New and need some reassurance...lower back pain

[adam101w]

Hi,

I am new to the forum, but have visited it a few times before as a viewer.
I am a survivor. I was diagnosed about 8 months ago, had my I/O. Then watched my tumor makers increase after a short time (less than a few weeks) then underwent 3xBEP (the highest marker I recall was around 50). I had no signs of spread in the lymph nodes or any where else, but needed chemo since the level increased from the surgery.

Anyways, it has been about 7 months since chemo and have been doing great. I'm back at school/college now. My last scans came back clear and my marker was 2.2 (I'm sorry I don't know the specifics, I would have to go home or call my mom to find them out)

My worry is that the past two weeks or so my lower back (along the spinal chord and pelvis bone). I know my oncologist tells me after BEP 98% cure, but it is so hard sometimes. I did not have RPLND because my scans are clear. (I met with Dr. Foster at IU initially, then had treatment in Ft. wayne, by Dr. Gize (a student of dr. eihorn))
My question is what does it feel like if it is the lymph nodes. It is on the same side of my I/O, hence why it makes me more nervous. I go back in a week for my two month check up, but need some advice.
Thanks all!
I look forward to being involved on the forums more!
P.S. I am a business major at IPFW, so luckily I was in an area to have good doctors! IPFW is a branch of IU.

[Fed]

Hey Adam,
Welcome to the Forum. Several months ago I went to a tumor histopathology conference where they discussed all types of cancers. I think this is a good time to share something that I didn't know about until then. The retroperitoneal cavity is expansible and has lots of space. When there are growths there, they usually don't get picked up until they are very large and start impinging on other structures. This explains, for example, why ovarian cancers are usually not picked up until they have already spread: the ovaries are very small to begin with, and if a tumor starts to grow there, it usually won't cause physical discomfort until it has grown to a very large size. A similar thing can happen with retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are not very innervated, so an enlarged lymph node won't cause pain per se. A RP lymph node would have to get really big in order to cause discomfort. Certainly the two-month check-up should put you at ease, but do bring it up with your doc (it never hurts to ask, and that's what they are paid to do ). Be well, and hang in there, bro.

[Karen]

Welcome. What was your pathology? Definatley mention it next week at your scan. Lots of things can cause back and pelvic discomfort that are NOT cancer. Please post and let us know how it goes.

[adam101w]

Hey Adam,
Welcome to the Forum. Several months ago I went to a tumor histopathology conference where they discussed all types of cancers. I think this is a good time to share something that I didn't know about until then. The retroperitoneal cavity is expansible and has lots of space. When there are growths there, they usually don't get picked up until they are very large and start impinging on other structures. This explains, for example, why ovarian cancers are usually not picked up until they have already spread: the ovaries are very small to begin with, and if a tumor starts to grow there, it usually won't cause physical discomfort until it has grown to a very large size. A similar thing can happen with retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are not very innervated, so an enlarged lymph node won't cause pain per se. A RP lymph node would have to get really big in order to cause discomfort. Certainly the two-month check-up should put you at ease, but do bring it up with your doc (it never hurts to ask, and that's what they are paid to do ). Be well, and hang in there, bro.

Thanks, that is helpful to know.
I will have to get more about my info another time when I have it with me or talk to my mom. It is just weird to be 19 and have aches like a 60 year old man. But, chemo can do werid stuff, and I'm not even a year out so I shoud probably expect that!

[Fed]

It is just weird to be 19 and have aches like a 60 year old man. But, chemo can do werid stuff, and I'm not even a year out so I shoud probably expect that!

Hey Bro,
That is perfectly understandable. Not only the chemo, but cancer itself can screw with your head and blur the line between what is a product of anxiety or something real. Other than the physical component, are you doing well otherwise? Cheers,

[djmac]

Hi and welcome to the forum,

To quote my urologist "I've seen many people present with advanced cancers...testicular, renal, prostate... with HUGE lymph nodes, and one thing they all had in common...no pain."

He told me this after I complained of pain (in my back, my groin, my pelvis) Pain can definitely be a product of anxiety, we all know this. In your case, pain can also be a product of chemo. Chemo nukes your bone marrow, and all of those nice immune cells have to grow back. Try to give yourself a break, and worry only if they tell you to worry. It's hard at first, but once you're a year out, you'll feel better.

You have a marker positive primary tumor. This is good news. It is very unlikely that you'll have a marker negative recurrence (though it COULD happen). Trust the bloodwork, and find solace in it.

Best,

djm

[adam101w]

Thanks for all the comments. It is all very useful to know! It actually seems to be better, and I think knowing not to associate it with cancer and rather anxiety helps.

My two month is on monday so I will share how things go. I'm assuming good

[adam101w]

Still all clear :-)

[Scott]

Still all clear :-)

Love hearing that!

[tom c]

That is great!! watch that anexiety it can cause all kinds of aches and pains.