~* The Waiting Room *~

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Comments

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Can someone tell me how they would a Bone biopsy?? Sounds painful.. IF I need it.. I am hoping they knock me out for that...Tricia  thank you so much for responding to my post..I wish all of you wonderful ladies.. the best in your treatments.. Keep Fighting !

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 344
    edited January 2010

    Golden_Eyes, how can the onc say it's a new cancer? 

    I don't know if they biopsy the cervical spine, but I had a biopsy on the L1.  A Neuroradiologist did my with a needle guided CT Scan.  I was not knocked out, but had to have a driver.  They never can knock me out unless I'm put waaaaaaaaayyyy under.  I was awake for my colonoscopy and I got about the same meds.  Usually that puts people in a twilight sleep.  Anyway, I had Versed and Fentynal.  I was very relaxed so I was fine.....didn't freak.

    Good luck. 

    Shirley

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Golden eyes, 

     I may be facing it myself and as Shirley says maybe they cant biopsy certain area's but am sure they'll give you some meds to help.  

    I hope so as I also may be facing this lol....It';s the only way to know for certain that it is cancer and also what hormone/her2 status it is though!

    I'll do it if I have to but am hoping it wont be necessary for either of us:)

    Thanks for the info Shirley!

    Tricia xx

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Goldeneyes,

    I think is is also the only way they know for sure it is a new primary cancer rather than mets, I was told by my onc if I have to have to have it it will be guided by ct.

    Tricia x

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Thank you ladies for responding so quickly. .As you said the waiting part is horrible...Sitting here over the weekend.. this is all I am thinking about.. The PET did show the hot spots...Is the MRI better at detecting? MRI will show MORE than the PET?  I am hoping on MOnday.. I get the call so I can get this over with and do whatever it takes....Keep Fighting!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 344
    edited January 2010

    My onc didn't want to use the PET after the CT Scan and Bone Scan showed the spot.  She said it shows too much...arthritis, ect.  I don't know that I agree with her and if I wanted a PET I would think she'd order one.  She was going to order an MRI after we talked and when I decided on, instead, to have the biopsy.  For me that was the only definitive way to find out.  I did have a PET/CT (combination) scan before starting treatment with my original diagnoses to rule out mets to the liver and adrenal gland.  Spots showed up and my onc didn't want to do a liver biopsy.  He said it's too messy...LOL  Anyway, that onc moved. Cry  And those spots showed to be nothing and they're still there and haven't changed size.

    I don't know why your onc is doing an MRI.  It is a useful tool.  He may be thinking he'll get a clearer answer. 

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    I was told certain scans are better than others at showing mets in certain places and it seems the mri is best for thoraic area. (which I have).

    However my onc was amazed my combination pet/ct was negative as the research I did on this scan said it showed cancer at the cell level before it becomes a tumour and yet my spot is too small to biopsy!!!   I confess to being confused ladies!

    While the bone scan and mri did show something, my onc is going by that and not prepared to let this go without another mri to make certain. I'm glad she's being so cautious no matter what tests I have to go through.  I think my high her2+ status along with the fact that I'm going into my fifth year out is also a factor in her thinking.

    Soo, I sit in the waiting room and try to remain positive there is no chnage or growth on the next mri on the 27th!

    Golden eyes, keep us posted!!

    Tricia x

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    I am going for my MRI in a short time.. Around 4:00...I should know results by tomorrow.. possibly Friday..I was told it only takes day or two... Hugs to all the strong ladies

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    HI

    I have a copy of my PET Scan/CT..it did show. two spots. I hope someone can help me with this

    Bone Marrow/Bone:  Two areas of abnormal uptake posterior cervical spine region. ONe is in the posterior elements on the left.. at C2-C3 with uptake of 2.6 and an area of  uptake also ont he posterior on the right side with SUV of 2.6 There appears to be some blastic change in vertebrae. This appears to lie at C3-C4..

