Not happy, BC gone to bone

Options
m_azingrace
m_azingrace Member Posts: 399
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Monday I met with the oncologist to go over test results, and plan the course of treatment. Dr is very thorough. He had me have bone scan, ct scan [rather than the PET scan which sort of combines the two?], and a muga test [heart function]. CT scan and muga were good, but the bone scan revealed some lesions. One on the spine, one on my upper left arm and another on the skull. Today I had another CT scan and Friday I get an MRI of the skull. More thoroughness. Then next Tuesday I meet with an orthapedic surgeon who will decide if my left upper arm needs to have a pin put in, to strengthen it because the oral med I am now on [instead of the chemo originally planned for] causes brittle bones. Doctor started me on Femara on Monday. He advised me of the side affects...hot flashes and possibly joint pain, as well as brittle bones. The Femara is being used to try to stop the lesions' progress and shrink them. I don't have any pain inside the bones. Doctor says that's very encouraging, and he's very pleased that it is not in any of my organs...especially the liver. Even so, I think I may be in serious trouble here. I'd like to hear from survivors of breast cancer that had spread to bone.
«1

Comments

  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #2
    Options
    M_
    I am not familiar with this but I am sure some of our sisters will chime in soon. I just want to wish you the best of news on all tests coming up. You will be in my prayers.
    God Bless, Jackie
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #3
    Options
    Just sending you healing
    Just sending you healing thoughts and good wishes on your upcoming tests.I do not have your same experience, but as a Kindred Spirit, I want you to know you are only a thought away. Please let us know what you find out...we care about you, sister in pink!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • lolad
    lolad Member Posts: 670
    #4
    Options
    chenheart said:

    Just sending you healing
    Just sending you healing thoughts and good wishes on your upcoming tests.I do not have your same experience, but as a Kindred Spirit, I want you to know you are only a thought away. Please let us know what you find out...we care about you, sister in pink!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    I just want
    to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I havent had the experience or symptoms as you. im sorry i cant help you, but im sending you a big hug.

    laura
  • Sherry_Ranuio
    Sherry_Ranuio Member Posts: 28
    #5
    Options
    Cancer in the bones.
    My cancer has spread to my bones. When I was diagnosed that is how they actually found the cancer in my body, because my bones literally looked like a dog had chewed them all up! I was in very serious shape, barely walking and such. It has been over a year now and I have been doing so much better! My doctor has me on Zometa for my bones, I get this every 6 weeks. This is what they give to people with osteroperosis. You may want to talk to your doctor about this possibility. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep a positive attitude and you'll be fine!

    Take Care and God Bless,
    Sherry
  • m_azingrace
    m_azingrace Member Posts: 399
    #6
    Options
    Sherry_Ranuio said:

    Cancer in the bones.
    My cancer has spread to my bones. When I was diagnosed that is how they actually found the cancer in my body, because my bones literally looked like a dog had chewed them all up! I was in very serious shape, barely walking and such. It has been over a year now and I have been doing so much better! My doctor has me on Zometa for my bones, I get this every 6 weeks. This is what they give to people with osteroperosis. You may want to talk to your doctor about this possibility. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep a positive attitude and you'll be fine!

