HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Bone mets to only one site and no other signs of mets?

SandyBB · 03-26-2007, 10:49 AM

I actually logged back on to this site today after a long absence because I wanted to see what everyone was saying about Elizabeth Edwards.
I realized I should post an update for those who do searches in the future and could benefit from hearing my outcome -

As background/reminder, I was diagnosed stage 2B in Sept. 2003 with no evidence of mets. Then in Aug of 2006, I experienced severe pain in my left rib area(cancer was in my left breast) with no memory of any injury. All my bone scans in the past had been totally clear. This time they did an x-ray - nothing, then a bone scan which found a big hot spot on the rib which we assumed was bone mets. But, my blood work and cat scan were fine, and my onc swore that bone mets rarely showed up in only one spot. So - I waited 6 weeks, had another bone scan. Still there (but maybe, a tiny bit less bright). But no other spots. So then had a Pet Scan - totally clear. My onc said she was 97% sure it was not cancer. Wait 3 months, have another bone scan - spot much much smaller, no new spots-
Diagnosis - broken rib from weakening caused by radiation. X-rays do not always pick up a rib fracture. I could have had a rib biopsy but very invasive. If this last bone scan had not been so conclusive, I might have needed one for peace of mind.

03-26-2007, 10:49 AM	#28
SandyBB Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 25	Update from SandyBB - I actually logged back on to this site today after a long absence because I wanted to see what everyone was saying about Elizabeth Edwards. I realized I should post an update for those who do searches in the future and could benefit from hearing my outcome - As background/reminder, I was diagnosed stage 2B in Sept. 2003 with no evidence of mets. Then in Aug of 2006, I experienced severe pain in my left rib area(cancer was in my left breast) with no memory of any injury. All my bone scans in the past had been totally clear. This time they did an x-ray - nothing, then a bone scan which found a big hot spot on the rib which we assumed was bone mets. But, my blood work and cat scan were fine, and my onc swore that bone mets rarely showed up in only one spot. So - I waited 6 weeks, had another bone scan. Still there (but maybe, a tiny bit less bright). But no other spots. So then had a Pet Scan - totally clear. My onc said she was 97% sure it was not cancer. Wait 3 months, have another bone scan - spot much much smaller, no new spots- Diagnosis - broken rib from weakening caused by radiation. X-rays do not always pick up a rib fracture. I could have had a rib biopsy but very invasive. If this last bone scan had not been so conclusive, I might have needed one for peace of mind.