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Deanne's avatar
Deanne
Member
9 years ago

Dealing with the unexpected

Well sometimes things don't go as expected. What should be routine has a few extra twists and unknowns to deal with. 

First my bone density was not as good as I would have liked when I had my test last week. So, I get my head around that and decide on a plan to deal with it. I will revisit an exercise physiotherapist and hopefully find out some more targeted exercise to address the lumbar region which is deteriorating a bit more than the rest of me. I take heart that the rest of me is holding its own against the double onslaught of having ovaries removed plus 9 months of Femara. So I feel ok with the idea that more exercise of the right type can probably counteract this issue.

So today I go for my 'routine' mammogram/ultrasound check before I see my breast surgeon next week. First the mammogram of my remaining right breast. The doctor wants some extra images of what 'might be' a lymph node deep in my breast. After much rearranging we manage to get what he wants to see. Then off to have the ultrasound. All good with the chest wall on the left but again an issue with finding the area that the doctor wants to see on the right. After changing the transponder the technician is confident that she has found the spot and it's good news. She can definitely see fluid which indicates a cyst not anything to worry about. Phew!

Then a couple of hours later I get a phone call from the radiologists. The doctor would like to do another ultrasound himself. So now I have to wait until Thursday to have another ultrasound with the doctor. Surprisingly I am feeling very calm. I am reassured that they are being so thorough, I am reassured that the ultrasound lady today was so sure that she could see fluid, not anything suspicious. At the end of the day it is no use worrying. What will be will be. 

I see my breast surgeon next Wednesday, a lady who I have complete faith in. If there is anything there I know she will do a biopsy on the spot and I will not have to wonder for long. Right now I am counting my blessings that I have a great medical team that will deal with anything that needs dealing with IF that happens.

My reaction at the moment is to just concentrate on all the good things I have around me and to not let my mind wonder too far from the moments I have in front of me right now. Chicken curry is simmering for dinner. It smells good and is full of good things for me. Tomorrow I have time to go for an extra long walk, the weather is supposed to be fine, it's going to be good. One step at a time. Don't let worry about something that might not even be anything to worry about spoil any of my time between now and then. 

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    Yep, that waiting can be hard but I'm squeezing in a few nice things to distract myself ?? Thanks for the good thoughts. xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Rowdy. I'll let you know. I expect the doctor will put me out of my suspense on Thursday. I don't see my surgeon until the following Wednesday but that will come quickly. xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    I did feel like that C was flashing away on my forehead!! Trying not to be anxious and yes I am achieving a few extras around the house but also distracting myself with things I enjoy too :)

    Thanks for the hugs. xoxo

  • Chixon's avatar
    Chixon
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Deanne. It's the 'waiting' that is so hard! Sending good thoughts to you.   Love Chris.x

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Deanne at least they are following up and not leaving you hanging for to long. Good luck tomorrow let us know how you go. Sending you a big hug xxx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    9 years ago

    Well we all have the big'C'stamped on our foreheads so we get a thorough going over! While this is a good thing,it's also abit anxiety provoking.I'm sure you are doing lots of walking and cupboard cleaning which is the antidote to anxious waiting. Best wishes and hugs - Tonya xx

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Deanne, I love the way you have chosen to deal with these unexpected events and wish you all the best for your upcoming appointments which hopefully will simply confirm that all is ok. Best wishes, Jane xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Michelle :)

    Yep, I'm going to save my energy rather than spend it stressing about something that is unlikely to be anything major.

    It's a cold day outside here so I am going to cook up a storm in the kitchen and keep warm by the oven!!

    Then a couple of hikes up Mt Coolum again this afternoon before the sun disappears. The days are so short at the moment. My daughter took me for a big walk along the beach early this morning which was very energizing for both of us after a bleak day yesterday.

    xoxo

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Brenda,

    Yes everything does hurt a bit more in this weather! Once I get moving of a morning most of my little aches and pains vanish pretty quickly thank goodness.

    Strangely I have no particular trouble with pain in my lower back. I have been very active since I finished my treatment in 2013 and actually had less issues with my back in recent times than before bc. I was hopeful that all the exercise I do was enough to keep my bones in good condition. 

    They did measurement of my bone density at my hips, forearm and lumbar region. My forearm was normal, my hips a little less than ideal but not much worse than 12 months ago (before ovaries removed and change from tamoxifen to Femara) but my lumbar region had deteriorated a lot unfortunately.

    I am hopeful this means I am doing the right exercise for hips etc but just not the ideal for lower back. I would much rather try to fix this through diet and exercise rather than have to go on yet another drug which will have its own set of side effects.

    But it's all about trying to prevent issues later in life, so I'm glad that it is being picked up now while we can do something about it early. If exercise does not work then better another drug than worsening osteoporosis and potential fractures in my spine! ??