    Ok what does that mean? Also...Muscle: Increased uptake int he shoulder on the left side with SUV of 3.1? NO mass is seen but the study is done WITHOUT IV Contrast.. i am having an MRI tomorrow... Can any help me.. tell me what this means? Funny thing is. I am having more pain on my RIGHT shoulder....than the left.. for months now.. why would it show up on the left? AND.. is it possible.. that I have cancer there too.. just too small for PET to pick up?

    Golden Eyes

    [Edit] [Delete]

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010
    TriciaK how are you doing?
    Hope you are hanging in there?? When is the exact date of your 2nd MRI? I am praying for you daily!
  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Hi mmm5 and thanks for thinking of me still:)    The mri is on the 27th and I'm doing well with no pain other than the usual aches of a long day and arimidex!!    I'll be sure to post when I have the news for all you ladies who have been kind enough to support me through this hard time.  I'm seeing my onc Feb 3rd for results:)

    Golden eyes, I really wish I could help you with this but really have no knowledge to say.

    However I did read recently that a suv uptake of anything under 6 is unlikely to be cancer.....that may be incorrect but thought I'd pass it on anyway.  A lady here told me this from the stage forum so it may well be true.

    The pet lists where the glucose showed in your body, I think I'd go more by the mri myself as my onc definatly puts more trust in this.

    Stay positive no matter what and remember we're here for you but I do know a positive pet does'nt always mean cancer!

    Tricia xx

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Hi ladies

    I got my results back.. GOOD NEWS!!.. its NOT cancer in the bones..Seems I have several fractures in my cervical spine...Dr asked if I was in an accident.. or if I fell. NO to both.. I also now have  degenerative Disc Disease...They called it Multilevel Degenerative disc disease with disc protrustion whatever that means.. That is what was causing my constant pain for almost year.. and numbness in my hands. fingers..ALL this pain for year...scans never picked anything up till now.. BUT.. so very thankful its NOT Cancer..I have to see a Back surgeon. see what we can do.. Surgery is LAST resort. Not sure what they can do for fractures on Spine. Thank you so much for all your love, support.. I think of so many of you that are going through tests.. surgery.. chemo... we all have to KEEP fighting.. dont EVER give up.. Love you all very much.. ALways in my thoughts and prayers

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Golden eyes,

     Thats wonderful news and I'm so happy for you:)

    It seems more times than not it is'nt cancer with most here waiting which is enocuraging:)

    Good luck with whatever treatments you need, but we can face anything as long as it is'nt cancer:)

    Tricia xx

    P.S...Did the mri show anything?? I only ask because I'm facing another this month and a little nrevous myself:)

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010

    whoohooo Golden Eyes. That is just awesome news.

    Feel Better!

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Just bumping this up for anyone waiting ....

    I go for my next mri next Wed 27th and see my onc Feb 3rd for results (or sooner by phone/)   please wish me luck!!!   I have a bad feeling about this:(

    Tricia xx

  • lorieg
    lorieg Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2010

    Tricia- the wait is awful, isn't it?  I will be keeping you in my prayers for good scan results!!  I really hope you don't have to wait a week to get your results.

     Golden Eyes- great news!  Congrats!

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010

    Tricia

    I had a bad feeling too b4 scans and imagined all sorts of scenarios blah blah!

    It turned out ok, sometimes fear just gets the better of us. I am waiting with you and sending prayers, peace and support!

    Try some mediation, or peaceful breathing and really feel the peace that is there for you.

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Lori, I have an appt with my onc Feb 3rd but she called when my pet/ct was negative rather than have me wait so hoping she will again:)

    If it's bad news I know she'd prefer to speak to me in person though.

    I'll be sure to post as soon as I hear anything and thanks for your support.

    Tricia x

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 344
    edited January 2010

    Golden Eyes.... WHOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  I think you're just getting old!  And that's a good thing!

    Tricia, I think about you ALL the time.  I couldn't remember when your next test was.  I'm glad I came here and found out.  I WILL be check, so please, please let us know.  I have a GOOD feeling about it.  Yeppers, I do!

