Best Of
Re: It’s back for the third time 💔
Hi @hope2013
I think that you are wise to take any testing that is offered, regardless of your reluctance to go through the pelvic exam. Make sure that who ever is conducting the exam is aware of your circumstances, ask your onc or GP if they will prescribe a sedative if you are really freaking out and keep reminding yourself it is only one day in your life and it could make a huge difference for both your mental and physical health in the future.
The advice on the Onco-gyn is well worth discussing with your current team. The other thing to consider, even though you have more than enough on your plate, is how you feel about your current oncologist. I'm a difficult old bat and it doesn't take much for me to decide I've lost confidence in someone--and that may have nothing to do with their competence, just the quality of my relationship with them. Trust is critical even though I am more than aware that this sneaky mongrel of a disease is monstrously unpredictable and medical teams are pretty dedicated to keeping on top of it. If you haven't already done so, maybe think about seeing a counselor. Sometimes they are helpful; sometimes not so much so. You have a lot to process and you may find the support useful.
I've also had a recurrence (though thankfully just the one) and I can't imagine how it must feel to be so young and to have to be back on the BC train for a third time. It is bad enough the first time. Don't stress too much about the chemo. If you need it, you need it. It passes. Mxx
I think that you are wise to take any testing that is offered, regardless of your reluctance to go through the pelvic exam. Make sure that who ever is conducting the exam is aware of your circumstances, ask your onc or GP if they will prescribe a sedative if you are really freaking out and keep reminding yourself it is only one day in your life and it could make a huge difference for both your mental and physical health in the future.
The advice on the Onco-gyn is well worth discussing with your current team. The other thing to consider, even though you have more than enough on your plate, is how you feel about your current oncologist. I'm a difficult old bat and it doesn't take much for me to decide I've lost confidence in someone--and that may have nothing to do with their competence, just the quality of my relationship with them. Trust is critical even though I am more than aware that this sneaky mongrel of a disease is monstrously unpredictable and medical teams are pretty dedicated to keeping on top of it. If you haven't already done so, maybe think about seeing a counselor. Sometimes they are helpful; sometimes not so much so. You have a lot to process and you may find the support useful.
I've also had a recurrence (though thankfully just the one) and I can't imagine how it must feel to be so young and to have to be back on the BC train for a third time. It is bad enough the first time. Don't stress too much about the chemo. If you need it, you need it. It passes. Mxx
Zoffiel
6
Re: Freaking out a bit
Thanks so much ladies. Yes, logically it is probably not at all related to the bc. I’ve calmed down a bit now. I think the fact I’m not feeling the greatest and am tired from not sleeping very well (due to the tinnitus) is fuelling my anxiety. I went for a walk which made me feel better. Thanks for being so kind. xx
Daisy_01
5
Re: Feeling overwhelmed and anxious
After two weeks with a sore back, my better half booked a PET scan, just for peace of mind.
Yes, chemo sucks and shes been in bed 14 hours a day for months, which explains a bit of backache. But you know, peace of mind.
And she mentioned discomfort in her ovaries.
The scan was early in the week. The MO called a day later to say that the back was all clear, bit there was something on an ovary that we should "keep an eye on".
I heard all this second hand. And I stopped breathing. 60 hours is a long time to hold your breath. I looked up articles.... Sore ovaries? How does that work when you're not on any hormone based drugs? I ask dr google. I get more and more afraid the more I read.
I have never been as terrified as I have been the last two days. Too scared to cry. Too scared to say anything. Too scared to tell my mum and dad. I'm a deer in the headlights. My thoughts have been nightmares. I have been talking to people at meetings and making decisions at work on autopilot. I'm a freaking zombie. Im walking dead in the land of the living. I'm so afraid.
So I went along today to the weekly appointment to see the MO. All is fine. Its just an old scar that totally doesnt pose any issue, it has been present on all the scans all along. It's nothing. Not even a thing. And sore ovaries are normal when you're on all sorts of drugs.
Today I breathed.
Yes, chemo sucks and shes been in bed 14 hours a day for months, which explains a bit of backache. But you know, peace of mind.
And she mentioned discomfort in her ovaries.
The scan was early in the week. The MO called a day later to say that the back was all clear, bit there was something on an ovary that we should "keep an eye on".
I heard all this second hand. And I stopped breathing. 60 hours is a long time to hold your breath. I looked up articles.... Sore ovaries? How does that work when you're not on any hormone based drugs? I ask dr google. I get more and more afraid the more I read.
