Some scan results
 

Thankfully, so far everything seems okay in terms of the cancer, but there's a new development.

On Friday I had a bone scan, but the results are not in yet. However, on the Wednesday before I had a PET/CT that showed in both images: a "heterotopic calcification lateral to the left proximal femur with mild metabolic activity, probably representing an inflammatory process." The standardized uptake value, or SUV, was 2.5. In many cases, lesions that register only metabolic activity at 3.0 and above are reported. The calcification would account for my hip pain, which is located in the upper part of the "bump" of my thigh. My lateral knee also hurts, but that was not in range of the PET/CT.

The bone scan will give more information about the heterotopic calcification, and also indicate whether I should be concerned about anything that was outside the range of the PET/CT.

My oncologist's nurse who gave me the results, said my oncologist wants me to take an inflammatory drug like ibuprofen for a week and to take it easy. Depending on the results of the bone scan (that is if nothing points to cancer), she is going to recommend an orthopedic surgeon. And I intend to get more information about this.

Needless to say, I'm grateful that there appears to be no cancer thus far.

Heterotopic calcifications (not to be confused with heterotopic ossifications, it seems) is the development of bone in the soft tissue, ligament or tendon of bones -- I think. They seem to range from congenital/genetic types resulting in severe deformity starting at a young age, to much less serious types -- I think. So, it appears that my bone is not involved, although it could be, and a bone scan might indicate that.

The cause? Direct trauma to the site of the calcification is the first cause given, but heterotopic calcifications can also appear without a traumatic incident. And that would be in my case. Injuries to the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury were also cited as causes of the development of calcifications outside those areas, and I believe that my craniotomy would fall into this category.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that the bone scan will not show any cancer and/or other calcifications, and I'll let you know.

Joan

Re: Some scan results
 

Joan, I have been thinking about you and praying you would get a good report. It sounds like they really don't think it is cancer but...it's always a but. I hope the bone scan shows that it not cancer related. You have done so well and I always enjoy your posts. Best wishes for a good report on the bone scan!!! Mary L

Re: Some scan results
 

Thanks for letting us know. I'm hoping hard too that the results of your bone scan are favourable. Having said that, my multitude of bone mets (including in scary places like vertebrae and pelvis) diagnosed in 2007 initially caused two fractures of my ribs. Once bone mets were identified and I was put on Zometa they were no longer symptomatic and there has been no progression since. I hope you won't be needing Zometa but it is a relief to know it is available in the unlikely event you need it.
Trish

Re: Some scan results
 

Joan--so far so good---hopefully you will get a definative answer, SOON!

ALL GOOD THOUGHS.

Re: Some scan results
 

Joan,

It is always nerve-wrecking having to wait for results. Thanks for sharing the information. I'm sending you good vibes.

Re: Some scan results
 

I guess they had to do SOMETHING to keep it exciting. Don't they know we like boring scans just fine ??

Glad it sound non cancer related and if you've been having pain, maybe it will be good to get some answers

Keep us posted

Re: Some scan results
 

You had mentioned a pain/ache ongoing in that area when we last met in early December. Guess they decided it had gone on long enough that it warrented some thorough checking!

I am SO glad they did that. Likely not a cancer process, so I will place a bet that you will have good news on that score.

Tomorrow I have my routine CT scan, so it seems a lot of us here are in "scan" mode!

Bon chance!

Re: Some scan results
 

Hi Joan,

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

Hopefully is nothing, you are doing well and you look terrific on all those Italy pictures.

I concur with Steph we all are in the "scan" mode, I'll be having scans next week--chest and echo.

Hoping and praying for an excellent Pet scan report.

Thank you for the update.

Love,

Adriana

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Hi Joan. I am sorry you still have to do that bone scan to be reassured. I hope it will be negative and that you will have an explanation. I had 4 Pet/Scans since diagnosis in 3 different places and each time something lit up in my right hip and they all said it was nothing. I hope it will be the same for you. Bon courage! Michka

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I hope the bone scan will give you the answers you need and that it will be easily treated. Will keep looking to updates. Pam

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Joan,
I too have been thinking of you and will continue to...you are in good hands, and I'm sure this will not have a negative outcome.
PS I wish I had half your knowledge.
Hugs,

Re: Some scan results
 

Joan,
I am sending along positive thoughts and power prayers your way it will a good report. You are doing really well and will continue on that path!
Kris....

Re: Some scan results
 

Ya know, Joan, I could start rumors.....like how you danced all night with a handsome stranger and got a little too frisky with the bump. That could be the explanation for the direct trauma. Now we all know I am NOT one to start speculative rumors, just ask Brenda about her hot tub experience with the Swedish ski team last year....

Hoping for the best on this one, kiddo. Keep us posted.

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You are in my thoughts and prayers, too, Joan. Scans are scary! Hope this one turns out to be something easier to deal with. Please let us know what you find out as soon as you can. Hugs, TriciaK

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Joan
I know the hip was bothering you in San Antonio...heres hoping nothing shows up...I always feel happy when they say its just the aging process....only cancer patients would call that a cpmpliment! Thinking of you!

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Joan,
Just chiming in to let you know I am thinking of you and wishing you well.

Keeping our fingers crossed that the tests prove no cancer. We forget that as we beat back the "C", we are getting older. (YEA!!!) However, other health issues do pop up.

Please let us know the results...Lori

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Hi Joan
The PET scan results indicated by you are poritivr and I an sure you eill have nothing to worry.
You will get some good news

Re: Some scan results
 

I finally got the results of the bone scan from my onc's nurse and it didn't show any mets. Thank goodness.

The scan didn't even show the heterotopic calcification that showed up in the PET/CT scan. I think the calcification is not part of the bone, but I'm not sure. Perhaps that's why it didn't show up on the bone scan.

The bone scan showed old age -- degenerative changes in the sternum, vertebrae, shoulders, knees, and feet, as well as old fractured ribs. The last bone scan I had several years ago did not mention the ribs. I wonder whether that's from both lung surgeries. Or at least from the thoracotomy.

My onc wants me to continue to take ibuprofen for about a week more and let her know how I feel before she recommends me to an orthopedic surgeon. I'm not really interested in having surgery, but I want to get more information about the calcification.

I feel like I never get used to the breast cancer roller coaster ride.

Joan

Re: Some scan results
 

Hi Joan, I have been waiting to hear the results of the bone scan and am very happy that it was NED. Best wishes for a healthy, happy new year. Mary L

Re: Some scan results
 

Oh Joan, your report is good news! Now, to get additional information on the calcification so that you know what need s to be done. I'm hoping that whatever is recommended is not difficult. Take the anti-inflammatory in hopes that it makes you much more comfortable.

Barb