Radiologist asked if I smoked; I don't - what did she see?

Sian65 · June 2012

Ok so... I'm worried about way the bottom of my left ribcage is sticking out about 3 cms (left mastectomy in Feb) - I noticed it about 3 weeks ago and it has gradually stuck out more over time. Neither the skin or ribs hurt (I have read that lung/rib mets hurt).

I had a thoracic CT on Monday (2 days ago) for tattooing for radiation and mentioned the ribs to the technician - she didn't comment, they did the scan... as I was walking out the door she chased after me to ask "do you smoke?" I said "no". I didn't think to ask why the question. I have had 4 other thoracic CTs over the past 8 months (last one was in early April) and they have never asked me that question.

Why would she have asked if I smoked - did she see something? Do mets look like a smoker lung/rib?

I am quietly freaking out - I see my onc on Thursday next week for a scheduled pre-rads consult but it just seems so far away...

Incidently and probably irrelevant but I have zero hunger, I literally have not experienced hunger sensations for at least the past 3 months - have lost 10 kgs over that time (although 6 kgs of that was chemo weight gain) and now weigh 4 kgs less than when I was first dx.

Any comments really welcome - something is not right.

kathleen1966 · June 2012

I would say if your hunch is something is not right, than I would get scans and make sure everything is ok. I really do think we know our bodies and if you REALLY are feeling that something is wrong, I would have it looked into. My left rib sticks out way more than my right rib after having had my mastectomy. I never thought anything of it to be honest. I assume it is a bit of lymphedema in that area. I would assume having asked the questions about the smoking, they may have seen something that looked like you were a smoker, but that doesn't mean it was cancer. I hope your fears are relieved soon.

Radiologist asked if I smoked; I don't - what did she see?

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