roseanne

I have had pain in my right upper arm for about 3 months. Self-referred to an orthopedist, and was suspect of torn rotator cuff. MRI showed a lesion in the humerus (subsequent bone scan negative) The second plain x-ray showed a difference than the 1st X-ray, in that they "see something" on the plain film now. I was seen by a different orthopedist yesterday who specializes in oncology cases, and he was optimistic that because the bone scan is negative, that it is rare for someone like me ( 8 years out of Stage 3A) to develop a solitary bone metastasis. He will confer with the onc, and most likely order a CT scan. My question is: Is there anyone who has had a solitary lesion found and had a negative bone scan? Also should certain blood works be ordered? I am not so much scared, as tired of the pain which is definetely worse at night. Thanks in advance for any information.

Looking for some support as I am anticipating my first MRI since diagnosis in 2000. I really feel crazy with fear and it surprises me. I am told by an orthepedist that I most likely have a rotator cuff tear. I went to the Dr. because of a great deal of pain in my upper right arm and hand. I had  a radical mastectomy on the left side, 8 rounds of chemo followed by 5 years of Arimidex and a projected 5 years of Femara. I must say I hate the Femara, and have a lot of side effects, but I am truly feeling paralyzed with fear over this MRI. I was doing fine until the words. "with your history, this is the most prudent test." The crazy thing is that everything he is ordering is correct for his suspicion, but it is that BC history that is so frightening. I am 52 and soon to be 8 years out. For the most part, aside from arthritis I like to forget about my bc history. I hate the MRI anyway, and I am dreading the hour of isolation and fear inside that tube! I am usually a positive person, so this anxiety is startling to me.Thank you all for listening. I need this forum as those who love me poo-poo my worries with"you have come so far". One person told me to sing a Christmas carol while being magnetized, and that just isn't cutting it for me!

I had a great deal of success on Arimidex. Hot flashes, but I took it for 5 years after chemo. I am now on Femara for 5 years and I am experiencing joint pain. The exciting statistics of the AI's keeps me going. I was stage 3 and had a radical mastectomy in 2001. I am happy to be here, pains and all!

I don't want to put a wrench in all of this but there are some of us who are survivors who are thin. I am 7 years out of stage 3 and the only time I gained weight was during chemo, which I believe was a result of the forced menopause. 5 years of Arimidex, and now Femara. My greatest concern is my bone health, and as I understand this all the lack of estrogen is the problem there. The treatments also hurt the bones ability to absorb estrogen. My onc explained that the formulation of Arimidex vs Femara is different, and that is why one is before the other. (I had very little se from Arimidex, but Femara is intense for me). I have resigned myself to the belief that we are all being treated with what they have available, yet the oncologists know that the side effects cause issues of their own. Femara used to be the first line treatment for metastatic disease, and now it is being used to prevent recurrence. I am sure that soon biophosphonates will be added to a survivors protocol also. Whether we are fat or thin, we often have to accept what is happening with our treatment. Statistically I am willing to suffer the SE of Femara. Just a little lightness to the discussion, if you are heavier as oppossed to too slim the general public probably thinks you are fine! I get a lot of those ominous "how are you's?"-Love yourself as you are, and everyone do your weight bearing exercises!

In this very hot weather we have been having in NY, I am reminded of how much I hate the prosthesis in the summer. Sometimes (forgive me) I wish I had a bilateral mastectomy as I am small and thin, yet do have that small breast on the right side. I whip the bra off as soon as I get home from work, and my grown sons, and now my grandson just accept how I look. I wear those tanks with a liner, and keep a foam boob nearby in case a neighbor pops in. I think I am brave sleeping topless but would feel like I would make everyone else uncomfortable with just one breast. I would stand and applaud any woman who bares it all!

Arimidex has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence significantly. I think it will soon replace tamoxifen completely. I also think that quality of life is important also. I was on Arimidex for 5 years, (Stage 3-Mastectomy and chemo) and then put on Femara. I was on Femara for 18 months and had a lot of side effects and stopped it. I will be reinstating the Femara this weekend as the oncologist has shown me statistics that make me think the side effects are worth enduring. Both Arimidex and Femara are aromatase inhibitors and for post menopausal women that are er positive the reduction of recurrence seems significant. Survivors have many decisions to make, and it is ultimately your decision. Good luck

Hi everyone it has been a while since I visited. I am approaching 7 years out and have had deep aching pain in mastectomy side armpit, and right groin. I feel no lumps, just tenderness upon palpitation, but the pain is strong and after probing gets a little more intense. Warm moist heat is soothing, and I would say the groin is the worst, and both areas are most painful at night. I stopped Femara 1 year ago, after 5 years of Arimidex, I found the Femara to give joint pain. I guess my question is with no large swelling should I be worried? I have had no lymphedema in the affected arm. Thanks for any input.

Hi everyone, Just a quick note. I am a 6 year survivor and have had a lot of rib, back and arm pain. I went for my annual with the surgeon (a wonderful man who insists on seeing me evry year)-He noted a weight loss in 12 months(18 lbs) and was able to hit the spot in exam on the ribs. He is ordering a bone scan for Monday. I had a bone scan in 2005-and it showed severe arthritis. I am afraid of metastasis and I am wondering if the bone scan is specific for this. Can it decipher between arthritis and malignancy-Did anyone have rib pain before? Yes it's true I am scared. Thanks in advance.

Hi all-Just a quick question. I am a 6 year survivor and have had a lot of leg pain(have had DVT before) Doppler was clear and blood work was good-Just high platelets. The primary Dr. will send report to oncologist. Is this a worry in an expression of metastatic disease? Anyone else told that they have thrombocytosis? Thanks in advance for you help