Talk to me about bone scans etc

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ChemicalWorld
ChemicalWorld Member Posts: 172
edited January 2018 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Wasn't really sure where to put this, as this isn't specifically about bone health and more about my anxiousness about a test that is still six months away. I kind of need to talk, vent and process, inviting others to chime in.  

This time of year is my yearly scan time, and I am having a particularly hard time this year for whatever reason.  Christmas was hard, I had already started to worry and stress before then and didn't get much of a chance for distraction from those thoughts for reasons.  I had my mammogram a little over a week ago, no report yet (and can't yet breathe), still have to have bloodwork.  

We have had some work changes, so I decided to look ahead at the coming months and pin down my oncology appointments, and as I am still in my first year on anastrozole, I will be having my first bone scan in June.  I'm terrified tbh.  I have no idea what the test entails, or what they will look for, and I'm sure most here know what I'm afraid they'll be looking for.  I have never had a test like this since diagnosis.  I don't see my oncologist until after the test, and I don't have casual access to her to ask questions, so here I am.  I'm assuming it is a bone density scan but I don't know for sure.  

Anyway, I'm hoping others can share their bone scan experiences with me here.  



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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2018

    If the test has been ordered or documented, you can ask your oncologist's nurse to tell you which type of scan it is. The DEXA is a bone density scan, which from what you've described is probably what your oncologist has in mind. It's an X-ray that pretty much involves lying on a table for a scan.

    There are other types of scan that require an injection to look for metastasis to the bone, but that wouldn't normally be ordered in relation to an AI with no complaints of bone pain, nor would it be put off for months.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2018

    A DEXA is one of the easiest tests you’ll ever have. A bit uncomfortable, it’s a Hard table!! You stretch out fully dressed unless you have metal zipper, or such. Something passes over you at least twice. It’s not close to you. Done. They look at your left hip and femur, for osteoporosis.

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  • ChemicalWorld
    ChemicalWorld Member Posts: 172
    edited January 2018

    Thank you for responses so far. 

    So it's a full body scan then?  

    I'm always worried about what's lurking around in my body, but while I see hypervigilance with some (i.e. going to dr's for various things) I'm the type who wishes I could stick my head in the sand (yes I know this isn't healthy).  I know this test is necessary, and I will get it done, but I hate to get it done.  My fear of recurrence actually holds me back from getting to the dr for anything unrelated or side effects and I really struggle to make appointments for myself that haven't otherwise been set for me.  It's among the reasons why I didn't have an ooph because I didn't want anyone digging around in there (I am on Lupron).  Not great.  Anyway, this is one that was set up last year.  

    I'll also mention that a friend died from an unrelated cancer this past week (f*** this disease, seriously).  It was sudden and shocking and along with grieving, and while I'm not making it about me, it is also poking away at that part of my mind.  

    Again, thanks for responses.  


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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2018

    chemicalworld - this is a scan that checks on how dense your bones are at certain points, it is not a scan that checks for cancer - it is recommended for all post-menopausal women 65 and over, regardless of whether they have had breast cancer or not. Most primary care or OB-GYNs will also order this test also if the patient has had a hysterectomy prior to natural menopause to obtain a baseline at the time of reduced estrogen. Oncologists use this test to help determine whether taking aromatase inhibitors is causing an accelerated loss of bone, it is not used to diagnose progression or bone mets. If one has accelerated bone loss, your MO may consider bispohsphanates or Prolia to reverse that, as bone density has been linked to progression in the form of bone mets.

    Here is a link that discusses the reason for the test and also how it is done so you will know what to expect. It also discusses the T-scores received for the different areas of the body that are examined and what the scores mean. The wiki link shows a scanner and additional discussion.

    https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/dexa-scan

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-energy_X-ray_absorptiometry

    As others have said, a DEXA is routine and is not the same type of test as a bone scan that would be done if a problem was suspected.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2018

    Not full body. From hip to knee.

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