Waiting for offical Diagnosis

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gishagrl
gishagrl Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
Well, okay. My mom injured herself at work in November of 09. The job sent her for X-Rays and the Doctor told her "I don't want to scare you, but this looks like bone cancer". This was of her Left arm. After seeing her regular Doctor who had a chest X-Ray from the year before we found out that it is bone cancer of some kind. This past January she was admitted into the hospital for a CS, Bone Scan and Skeletal Survey. She received the medical report today and it says that she has it in the Marrow, soft tissue, kidneys, bladder, shoulder, elbow and hand also.
Is there anyone out there that can give me an idea of what we are looking at? They have referred her to a cancer clinic somewhere in L.A. for a biopsy but the consultation is not until next month. I guess I am just looking for some information on what types of cancer we may be facing here.

Please help.

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  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #2
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    primary bone
    I am so sorry to hear of your mother's tragic news. Regardless of what any doctor says about anything, you will still be living and loving one day at a time. Remember that.

    Based on what you said, I think bone would be your mother's "primary" cancer with metasteses to soft tissue and liver, which makes them secondary. You will probably get the best info on how to help your mother in the bone cancer forum.

    Hope this helps. Best of luck.
  • gishagrl
    gishagrl Member Posts: 4
    #3
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    Barbara53 said:

    primary bone
    I am so sorry to hear of your mother's tragic news. Regardless of what any doctor says about anything, you will still be living and loving one day at a time. Remember that.

    Based on what you said, I think bone would be your mother's "primary" cancer with metasteses to soft tissue and liver, which makes them secondary. You will probably get the best info on how to help your mother in the bone cancer forum.

    Hope this helps. Best of luck.

    Thank you SO much for
    Thank you SO much for replying. In the copy of her medical report it suggested that it metastasized to the bone and marrow. We were under the impression that the bone was primary also till we read her report. I have been all over the internet trying to figure it out and I have gotten absolutely nowhere. The closest thing that I have found it a link to Leukemia. If you have any ideas about that please share them.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #4
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    gishagrl said:

    Thank you SO much for
    Thank you SO much for replying. In the copy of her medical report it suggested that it metastasized to the bone and marrow. We were under the impression that the bone was primary also till we read her report. I have been all over the internet trying to figure it out and I have gotten absolutely nowhere. The closest thing that I have found it a link to Leukemia. If you have any ideas about that please share them.

    running things down
    It's hard to believe that our wuunderfully caring health care system has left you with an unreadable report with a dire diagnosis and weeks to wait for an appointment. This is unacceptable, but then there are all kinds of unacceptable things here in Cancerland. At any rate, I suggest tracking the source of the medical report and calling people until you find a helpful nurse who will at least help you read it properly. Until you know what the primary cancer is, you can spend a lot of time running down research rabbit holes.

    In the coming months, expect to spend time running MORE things down. The system is very messy and reports and referrals tend to get lost or never make it to their destinations.
    But then, maybe you'll get lucky. I hope your mother has a good day today.
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    #5
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    Waiting
    The first thing I can say is I am sorry you and your mom are having to face cancer. I can also caution you to get used to waiting: Waiting for test, waiting for treatment, waiting for test results, waiting for dr's appointments. In the battle against cancer, you will do a lot of waiting. That said I would suggest that you also try being more assertive. I agree with others that you need more information now. I would call the doctor and ask what kind of cancer he/she thinks you are looking at. I would also bug whoever scheduled the appointment in LA for an earlier appointment. If they can't see your mom sooner, see if there is another facility that can. Ask why you are being referred to this particular facility. Make a pest of yourself if necessary. Get answers. Your mother deserves them. For your own peace of mind, you need them. Once you have a better idea of what you are dealing with, you and your mom can come up with a plan of action. Take care, Fay
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #6
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    Waiting
    It seems like you are waiting an awful long time for answers. She had tests in January and you are just now getting the report. I would push a little harder. Also, waiting a month to see an oncologist is waiting too long, push for an earlier appointment. As an example, my husband had his colonoscopy on 3/27/09 and a tumor was discovered. We had all tests, scans, surgery consult, surgery, met with oncologist and he was home recouperating from surgery on 4/8 and chemo followed 4 weeks later. His cancer was also in the liver and lungs, it is not liver cancer nor lung cancer, it is metastaic colon cancer. Liver and lung cancer are treated very different than colon cancer. You need the know the primary source before you can find information. That is what you need, where is the primary, then do your research from there. I must caution you though, that statistics, etc. on the internet can be old information. Look at the date, some of this stuff is 5 years old and many treatments are available now that were not available 5 years ago. Also, anyone can set up a fancy website offering hope, cure, etc. so be very careful in what you read. If her consult is not for a month, and then they have to do a biopsy, that means more waiting, and more time for the cancer to grow. I wish you nothing but the best as you face this journey. As a caregiver, you must also be your mom's advocate. While this may be overwhelming for her you must keep a level head, make sure she goes to appointments with someone who can take notes and ask questions. Take care - Tina

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