First mets scare since '05:(

[tricia keegan]

I've been fortunate in not having any major stresses since my dx..up to this week that is!
I suddenly developed constant lower back pain last Friday evening without an apparent cause or injury that I can recall. The pain has'nt let up since, usually I wait the obligitory two weeks but as I was due at the hospital today for a clinical trial appt I mentioned it to the Dr.
I also told a little white lie and said I'd had it for a week as I knew he'd dismiss it otherwise and I'm really worried about this. My blood work today was fine, I had an x ray of my lower back which will be followed by a bone scan when they arrange a date. I know everyone's different but had always thought any mets would start off with little pain and then build up? This one began strong and is there all the time although I am getting a little relief today from Nurofen although it has'nt gone completly.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my worries and hope you all don't mind, a problem shared is a problem halved as they say
Please keep finger's and toe's crossed for me!!!

[Leslie304]

Toes, fingers and eyes all crossed for you Tricia! I hope it's nothing! (or non cancerous easy explanation!) Share your worries anytime ...

[norwegian]

Tricia,- I will cross my fingers and toes for your bone scan. It really might be nothing!
I had a seriously (at least that is what I think) back pain one year ago. I couldn't stand upright, couldn't relax properly, was really tired all the time.
I had a bone scan, and prayed to God.
It was clear - and the pain went.What I think happened is that my muscles got more and more tightened (I don't know how to put it, but you understand I'm sure) and was aching more and more.
This is a part of the cancer life I guess.
Good luck anyway!!!

[StephN]

Hi Tricia -
Do you know a good massage therapist? Amazing what they can do for our aches and pains.

I think maybe an MRI would be better than a bone scan to rule out any problems with spinal discs. Problems with bulging discs can cause sudden and sharp pains.

Try these avenues before thinking "mets."

[Lien]

Been there - several times. Never turned out to be anything to worry about. And you know what? Once it had been established that the pain was relatively harmless, it went away.

Stress can contribute to backpain as well. I'm glad you are having it checked, because it's no good waiting for two weeks while worrying.

Fingers and toes crossed for a good outcome, and may the pain disappear without a trace.

Love

Jacqueline

[lexigirl]

Hi Tricia,

I too am hoping since the pain came on so quickly that the problem is non cancer related. I hope that the pain goes away and that your scan will relieve your fears .

Big Hugs,
Lexi

[Hopeful]

Tricia,

I see you are on an AI. Do you know if you are osteopenic or osteoperotic? I am wondering about some kind of small stress fracture.

Best of luck to you,

Hopeful

[caya]

Tricia,

Glad you are having it checked out, and I am praying that it is nothing. StephN is right - why don't you get a nice massage from a registered massage therapist.

Keep us posted.

all the best
caya

[tricia keegan]

You're all very kind and thank you too for all the good thoughts and suggestions. Steph, I'm guilty of self dx here and just thought bone mets and not much else lol...your suggestion is a good one and can only help so I'll definatly look into that. I'm due to fly to Scotland to visit my first Grandchild on the 19th so maybe a massage will help relax and calm the fears a little
Hopeful, this crossed my mind earlier too, but although my first dexa in '07 showed some slight bone loss, the one I had the following year showed great improvement so I was able to give up the Fosamax which I hate!
Leslie, your suggestion of crossing eye's as well as everything else made me smile, thank you and you have a beautiful dog.
To everyone else, thanks again for replying and sending good wishes, it really helps allay the fear and confirms none of us are alone while going through this.
Oh, for the days when a back ache was simply just that lol...I'll try to see the bottle as half full thanks to all your encouragement and just hope this is nothing more than a scare, but it's really reminded me of what a cancer dx means no matter how well we're doing or far out we are...

[fullofbeans]

I am also hoping that it is nothing else but a scare, I have had many too and I can so relate to your worries..our worries here on this site, you are amongst people that understand what you feel.

so yes keep fingers crossed for you that it is just one of these usual annoying back problems, set a date for the scan then you know something is being done for it then try to relax until then (i know not easy)

Best wishes

[Laurel]

Believing for the best, Tricia! It takes nothing to send a back into spasm. Honestly, nothing! Clean the tub and stretch too far, twist to reach a bit of soap scum and your back can scream for days! Darn this getting old stuff! Of course, it beats the alternative! Try not to worry too much, Tricia. Easy for me to say, of course, but I am confident you will improve with a hot bath, a hot toddy (sp?) and a little time. Please let us know your scan results.

[Mary Jo]

Hi Sweet Lady....I'm so sorry for this scare in your life. It is so awful when these scares come.

I am praying that all will be well with you......and I'm feeling good that it is. I guess because it all came on so quickly......

I anxiously wait to hear from you.......

Love and hugs,

Mary Jo

[mamacze]

Oh Tricia - we can ALL relate to the panic in the pit of your stomach feeling when something just doesn't feel right and "what if?".....it is a slice of ever constant worry that lurks within all of us, to one degree or another. Thank you for just putting your fear on the boards out there for all of us to feel and share with you - a bit of sun shining on our dark thoughts is a wonderful antidote. God speed to you during your testing and during your visit with your gran - please stay with us and tell us what your bone scan results are.
Love Kim from CT

[DonnaD]

Gone are the days of riding out a pain. Yep, I'll have everything crossed too with prayers coming your way.

Hoping the scan will be soon and your waiting will be short.
Donna

[Becky]

I am thinking about you Tricia. Sometimes we do the slightest thing and your back can just go. You moved 1 mm too much in a certain way. You don't even notice what you did but your back (or neck) sure does.

I think bone mets are something that comes on as an ache and gets progressively worse for the most part. I think you moved funny and didn't even know it.

None the less, every pain brings to mind that it could be more than just a headache, stomachache - whatever. You will see that all will be well - except your aching back that you knocked out of whack without even knowing what you did!

[DanaRT]

Tricia, Thinking of you and praying it is nothing to worry about- normal aches and pains. Enjoy your time in Scotland with your grandchild.

Love,
Dana

[Joan M]

Tricia,

Many here relate to thinking the worst about aches and pains. We try not to worry, but the challenge is constant.

Checking it out is the best thing to do for peace of mind.

Joan

[tricia keegan]

Thank you once again everyone, I'm feeling a lot calmer and more positive today thanks to all your encouragement. I think having spent a long commute and stressful appt yesterday I was just worn out and allowed myself a panic moment (or two )!
I spoke to my onc this morning and although they will arrange the bone scan she's quite hopeful we're not dealing with mets although obviously can't say for sure.
Having managed to check my bloodwork again and speak to the radiographer about the x ray, she feels we're dealing with a sciatica type of pain here Trying not to get my hopes up too high but the pain is responding to the meds today and of course given the choice I'll gladly take sciatica over the alternative anyday!!!
I'll keep you all posted when I get the scan done but thank you for helping so much ((((hugs))))

[Sheila]

Tricia
Only we would think that sciatica is great news...thinking of you and hoping for a good report from the bone scan....sending you some extra Irish Luck and lots of love and prayers!

[alicem]

I agree with Sheila . . . HURRAY for sicatica!! That is a better alternative. Hoping you get good news about your pain.