    Take Care and God Bless,
    Sherry

    Thank you, Sherry
    Thank you so much for responding. This is encouraging to me. I am looking for some hope to hang on to, especially to be able to reassure my husband and the rest of my family. You look so young in that photo! And beautiful! Yes, the doctor has mentioned something to strengthen my bones, [or at least prevent bone loss because of the Femara], but said something about wanting to hear from the orthapedic surgeon first. By the time he talked about this, I was only aware of his lips moving, but really not "hearing" much. Hubby was with me, but he's really no help...as soon as he heard "it moved to the bone...there's a lesion on the skull" his brain froze on that phrase, and that's all he remembers. I plan to have a tape recorder with us next time.
    Thank you again. You have helped me have peace of mind. Gracie
  • Sherry_Ranuio
    Sherry_Ranuio Member Posts: 28
    #7
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thank you, Sherry
    Thank you so much for responding. This is encouraging to me. I am looking for some hope to hang on to, especially to be able to reassure my husband and the rest of my family. You look so young in that photo! And beautiful! Yes, the doctor has mentioned something to strengthen my bones, [or at least prevent bone loss because of the Femara], but said something about wanting to hear from the orthapedic surgeon first. By the time he talked about this, I was only aware of his lips moving, but really not "hearing" much. Hubby was with me, but he's really no help...as soon as he heard "it moved to the bone...there's a lesion on the skull" his brain froze on that phrase, and that's all he remembers. I plan to have a tape recorder with us next time.
    Thank you again. You have helped me have peace of mind. Gracie

    So happy to help!
    Thank you for your compliment! That picture was taken the day I married the man of my dreams just 10 days prior to my diagnosis. He has been a tremendous support to me! God definately brought us together! A tape recorder is an excellent idea! I used one, too. Also, a notebook and a pen to write down any questions you have. Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question! If you need anything, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail.

    Take care and God Bless,
    Sherry
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #8
    Options
    PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
    I hate to hear that you are having to worry more about all this.You are one of the people that always helped me when I first started on this sight.YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.Iv cryed all week about losing my hair.I fill silly about it when I see what you are being faced with.if you ever need someone to talk to ,me and everyone eles on this sight is here for you,just like you have been for us.I pray the test are all negative.God bless you. Pat.
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    #9
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thank you, Sherry
    Thank you so much for responding. This is encouraging to me. I am looking for some hope to hang on to, especially to be able to reassure my husband and the rest of my family. You look so young in that photo! And beautiful! Yes, the doctor has mentioned something to strengthen my bones, [or at least prevent bone loss because of the Femara], but said something about wanting to hear from the orthapedic surgeon first. By the time he talked about this, I was only aware of his lips moving, but really not "hearing" much. Hubby was with me, but he's really no help...as soon as he heard "it moved to the bone...there's a lesion on the skull" his brain froze on that phrase, and that's all he remembers. I plan to have a tape recorder with us next time.
    Thank you again. You have helped me have peace of mind. Gracie

    m_azing,
    We are all "kindred spirits",but I'm glad that you and Sherry have this in common(though I'm sorry that you have it in common also). I hope that your doctors can help you and that you can get better.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #10
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thank you, Sherry
    Thank you so much for responding. This is encouraging to me. I am looking for some hope to hang on to, especially to be able to reassure my husband and the rest of my family. You look so young in that photo! And beautiful! Yes, the doctor has mentioned something to strengthen my bones, [or at least prevent bone loss because of the Femara], but said something about wanting to hear from the orthapedic surgeon first. By the time he talked about this, I was only aware of his lips moving, but really not "hearing" much. Hubby was with me, but he's really no help...as soon as he heard "it moved to the bone...there's a lesion on the skull" his brain froze on that phrase, and that's all he remembers. I plan to have a tape recorder with us next time.
    Thank you again. You have helped me have peace of mind. Gracie

    Gracie, I am so sorry. You
    Gracie, I am so sorry. You are in my prayers!

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • m_azingrace
    m_azingrace Member Posts: 399
    #11
    Options
    ppurdin said:

    PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
    I hate to hear that you are having to worry more about all this.You are one of the people that always helped me when I first started on this sight.YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.Iv cryed all week about losing my hair.I fill silly about it when I see what you are being faced with.if you ever need someone to talk to ,me and everyone eles on this sight is here for you,just like you have been for us.I pray the test are all negative.God bless you. Pat.

    Thanks to every one of you!
    Thanks to every one of you! I am so grateful to have this site to come to. You are all so encouraging and comforting, and have so much experience to share. I come here a total wreck, and someone always steps up and lets me know I'm not alone. Then I read the struggles that other people have to face IN ADDITION TO CANCER... other serious health issues, family problems, no one to help or to share with at home...and I count my blessings.
    It's true. We are a "sisterhood". We do need one another. Thank you all again!

