Concerned about possible Bone Mets
Hi ladies. I am over 4 years out from IDC in my left breast. When I had my original biopsy they recommended a lumpectomy. I did not have clear margins so I had a mastectomy and opted for a bilateral. I was told that my cancer was a lot bigger than they originally thought - that it had not shown up that large on the ultrasound and mammogram. I underwent chemo and radiation. Every 6 months I see my MO and he does CA27-29. My levels have always been in the 30's range. Fast forward to October 2019. I had my labs done and my tumor marker was now 48.5. When I met with my MO I told him that I have been having pain in my rib area and under my left arm right at the edge of my chest area. I also explained that I have been having pain in my lower spine - I had had a massage recently and I about jumped off the table when it was touched. My MO ordered a ultrasound and a CT scan. There was a small mass on the edge of my chest was - it was removed and found to be scar tissue - yay! Anyway - still having pain. Forward to December - MO did a recheck of my tumor marker and it is 45.3. Still complained of pain. He ordered a bone scan. Bone scan shows a spot on one of my ribs about at the end where it connects to the cartilage in my chest and a spot on my L5. Both these areas equate to where my pain is. He decided to refer me for another bone scan and to my radiation oncologist and said that he is sure that it was mets and we would radiate it. I got a call saying that he had consulted with the RO and they decided to do a PET scan instead and then I will see the RO afterwards. I had the scan and went to my appointment. NOTHING showed up on my PET scan. He said he didn't see any METS - can't explain my continued pain in my rib and spine. He stated that due to location of the rib one and the proximity to the cartilage that it could be costochondritis. I saw my MO in January - recheck tumor marker is 54. Still experiencing pain. He said maybe the rib area has neuropathy due to radiation, surgery etc and prescribed me Gabapention. Not really any difference since early January. He wanted a recheck in two months with another tumor marker check. My next appointment with the MO is March 7th. Saw my lab results for my latest tumor marker check and it is now 61. Still pain. I am so frustrated I want answers. Anyone with any similarities. The only test we haven't done is an MRI - I don't know if that would show anything differently. I am going to ask for a repeat scan of some kind.
Comments
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I would ask for a repeat scan of some kind. I do know that bone scans can show somethings that are false positives, which is why additional imaging would be helpful. It's a relief that the PET did not show anything. An MRI sounds like a logical next step; especially for the area on the spine.
Tumor markers are known to not be reliable in many people which is why many MOs do not use them. Inflammation of many types can cause a rise. Keep us posted when you ask for a scan.
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I would push for an MRI. As much as it's true that bone scans sometimes give false positives, on the other hand not many PET scan machines "see" anything under 4 mm.
Costochondritis is, unfortunately, one of the side effects many of us have.
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Ok, so my doctor has ordered a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. This is scheduled for Friday afternoon. He also ordered 2 MRI's, one with contrast and one without, which I will be having this afternoon. Now I am trying to move up my return appointment with my MO, which is currently scheduled for April 4th. Finally maybe I will get some answers.
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Christy1984, if you don't mind my asking, did you ever get a definitive answer after your scans? Hoping it was only good news for you.
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