Bone Scan Yesterday

marymary · 07-08-2006, 08:28 AM

Yesterday I had a bone scan. My doctor's been after me to have one and most recently I've had a pain in my back/side, underneath my lowest rib.

I managed to get a look at one view of the scan and sure enough, there was a little light in this spot. The tech said it is where my lower rib connects with my spine, and is more likely to be arthritis. I do have some degenerative disease: an old spot on my foot (dancing?), hips were lightly glowing (dancing, gardening?). I am just all aglow! One other "weirdness" is the long upper bones in my legs, the Femur(s) are darker than the others. The technician said that if he didn't know better, he'd say I was a runner. I am not a runner, but I do keep pretty active. The Tech and I were just trying to be very glib and we both agreed it was time to cut back on my tennis (in my dreams!).

A PET/CT is scheduled for Wednesday, so maybe I'll know more then. I want so badly to get in the U of Washington study, so hopefully these little lit areas are just degnerative changes. It is very difficult not to worry, especially when there's a persistent pain in my back/side. I wonder if arthritis could be the cause. The nurses suggested I take Advil, 600 mg. 3x's/day. That's a lot of Advil.

I can't feel my liver and there is no pain at all when I push in that area.

These tests are so anxiety producing. It's hurry, hurry, hurry to arrive on time, wait and wait to begin the test (which takes all day) and then wait and wait some more to find out if there are any trouble spots.

I am dreading hearing bad news, dreading being back on chemo, besides Herceptin, that is. If this is cancer then it's progressing on Herceptin. I know, I know, I am borrowing trouble. Don't we all have enough already?

Sign me,

Worry Wart

(mary)

Carol.hope · 07-08-2006, 04:49 PM

Hi Mary. I'm no expert, but since no one else has replied to you yet, let me at least say that I can certainly relate to the stress of waiting for all these tests and then the results. Sounds like you handle the process really well, with the joking, for example. But then a good cry might help, too, huh?!

What I want to offer is some alternatives to Advil (ibuprofen). I took a lot (800mg 3x/day) for back pain, which my MDs said was ok, for several years. It was my vitamin I. I could not imagine having to go off it for months after my spinal fusion surgery. After my cancer diagnosis, I found some info that shows possible links between ibuprofen and cancer. So I'm off it for good now.

What helps me is a whole bunch of supplements, of which it seems the MSM makes the most difference in pain. I take 4 grams 2x/day. (start with 500mg and build up). As for the anxiety, I have to keep reminding myself to breath deeply and try to get to that meditative state. I have a little "biofeedback" toy from Sharper Image that helps (put two fingers in and hear the pitch go up with your anxiety, and work on lowering it). Also, calling a supportive buddy for a good cry really does seem to help (the buddy has to agree first to a certain amount of time not to interrupt or try to get you to stop!).

I'll breathe a little for both of us, during this terrible waiting time. Isn't it good to have this web site to go to? Healing thoughts to you. - Carol

dawn · 07-08-2006, 05:05 PM

Hi, I know how you feel. i just had my bone scan on July3rd. They told me it would take 7-10 days to get results back to my onc. Im on pins and needles until this week so I can phone in and ask whats going on, is it good or bad. I just keep telling myself everything is going to be fine and until someone tells me differently, Im not going to let myself belive otherwise.
Here's to yours coming up aces also
Dawn

Patty H · 07-08-2006, 05:13 PM

I'm not sure about bone scans but this last year I learned after a c-scan or a pet scan, I can go the next day where I had the test and ask for a written report. This sure helped me. I still have to wait till I see my Dr. to discuss them, but I can read and this way I am ready to talk to my Dr. and I know what to ask etc. Patty H

Carol.hope · 07-08-2006, 05:15 PM

Here's a link with some alternatives to ibuprofen. R.B. keeps telling us to take fish oil - here it is again! http://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/16/pain_killers.htm- Carol

tousled1 · 07-09-2006, 06:23 AM

Mary,

I know how you feel waiting for the results of tests and yet having more scheduled. Just remember, the tech is only a tech, it's the doctor who reads the tests. I've had bone scans, CTs, PET scan, MRIs, etc. I always asked the tech how it looked and the reply was always "your doctor will receive the results in a day or two." Just hang in there and try and think positive thoughts.