non healing rib fractures scan shows sclerosis

Options

I had DCIS, negative nodes, bilateral mastectomy, no radiation or chemo. I have stable lung nodules that were followed with CT scans for two years. A year and a half ago the chest CT noted the right 7th & 8th ribs as "healed fractures". My PCP ordered a Bone density test which showed osteoporosis. So we attributed these fractures to that. Fast forward 1 year, chest CT shows same fractures but states that they are non-healing. 3 months later I start having rib pain on right side. After several weeks, X-rays show 7th,8th & 9th ribs with subacute(Old) fractures that are healing. So I question my PCP about the possibility that this is not due to osteoporosis. She ordered a bone scan. The rib area lit up and the results state " probable healing rib fractures. Sclerotic metastasis within the differential diagnosis". So I'm awaiting a response from my onco to whom I sent a detailed message of what's been going on. My question is, has anyone with DCIS, negative nodes had mets to the bone?

Thanks for reading.

srmaryfreddo

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2017

    Hi srmaryfreddo - Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry that you're dealing with this worry now, but we're glad you found such a wonderful place for information and support. Although sometimes it's slow during the weekend, you're sure to get good advice and personal experiences from the other members here shortly.

    Please, keep us posted on what you learn from your onco!

    Best wishes,

    The Mods

  • srmaryfreddo
    srmaryfreddo Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2017

    Thank you Moderators for your kind reply. I have benefited greatly from this site. It's very comforting to know I am not alone on this journey. thanks again.

    srmaryfreddo

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited June 2017

    srmaryfreddo, at least one poster on these boards (she posts over on the CrazyTown thread) had node-negative ER/PR+ DCIS in 2008. But after 9 years of no evidence of disease, a few months ago she developed both bone & liver mets. So yes, it can happen though it’s rare.

  • srmaryfreddo
    srmaryfreddo Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2017

    ChiSandy

    Thank you for your reply I appreciate the information. I am only 4 1/2 years out from my diagnosis and treatment but have a high suspicion of Mets to the bone. I am awaiting response from my onco andhope to hear something tomorrow. Thank you again and I hope you have a blessed day.

    Srmaryfreddo

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

    It can happen but its not the normal. A dear friend of mine was DCIS and now with bone mets. Her Doctors stated  with DCIS its sometimes hard to see that you got all the cancer as it hides in the ducts. And that is likely how she ended up with mets about 8 years later. Praying for your health. Good luck with your treatments.

  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited June 2017

    Just so you know, there are many treatments for bone mets.  There are many ladies on the bone mets thread that have been stable for many years.  You might drop by, introduce yourself and read some of the thread.

  • srmaryfreddo
    srmaryfreddo Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2017

    Thank you Bevin. Appreciate your reply

    Thank you Cive, I will check out that thread. I'm not diagnosed yet, but have definite possibility that I have mets. I'll post again after I meet with my onco.


  • srmaryfreddo
    srmaryfreddo Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2017

    UPDATE: I heard from oncologist and he stated that after review of my scans his concern for bone mets is extremely low. I see him on 8/3 and we will discuss what type of follow up scans will be scheduled and when. He is not the kind of dr to blow me off. I may request an additional scan to be absolutely certain.

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

    That is good news and hopefully you can be at peace and relax until your next appointment. I hope all goes well.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited June 2017
  • srmaryfreddo
    srmaryfreddo Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2017

    Hi all, Re-cap: non-traumatic rib fractures with unknown date of happening, but found in late 2015. Recent bone scan shows them still healing. I do have osteoporosis but have concern for possible mets to bone. My Onco is not too concerned because I had DCIS only with negative nodes. Now I have some new symptoms. I saw my BS recently and he examined a nodule on my right reconstructed breast which is the non-cancer side. I've had it for about 2 months and I've not been too worried as I had fat grafting previously and had some fat necrosis show up. However, upon exam he said it is probably a fatty nodule but that there is a small indentation so he wants to recheck it in three months. I'v been on a 6 month follow up plan for a while now, so going to three is a bit unnerving. So I have my appt with my Onco on Aug 3rd and plan to inform him about this nodule. I plan to insist on some type of scan to rule out bone mets since my bone scan and now this. If anyone has any thoughts, they are welcome. Thanks

Categories