Back and hip pain and freaking out!

Options
MeToo14
MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
edited January 2019 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

4 years ago, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with stage 3 IDC. I did lots of chemo, had two surgerys and 35 rounds of radiation. I have been on zoladex and aromasin for three years. For the last year I have had a bit of discomfort in my left side hip and back but in the last 8 mon it has increased. I have had a normal x-ray and all my bloodwork is always been normal. The x-ray showed a slightly compressed disc, bone spurs, bursitis in my hips and good old fashion arthritis. I have always had back pain, I remember having problems in high school. I have also had a problem with sciatica long before cancer. This pain is different, it starts in my lower lumbar and radiates down into my tailbone. It moves across the lower left side of my back into my hip and butt and down the side of my thigh. It has gotten worse and is there all the time. It's not worse at night but it can worsen during activity. It hurts more when I bend or twist to the left and I'm not sure, but I think there might be be a small lump where the pain is. Sitting also increses the pain especially in my tailbone.

I have a MRI next Tuesday and am freaking out that this is cancer. I am having a hard time keeping it together and am driving my husband crazy. Has anyone else had something like this that turned out to be nothing? Should I be somewhat relieved that my bloodwork is all good, including tumor markers? Am I just plain crazy? Please help talk me off the ledge. Pleas and thank you!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2018

    Hi MeToo,

    We don't have any experience with this type of pain, but we're sure someone here will stop by to weigh in shortly. We just wanted to share that we are thinking of you and sending you our best. Positive thoughts to you!

    Please keep us posted with what your MRI shows. In the meantime, we hope you can try and remain calm and positive.

    Sending love,

    --The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you mods. I'm just so scared.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2018

    Scans are so scary, so do everything you can to stay distracted. When the worry is unbrearable, go for a walk, journal, or vent here, but then try to get back to living each day. Hoping the MRI gives you an answer for the pain. It sounds like you've had lots going on even prior to cancer, so hopefully those are just aggravated. The AIs seem to make my 48 year old body feel 68 some days. I think (in my non professional opinion) that prior areas of injury or pain seem to be the most aggravated by the AIs. Hoping yours is just your injuries acting up.


    Keep us posted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Novagirl
    Novagirl Member Posts: 123
    edited December 2018

    Metoo14,

    I’m sorry you are going through this. I’m in a similar boat with back pain from a fractured spine on L4 and hip pain. I have an MRI and bone scan on Friday. I’m freaking out. I hope everything turns out okay for you

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you kbee, your kind words and assurance is comforting.

    Novagirl, I'm sorry you are going through this too. I hope you get good news and don't have to wait until after the weekend. Thank you for your reply. This is a lot.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2018

    Sorry that both of you are in so much pain. When I went through treatment 2 years ago, my sciatic pain became progressively worse. The pain going down my leg to my foot was excruciating. Fortunately, my bone scan was clear. I spent 4 months rehabbing myself using postural alignment exercises and nerve gliding. I was able to stop all pain meds over a year ago. Hope your scans are clear.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you serenity! I'm glad your pain is gone. I'm hoping for a no cancer answer to my pain!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited December 2018

    Yes, I had severe back pain hard to move. I had an MRI no cancer. I had sprained my back but don't know how just woke up with the pain one day. Ice was the miracle cure. I am ok but still get stiff and have pain once in a while.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tessu
    tessu Member Posts: 1,564
    edited December 2018

    Could your pain be from tight/inflamed fascia? My sciatica changed and I was also scared of recurrance; luckily imaging was ok but I still had pain. The physical therapist I was referred to tried some (very painful) fascial release massage, and after a couple days of feeling much worse, the pain went back to what is has been since well before my cancer - much milder and only intermittant.

    I hope yor scans are ok!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Yikes meow, that sounds painful! I'm glad the pain has gotten better! I don't think this is a sprain, I sprained my ankle years ago and it's never been the same. To think about doing that to your back seems scary.

    Tessu, it's possible that the pain is non cancer related. That's my hope at least. Last year I did physical therapy and it really didn't do anything. Though the pain wasn't as bad back then. It's sounds like you had a really hard time with that, I'm glad you have it under control. I hope you find a permanent solution for it!

    Thank you both for your support and taking the time to share with me, it really helps to hear encouraging stories. I'm not sure that my hip and back are related to each other actually. My hip feels different than my back. I feel pressure in it when I lay on it or move a certain way. It's also a radiating pain down my thigh.

    My back is a buning aching pain that hurts when I put pressure on it or move the wrong way. If I sit still in the right position I don't really notice it. Its all on my left side too. The unfortunate thing is I work for the post office and this is not the time of year to be having this problem.

