Breast Cancer 1=2001, Breast Cancer 2=2011, now a PET Scan of my spine is scheduled for tomorrow nig

pamomof2

Oct 2001 discovered lump, Nov 2001 biopsy and  partial mastectomy for colloid carcinoma, plus some lymph nodes removed for testing (nodes negative) followed by 6 weeks of radiation and 3 years Tamoxifen and 2 years Femara

Dec 2010 abnormal mammogram...same breast...along incision from previous surgery 9 years prior.  January 2011 biopsy which came back positive for 2 new kinds of cancer, Feb 2011 CT scan, bone scan to check for other cancer...and then a mastectomy with some lymph nodes removed for testing (nodes negative).  Port installed May 2011... Chemo and herceptin followed.  Chemo ended June 2011...herceptin ended Feb 3 2012.  Port removed June 2012.

Because the 2nd cancers were found early and no surrouning tissue or nodes were affected...my oncologst did not think it was necessary for me to have follow up scans, etc. but wanted to see me every 6 months.

discovered 2 lumps on my back last summer 2012.  brought to the attention of my PCP who was an oncologist at one time.   They brushed it off as fatty tumors because I have one on each leg which I have had for years... and some in my arms.  In Oct 2012 I started experiencing more pain in my back and I noticed that the one lump began hurting when pressure was put on it.   They ordered me a full set of xrays of my back and a bone scan and blood work with a tumor marker.   The scan & tumor marker were  clear and the xrays just showed slight arthritis.  Mid December  experienced a very sharp stabbing pain in the area of one of the lumps.   So much so that I could have dropped to my knees.   It took my breath away.  The next morning I was in the ER.   A CT was done as well as another tumor marker and although something was there is was inconclusive and the tumor marker was clear.  Muscle relaxers and warm compresses was ordered.   When going in for a follow up from my Dec 3 ten year colonscopy on Dec 28...and getting the all clear on that...thet particular doctor asked how I was doing.  When I mentioned the lumps to her...she checked them out and immediately ordered me an MRI which I had done on Dec 7.  We had an emergency meeting with them the next morning to discuss the results.

Multiple white markings on several vertebrae from T2-T8 with a couple very distinct areas of concern.  My PCP said could possible have compression fractures in there...but could not tell from pictures.  Now I have heard and read that it is not unusual for breast cancer to spread to the bone.  What are the chances that I would have cancer in my back if I ended chemo just 1.5 years ago and my recent tumor marker was clear...as well as my bone scan?  Could herceptin have done anything to my bones?  Could the markings be a vitamin deficiency or too much of a vitamin?  Could my arthritis have caused the white spots.