    To update you.  I had my 3 month CT scan and the preliminary didn't so any other places anywhere.  My onc felt good about that.  I do go back in two months for another CT and also a bone scan.  Frown  I just hate tests.  Never wanted to do them.  Darn!  But I am grateful for my news yesterday.

    I'll be back to check on you.

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010

    Great News Shirley!!

    Lets just stick with that!

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Tricia

    Just thinking of you. .I wanted to say hi  see how you are doing I know how horrible waiting is..Keeping you in my thoughts and in my prayers for your test on the 27th! Keep positive thoughts.. We are all here for you hon

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 344
    edited January 2010
    Thanks, mmm5.  Yes, I will "stick with that!"  Smile
  • B4B
    B4B Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2010

    Hi - My first post on this website - although I read it all the time.  I have to have a pet/ct scan tomorrow and I am less than thrilled.  I went to my endrocronologist (my spelling is terrible) this past week to have my prolactin level checked and he noticed a lump on my neck.  I have had this lump for a very long time.  He did an ultrasound of it and said that it had grown and talked to my onc and now I am having a scan.  His bedside manner was not good.  He said I tell people all day long that their lumps are nothing to worry about but this one you should really make sure you follow through and have your onc look at.  I have calmed down a lot from a few days ago - I was sure I was in for it but now I am trying just to go with it.  The no eating carbs today was not such a big deal...

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    B4B,  I haven't had a moment to check in here since the other day so think your pet/ct will be all over by now.   Just wanted to send you good thought of B9 results, I think that Dr would give me the shivers too saying that!!!    No one knows until the results come through so stay positive:)

    Shirley, wow you're an inspiration and I'm so pleased you had good results:)   It's great news indeed that there has been no spread or growth at this point:)  Thank you for checking back in with me too, huge thanks also to Jo-5  and Goldeneyes and mmm5......you're all very supportive and it does help enormously ladies:)

    Soo, Wed is the big day finally but won't have the results then but I have the art of patience down to a tee by now:)    I know it's taken this long as they had to wait a couple of months to see if this spot has grown.  While I'm not in dreadful pain at all and don't take any pain killers, I do get the odd ache but, on both sides not just the right where this spot is.  It's confusing but maybe a good sign:)

    Shirley I'm going to snatch some of your confidence and positive outlook to hope for the best and thank you for all being here for me:)

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010

    Tricia

    Sending you prayers for peace and also have a good feeling for you!

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2010

    Thanks so much mmm5, I got through the mri okay, but the liason nurse called earlier to say the whole team meet on Wed mornings to discuss scans/tests etc and as mine was in the afternoon it would be next Wed before they discuss!

    Looks like I have some waiting for another week, but whats another week after three months lol????

     Tricia xx

  • kathimdgd
    kathimdgd Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2010

    I had my 1 year MRI of the chest last friday,and a doppler on my arm last thursday.Both were fine.Thank You LORD!! I've been having a lot of problems with my right arm for awhile now,and it's been swollen etc.Saw the oncologist last wednesday and he said it looked more swollen,and felt a little warm to him,so that's why he ordered the doppler.I do wear a brace on it at times.It seems to get worse when i drive,or pull weeds,or do anything where i have to use it for awhile.I still can't sew,cross stitch,and have trouble holding a book,especially in bed.(any ideas for that problem?)

    I know i'm Blessed in a lot of ways,i just want to do some fun stuff again.

    Kathi

  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 797
    edited January 2010

    Tricia

    I am so sorry you have to wait so long, that seems really ridiculous! Here the scan is done and the Doctor has it that day so we can call and get result! How are you feeling? I just think you are aok, of course I am no Dr, but this back pain is common and your Pet was clear which is so very sensitive. How is the weather where you are at? Are you keeping busy while you wait? Just think all this waiting will be over in a week and you can have some peace.

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Thinking Positive thoughts for you Tricia... Please let us know as soon as you get the results

  • lorieg
    lorieg Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2010

    Tricia- that is ridicuolous!!  I would be very annoyed at waiting another week.  The wait seems different to me once I have had the scans.  I hope they give you some info before next week!

    Kathi- glad you had good scans.

     Lori