    I'm trying to get through this and know by this time next week I should have an answer. I'm just really scared that my life could be changed forever in a week. I hate this disease. I'm thankful for all of you and this site.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Ive also been googling like crazy, i know I shouldn't but I can't help it. I have no way of actually knowing but my back pain seems to be at the L5 and S1 area and radiates from the sacroiliac joint?!?! It goes along the left side if my lower back . Arg! I know I'm crazy. I just don't know what to do. I feel stuck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JoE777
    JoE777 Member Posts: 628
    edited December 2018

    MeToo14, sorry for your troubles. When is your scan and what kind is it? The cancer pain will not go away but can be less if you avoid activity that triggers pain. Sad to say yours sounds like mine and in the same area. Three series of the X-rays o area showed nothing but a little arthritis. MRI showed 5 tumors. You're doing the right thing. Hoping for good news for you. Please post as you have your scans. Hugs and Peace. Jo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Joe777, thank you. I'm sorry you are going through this. My scan is on Tuesday first thing in the morning. Right now I'm completely consumed by this and am hoping this time I can catch a break.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited December 2018

    I have pain very much like this.  I went in to my oncologist at one point, they did imaging, and I was fine. That said, not sure how those of us with arthritis and other sources of pain, can ever tell we need to be evaluated for spread to bone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    So I've been poking around my back to feel where the pain is coming from and it seems to be radiating across my back from two points. They are hard painful lumps. I think it's not good. What do you think the odds are that it's not cancer. My MO seems convinced it isn't, but I can put 2 and 2 together.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Esmerelda
    Esmerelda Member Posts: 243
    edited December 2018

    hey Metoo.

    I don’t have any answers for you, but I’m completely on the struggle bus today managing my own pain and fear (as you know). I had to put off yesterday’s bone scan because my 4 years old came down with a fever and cough the night before. Had to stay home to be with her. Now, it’s scheduled for next Friday. Today’s pain is mentally unbearable. I don’t mean to hijack your thread - but just to say, I know what your carrying. Sending love

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Oh Esmeralda, I'm so sorry. The waiting is horrible. Please know I am thinking of you and hoping you are ok.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Tomorrow at 7am I have my MRI, I'm beyond scared. I even bothered my MO to try and get some reassurance from him because I'm just falling apart. My life could change forever this week. I will keep everyone posted and let you know when I get the results. This is crazy, I'm only 39.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2018

    Try to stay distracted. Easier said than done. If you absolutely cannot get your mind off of it, then sit down and make a list of what you'll do if it is good news, and what you'll do to address it if it is bad noew. Then you feel some control. Understand however, that there is probably a 90% chance it will be good news.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    KBeee, I'm thankful for you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2018

    MeToo14 - glad the MRI is close to help alleviate your fears. Been there many times over the past 7 years as has my sister over the past 3 years. I had one severe episode as you described. It was bursitis. Simple stretching exercises cured me. Bringing my knee up to my chest while lying down. I was going to a physical therapist at the time for my lympedema. She explained that hip pain and bursitis is the #1 complaint of women in joint pain.

    I had it again this year as the weather changed. I didn't get crazy this time - just did my exercises.

    Praying for you that is what it is...I am so sorry you are going through all of this at such a young age.

    all my best wishes - Denise

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you Denise-G, it's good to remember that it doesn't automatically have to be cancer. I'm glad you are doing well! Right now I'm just questioning all my decisions. I had hoped to try for a baby and so I opted for ovarain suppression instead if having my ovaries removed. Now it's clear I won't have a baby and wished I just had them taken out.

    The pain continues and I just feel stuck right now. But the support really does help!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Esmerelda
    Esmerelda Member Posts: 243
    edited December 2018

    meToo - I know tomorrow is a big day for you. I just want you to know that I am right behind you - MRI and Bone scan Thursday and Friday this week. If it helps, please remember that you are not alone. You've got this. As many folks (even stage IV sisters!) have shared with me - the waiting and wondering and worrying is MUCH worse than where you will be on the other side of your scan. Regardless of what it shows. You AREin my prayers. Keep breathing. ((((Hugs))))))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you Esmeralda, I'm thinking of you. It's hard but I'm so thankful for this site and all the support. You will get your answers soon and I pray you are ok. I will keep you posted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    On my way to my MRI, I want to know but I don't want to know what's going on. I don't expect results today but I will keep you posted. Thank you again everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2018

    Thinking of you! Hoping you get good news and answers. Keep us posted!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited December 2018

    Thank you Kbee! It's done and now I wait...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Esmerelda
    Esmerelda Member Posts: 243
    edited December 2018

    You did it! Now, go and do something nice for yourself. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2018

    Waiting is the worst! I'm with Esmerelda; treat yourself to something.


    Esmerelda...thinking of you as well since I know your scans are coming up. Both of you keep us posted when you have the chance.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • QueenCC
    QueenCC Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2018

    Dear Friend, First of all you ARE NOT crazy. Never think that. We all know that its important to check out anything that doesn’t seem right about our bodies. I have experienced all types of odd pain since chemotherapy and radiation. Some of them are typical side effects some them are not. I believe you pain is something stemming from radiation but the MRI will tell. I have a tremendous amount of nerve pain and damage. Do you think it could be neurological?


    Think positive and live for today! You will only have one chance to have today! This is your life, make the best of it no matter what.

    QueenCC

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories