Worried, suspicious lesions found: Thought I was cancer free

Posted by vkm @vkm, Nov 30, 2022

I completed breast cancer chemo in October and found out this week that I have two suspicious lesions. One is on my spine and the other one is on my rib. I am scheduled for a PET scan tomorrow. I devastated to say the least...thought I was cancer free. Can anyone share any advice? Honestly don't know how I will handle another cancer diagnosis. Chemo was so hard on my body. Was hospitalized twice with chemo related issues. SO WORRIED

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@vkm, no wonder you're worried. The thought of entering the whole cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, again must feel like getting back on the ever-spinning hamster wheel. You're not alone.

I've added your post to the Breast Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/) too. Several members here have had multiple cancers, like @remi and @mjay, or breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas like the bones. @eku @pbnew @ks3 @nikki727 @leeann66 @mssewest have first hand experience with bone metastases.

One step at a time, vkm. I know that much easier said than done. I hope you're able to do something nice for yourself this evening to help you care for you and to sleep well. What helps you relax in times of stress? Do you have people around you?

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@colleenyoung

@vkm, no wonder you're worried. The thought of entering the whole cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, again must feel like getting back on the ever-spinning hamster wheel. You're not alone.

I've added your post to the Breast Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/) too. Several members here have had multiple cancers, like @remi and @mjay, or breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas like the bones. @eku @pbnew @ks3 @nikki727 @leeann66 @mssewest have first hand experience with bone metastases.

One step at a time, vkm. I know that much easier said than done. I hope you're able to do something nice for yourself this evening to help you care for you and to sleep well. What helps you relax in times of stress? Do you have people around you?

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Thanks @colleenyoung for looping us in! @vkm feel free to reach out if you have any questions you think one of us could help answer for you. I will just say that treatment is constantly changing and improving and should you need treatment there is a good chance it won’t be as hard on you as the last one, fingers crossed!!! Good luck to you, I will keep you in my thoughts!

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@colleenyoung

@vkm, no wonder you're worried. The thought of entering the whole cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, again must feel like getting back on the ever-spinning hamster wheel. You're not alone.

I've added your post to the Breast Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/) too. Several members here have had multiple cancers, like @remi and @mjay, or breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas like the bones. @eku @pbnew @ks3 @nikki727 @leeann66 @mssewest have first hand experience with bone metastases.

One step at a time, vkm. I know that much easier said than done. I hope you're able to do something nice for yourself this evening to help you care for you and to sleep well. What helps you relax in times of stress? Do you have people around you?

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Son and grandson live close by. But I have two loving cats!!!!

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@leeann66

Thanks @colleenyoung for looping us in! @vkm feel free to reach out if you have any questions you think one of us could help answer for you. I will just say that treatment is constantly changing and improving and should you need treatment there is a good chance it won’t be as hard on you as the last one, fingers crossed!!! Good luck to you, I will keep you in my thoughts!

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Thank you!!!

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@vkm

Thank you!!!

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How did you discover? Did you have any pain?

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I’m sorry to hear your worries… we BC survivors live in a hyper vigilant state. Easier said than done but I try to stay focused on the moment … not the future ( where my fears go wild) . Hoping the PET will reveal good news… if more treatment is needed you are right on top of it!

I’ll be rooting for you today. 🌸

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I also would like to know how you discovered these lesions. I have had severe pain in localized areas on hip and thigh. PT is not doing anything for it. I had x-rays that only showed mild degenerative changes. Could be muscle. But I am 8 years out and worry is always there. Oncologist said "x-rays are reassuring" and left it at that. It has been maybe 8 weeks and only getting worse.

I hope your lesions are not metastasis but somehow related to the primary since it is so soon. I hope you will let us know!

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@colleenyoung

@vkm, no wonder you're worried. The thought of entering the whole cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, again must feel like getting back on the ever-spinning hamster wheel. You're not alone.

I've added your post to the Breast Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/) too. Several members here have had multiple cancers, like @remi and @mjay, or breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas like the bones. @eku @pbnew @ks3 @nikki727 @leeann66 @mssewest have first hand experience with bone metastases.

One step at a time, vkm. I know that much easier said than done. I hope you're able to do something nice for yourself this evening to help you care for you and to sleep well. What helps you relax in times of stress? Do you have people around you?

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Thank you Colleen for adding me to this thread. I was diagnosed with metastasis breast cancer to bones, liver, spine, femurs, humeri, etc. I am currently on Ogivri infusions every 3 weeks, Xgeva to help strengthen bones and Faslodex monthly. I was suppose to have Perjeta but my heart keeps failing due to Herceptin so I am only doing Ogivri infusion to target the Her2+ protein of the breast cancer metastasis.

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@windyshores

I also would like to know how you discovered these lesions. I have had severe pain in localized areas on hip and thigh. PT is not doing anything for it. I had x-rays that only showed mild degenerative changes. Could be muscle. But I am 8 years out and worry is always there. Oncologist said "x-rays are reassuring" and left it at that. It has been maybe 8 weeks and only getting worse.

I hope your lesions are not metastasis but somehow related to the primary since it is so soon. I hope you will let us know!

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Had a negative CT of the head due to a fall, but discovered the two lesions.

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@vkm

Had a negative CT of the head due to a fall, but discovered the two lesions.

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It seems to me that everyone I know with stage 4 found out by accident when investigating another health issue. Good to know that a CT picks up lesions.

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