Rib Mets

[pibikay]

Hema has mets in the ribs.I asked the Onc if radation will help.
He said he will not reccommend radiation and that the Tykerb-Xeloda regime will take care of it also along with quartely IV of Zoletrust a biophosphate
I will aprreciate others experiences as I am worried a lot about that.
Thanks

[StephN]

Sorry to hear of rib mets now.

You say "mets" plural, but not how many. Did the doctor give his reasons why he would not recommend rads?
Could be the location of the mets that are in an area near organs or major veins, nerves.

More specifics might shed some light on whether sticking with her chemo is the best way to go.

[Joan M]

PBK,

I have never had bone mets, but please let Hema know she's in my prayers.

Joan

[tricia keegan]

PBK, I'm sorry to read this, my friend has bone mets and her onc told her radiation is usually only given to relieve pain if any is present.

[pibikay]

Dear All
It is not a new development.It was there at the time of original diagnosis.I did not have the original reports as they had been sent to the insurance Co and I had only the discharge summary.We got the details wehn we got the lat PET scan report copy.The mets is in th1 4& 7 right ribs and the scan shows that they are scelerotic ( I hope my spelling is correct)Hema has no pain but as she went through the reports fully for the first time she noticed them and asked the Onc.I too got scared and that is why I started the thread.I just wanted to know about the treatment
Thanks

[Trish]

I have extensive bone mets (including in the ribs) and radiation was not recommended. I have had them since 2007 and they haven't caused me trouble to date. I have had a lot of chemo during that time and I have Zometa every six weeks. Does the fact that they are sclerotic mean they are no longer active? I hope so. All the best.
Trish

[norkdo]

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/pain-ribs-anyone-had-it?page=1

This forum is excellent. Really covers the issue in detail. I have had chostochondritis (learned term in above url) and had a ct for chest and in two days will have bone scan so I am particularly relieved to learn that the ribs pain ...which is located out of the area of radiation...but on the same side as the radiation i had (thirty) three months ago...could be either chostochondritis, rads related, taxol-related, or herceptin related...or progression. this wide range is actually soothing for those like me worried it is mets. however, the posts on there from those with bone mets still alive after years and years of living with bone mets...is...once again...soothing.

[KDR]

Pibikay,
I am sorry to hear of Hema's news, but am happy she is not feeling any pain. I will continue to wish the best for you and your family.
Karen

[ElaineM]

I am sorry to hear about the rib mets. However, I agree that the type Hema has might not be active.
Why go through all the radiation if it only helps control Rib pain? Radiation can cause alot of skin issues and side effects. Natural methods might help control some pain too.
Maybe Hema's doctor is right that the Tykerb and Xeloda will reduce the rib mets eventually. The bone strengthener might also help.
Meanwhile is Hema eating food with calcium, vitamin D and a little magnesium?
They are all good for the bones. If Hema doesn't like dairy products she can get calcium from beans and some dark green veggies. Living in India she might be able to benefit from a little sunshine (vitamin D).
Good health and happiness to you both.