Hip problems

Hi. Diagnosed in September 2006 and have the usual cut, poison and burn treatments alongside Herceptin and hormonals.

Despite chiropractic and physio appointments, I've had back pain ever since chemo. For the last 18 months I've walked with a stick and have arrived at the Orthopaedic surgeon. The main areas of pain now are classic hip caused: pain in groin, outer hip, thigh,occasional knee etc. X-rays show some osteoarthritis damage but not too bad. I've learned that hips can be severely damaged, almost to the point of fracture, and produce no pain or show little damage and produce lots of pain- that's me.

The last bone scan-18 months ago roughly- showed only arthritis in a shoulder and nothing in the back or hip. Had an MRI too to rule out Avascular Necrosis. Now the Surgeon thinks, as the pain is increasing, that I should have the hip replaced.

My question- eventually- is should I request another bone scan, prior to this surgery, to ensure that the back pain is just referred from the hip as the Surgeon thinks? Obviously I'm apprehensive about mets and effectively "signed off" from the Oncologist so can't go down that route. The Breast Surgeon did request the latest bone scan which led me, via Physiotherapy, to the Orthopaedic guy.

I sound a complete idiot and a hypochondriac but hope that people here will understand the anxiety. I'm apprehensive about another op and concerned I'll still have back pain after it!!! Despite the previous imagery, I'm still worried about possible bone mets.