in the bone

[mickblayney]

Hi all,

I just got the results back from my bone scan and there is a small spot right in the middle of my shoulder blade.

It had been sore for a few days and felt like i may have pulled a muscle or tendon. When i saw the doctor about it and pointed to the spot he said that there was a tendon joint right there but would scan me just to be sure.

I'm due for five shots of radiotherapy and the onc says it should alleviate the pain about 2wks after that.

Has anyone out there had some similar treatment, and did it reduce the pain? I remember the last time i had rad treatment for my bowel it took about 5wks to feel a bit of relief.

Thanks Mick

[grammyto4]

Mick

I haven't had any personal experience with this, so I can't help you there.

But I can sure add you to my prayer list. This cancer journey surely sucks Anyway, we are all here for each other, the good and the bad. Here's to hoping the rad tx work, and your pain is short-lived. Thanks for letting us all know, so we can keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Tina

[justsing]

I haven't crossed this bridge yet, but I seem to remember from reading Brady's posts about radiation for bone mets that he got pain relief pretty quickly. He or Sharon may chime in here as well with more detail, but if you search his posts, you may get some more info.

[MitchellVII]

I don't know that much about how rectal cancer metastisizes, but in the shoulder blade? That seems like an odd place for rectal cancer to spread to. Is that common and do they think it is cancer?

[live2jett]

HI Mick,
I don't know the answer to your question. I wanted to tell you that I'm sending you positive thought annd prayers your way. I will pray for healing and for you to have great energy. Stay positive and I hope your pains is relieved soon. Take Care, Deb

[Terry]

I wish I knew the answer but I don't but....I will be praying for you!
Terry

[John in CA]

I'm in the middle of a 6-week course of radiation treatments for metastasis to the sacrum. The recurrence originated in the soft tissue and was beginning to grow into the bone when we began rt. The tumor is adjacent to the sciatic nerve, and that's causing intense pain.

I had also read on this forum that radiation can quickly relieve the pain. In my case, the radiation is causing inflamation and swelling and that has increased the pain.

The shoulder blade, of course, is different than the sacrum, and if there's no nerve involvement that will make a difference too.

Just a little more information to run past your docs.

Best wishes,

John

[mickblayney]

Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers, they certainly help us all.

I read up on Brady's posts and yes he seemed to get relief from the pain pretty quickly - thanks Justsing

As far as where mets can go - i guess they can go wherever they like.
From the rectum to the lung is fairly common but then onto the bone! and its on the side that i like to sleep on too.

Anyway best wishes to all, Mick

[mpeters6]

Mick, sorry to hear the news.

[bradyr]

Mick, My radiation has been to my tibia and femur as well as the humerus. Typically my treatments have been 10 fractions. I normally have more pain after the 3 and 4 treatment as the bone area and soft tissue swell a bit, then the pain starts reducing and by the 10th fraction, I am having relief. Everyone is different and it does depend on the size and area around the tumor, but I have been very successful in getting pain relief very quickly. Good luck to you. PS. this has been dictated to Sharon as I am not typing very well right now.

[mickblayney]

Thanks Brady n' Sharon,

Hope everything is coming along well for you.
I know what you mean when you said you feel it if it's in the bone cause the pain can really intensify in certain positions.
I have to wait until the 14th to start the treatment, the painkillers just take the edge off it
good wishes to both of you, Mick