StrahDawg Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Well I previously posted on 3-24 that my 6month check up was good. The following Tuesday they called and the radiologist saw something suspicious on my lower spine so ordered mri. Went for mri the other day and now they want a pet scan that there still unsure and it looks suspicious. My oncologist is suppost to call me today to give me some more info. The kind of ironic thing is that back in Jan. I hurt my back carrying a box and after a week the pain got better well last month when I was working out I hurt it again and it's been bothering me again for the past few weeks. When I went for this check up I never mentioned it and just figured I'd see my regular Dr. about it. Now I'm a nervous wreck on what this is I told the nurse about the injury but it seems like there not even considering that as a possibility and think it's something else and that's why were doing the PET. I feel great other than the pain in my lower back I'm wondering if anyone has ever had there lung cancer come back in there lower back/spine? Also that is the only area raising any type of suspicion the rest of the scans were clear. I also talked to a friend who is a nurse oncologist and she said it was kind of standard procedure that until they are 120% positive it's not the cancer back that I should expect more tests and that it's a good thing there being so cautious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 It seems to me that the back injury would be the most likely culprit and that your oncology nurse friend is on the right track. You probably know that inflamation will cause a PET scan to light up, so I don't know how helpful that will be in determining what it is. I had inflamed fingertips from Tarceva when I had my last PET scan, and they lit up like 10 Christmas tree bulbs! Maybe they'll just rescan in 2 or 3 months and check for changes. If so, watch your back! Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Steve- OK, this could really be nothing. Ned is right - a lot of things show up on PET scans that are really not cancer. My original PET showed a met to one of my ribs with a SUV of 3.3. They don't even consider it cancer unless its at least 3.0 and I recently had a bone scan and NOTHING showed in my rib. Now, I can also tell you a story about the bone scan. They inject the radioactive tracer in you and then tell you to come back in 3 hours. So I went to the clinic restaurant and ate and hung out. When I got back, I could taste the onions and popped a tic-tac in my mouth.......wrong thing to do!!! The bone scan showed something "suspicious" in my right jaw area - it was the frigging tic tac!!!! Now, I do have a met in my rt hip and one in my spine. It was being treated with Zometa every other chemo treatment. The mets have gotten so good that I no longer take the Zometa. I know is scary to think theres been a change but I do agree with the nurse oncologist - better to be 100% sure than assume anything at all. Please keep us posted. Hoping its just a strained back from your box-carrying incident!! Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet B Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 On one of my PET scans a canker sore in my throat showed up - so yes it could very well just be the back injury and that is what I will be praying for - but in the mean time it is good to get the test to be sure - be glad they are being so proactive. Prayers - Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 It's good that they are being cautious. Look at this way, it is probably something from one of your back injuries, but if it were a met they will likely catch it early when they can zap it pretty easily. We've been through this with Mom three times since her Dx. She had mets to the spine at Dx and radiation that took care of those mets. She also has arthritis in her back and three times her back pain has suddenly gotten worse, but each time it is the arthritis and not the cancer! So it is very possible that what they are seeing is bone spurs, or compression fractures or other non-cancer issues! Keep up updated on what you find out! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrahDawg Posted April 12, 2008 Author Share Posted April 12, 2008 Well I talked to Doc. yesterday and I feel a little better about things. He said right now they have no idea what it is and the next step would be a PET and than a biopsy. I asked him if the nurse relayed the info of my injury and he paused and said What injury? I told him the story and he sounded a little upset about not knowing and asked why I didn't say anything when I came in for my original check up. I told him I was trying to get an appointment with my regular DR. because I knew I injured myself. I asked him if it could be a bulging disc or something like that and he said yes but they still would need to confirm that the injury didn't happen just because I over did it working out and not because the area was weak because of a tumor or something. He said they would try to get an appointment sometime next week or the following week. He told me to keep taking Advil and to take it easy and not workout. I guess I will just have to wait and keeping staying positive. Thanks again for everyone's input it really help's alot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaroleHammett Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hi, SD. One of the hardest lessons I've had to try to learn is patience while awaiting tests and tests results. I had scan last August for possible bone mets due to lower back/hip pain, and after sweating it out, learned that it was a sacral stress fracture due to Prednisone-induced severe osteoporosis. I'd have done a Happy Dance upon learning the news if not for fear I'd break something else! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I have a feeling you just hurt your back period. Back pain can last a long time and it can come and go. Since you work out that could very well be the case. I will be sending out healing vibes to you and when you get your pet sending prayers for good results. I know its easy to say but try not to stress. I am sure it will all turn out in your favor. Thinking of you, Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I would assume it was the back injury until I was shown otherwise and I hope that is all it is. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Praying for back injury only!!! Very likely the cause.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonni Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I agree Steve...back injury for sure...a few months ago I had a scare too....something suspicious between the chest bone....ordered a Ct/scan...unremarkable and no malignancy...Praise God!!!!....praying the same for you....You know these radioloigist pick up even a speck of dust...but still better to be safe....Go for it and good luck hugs..nonni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonni Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I agree Steve...back injury for sure...a few months ago I had a scare too....something suspicious between the chest bone....ordered a Ct/scan...unremarkable and no malignancy...Praise God!!!!....praying the same for you....You know these radioloigist pick up even a speck of dust...but still better to be safe....Go for it and good luck hugs..nonni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrahDawg Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Thanks again everyone for the encouraging words it really helps. The Clinic called today and I have my appointment for the PET on Thurs. They also made me an appointment for next Weds. to see the spine DR. My guess is that there going to say there still unsure with the PET results and want to do a biopsy or let's wait 90 days and re-evaluate. I'll keep you all posted and thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 Hang in there Stave and let us know what you find out next week. In the meantime I'll say a prayer that it is simply an injury or bulging disk (LC makes us pray for the wierdest things!). Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 "fillise" ...LC makes us pray for the wierdest things! Ain't that the truth! Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Steve, Could be a strained back, hurt my back six months ago and had a bone scan, pet scan and x-rays they finally gave me peridural infiltration for it and it is getting better. I have cancer(not lung) so they don't take a chance and have to be sure it is only a strained back and not mets. Best of luck for your appointments. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrahDawg Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 Thanks everybody and fillise your right this crazy lc makes us pray for the weirdest things bulging disks, strained back unreal. All I know is I feel great other than the pain in my lower back. Thanks Katie for the complement on my avatar took me forever to finally get it re-sized so the system would take it. Thanks Jackie for letting me know of your back injury and how they were cautious with you as well. It makes me feel better to know that there kind of following a standard procedure with things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JocelynM Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 I, too, will hope for back trouble. I've had it for years but at least I know how to treat it (work the abs!). I just know they will fix you right up. Wishing you the best, JackieM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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