Saw my Oncologist today for a routine check-up and he has ordered an emergency MRI on my spine next week as a recent x-ray is showing something “extra” on my spine (in addition to the mets I have in that area). I asked what the likely treatment could be once the results are in and he mentioned injecting cement into the said area. Has anyone else heard of this or had this done ? I dont want to jump the gun just yet as I try to be as positive as possible, but any info gratefully received ladies x Debbie x
Hello Debbie, I wonder if your onc is talking about vertebroplasty?
Here’s some threads from some posters…
breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/search.php?keywords=vertebroplasty&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=posts&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search
(I’ll PM you in a couple of days)…xx
Debbie,what you have described is called a vertbroplasty and is done usually under sedation ,the Dr injects a “cement” into the vertebral body to strengthen it against collapse.I have come across (in my job)a patient who has had 3 vertebra done,on separate occasions, so it was certainly successful in that case!
Hope this helps,
Dot
xxx
Thanks ladies - certainly sounds like what the Onc has in mind and Belinda the ladies that have had it seem to have good outcomes so feel a lot better about it now and can go and do some research - cheers for your input xx Debbie xx
Had the dreaded MRI on Sunday morning - an experience I hope I dont have to repeat! Am due to see my Oncologist in the morning for the results. Getting a fair bit of pain down my left leg now, so am ready to hear the results and get on with dealing with whatever is causing my troubles x
Good Luck Debs, xxx
Oh dear ! Just back from the hosptial - there is another bigger bone met on my spine and the onc is deciding how to treat it. It could be radiotherapy, vertoblasty, chemo or a combination. Absolutely, gutted. More worrying is an urgent CT scan to check if there has been any spread to my organs (last one in June was clear). He more or less said if it is stil contained in the bones we are talking years. So does that mean if it is in my organs its only months left ? Gotta stop crying and get my head together before my son comes in from school. He’s only 11 bless him. Whatever happens I will meet it head on. Also, he immediately stopped Tamoxifen and may put me on Arimidex - had blood taken to check whether I am post menopausal. I was doing so well after secondaries was diagnosed in May 09, sorry to go on ladies, it does help to let off some steam!! xDebbiex
Heavens you’ve certainly had a rough ride so hope the on-going treatment works. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes x
Hi Debs, will private message you…x
Debs, thinking of you…I so hope today shows clear results for the rest of your organs…xxxxxxxxxx
thanks Naz, had a struggle getting to the hospital, car broke down, lots of snow etc but got there in the end - now a nail biting week for results next monday ! Apart from a rotten cold I am feeling good, so am very hopeful the organs will be cancer free x
Fingers and toes crossed for you Deb…I so hope so too…x
Stay warm, so cold …brrrhhh…x
Hi Deb
Hope you got good results from your MRI on Monday.
I’m having verteblasty to L3 and L5 on Tuesday (7th Dec) so I will let you know what it’s like.
Best wishes
Linda
Hi Linda, thanks for that - my problem is also on L5 - I dont meet the spinal guy til 16th Decemeber - had a lot of pain down left leg this weekend - just waiting to take last lot of meds so I can try and get some sleep - results day tomorrow for the scan on organs. I wish you all the best for your forthcoming op - please let us know how you get on - I have no idea how long it takes and how long you are in hospital for etc etc but will keep checking to see how you get on. Take care, Deb xx
Hey Linda, thinking of you today. Hope the op goes well. Love and best wishes, Deb xx
Deb, how did you get on with your results? x
Hi Naz, the CT scan found cancer in a lymph gland above my left lung but thankfully nowhere else. Have started on Arimidex for 3 months - if that doesnt shift it I may have to consider more chemo ! ouch! I meet the spinal surgeon this Thursday to find out how they are going to treat the tumor on the spine, so all a bit up in the air at the moment still - on better pain relief now so am a bit happier, getting more sleep etc. How are you doing, hope you are keeping well xx
Hi Deb
Glad that your CT results weren’t too bad, hope the Arimidex zaps its into oblivion.
The verteboplasty was pretty easy. I had to be at the hospital for 7.30 am, was taken to theatre at 10.30 am. I was a bit sore when I came round, but the theatre nurse kept giving me shots of morphine until I was painfree. Had some lunch, dozed and watched tv all afternoon, had tea and went home at 7.00 pm. I could have stayed overnight but didn’t feel it was necessary. I’ve got 5 staples, 2 in each vertebrae + an extra one. The improvement I have had is that I am now able to sleep on both sides whereas since my hip op in March I had only been able to sleep on my back with a pillow under my legs. As far as my mobility is concerned I have yet to see an improvement, and to be honest, I still have pain (but in my pelvis, not my back so it may not be related), so the jury’s still out as to how useful this op has been.
Hope your meeting with the spinal guy on 16th goes well, do let me know the outcome.
Best wishes
Linda
Hi Linda, glad the op went well and hope that you continue to improve - sorry you are still in pain but it is early days - I am surprised you were home the same day ! Let’s hope it does improve your mobility - what’s that saying - no pain no gain ! I changed all my medication on Friday when I saw the GP and feel much much more comfortable (I had been waking up about 4am in agony) but I am sleeping like a baby now. Will let you know how Thursday’s appt goes - if he doesn’t decide to operate it could well be hit with rads - just want to get on with it now. You take care and let me know how you progress. Love and Best wishes, Deb x
Dear Deb
Good luck for today, if you do have to have a vertabroplasty don’t worry- you are very sedated and it felt like have an small op under a local - ie you knew something was happening but it didn’t hurt.
I had mine (T11 & T12) just a few weeks after dx with breast and bone mets followed by 5 radio.
Again, Good Luck
Leo73