So I went into my radiation oncologist to discuss pain and tumor treatment options. After he took a CT scan, he found four rib fractures on the right side (ribs 4-7), which I did no t know I had - only that with certain activities that side hurt. The lower left side also hurts, more than the right, but does not have any fractures. Go figure.
So my question is, who else with bone medpts has had spontaneous fractures that were only found via imaging vs knowing or thinking you did something (like fall) that caused it/them.
Thanks in advance.
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DianaTrapani
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Hi Diana. I was diagnosed De Novo in 2018 with bone only mets . They were and continue to be quite extensive all over my skeletal system. Over that time frame I get CT(CAP) and bone scans every 3 months and have had about 10 pathological spine fractures that were left to heal on their own. Twice over the same time period(including my latest scan done last week) I have had rib fractures noted on the reports. The first time several years ago I noticed a swelling hard lump in the area where the fractures were noted and the same thing this time. It is not painful unless I press on the area or make a sudden twisting movement which I rarely do since I do have extensive bone mets.
Fractures caused without obvious injury are called pathological fractures and can be common in patients with bone mets. Describing them as spontaneous of course is correct but just wanted to note the official wording.
As long as you are on a bone strengthening drug (such as Zometa or Xgeva) you are doing what you need to be. Unfortunately even with being extremely careful in movements and taking Zometa every 3 months since 2018 fractures still can happen. When I got my first one I was nervous but now I hardly blink an eye when they are mentioned. Take care.
Hello I had a Lumpectomey june of last year. And I had the zometa drip. But I formed lympphedma in my arm and hand. Took therapy for that and have to wear a compression sleeve and glove at times. I'm to see oncologist in September frist time since she gave me zometa. But my breast feels sore and my rib area right under my breast. I don't know why this sorness doesn't go away. And I'm tired all the time. Totally confused. Prayers for all on this cancer journey
Awesome forever had lots of great information. I too am currently bone Mets only.
And I too have fractures both on my ribs and spine. Once I had 3 pathological spinal fractures at once. When I asked my oncologist said she was surprised it had not happened more often and I must have had good bones before MBC.
I might suggest starting with Aerdia for 2 years then a break for 2 then Zometa for 2 years. My oncologist has done this with me to minimize dental issues. I have a few root canals and crowns. I have had my wisdom teeth pulled as well.
Back to your question yes it happens and a majority of the time they will heal on their own. Occasionally your oncologist may suggest bone cement i for the technical procedure but I wouldn’t suggest it until there is evidence the fracture isn’t healing- 6 months or so.
Tammy totally agree with your comments about the bone cement ( kryroplasty) procedures. Even my oncologist agrees that in general kryroplasty should not be done without much consideration as often it is more painful than explained and the benefits aren't as great as promised. Everyone should be sure to do your research before agreeing to any treatment. Thanks.
I was diagnosed de novo after an MRI for hip pain showed a pathological fracture in my hip. Later a scan showed the spinal problem I’d been having physio therapy for was a pathological fracture of a vertebrae. Since I started treatment which included radiation treatment as well as Xgeva I’ve had no issues. Not even when I had a couple of falls that made my head ring as my skull bounced on the concrete path!😳 I really thought I’d break my hip as I fell on it but I got up without difficulty. The next time I fell backwards and although it startled me I didn’t break anything that time either. I’ve got bone mets from my head to my toes and everywhere in between. I’ve had Xgeva since 2015 and despite my trepidation when I read the experiences of others I have decided that I’ll stay on it for a while longer. I only have it every three months at the moment but I see the dentist every six months without fail so he can check my mouth out in case there’s something to worry about.
I also have extensive Mets throughout my spine and had 2 major falls like you did. I hardly dared trying to get up but I did not break anything foe which I was very thankful. I have has Mets since 2019. Theresa
I too have tiny fractures on my femur due to bone metastasis and the injection every month. The injection is put on hold until I see orthopaedic surgeon next month so hopefully I’ll know more then. I’m in constant pain and now on morphine for it! I’m struggling to walk unaided at the moment which is difficult as I love to walk my dogs.
I did and didn’t know , thought I hurt myself from coughing so hard with my asthma . I had two on left and one on right . Went ER cause I couldn’t breath good and they took CT thinking I might have a blood clot in lungs and that’s when they found I had cancer in all my bones . Last Pet scan showed they healed up but I’m very careful now when coughing and hoping it doesn’t happen again 🤞🏼Hope you feel better from your ribs and also after your radiation. Take Care and GBY
Nov. 2018, I slipped in my kitchen, landed on my behind on an old wooden floor, and my femur broke above my knee. That's when I found out it was in my bones. 9 days in the hospital, titanium rod put in my leg from knee to hip, and it all healed nicely! no problems since and hardly ever pains me. Point I am posting to make is, I didn't know that leg was weak but my body did because after the break, I had remembered when I'd get down low to get something under my tv cabinet, I would always use my left leg to put up with, not my right. So I had favored my right leg which had the cancer in the bone long before it hurt or I knew it was there. I thought that was interesting, how our bodies know before we are cognizant of it. God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen! <3
Hi. So sorry about your rib fractures. Last summer I fractured my hip without realizing it— no falls— just walking through the airport. I mentioned the pain in my hip and they sent me for X-ray which showed fracture. Healed after 3 months.
I have fractured vertebrae, I had two fixed via kyphoplasy and it is a really painful procedure to have done. The side effect is when those two were fixed, the next two were fractured, not doing the kyphoplasy again, so I’m just onmuscle relaxers and opioids. Only time and scans will let me know if more get fractured. Hugs!
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