Bone mets

BabsWon

I am 9 yr. beast cancer survivor and am worried about cancer spreading. If it spreads to the bones, what are the first symptoms to watch for? I am not currently seeing my onc because of NED.

Teachertina

Are you being monitored at least once a year for any type of recurring cancer? If you are worried that is enough to get checked. A scan or other types of tests can probably been done by your general doctor. I would schedule a time with them soon about it. Hopefully all is well with you.

LiveWithCancer

If you are concerned that you have bone mets, I would definitely speak with my oncologist or, if you no longer have an oncologist, your primary care doctor who should refer you to a cancer specialist. Is there a reason why you are worried about bone mets? Are you having pains or something?

TerriL

I am surprised that you are not being seen once a year. Your PCP can definitely refer you to an oncologist. You should tell them you are concerned.

ChicagoSandy

Pain is a red flag—if you get back or hip aches that won’t go away, ask your onc to order a PET scan.

Rustysmom

I agree with all the previous answers. You should be having annual screenings. I have a sister who was diagnosed denovo with bone mets. Her first symptoms were pains in her side, that she dismissed as muscle strain. Shortly after, she started cracking ribs, by doing no more than rolling over in bed. She is about 8 years out from diagnosis, and until recently the cancer cells only spread in her bones. We can't afford to dismiss even minor symptoms, so if you are concerned about something, there's no harm in getting it checked out, just for the peace of mind. Take care!

gpgirl70

Definitely have yearly appointments! My mom was having really bad back and hip pain. She had imaging, physical therapy, chiropractic, and then more imaging. This was over the course of a year. On her yearly appointment with her oncologist, she mentioned her back pain and the oncologist looked at her scans and immediately ordered new imaging. She had mets in her hip really bad and also in her back. The mets in her hip were visible on her previous imaging but at that time they were looking at her back so that was extremely frustrating. If she hadn't seen the oncologist, she probably would be dead. She has been in treatment for 12 years now - every time a medication stops working there is a new one for her to try. There are lots of treatment options for metastatic breast cancer.