Elevated calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels.. Bone Mets?

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Elizabeth1959
Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I went to my primary care doc last week and had routine lab work. I asked for a copy and discovered mildly elevated calcium and alkaline phosphatase. I called my onc who has ordered a bone scan. I don't have bone pain. Has anyone else discovered their bone mets this way? I'm hoping I may have parathyroid disease instead. I learned through dr. Google that women who have had chest rads are at increased risk. I'm also considering not having bone scan so I can remain in blissful ignorance a while longer. Please advise.

I
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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited May 2012

    I had never heard this before about the rads and parathyroid disease. Interesting.  I hope that's what it is.  It has happened numerous times on this board with those exact blood elevations.  Will they be checking for this as well rather than go straight to scare you horribly by ordering a bone scan?  It will be good to know though and you will feel much after a clear scan.

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  • hopeforlife
    hopeforlife Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2012

    Hey Elizabeth,

    Maybe we will be better able to advise you if you tell us what your last readings were as far as your calcium and ALP goes? My ALP is a little high too but my oncologist doesn't seem to worry about that.

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited May 2012

    Calcium is 11.0  (normal range was up to 10.8)

    ALP was 165 ( I think, lab results are at home)  Other liver function tests were normal.

    I am terrified.  Trying to imagine what to do if bone scan is positive.

    Elizabeth

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  • hopeforlife
    hopeforlife Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2012

    These numbers are mildly elevated. It could be as benign as a horomonal imbalance, low vitamin D, primary hyperparathyroidism, gall stones....will remember you in my prayers.... let us know when you get back with the results

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited May 2012

    With a mild elevation why wouldn't the first step be rerun the test is, say, a month? Our blood levels are a cazy thing and can change for a variety of reasons. If they're normal next time then it was probably a glitch, if they're even higher then maybe more further testing would be called for?



    Just a thought. Good luck.

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited May 2012

    Reesie

    I am thinking along the same lines.  I'm going to call my oncologist.

    Elizabeth

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  • shahzadeh44
    shahzadeh44 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2013

    if i have ca normal an alk phosphatase normal and ca15-3 normal with bone scan so so do i have bone metastasis?

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  • Lauriesh
    Lauriesh Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2013

    It is possible to have all bloodwork normal and still have mets.





    Laurie

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