Hiya,
it would seem that I should have been worrying a little more than I have been about the bone scan that I had today rather than when my radiotherapy and hormone therapy was going to start (for a local recurrence at the original site). The only thing I was really worried about today was the possibility of there being some progression of arthritis that they had picked up on a bone scan 18 months or so ago.
The scan has shown up a suspicious spot on the posterior rib on the same side as the original and recent diagnosis. I was asked if I’d had any ‘trauma’ recently (ha, ha, what a joke - ever since being diagnosed, I’ve been traumatised!) and I did explain that I had fallen over on my side (on a treadmill) in July - but I can’t recall falling on, or hurting, my back to explain the spot on the scan.
The technician/radiologist did refer the scan to the consultant who said that he didn’t think it was anything to worry about - apparently they would be more concerned if there were several lesions - but said that the oncologist would probably recommend another scan in 6 months time. Unfortunately, though, in the 15-20 minutes between having the scan, being asked if I’d had any fall at all and the doctor saying that he wasn’t concerned, the damage was already done and my mind has been working over time ever since - I’ve also probably shed a few tears that I should have shed by now much sooner. My poor sister had me crying on the phone to her afterwards!
I am about to search the internet to see what I can find but am I worrying unnecessarily, given that the consultant wasn’t concerned, or should I be pushing for more tests? And, if I should be asking for more tests, what might these be?
I can only imagine, that if it wasn’t due to the fall, and it isn’t spread to the bones, then it may have something to do with my recent surgery - perhaps I fell off the table while they operating!
Anything to help ease my mind, or to push me to question the docs further would be very much appreciated.
Naz
Hi, just looking for any comments on this - I have an appointment with my oncologist on Monday, at which I expect to talk through the results of the bone scan but am uncertain whether I should be satisfied with the prospect of another bone scan in 6 months time, or I should be seeking additional scans now, such as an MRI or PET/CT scan. I know that these are v. expensive, so perhaps there are particular blood tests that I could be asking for instead, perhaps to measure calcium levels?
Any advice gratefully received - so far I’ve just been keeping my head down, going through the motions, turning up for radiotherapy but its all beginning to get on top of me, and I want to be as prepared as I can for my consultation on Monday.
Naz
I had a bone scan a couple of months ago after a suspicious xray of my back. I was shocked when they said my back was just degenerative BUT there was a suspicious area on my ribs! The Nuclear Med dept has a new SPECT/CT scanner so I had one of those at the time and the radiologist said it was nothing to worry about.
The area was on my treated side too and so many others have had the same or pain in the ribs on the treated side.I reckon its post rads damage.
Hope yours is nothing to worry about too!
Dot
xxx
Hi naomifel
You might find it helpful to give the BCC helpline a call and talk things through with one of the trained members of staff. Here you can share your feelings and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as practical infromation. The lines are open Saturday 9 to 2pm and Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000.
I hope you find this helpful.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Thank you, Dot, Sam.
As always, I’m still feeling a little unclear! We didn’t talk through the results of my latest bone scan but they did say that they would compare this one with my earlier scan in 2009/10. I was surprised that they hadn’t already done this but I have transferred from one hospital to another recently so I suppose it is understandable, however frustrating.
They also said that if this hotspot was not apparent in the earlier scan then they would order a PET/CT scan - I didn’t need to ask for this, which was good, but I’m now feeling nervous at the prospect of one more scan, and, therefore, the prospect of finding something else!
Thank you for listening to me and my anxieties!
Naz