Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

514 Members

1,590 Posts

0 Online

kshort49 10/27/2009

Hi everyone. I had bc surgery in 1995-Invasive ductal carcenoma. I had a mastectomy and 6 months of chemo. Until now, I have considered myself cured. But last week I had a PET scan for another condition, and the oncologist called me and said that something showed up in my thoracic spine. I really don't know what.They wanted me to have a MRI done, which I'm getting tomorrow (the 28th). I am so scared. I just turned 60, and felt sure I was done with cancer. My sister died in this past spring of lung cancer and she was only 68. I just don't want to go through what she did. I feel like it's just something I dreamed and really isn't happening. I'm hoping that it is anything but the cancer; But I don't know what, besides cancer, would light up in my spine like it did. Can there be other things? I live alone, so don't have many people to talk to. And I don't want to go crazy (at least I'm trying not to) until I know something for sure. You know, I've lost my job, since May 2008, and haven't found another, and have all kinds of other physical problems, and just wish something good would happen. I've always tried to be positive about everything, but it's getting hard. Sorry for ranting-I'm just really scared. Thanks for listening, and I'll let you know how the MRI turns out. God Bless. Kathy

deleted_user 10/27/2009

I'm not a medical professional, but I've had a MRI of my back before (for back pain, not cancer) and something lit it up. Turns out I have a hemiangioma (a benign tumor) on my spine. They also did a bone scan after they found this to make sure.
I will keep you in my prayers!
Jen

deleted_user 11/30/2009

There are many things that can light up your scan. I cannlot tell you what they are but your oncologist can. I hopet hat, byu now, you found out it was nothing.

If not, remember that you are a survivor already and that you do not have to go through what your sister did. Hang in there and be as positive as you can.

I'll keep you in my prayers.

- Diane

Magenta111 12/02/2009

(((Kathy))) So sorry to hear your worries. I don't have any medical advise, but I'll say a prayer for you. Hang in there, you are a survivor!!

J

deleted_user 12/02/2009

Any results yet, Kathy?

deleted_user 12/03/2009

Stay strong and try and keep busy to take your mind off this (although hard to do sometimes as we all know). I hope your results come back soon and everything is OK. I am here for you if you would like to talk.

kshort49 12/03/2009

Thanks everyone for your concern. Well, it turns out that I also have a hemangioma in my spine, which is benign, thank God. Because of where it is, they will monitor it-the nerves it could affect could be the ones that go to my lungs and heart. But they won't do anything as long as it grows slowly and doesn't cause any problems. I am so relieved, as you can well imagine. I worry a lot, because I have lupus, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease, all which cause pain. I never know if a new pain is from them, or could be the cancer coming back. I'm afraid that I will assume it is one of those other illnesses, when in fact it could be the cancer. I wish they had a really good blood test which would tell you definitively if the cancer is back, then you could scan. With all the stuff I have, I never know what is what. Oh well, there's not much I can do to change the way things are. Thanks again for your messages. God Bless. Kathy

Join the Conversation