When to Ask for Scans and What Type

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pupfoster1
pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I've been having burning pain in my back now for about a month now, with a week of PT not helping yet.  There is a sensitive vertabrae the hurts when pressed.  I also have been having some stabbing pains under the arm pits (both sides) that seems similar to before my surgery. 

My PC had said to see if PT helped but I am getting into panic mode.  Should I push for scans and if so which ones show more?  CT/MRI/PET or a bone scan?  I've had all of the above in the past, but I really want to narrow down what would pick up a potential problem.  HATE living like this and just want to feel normal (whatever that might be for a 49 yo).

Thanks all,

Sharon

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  • brenda69
    brenda69 Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2011

    I would call your oncologist and have him/her order a scan, they will know what type to order based on symptoms.  You have to be pushy, it is your health!!

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited December 2011

    Thanks for starting this thread - so sorry for your pain. I agree - you have to be pushy. So many med professionals have the wait and see attitude - I worked hard for the good health insurance I have, so bring on the scans. I do not want to wait and see!

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited December 2011

    ....sorry - did not mean to sound like I want to abuse my health insurance - I just think that sometimes expensive tests are not ordered due to monetary reasons and not due to health concerns. 

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited December 2011

    ,,,By the way...I lived in Gaithersburg, MD many years ago. I loved going to the Olney Inn. What a lovely town you live in. 

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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited December 2011

    Sharon - any consistent pains should be brought to the attention of your oncologist.  S/he will know which scans will work best for you and your situation.  I hope you get some answers and it turns out not to be a recurrence.  Good luck!

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

    Sharon, I can't answer your question about which scan to request, but I just wanted to share that I have similar burning, stabbing pain in my middle back vertebrae and left armpit (I had a uni-mx) that I've figured out is caused by truncal LE.  It's been especially bad today after a few days of eating foods I normally don't eat.

    If you think there's any possibility truncal LE could be causing your pain, wearing a sports bra 24/7 seems to help.      Deanna

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

    Thanks girls,

    Think I'm going to call my doc this am to see what they recommend.  I'll keep you posted.

    Sharon

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