Hi
2 years ago this month I was diagnosed with stage2 ductal breast carcinoma , invasive, no specific type, my tumour was 6cm and had spread into the lymph glands but only 1 gland was cancerous.
And I went on to have chemo, and radiotherapy and then Tamoxifen , the tamoxifen didn't agree with me so they checked to make sure I had finished the menopause ad gave me Letrosole instead.
I have has severe back pain particularly on lying down, it is like a burning pain shooting up my spine, it also bothers me all of the time, but not as bad during the day .
I told the Oncologist and the department ordered an Isotope scan , this came back with ' A lytic lesion on the Sacrum, a possible problem on the ribs but they will reinvestigate as it may be the site where radiation damage occurred , also my bowel, they say there may be a tumour but as there was a lot of bowel gas this can sometimes distort findings so they will reinvestigate this also,
They did say though that Lytic lesions on the Sacrum are rarely anything but a secondary tumour in cases where the patient had a breast cancer history .
They have now done a CT Scan (thoracic) and a plain copy x ray of my pelvis , the results are due shortly .
What do you think ?
Reply # - January 11, 2014, 04:19 PM
Reply To: 3 Hotspots found on isotope scan ( following breast
Hello and welcome to Grace. I'm very sorry you may be looking at a recurrence of cancer. I'm not sure of your question. I'll make sure Dr. West responds.
Some people wonder how one knows it's cancer without a biopsy, but bones are difficult to take a biopsy from. Or maybe you're more interested in treatment options. Any idea of what you want to know will be helpful.
All best,
Janine
Reply # - January 11, 2014, 05:46 PM
Reply To: 3 Hotspots found on isotope scan ( following breast
I agree that it sounds worrisome, given your history. Most concerning is the lytic bone lesion, and a biopsy would provide the most definitive information. It's worth talking with your oncologist to better clarify how to proceed.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - January 15, 2014, 03:53 PM
Reply To: 3 Hotspots found on isotope scan ( following breast
I have now had results from a CT on my chest , they say there is a 6mm tumour on my right lung, they will watch this as apparenlty it is dangerous to biopsy it to find if it is malignant or benign, They said the lytic lesion on the sacrum could not be seen on the plain X Ray but I must now have a CT of that area, They say this will give them a clearer idea of what is going on , I did ask the Doctor to show me the report and it says .... Lytic lesion in Sacral area positive on Isotope but not seen on plain film , CT required - possible metastases, also CT to cover bowel area.
Mass on left sided ribs , possible metastases ( close to the area of original tumour and radiation area )
I don't really know what to make of this as they have told me that they would be unlikely to biopsy the bone if they are proved to be right as they prefer to treat it . I would value your opinion on this latest development . I have done some research and as far as I can gather Lytic lesions often don't show on plain film unless they are breaks in bones .But i am also aware than most of these lesions in a patient with a history of Primary Breast cancer turn out to be metastases.
This whole process has taken almost a month already and it is very un nerving, but the CT is booked for a week today , I have been given no indications of how they will proceed if this information proves correct.
My Oncologist , whilst a nice person, seems to be trying to shield me from this until they have full details but I don't think this is helping me.
I have swollen glands in my neck , pain in my chest , not major pain but always there, but no symptoms such as bloody sputum. I am extremely tired all of the time and become breathless with any activity , I assumed this was because my left lung was damaged with radiotherapy .
My main problem is the excruciating pain in my back, when I lie down it radiates up the spine, it is horrible, like a burning or shock .
I would appreciate any input .
Regards
Sharon
Reply # - January 15, 2014, 10:25 PM
Reply To: 3 Hotspots found on isotope scan ( following breast
A lytic lesion that is positive for uptake on a bone scan or PET scan is extremely consistent with, but not 100% definitive for, a metastasis. To provide a little more clarification, it would probably be more valuable for you to seek a second opinion from someone who can review all of your details than to rely on a "blind" opinion from someone online who doesn't have access to those details.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - January 15, 2014, 10:25 PM
Reply To: 3 Hotspots found on isotope scan ( following breast
A lytic lesion that is positive for uptake on a bone scan or PET scan is extremely consistent with, but not 100% definitive for, a metastasis. To provide a little more clarification, it would probably be more valuable for you to seek a second opinion from someone who can review all of your details than to rely on a "blind" opinion from someone online who doesn't have access to those details.
Good luck.
-Dr. West