bone mets
I have not been here for several years. I was diagnosed in 2016 with stage 2A ER+ PR- Her2-, one positive lymph node. I had lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and just started my 10th year on anastrozole. Today I had my annual breast MRI and got a call from my oncologist shortly after. I have a highly suspicious 4 cm lesion in my sternum. She's ordered a foundation one blood test (also called liquid biopsy), a CT scan and a nuclear bone scan. She seemed fairly certain that the cancer was back and is only doing tests to confirm. I might want to add that 3 days ago, I had my biannual blood work including tumor markers done. ( CA 19.9, carcinoembryonic antigen-roche, and carcinoembryonic antigen-ortho). All results were normal and in the same range they have been for the last 9 years. I don't understand why, with these levels all being normal, I'm being told I've likely got bone mets. 3 different tests would have picked up something, I'd think. I have no idea if there is treatment for this, if it is considered curable, or anything else about it. Hoping to hear from others who have experience with this. I'm terrified (more than the first diagnosis) and I feel like I've just been handed a death sentence. Thank you.
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@seq24 I am so sorry to find you facing a possible mets diagnosis. The folks here on the forum (as I'm sure you know) will be by your side to help answer questions and support you. I think the mind just throws you into a panic mode. I know I felt the same at first, but after therapy and 3 years of diagnosis, it's no longer the first thing on my mind in the morning. Also, if there is one area of cancer, it's quite possible that you can be treated with a curative intent. Sounds like your MO is already on the ball. Yes there are treatments for this, as it's treated as breast cancer in the bones.
I will say prayers for you (if accepted) and perhaps others will see this post in the morning and join in to support you.
Irishlove
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Thank you for your support and prayers. I'm feeling pretty alone right now . I've been crying all day.
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@seq24 I am sorry for you being told you have a bone mets possibility, but at this point it is still a possibility. Call me a skeptic, but I'm not a fan of medical oncologists that suggest it's cancer when test results have not confirmed a diagnosis, especially when your tumor marker tests were in the normal range, consistent with your history. Additional testing will be helpful. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion-nothing wrong with another set of eyes on test results that will determine your future. Like irishlove, I'm sending prayers and big hugs.
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@seq24, hi! 👋 We’re really sorry you’re going through this, but we're glad you reached out.
It’s good that your team is moving quickly with more tests so you can get clearer answers. If it helps, many members here have shared that tumor markers don’t always reflect what’s happening, so imaging and follow-up tests are often needed to get the full picture. We hope others with similar experiences will continue to chime in and share what they’ve learned.
Also, if you’re feeling alone right now, we do have virtual support groups where you can connect in real time with others who understand what this moment feels like. You’re very welcome to join: Virtual Support Groups
Again, we’re really glad you reached out, and we are here with you.Warmly,
The Mods
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@seq24 I'm 2 1/2 years from a de novo metastatic breast cancer diagnosis with bone mets in my spine and hip. I'm still going strong and have lots of hope. My treatment has been working really well, and when it fails, there are more treatments available. At first I was completely overwhelmed and in a panic as more and more bad news came my way. I was shell shocked. But now I am living this precious life. You will find out whether your cancer has metastasized and then you will want to know what kind it is and then your MO will prescribe a treatment that targets that version. And if at any point you have any questions at all, you should seek a second opinion at a major cancer center. There is a great community here and elsewhere to help you through it.
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Thank you everyone for your kind words of support. One more thing to add is that at the end of November, I had the Signatera test, which looks for any circulating cancer cells. The result was negative. So that, along with normal tumor marker tests and other blood work too, really has me wondering if this could be a false positive MRI result. Does anyone know the likelihood of false positives in MRI imaging? In the meantime I'm a stressed out bucket of tears who got absolutely no sleep last night. This is more stressful than my original diagnosis. That was very cut and dry and I've been fine in the almost 10 years since diagnosis.
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So very sorry you find yourself in this situation. This can lead to more follow-up testing and procedures, further increasing our anxiety and rising national healthcare costs. Sending warm thoughts 💚💜
"For every 1000 women with dense breasts screened with MRI, 2.5 will find a cancer in between mammograms, but 80 will have a false positive result. Because of their high false positive rates and lack of proven benefit, MRIs for average-risk women are not recommended by specialty societies."
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