The wonderful girls on here told me to have that checked out, and it turns out I have hyperparathyroid, which can cause bone pain and a variety of nasty side effects that are shockingly similar to bone mets.  To look at me now you'd think I was on my last leg, it's gone on so long. 

    To be almost 10 years out is a wonderful thing, hang in there!

    ((Hugs))

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