Metastatic spinal cancer after breast cancer advice or experiences

Hello,

Although the pain I had was in my leg, so severe at times it stopped me in my tracks and I had to sit down, scans revealed the cause was pressure on the sciatic nerve. The neuro surgeon was in no doubt that chemo was responsible although he says oncologists rarely admit it. He says the problem may have developed naturally over time as I got much older but from his experience and the numbers of patients  he sees who have very recently hàd chemotherapy,  he is certain the chemo accelerates the situation. So I had a decompression operation at L4/L5. It helped a lot although some simple exercises from physio resulted in the final relief. I wonder if you try the exercises now if it would help? I stand upright with my hands on waist, thumbs interlocked at base of spine. Then I bend backwards from the head and shoulder. 12 times x 3 times a day. It takes five minutes each time. I cannot  believe something so simple works so well. I told the physio that after the op ( and I had an unexpected complication that resulted in two), and dozens of trial and error painkillers,  the relief it gave is like a miracle. The physio laughed and said I'm not the first person to say that so it obviously works for others. I have been able to knock 200mg of my gabapentin and can now walk, garden etc without my leg preventing me. 

Like you I had had a lumpectomy with clear margins and no node involvement. I spent another two years in pain while this was sorted. Apart from the exercises which I do regularly ( if not every day!) life has at last resumed some normality.

I hope this information helps a bit. If you do have similar make sure you get referred to the right people. You need a neuro surgeon. I do hope this is the explanation to your pain. It will be easier to deal with than others.

Take care. Love Karen

Hi Karen,

Thank you! I have a first physio appointment on the 2nd July as the GP referred because of shoulder pain/restricted movement after the surgery despite doing the exercises. My back has never been great anyway and I had a herniated disc 3 years ago although that was in the lower spine.

I’ll try the stretching exercise as that sounds positive. I’ve started Gabapentin (I had it with the herniated disc and it worked well then) but it will take a bit for it to build up.

it’s just a waiting game now and that’s the hard bit.

Take care,

love Diane 

Hi,

A few months after completing all treatment - chemo, surgery,radiotherapy - I developed a very sore arm and shoulder with very restrictive movements. I too had done the exercises but my arm just seized up. I attended physio and was told it’s due to effects of surgery and radio due to scar and tissue damage. 7 months later with frequent physio appointments and exercises it is more or less fixed. During the healing process the pain did spread to my back. Think this was due to the way I was holding myself due to the pain. Eventually I did have a scan as I was becoming quite anxious and was assured there was nothing to report.

Hope this helps.

Jojodot X

Hi Jojodot,

That’s really good to hear. I had a chest X -ray that was clear and now wait the bone scan. It’s scary as you just think you’ve got past one thing when something else comes up. I’m hoping physio will help and keeping fingers crossed. The consultant threw me with the bone scan referral and there’s a sense of wondering if you ever get to relax after diagnosis. Probably not. There is definitely nerve compression as I’m getting occasional numbness in my fingers but the scar tissue on that side is pretty bad. 

I’m so glad yours came back ok and will keep fingers crossed.

You take care,

Diane. Xx