    Pat, I'm so sorry your hair fell out. That is one of the things I was concerned about too...and I hated that I might lose my eyebrows. Well, now I'm not having the chemo after all, so that's no longer a concern [at least not for now anyway]. But sometimes, I believe we think we're crying about one thing, when it's really about something else. Just like we might take our anger out on a piece of meat, when we really want to stab something [or someone?] else. We have a terrible disease...what's not to cry about? My daughter sets up "play dates" for her little boys. Maybe we ought to have "cry dates". Just set aside a certain time to cry about everything...get it all over with at once. Who said "the more you cry...the less you pee?" I read that here someplace. smile.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #12
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thanks to every one of you!
    Thanks to every one of you! I am so grateful to have this site to come to. You are all so encouraging and comforting, and have so much experience to share. I come here a total wreck, and someone always steps up and lets me know I'm not alone. Then I read the struggles that other people have to face IN ADDITION TO CANCER... other serious health issues, family problems, no one to help or to share with at home...and I count my blessings.
    It's true. We are a "sisterhood". We do need one another. Thank you all again!

    Pat, I'm so sorry your hair fell out. That is one of the things I was concerned about too...and I hated that I might lose my eyebrows. Well, now I'm not having the chemo after all, so that's no longer a concern [at least not for now anyway]. But sometimes, I believe we think we're crying about one thing, when it's really about something else. Just like we might take our anger out on a piece of meat, when we really want to stab something [or someone?] else. We have a terrible disease...what's not to cry about? My daughter sets up "play dates" for her little boys. Maybe we ought to have "cry dates". Just set aside a certain time to cry about everything...get it all over with at once. Who said "the more you cry...the less you pee?" I read that here someplace. smile.

    The more you cry the less you pee....
    That was a quote from Taleena's Grandmother. She told me that a long time ago. I also heard just recently (can't remember who said this?) that crying is water for the soul.
    So sorry you have more to deal with. We are here for you and you are never alone. ♥ Pammy
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #13
    Options
    ppurdin said:

    PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
    I hate to hear that you are having to worry more about all this.You are one of the people that always helped me when I first started on this sight.YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.Iv cryed all week about losing my hair.I fill silly about it when I see what you are being faced with.if you ever need someone to talk to ,me and everyone eles on this sight is here for you,just like you have been for us.I pray the test are all negative.God bless you. Pat.

    Putting you in my prayers
    Putting you in my prayers Gracie!

    Leeza
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #14
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thanks to every one of you!
    Thanks to every one of you! I am so grateful to have this site to come to. You are all so encouraging and comforting, and have so much experience to share. I come here a total wreck, and someone always steps up and lets me know I'm not alone. Then I read the struggles that other people have to face IN ADDITION TO CANCER... other serious health issues, family problems, no one to help or to share with at home...and I count my blessings.
    It's true. We are a "sisterhood". We do need one another. Thank you all again!

    Pat, I'm so sorry your hair fell out. That is one of the things I was concerned about too...and I hated that I might lose my eyebrows. Well, now I'm not having the chemo after all, so that's no longer a concern [at least not for now anyway]. But sometimes, I believe we think we're crying about one thing, when it's really about something else. Just like we might take our anger out on a piece of meat, when we really want to stab something [or someone?] else. We have a terrible disease...what's not to cry about? My daughter sets up "play dates" for her little boys. Maybe we ought to have "cry dates". Just set aside a certain time to cry about everything...get it all over with at once. Who said "the more you cry...the less you pee?" I read that here someplace. smile.

    Wish I could say more
    Sherry and Gracie, I will keep praying for both of you! I am new to this site, and, I think it is great. Everyone is so nice, supportive and encouraging. I hope that I can help someone someday on here.

    Sue :)
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #15
    Options
    jnl said:

    Putting you in my prayers
    Putting you in my prayers Gracie!

