My bone scan
 

I had my bone scan yesterday. Didn't want to look at the screen but it was right in front of me. I lit up in several areas on ribs. Doctor has now scheduled a CAT scan. I'm numb. I was Stage 1 T1b N0 and I had a lot of treatment -- I was so optimistic. But I guess it's possible for early stage to progress in one year. Until I get a real diagnosis, I can't make any plans. MJO

If they are the ribs on the same side you got radiation, it could be that. None the less, I know you are worried but there may be no need. Did you have a scan prior to treatment? This may be an injury etc that has been there your whole life.

I am thinking about you and wishing you a little calm until these questions are answered for you.

Thanks Becky. They are on my lumpectomy and radiated side. I didn't get a scan pre-treatment. The protocol is not to give them to stage 1 N0

How long ago was radiation?
 

Another factor to consider is how long ago you had your radiation treatments. Even with hard tissue like bone, and definitely with soft tissue like brain, mets will expand due to the radiation, then overtime reduce. Our radio-Onc compared it to cooking a marshmallow in a microwave. First the radiation will cause an increase in mass, sometimes a dramactic increase, but after treatment and overtime the mass will "fall in on itself" often leaving just a speck of its former self.

I pray for you and that this is the case.

Love and Light
Mel

I don't know if you read it, but I posted on almost this exact situation a few weeks ago. I went in for a bone scan because my hip has been really hurting for the last 6-8 weeks and on the scan a spot showed up on my ribs- not the side that I was radiated on. I did have a clean scan after my mast., so it was very alarming. After an x-ray, and a CT, the doctors and techs felt that it was not mestastatic and that I must have injured myself and don't remember it. They are going to check it again in 3 months. My rad. onc. also said that it is very uncommon for mets to present initially to the ribs (10%). It is very possible that you have injured yourself and that everything is ok. I do completely understand how you feel and was horribly upset that I might have reoccured so soon. I will be saying a prayer for you.

Love, Kelly

Dear MJo,

It's such a pesty decease. I know how you feel about being optimistic with your dx. That's why I always say to the doc, what else can we do besides ct frequently?, even for the early stages?

It must be very anxy to wait for the test and then the news. I had to wait 4 weeks for an mri of my sternum where something also lit up.

Hang in there. My thoughts are with you.

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

I can imagine this is all very scary to you, and I know I would be super-anxious waiting for tests results. But also I know of soooooo many women who go in for these scans, and find out they have non-malignant concerns-- pinched nerves, osteoperosis, cracked ribs, etc. Our bodies have been through so much, and I'm not surprised at all that something lit-up. But I'm sure it is B9. Wishing you some peace during the wait.

Jen

Agree with all, try not to worry too much.....
 

.... but I know how hard it is not to. It could be so many things other than a recurrence. Waiting for test results is just the absolute pits. Sending you hugs and hope, Diane

What a blessing you all are. I will hope for the best, and will try to make the best of whatever the outcome. MJO

MJO,

I am sorry you are having to worry. I have read so often that arthritis can light up on scans. SOmetimes scans will pick up something one day and not the next. I think it's great that your onc is being cautious and ordering the CT. The waiting is terrible but I have a good feeling that you are a-ok!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi