The best news,just as we all hoped! Dexascan is a piece of cake - I used to do them when I worked in the Rheumatology office. Bone-building drugs may be prescribed, but they work slowly, so 6 weeks one way or the other won't make a huge difference. There are lots of reasons you can have osteopenia or osteoporosis - drug therapies, both chemo and steroids, being too thin (being under 127 pounds is a marker for risk), family history, early menopause, low calcium and Vitamin D, and the list goes on. For now, take care of yourself, be a good girl and do what the docs tell you to do. We'll all be here, thinking of you and cheering you on until those crutches are tucked away in the closet.

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. She may get out of the Critical Care Unit, and on to a regular floor, if they can find a room for her. They're bringing in a infectious disease doctor too, but the antibiotics seem to be doing the trick. She's on Leviquin (sp) which is one of the most powerful one out there (I think). Also, checking why her immune system is so low. This makes about the 3rd time this winter with pneumonia, for her. She never takes care of herself when shes sick, and lets it go to long. Long story, but she has her 2 grown sons living with her and her husband in a 1 bedroom, (plus a sm. computer room) apt. The oldest is to have hip replacement tomorrow around 1:00. He's been on steroids for a long time, and broke his hip jumping off a pickup at work. Sorry, getting off the topic here. Again, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. They are so appreciated. Leslie

A couple of years back our dog was stiff and sore to the point where he couldn't even shake his head. His neck was obviously sore, and we assumed that he had strained or sprained something. Our vet noted that his teeth were plaque-covered, and his gums were slightly inflamed, and said that bacteria from the teeth could get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and pain elsewhere after a round of antibiotics and pain relievers he was feeling better, and we took him to a friend who was a animal dental specialist who did a thorough cleaning, but he said that some of his teeth were bad enough that they needed to be pulled. After that our dog seemed better and back to his usual happy self for a couple more years. I have no idea whether this could be that case for your little guy, but your description sounds similar. Good luck, I hope he feels better.

Affairs like you were involved in usually end up this way. I hope you can find someone who lives closer and is available.