    Leeza

    I am sending both of you all
    I am sending both of you all of the positive thoughts and strength that exists. Praying hard for both of you too. Keep us informed of how your treatment is going.

    Lex♥
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #16
    Options
    BC treatment
    Dear Gracie, I am so sorry about your news, but glad that we have the tests that can detect cancer's spread and ways to treat it. I will be sending prayers your way. xoxoxox Lynn
  • Tyari
    Tyari Member Posts: 36
    #17
    Options
    lynn1950 said:

    BC treatment
    Dear Gracie, I am so sorry about your news, but glad that we have the tests that can detect cancer's spread and ways to treat it. I will be sending prayers your way. xoxoxox Lynn

    Sending out tons of positive
    Sending out tons of positive vibes for you Gracie!

    TY
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #18
    Options
    Tyari said:

    Sending out tons of positive
    Sending out tons of positive vibes for you Gracie!

    TY

    I love your pic Tyari!
    I love your pic Tyari! Darling daughter!

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #19
    Options
    Tyari said:

    Sending out tons of positive
    Sending out tons of positive vibes for you Gracie!

    TY

    Gracie... just know that we
    Gracie... just know that we are all with you...sending our positive thoughts and prayers your way...

    Hugs,

    ~T
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #20
    Options
    m_azingrace said:

    Thanks to every one of you!
    Thanks to every one of you! I am so grateful to have this site to come to. You are all so encouraging and comforting, and have so much experience to share. I come here a total wreck, and someone always steps up and lets me know I'm not alone. Then I read the struggles that other people have to face IN ADDITION TO CANCER... other serious health issues, family problems, no one to help or to share with at home...and I count my blessings.
    It's true. We are a "sisterhood". We do need one another. Thank you all again!

    Pat, I'm so sorry your hair fell out. That is one of the things I was concerned about too...and I hated that I might lose my eyebrows. Well, now I'm not having the chemo after all, so that's no longer a concern [at least not for now anyway]. But sometimes, I believe we think we're crying about one thing, when it's really about something else. Just like we might take our anger out on a piece of meat, when we really want to stab something [or someone?] else. We have a terrible disease...what's not to cry about? My daughter sets up "play dates" for her little boys. Maybe we ought to have "cry dates". Just set aside a certain time to cry about everything...get it all over with at once. Who said "the more you cry...the less you pee?" I read that here someplace. smile.

    Gracie
    Hi,I think your right about maybe crying about something other then what we think.cry dates don,t sound bad either,you have a great scence of humor.I guess I wasn,t real clear about my hair.My chemo starts Sept.22.The dr. said after the second treatment I will loemose my hair because of the kind of medicine she is using for the Chemo.So I have a few weeks yet.I am sorry I didn,t make myself clear.As much as i cryed this last week you would think it already happened.I am leaving for a cruise next sunday.Iv never been before.So my cancer dr. worked with me to wait a week longer for treatments.i am hoping by me being so upset already over my hair that it will be easier to deal with when it happens.My sister is trying to talk me in to having it cut real short and have spiked.I don,t know about that,like i am 52yrs. old.but I may that way i won,t have as much to fall out.It probly isn,t about the hair that is really the issue.its every time I see my bald head I will be reminded I have Cancer.God bless you.keep in touch please.Pat.
  • Booberta
    Booberta Member Posts: 61
    #21
    Options
    taleena said:

    Gracie... just know that we
    Gracie... just know that we are all with you...sending our positive thoughts and prayers your way...

    Hugs,

    ~T

    M
    Hope all goes well with you. I would definately talk to my doc about Zometa. Its often used for bone mets. Because I am on Femara because I am Very ER+ and also have some osteoporosis, my med onc started me on Zometa.

    When reserching the med I found that is is most often used for bone mets. However, there is a second benfit. My understanding is that most recent studies show that Zometa also reduces the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

    My best wishes are with you.

    Love and Peace
    Roberta

Discussion Boards