Scared Cancer has returned for Mom 11+ Years after Breast Cancer

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GoldenGirls
GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

My mother has been cancer free for over 11 years after her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. A couple months back she did something to her shoulder and had a lot of pain and swelling of the clavicle joint (opposite side of body from where her cancer was). The pain went away and the swelling did almost entirely as well. In the past week, also after straining her shoulder the pain is through the roof and the swelling is VERY big. Went to the hospital and they ordered xray of the shoulder, neck and chest. The doctor said that the xrays were "all clear - absolutely nothing on the xrays whatsoever" but then said she has a tumor...or that they suspect a tumor...and are concerned and sending her for a CT. (Not sure about her exact wording except that she very clearly indicated a tumor!) When we asked for more information since the information contradicted itself, she didn't mention tumor again and just said that the xrays were totall clear and the ct will show more and hopefully it's nothing bad. I am so confused! She said it was a tumor and then said the xray was all clear!! Advil seems to help the pain and the shot of ibuprofen she received took the pain away completely for over 12 hours. The swelling has also gone down some.

Has anyone had bone mets to the clavicle/collarbone/sternum area? Would these not show up on an xray? We go in for it in a couple of hours but we're both an absolute mess. My mom really feels that it's just arthritis or a muscle pull but the doctor seemed pessimistic even though she said the xrays were all fine. It almost feels like the little joint at the end of the collar bone is swollen and bigger then the other along with soft tissue swelling. So confused by this whole thing!

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited November 2012

    Well I am just sorry you are being put in such a horrible position with such odd news from the doctor. To be told that the x-rays are clear but also that there is a tumor and then to be sent to get a CT doesn't make any sense. Perhaps they are feeling something. Maybe this is a tumor of some kind but not at all related to breast cancer.  I hope you get a clearer picture after the CT and that the news is good.

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  • GoldenGirls
    GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
    edited November 2012

    The CT scans were not good and after finally getting in to see the onc today, we still don't have many answers. The CT report shows 3 lytic lesions - the one in the clavicle invading soft tissue - and a 3x6mm oblong lung nodule as well as a sclerotic lesion. The areas that they have highlighted as areas of concern are the 3 lytic lesions and they suspect either mets, or myeloma, or "other?" and recommend more testing. All her blood work was normal.

    The onc has her going in for ultrasound tomorrow as it is needed before the hospital will schedule biopsy. The full body bone scan is next Wednesday. I asked the onc if other things could cause those lesions and he said yes, but without seeing the CT films yet (will see tomorrow), he can only go by the report which suggests malignancy.

    The uncertainty continues, though the CT scan results give us an idea of what kind of news we can expect. I'm terrified and so is she. Her inability to move her shoulder to even drive or get dressed is making this wait even harder since she is someone who is normally very active and independant. It's heartbreaking :(

    The wait continues...

    Has anyone else had lytic lesions that were not cancer?

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited November 2012

    Adrienne - Have you had any other news since last week?

    I'm not familiar with lytic lesions. I'm sorry.

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  • GoldenGirls
    GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
    edited December 2012

    Hi ShelMel. I sent you a message. Still no news and I am guessing we won't get any until next week since my mom's biopsy isn't until Thursday and it takes 4 days for the onc to get the results. By the time we hear anything it will be close to 4 weeks since we took her to the ER with pain! It's a long time to make someone wait on pins and needles. 

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  • Angela-R
    Angela-R Member Posts: 273
    edited December 2012

    Such a scary and frustrating time.

    I hope you all get some clarity soon. Even the "worst case scenario" is not as bad as our nightmares tell us. There are so many treatments that can work to reduce symptoms and help your mum get back to a good life. Don't despair.

    Best wishes

    Angela

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