Bone scan question

I had a lumpectomy of the right breast on November 19.  Stage 1A DCIS and invasive cancer.  Estrogen receptor positive.  No HER-2.  Tumor was barely visible on the mammogram (calcifications).  Grade 3 cancer.  Sentinal node biopsy (4 nodes) showed the cancer has not spread outside the breast and I am scheduled for 6-8 weeks of radiation (to begin shortly) followed by 5 years of hormonal therapy w/Arimidex.  No cytotoxic chemotherapy is required.  (I am post-menopausal, 54 years old).  On a bone scan which was taken prior to surgery, there was a small questionable area and my oncologist has scheduled me for an MRI.  She doesn't think it is anything, that it is most likely arthritis. I have had no pain or previous problems in this area.  My question is, what is the possibility the cancer could have metastasized?   I thought I was in the clear and now I'm terrified all over again.  Thank you for your help.  Jannie

[lhughes]

My father's cancer metastasized to his leg bone (the long one) and caused him untold pain (this was after 12 years from the original diagnosis and lots of chemo).  If it were the cancer and not just arthritis, I think you would feel it more (a lot more).  My mom is a nurse and she says that nothing hurts worse than cancer that has reached the bones.

I would (until told otherwise) accept that your doc is *probably* correct and it's just that "itis" boy named Arther.  I hear he's mean.  (that's my dad's old joke)  They'll continue to do bone scans and watch for changes.

I hope your MRI comes out fine for you!
Lisa

[Irishgal2]

Not much chance of the cancer spreading.  I had the same story as you with my bone scan.  I had subsequent xrays to show that I had arthritis in lumper 5 and 6 in my lower back and my knees.  Try not to worry too much.

[JannieBear]

The oncologist said the questionable spot was in the upper center of my back.  I've had back problems previously and am on Fosamax as an osteoporosis preventative as there is a family history of osteoporosis.  Otherwise, I've had no pain, except in the incisions from my lumpectomy and sentinal biopsy.    

[JannieBear]

If there's a doctor reading this post, it would mean a lot to me to have another medical opinion.  

P.S.  A big thank you and a hug to IrishGal and lhughes for your responses -- I appreciate your kindness and concern.  

[often]

I really think that you will find it is arthritis...especially considering your history...the problem is that breast cancer mets to the bones so the minute they see anything "off" on the bones, they investigate.  Relax and be glad that your docs are pro-active.  Let us know how it goes.

[JannieBear]

Doctor -- can you help with this question?  I am VERY worried.  Thank you.

[JannieBear]

Hi ....... just wanted to let you all know that I received the results from my MRI yesterday.  Everything is fine ..... diagnosis probably degenerative arthritis.  They rechecked the bone scan as well and found nothing wrong.  I am so relieved!
JannieBear

[JannieBear]

Hi... just wanted to let you know that I received the results from my MRI yesterday.  Everything is fine ..... diagnosis probably degenerative arthritis.  They rechecked the bone scan as well and found nothing wrong.  I am so relieved!
JannieBear

[sonu78]

Hi,
Sorry for the delay. Just read your post.
You were diagnosed to have the breast cancer --  Stage 1A DCIS and invasive cancer.  Estrogen receptor positive.  No HER-2.  Tumor was barely visible on the mammogram (calcifications).  Grade 3 cancer.

The common site of bony mets from breast cancer are the thoracic vertebrae but other bones can also be affected. The risk of bony metastasis depends on the stage of the tumour. The risk increases as the staging of the cancer increases.
Stage I is an early breast cancer and has least risk of breast cancer.

Probably the spot mentioned in the bone scan can be due to bony pathology. MRI can be done to rule out any element of doubt.

Good luck for the results.

[often]

great news  I am very happy for you.