Scared about bone spots after breast cancer - could it be mets?

Terri I'm just so sorry that you have to go through this. I remember we were communicating last year because we both had the same kind of cancer and surgery. I am sending you so many positive thoughts.

The waiting period before test results can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to feel anxious about these findings. Many factors can cause spots to appear on bone scans, including previous treatments, medications, old injuries, or benign conditions, so try to hold space for multiple possibilities until you have more information. This community understands the fear that comes with follow-up scans, and you're not alone in navigating these difficult moments - consider sharing how you're coping or asking others about their experiences with similar situations.

Thank you Karen, my Dr just said that I can have a pet/ct scan instead of the bone scan. It will give us more information and speed things up a bit. He also tried to reassure me that if it is a metastatic cancer that there are lots of treatments. I am not sure what ones I would consider. I don’t want to do anything that takes away my ability to live my life and do fun things. But I am jumping ahead. We won’t know until after the scan and probably a bone biopsy.

I'm glad they are acting expeditiously, waiting is hard. Please let me know when you find out what is going on.

Hi Terry my name is Mary and too have cancer. I do got for pet-scans every 3-4 months. My Dr. feels that they’re more accurate and will light up on the spot if there’s something wrong. So they can take care of it right away. U’ll be fine besides we have this group of woman that we can talk to cause everyone is going through the same thing. So everyone understands. It’s nice to be able to communicate with people like this. Please let me also know what’s going on and how u made out with ur testing. Good luck❤️. Mary

Thank you guys so much! I actually spoke to one of my three oncologists on my team yesterday and he was able to talk me off the ledge a bit. He studied the ct scan very closely and said that the 4 spots that were found are very tiny so that bodes well that even if it is metastasis that it is very early and he felt that it would turn out to be serendipitous that I had the pneumonia that led them to the ct scan. He said otherwise it would have been a long time before these were found. And of course it isn’t definitely a metastasis. This has been super difficult though for my husband and son. I think the original breast cancer diagnosis was easier because it was something that could be fixed.

Also Mary, why do they need to do the pet scans so often? Do you have a metastatic diagnosis? Only answer if you feel comfortable.

Yes I started 13 yrs ago with breast cancer. Went through 4 huge infusions of chemo that landed me in the hospital twice than had radiation for 6 weeks that burned me really badly. After all that I went 8 yrs. in remission. During those yrs. I made sure that I had my tumor markers done and the pet-scans. Sure enough almost 81/2 yrs later that markers went flying the the pet-scan lite up. Now I have a tumor on my spine and of course it’s malignant. So after trying almost every chemo pill and I’m back in chemo-immune therapy.well as bad as I feel with all the side effects at least it’s taking the back pain away. I live in Fl.and on top of all this we’re trying to move. Not easy! Please tell me more about urself . Hope all goes well with u let me know Mary

Oh wow I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this. I was very lucky that I didn’t originally need chemo. Just the end and radiation. That may change now of course. Which really scares me. I am 59 and my son is getting married in 2027 and I just want to be there and feel healthy.

I completely agree with this thoughtful response - the waiting is absolutely the hardest part, and while you're holding space for different possibilities, you might also consider asking your care team about timing for getting results so you're not left wondering longer than necessary.

Hi I will say I do get the results of everything I have done almost right away. I just get very anxious and crazy before it’s all done. I have my chart in both the hospitals and cancer centers I deal with the results go on just about right away. I don’t blame u for feeling that way. I too have a new grandson and we’re trying to move which has been a real challenge. But I guess everything in time. Try to think of good things and time is the best healer. We’ll be ok! Let me know how u’re doing. I’m always sorry to hear that anyway one has to go through this horrible journey. Mary❤️

You are in my prayers.

Ty and u’re in mine! Write me sometime and tell me ur story! Can’t be anymore boring than mine! ❤️ Mary