Need an opinion and hopefully advice on this

tricia keegan · 12-16-2009, 04:31 PM

Hi everyone,

My recent pet/ct scan was clear, but the bone scan and mri showed a suspicious area.

I saw my onc today and as I'm still having pain in this area we've agreed to do a bone bx, yikes! (seemed a good idea at the time)!!!

I've heard it can be painful and would prefer to be informed and ready so if anyone has had one I'd appreciate any info.
She mentioned I'll be in hospital for two days, I'm sure I remember reading here that this is done on an out patient basis in the US so maybe they mean to sedate me?? I forgot to ask of course.
I wanted to enjoy Christmas first so it won't be arranged until January which gives me lots of time to research it of course, but I still prefer to hear from someone who has some personal experience

Laurel · 12-16-2009, 08:01 PM

Tricia,

I do not know a thing about bone bx, but I just wanted to throw something out to you. This past year I had chronic pain in my left hip area. It gradually crescendo-ed to the point where walking and sitting were quite uncomfortable. I finally had a bone scan which showed nothing. I looked for other reasons as I knew the pain was real. What I discovered is the I was sitting with my legs propped up on the ottoman in such a way as to exacerbate my hip pain. I discontinued sitting in that position and within a few days my pain had subsided markedly. Today I am pain-free. I have a similar problem with my lumber region of my back. If i sit in a certain position at my computer, BOY do I pay for it!

My suspicion is that this propensity to developing odd (but nevertheless painful) aches and pains is due to my hormone therapy with an A.I. Yesterday I was washing and hanging up my curtains. Nothing too strenuous, right? Well then if it wasn't too taxing (and I assure you it was not!) how is it that I am so stiff and sore today? Beats me, but I am betting it's the darn A.I.s!

I am suggesting you watch how you are sitting and change your posture and even the chairs. It really has made a difference for me. I only offer this as a possible remedy for your pain and in the hope that this will indeed by the source of your discomfort.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good result on your test!

Jackie07 · 12-16-2009, 08:07 PM

At first I thought you were talking about bone scan - I had had one a year ago.

Then I realized that you were talking about bone biopsy.
I hope Chelee (?) and others who have the experience will see this and reply soon.

You take care now and fill your heart with the holiday spirit - boost your 'endorphene' which will help reduce whatever pain there might be.

ElaineM · 12-16-2009, 09:37 PM

I think Laurel gave you good information. Sometimes we don't realize the way we sit, walk or do other things is causing stress somewhere in our skeleton.
I think they will give you some kind of local or general anethesia for a bone biopsy. I think you might want to ask your doc or the doc who is going to do the biopsy beforehand. They will probably give you a consent form to sign. Make sure you understand what is going to be done before you sign it. A bone biopsy is different than a bone marrow aspiration. During a bone biopsy they may make a small incision in the area. Then they will probably put take out some cells or a small piece of tissue from the bone. They will use stitches if neccessary and put bandages and an antibiotic on the incision. It is not a big surgery. It is a biopsy and should only take a few minutes.
Take care. Have a nice holiday season.

Rich66 · 12-16-2009, 09:38 PM

I don't know about bone biopsies. But..maybe factor this into whatever you do: LINK

Jean · 12-16-2009, 10:28 PM

Hi Tricia,
Do you know what type of bone biopsey you are scheduled to have. There are different types.
There is the open biopsey - the skin is opened and the surgeon takes a sample of the bone. Anytime bone is cut it is uncomfortable. But your dr.'s will give you pain meds for it.

Laurel makes a strong point regarding the AI's. While I was on Arimidex I had a lot of joint aches and pain etc.
Then on Femara it was much better for me. But I still have a pain in my hip if I sit too long so I do get up and move around...long car rides I feel the ache after about two hours. Exercise is vital to keep us loose. Like Laurel if I am at the computer too long I will begin to have a burning ache in the back of my neck. So I make sure when I am at the office or home I move around - take the stairs instead of an elevator...park my car further away...any added exercise I can get. Walking is the best. You did not mention where you are having this pain.

Does the pain come and go or is it always present.
For instances if I am on a long car ride and I stop and strech my legs and walk a bit the pain stops. Do you have the pain when you get up in the morning and last all day? Non stop?

I wish you luck with the surgery....I am hoping it is nothing more than the AI giving you some feedback!

Please let us know how you are.
Best Wishes,
Jean

Patb · 12-17-2009, 12:11 AM

I also have pain in my right lower hip area and
it got so bad I just had a bone scan which showed
nothing serious but some spots of wear and tear.
I take arimidex and have for three years and I
did not have any pain until six months after starting
arimidex. Exercise helps but a long car trip really
bothers me.
patb

tricia keegan · 12-17-2009, 02:43 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies, and such detailed info Rich! Another thing to look into it seems.

I've always had aches/pains while taking the A1 but a few months ago it became worse and I even had it while sitting although I don't wake up with it or need to take any meds for it.

Jean, I'm not sure as yet of the details as the onc just mentioned a ct guided bone biopsy and left the decision to me. I think once she case even a little doubt I knew I had to have this done and know for certain. I feel we can't take a chance with this disease, and I think being over four years out and highly triple pos is behind her decision in leaving nothing to chance.

Thanks again my friends, I've plenty of time to research as it won't be scheduled until January.

Ellie F · 12-17-2009, 04:01 AM

Hi tricia
You have raised a really interesting issue. What is the difference between a bone biopsy and a bone aspiration? I assume a biopsy would remove part of the outer covering of the bone where an aspiration would extract a sample of bone marrow?
I will be having an aspiration if my platelet count does not improve, i believe that this is painful and is taken from the hip.
Ellie

Lani · 12-17-2009, 04:24 AM

what bone do they intend to biopsy? By what technique?
How much bone do they plan to remove?

If it is a weightbearing bone and the biopsy is of a size which weakens the bone, they may ask you to use crutches for a while after the biopsy.

If it is a rib, you might hurt when you breathe for a while.

If you provide more information perhaps we might be able to get you more information on which to make your decision. In the meantime, see if your doctor cannot provide you with more information.

Hope this helps!

schoolteacher · 12-17-2009, 07:16 AM

Tricia,

I am sorry you are still in pain. Hopefully, you will find the information that you need. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Amelia

tricia keegan · 12-17-2009, 12:49 PM

Thank you all again very much and I appreciate each and every reply and word of encouragment!

Lani, I did'nt get to ask many questions yesterday and so far all I know is that I'll be having a ct guided biopsy for a very small area to the right of my thoraic. I'll be seeing my onc after Christmas when I should have a lot more info, thanks again everyone