Mid back pain

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RebeccaA
RebeccaA Member Posts: 28
edited January 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am 3 1/2 years post diagnosis of Stage IIIA, hormone positive and HER2 positive. Over the past several months, I have had an increasingly noticeable pain in my mid back area, maybe just right of center spine. My cancer was in the right breast. I first noticed a slight pain at night when I would shift upwards. It has gradually worsened to where I notice it daily. It is not a significant pain that affects my range of motion or keeps my from doing things. It is just a noticeable feeling or discomfort in that area. I've mentioned it to my oncologist, internist, and surgeon, none of whom were particularly concerned. My oncologist is very conservative about not running batteries of tests, and he insists that if I was having bone metastases it would show up in my lab results, which have all been good / normal. But I would like to have some diagnosis to definitively rule out the possibility that it is cancer-related. I've been researching what type of doctor to see for diagnosing back pain all morning and cannot decide. Any recommendations? Should I first see a chiropractor (which I am not leaning toward), a spine pain specialist, an orthopedic doctor? Or should I just insist that my internist or oncologist send me for an MRI or CT of my back?

I am confused about how to proceed, probably because of some concern that it could be cancer. I am planning to get my port removed soon, and I would like to get this back pain issue squared away before then.

Thanks for reading this and any thoughts.

Rebecca

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  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited January 2017

    Hi, Rebecca; it's hard to know what to think about pain in that area, but given that your oncology team seems unconcerned, I'd start with a chiropractor. My own fears for myself are for bone cancer, as I lost my mom to that almost thirty years ago after her long battle with breast cancer. I'm 9 years out from IDC/ILC 2A, Er/Pr/Her2+) and I see a physical therapist for relatively mild lymphedema, mostly in my arm, side, and back. When it worsens slightly, the swelling tends to tug on a rib or two and a whole cycle of odd pain results--back, front, and sideways.

    I'm not suggesting that is your problem, but I do think the Chiropractor or Physical Therapist looks at these things differently. I asked my PT at one point if what I was feeling could be bone mets and while she didn't laugh, she did say that if she did what she was doing to a bone with mets, I'd be in more pain. She also said that the lymphedema was visible to her, and she was able to address the problem as part of my regular routine.

    My point is, it could be a lot of things, but you might want to start with the easy ones. I do think it's reasonable to ask your internist what the easiest imaging might be and if your symptoms would warrant starting there. It is just not what I would do first.

    Warmly, and good luck.


    Cathy

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  • RebeccaA
    RebeccaA Member Posts: 28
    edited January 2017

    Thank you Cathy. I, too, have mild lymphedema on my right side, though it seems to mainly affect my hand. I had not thought of the possibility that the pain could be related to that annoying condition. I try not to let every ache and pain set me down the path of worrying about cancer, but the fact that I've had this for several months is a concern. I have an appointment with my surgeon next week about getting the port removed, so I'll check with him then for any recommendation he might have for a chiropractor or doctor. It's great that you have been 9 years out and are doing so well! I hope to be in that group one day.

    Warm regards,

    Rebecca

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2017

    I don't have metastasis but family members who have and felt the need to give input . I am completely not certain your doctor is correct that Bone mets would first be seen in your blood tests  . I'd insist your MO order  a bone scan to verify any issues going on especially if the pain has been ongoing for some time. Its simple, less expensive than Cat scan and is good for detecting Bone Mets. Good luck to you.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2017

    A chiropractor likely cannot order a bone scan, but an orthopedic can if your MO won'

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    I would not go to a chiropractor. If you're really concerned, I would insist that one of your existing docs order a scan - bone, MRI, PET/CT, whatever will give you peace of mind.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited January 2017

    My chiropractor ordered an MRI for me. I was so glad to hear no evidence of cancer.

    Icing the area was the key to relief for my sprain of the spine.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited January 2017

    I agree with bevin. A bone scan is not too expensive, perfectly reasonable given your history and symptoms, and worth doing if only for peace of mind. Hopefully it will be clear, and then you can set about finding a solution for the back pain.

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