hello again

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hillbillycat
hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Just wondering if a bone scan which is normal could be wrong? I hurt alot in my lower back like a chronic ache. It could be muscle spasms .but it has now been 3 weeks....Should I be concerned?

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  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #2
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    Dear Kitty, I think bone scans are pretty definitive of cancer in the bones. I've had two and they clearly showed where I had cancer and where the cancer had been eliminated by radiation. A backache is no fun, but it isn't always cancer (thank God!) What does your doctor say? Any further tests scheduled? An MRI would show problems in the soft as well as hard tissue - bad discs, etc. Keep pushing for a diagnosis - there is a reason you are in pain! I saw my regular doc, an orthopedist and a chiropractor for months before they discovered my bone mets. Good luck!
  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #3
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    Hi there Kittycat...
    Michael here.... you say you have chronic lower back pain? Are you able to urinate without pain? Do you have a fever or slightly higher temp? SInce bone scan is clear... I am curious that it might be an infection in the kidney, or a stone. Just a thought. Has your Dr mentioned infection or stone?
    -Michael (leukemia survivor)
  • hillbillycat
    hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
    #4
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    mc2001 said:

    Hi there Kittycat...
    Michael here.... you say you have chronic lower back pain? Are you able to urinate without pain? Do you have a fever or slightly higher temp? SInce bone scan is clear... I am curious that it might be an infection in the kidney, or a stone. Just a thought. Has your Dr mentioned infection or stone?
    -Michael (leukemia survivor)

    Thanks Idalia and Michael for replying,
    Idalia, can you tell me about how your problem started with the bones and the symptoms?Why did it take months?
    I got a bone scan done by my primary doctor. I haven`t been back to my oncologist for almost a year ar since I finished treatment..I have`nt even got a breast check. The only reason I had a scan was that the dr. (primary)insisted.I told him I didn`t think it was anything.But he told me that the bones are one of the first places cancer will go to so ......Thankfully all was ok. I was just wondering if scans could miss anything. Since Idalia says probally not then I am going to chalk it up to arthritis....or a pinched nerve.
    Michael, I don`t have any fever. Just a dull ache in my lower hips which at times radiates around my pelvic area. Since I am slim I don`t relate it to weight., it is probally a pinched nerve... arthritis....I think maybe I am paranoid..haha I hope you are doing fine..How long have you been a survivor to leukemia?
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #5
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    I'm just curious why you're not being followed by your oncologist. Depending on the Stage at diagnosis, you would see them more often or less often but always at least every year - and usually more often for the first year or so. It's really a great thing since these are the kinds of questions that can be asked and answered on a more regular basis. But it's good that your regular primary care doctor seems to be on top of things, like ordering the bone scan because of the continued back pain. However, I'd recommend that you plan to see your oncologist regularly as well. Good luck with your back pain.
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #6
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    Just another possibility. Have you had a bone density test(DEXA)? Not sure if you've had chemo, but I developed osteoporosis after my treatment. This test is different from the bone scan you had. It will test your spine and hip (and possibly wrist). Perhaps you should ask. Good luck.
    Susan
  • hillbillycat
    hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
    #7
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    SusanAnne said:

    Just another possibility. Have you had a bone density test(DEXA)? Not sure if you've had chemo, but I developed osteoporosis after my treatment. This test is different from the bone scan you had. It will test your spine and hip (and possibly wrist). Perhaps you should ask. Good luck.
    Susan

    Thanks everyone for answering...
    To epgync: I haven`t went back due to financial reasons. They never call or send anything and I don`t go there. If I don`t feel well I just go to the normal dr. where I can pay a low sum >insurance pays better with normal dr..

    TO Susan: Yes I have thought about it, I did take chemo. Maybe it just normal to have this and I don`t realize that probally everyone has back problems....anyway thanks...I hope you are doing good also...Shirl

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