Rib spot

Hopeful3 · September 2019

hello all,

2 months ago had X-ray bone scan and CT X-ray and bone scan found spot on rib lyric and sclerosis noted CT scan nothing. Going for another round of all three next week scared beyond words. Wondered if anyone else has experienced this?? This stuff just never ends.

Hopeful458

NancyHB · September 2019

Hopeful - it’s so scary when “incidentalomas” pop up - those accidental findings on scans or x-rays. Has your MO said anything about what they think this is?

That’s how my rib met was initially found. My MO uses both CT and bone scans to correlate metastatic findings. Follow-up bone scan showed a spot on my left rib as well as my left hip. I had a CT scan which also showed the rib lesion, but not the hip, which the radiologist says is a benign bone island. Since then I’ve had sclerotic and lytic areas pop up on bone scan that don’t correlate on CT - like my spine, femur, humorous, and scapula - except for the new area on my sternum, which also correlates. A biopsy can be an option, although can be difficult with bone lesions (the rib biopsy requires a resection with chest tube and all sorts of mess that my MO insists isn’t necessary since the CT and bone scan correlate, so for now we wait for something “easier” to biopsy to pop up).

I know waiting is hard; if it helps I’ve come to understand and believe that until it’s something, it’s nothing. I’ll keep you in my thoughts.

Hopeful3 · September 2019

Hello NancyHB,

Thank you so much for responding. I’m sorry to hear that you have had to go through this frightening process I’m 4 years out from my initial diagnosis stage 2 lymph node positive. I sure didn’t want to deal with this again foolishly thought maybe it was over. The oncologist says the “spot” is very vague not enough to biopsy. So what do they do wait for it to get bigger??? Thank you so much for saying it’s nothing until it’s something just need to keep thinking that way. I know you know the mind can take you to dark places if we let it. It was very kind of you to give me some insight

You are also in my thoughts and prayers

Hopeful3

NancyHB · September 2019

My MO is incredibly conservative, and I really like that. Her rationale is that I have no symptoms and pretty good QOL right now. At this point treatment is palliative and not curative, so if the area is small and not causing problems she doesn’t want to biopsy - once they biopsy we start treatment. I’ve done chemo twice now, and am not eager to jump back on that ship. I’m left with neuropathy, thinned hair, chemo brain and odd pains. Bone can be difficult to biopsy too, much harder than tissue or organs, so if they’re not certain it’s something, they often prefer to re-scan and watch, especially if it’s only one or two spots.

Let us know how you’re doing; I’ll be thinking about you.

Hopeful3 · September 2019

so they just wait for it to grow? That’s what I feel like they are doing. I’m so scared.....why does this have to happen to any of us? I feel like I want the rib out if it hasn’t spread to other places yet...

NancyHB · September 2019

It was explained to me that removing the rib for biopsy isn’t an easy procedure and comes with a host of risks. I would stay overnight in the hospital and be sent home with a chest tube because there’s a high risk of lung collapse. Also, the ribs help protect lungs and heart and missing ribs isn’t ideal. I think the risks outweigh the benefits, especially if the spot is small and you’re not experiencing symptoms. Intellectually it’s seems best to remove the area (and cancer) to get it out, but if it’s already in your bones removing the rib isn’t likely to keep it from popping up in other places - and you can’t just keep removing bone.

I know this is a really hard time right now. Waiting for definitive answers can be frustrating and feel like it’s taking forever. Don’t hesitate to ask your MO what they think is happening, why they choose to wait and not biopsy, and what they think the chances are that this is mets. Maybe it’s time to ask for a PET or MRI. Waiting is really hard, but sometimes it’s how the process goes.

KBeee · September 2019

Hoping it is just an incidental finding and not mets.

T1988 · September 2019

Hi Hopeful,

I had a bone scan that was 100% clear, then my (CT) chest scan showed one sclerotic lesion on my V2 vertebrae. I had an MRI on the lesion on Monday, and I'm waiting for the results.

I'm terrified for the pathology reports on my lymph nodes, and now the lesion.

Ugh, I feel your pain.

Let's pray our results are ok.

Hopeful3 · September 2019

Hello T1988,

It was so kind of you to respond. I’m sorry to hear that you are having these troubles as well. Just cam out of the clinic from a bone scan again sitting in my car shaking as to what the results will be.the anxiety I’m having is so high I think I’m going to bust! The tech says as I’m leaving we will get the results to your Dr and she can tell you all about it!!!??? All about what I’m thinking is there more now?? Prayers for both of us for peace and negative results!!

God bless

Hopeful3

CC23 · October 2019

I understand the stress and worry. Had a knee X-ray and I read that it mentioned bone lesion. My Ortho never mentioned. I called my med onc and I go in for scans this week. Really trying not to let this consume my days! Frustrating and it sucks!

AutismMom1 · November 2019

I was wondering how often you all have had bone scans or CTs? I had a bone scan in March after my surgery and it showed everything clear. Now I am having pain in my ribs and it is freaking me out. I am worried it has moved into my ribs. Curious as to how often MOs will let you do a bone scan and how often most insurance companies will pay for one if any of you know... thanks for any info any of you can share.

Rib spot

Comments

Categories