bone test

[Iwouldlike2knowmore]

I just found out that i need a bone scan I do have mbc in the liver my blood test said my calcium is 10.5 should i be worried about this. Helena

[awesome4ever]

Hi Helena. You live in the USA so your Calcium level is just above the accepted high level. Hypercalcemia (at higher levels than yours) can be serious so your doctor wants to determine the cause. Since you already have MBC it would be reasonable for them to want to do a full body bone scan to determine if perhaps you may have any bone mets. With bone mets the cancer eats away at the bone and deposits the calcium into your blood stream. Of course there can be other reasons why your Calcium is elevated too. I have been getting bone scans every 3 months since my diagnosis back in May 2018. Good luck and please keep us updated.

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to awesome4ever]

Thank you for your response, I am getting a bone scan on january 6th. So I will let you know. Helena

[bikebabe]

Sorry -it’s all very stressful. There are bone strengthening medications eg xgeva that also reduce rate of metastatic bone spread. They have their risks but seem to be very effective.

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to bikebabe]

I know there are side effects for exgeva and others.

[bikebabe in reply to Iwouldlike2knowmore]

It’s a ‘risk’ of having side effects not definitive. Been on xgeva for 3 yrs now with no side effects at all and no other bone mets apart from spine. I was terrified at first due to condition of my teeth but my dentist has been so good and I’ve been diligent. She retired a few days ago and I’m gutted.

[wendle3007]

My mets are in my spine and pelvis. It's nearly 4 years since my diagnosis with no progression.

[Bettybuckets in reply to wendle3007]

That is a very good sign with Mets still just in the bones!

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to Bettybuckets]

I have it in my liver also.

[Praising in reply to Bettybuckets]

mine is also. Today I woke up with pain in my hip area? I take fluveserant shots. In pain what do I take. 1st time

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to Praising]

I had the shots long ago with Ibrance and they quit working.

[Bettybuckets in reply to Praising]

You can take both Tylenol and a non steroidal med like Motrin at the same time for most relief.

[Artesa in reply to wendle3007]

That's very encouraging news to hear. I find this whole process very scary and uncertain.

[love2golfwell]

Sending you hugs, prayers and positive thoughts that your bone scan will go well and that it will not show any issues.

[Artesa in reply to love2golfwell]

I hope all goes well and the scan is negative. 👍

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to love2golfwell]

Thank You.

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to love2golfwell]

Thank You

[fancydog]

Nuclear Bone Scans every 3 months is part of my routine along with a CT of chest and abdomen. So far I have not developed bone mets although my Calcium level is the same as yours.

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to fancydog]

Well I hope I can say the same. Thank You

[Praising in reply to fancydog]

Do you do the tests on separate days I go in Jan for both. I have Mets in bone

[Iwouldlike2knowmore in reply to Praising]

Jan bone scan and in Feb a ct scan, It never ends does it.

[fancydog in reply to Praising]

I do the Nuclear bone scan and CT w/contrast on the same day

[Praising in reply to fancydog]

Can you tell me how since 2 different injections and dyes?

[fancydog in reply to Praising]

The nuclear dye is only absorbed by bone while the CT contrast is diffusely absorbed for a brief period by many organs and excreted quickly by the kidneys. My Onc orders these to be done on the same day then when I see her the next day all the results are in.

[Praising in reply to fancydog]

Do you do the ct fort and then bone injection and wait 3 hr?

[Praising]

no she wanted them both done when I see in Jan. Can’t get bone till feb. Like mo apart. Bone scan don’t like

[fancydog in reply to Praising]

CT is scheduled between nuclear injection and nuclear scan