I have never been as terrified as I have been the last two days. Too scared to cry. Too scared to say anything. Too scared to tell my mum and dad. I'm a deer in the headlights. My thoughts have been nightmares. I have been talking to people at meetings and making decisions at work on autopilot. I'm a freaking zombie. Im walking dead in the land of the living. I'm so afraid.
So I went along today to the weekly appointment to see the MO. All is fine. Its just an old scar that totally doesnt pose any issue, it has been present on all the scans all along. It's nothing. Not even a thing. And sore ovaries are normal when you're on all sorts of drugs.
Today I breathed.
Re: Exploiting breast cancer
Well this bunch write off the advertising cost which reduces their tax and the cost of the items as a donation so we, the tax payers ultimately pay for it to some degree. Advertising in general is very often very objectionable and / or dishonest. Breakfast foods and so called 'health bars" touted as
healthy choices" are anything but. Face creams marketed as "dermatologically tested...helps reduce the appearance of fine lines"...well, let's deconstruct that. Dermatologically tested essentially means a dermatologist (paid by whom and educated where?) squirted some of the cream on someones skin. Helps (by how much? .00001% ???)...reduce the appearance of ...huh? Doesn't say removes those pesky fine lines, just helps reduce the appearance of them. A few years ago, a certain car manufacturer had a tv advert showing a man at the edge of a high rooftop, and a crowd at the bottom yelling "Jump...jump!!!" The advert went on to say jump into their bargain which was being advertised. Jumping still features prominently in their advertising of their brand. I'll bet the surviving friends and family members of suicides loved that one.
healthy choices" are anything but. Face creams marketed as "dermatologically tested...helps reduce the appearance of fine lines"...well, let's deconstruct that. Dermatologically tested essentially means a dermatologist (paid by whom and educated where?) squirted some of the cream on someones skin. Helps (by how much? .00001% ???)...reduce the appearance of ...huh? Doesn't say removes those pesky fine lines, just helps reduce the appearance of them. A few years ago, a certain car manufacturer had a tv advert showing a man at the edge of a high rooftop, and a crowd at the bottom yelling "Jump...jump!!!" The advert went on to say jump into their bargain which was being advertised. Jumping still features prominently in their advertising of their brand. I'll bet the surviving friends and family members of suicides loved that one.
AllyJay
5
Re: Exploiting breast cancer
I detest all their advertising and consider them soft porn.
The pink October campaign however is a huge part of our community here. Most businesses embrace it and our local breast cancer group spend 12 months making pink flowers that are bought by individuals and businesses, as well as selling T shirts etc. All funds raised in these items purchased go back to our community...they bought the cold caps for treatment....we didn't have that option before. The funded an ultrasound vein finder for lymphodeama patients and paid for the local physio to undertake specialist training. They make chemo caps given free to breast cancer patients. I expect it goes to the wig bank also.
I must admit it was confronting when under treatment but I use this month to share my story with work colleagues and share the story and encorage women to be aware, self exam and attend breast screen. The reason it's now 1 in 7...is because of increased awareness and earlier detection which increases survival rates of us all.
The pink October campaign however is a huge part of our community here. Most businesses embrace it and our local breast cancer group spend 12 months making pink flowers that are bought by individuals and businesses, as well as selling T shirts etc. All funds raised in these items purchased go back to our community...they bought the cold caps for treatment....we didn't have that option before. The funded an ultrasound vein finder for lymphodeama patients and paid for the local physio to undertake specialist training. They make chemo caps given free to breast cancer patients. I expect it goes to the wig bank also.
I must admit it was confronting when under treatment but I use this month to share my story with work colleagues and share the story and encorage women to be aware, self exam and attend breast screen. The reason it's now 1 in 7...is because of increased awareness and earlier detection which increases survival rates of us all.
primek
7
Good news and thank you to the network
Dear friends ( that's how I think of you) I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018.
After over 18 months of aggressive treatment - chemo, bilateral mastectomy and radiation, my specialist has sounded the all clear. I know that it could all re-occur but I am clear for now.
I wanted to say thank you for all your online help and support over the treatment. Your patience and understanding with all my questions has been an enormous help.
Just a big thank you. Keep up the good work. Judy
After over 18 months of aggressive treatment - chemo, bilateral mastectomy and radiation, my specialist has sounded the all clear. I know that it could all re-occur but I am clear for now.
I wanted to say thank you for all your online help and support over the treatment. Your patience and understanding with all my questions has been an enormous help.
Just a big thank you. Keep up the good work. Judy
judys
8