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Vickichacha's avatar
Vickichacha
Member
12 years ago

Finally have questions six months after treatment

I was diagnosed with a stage 3 tumour in February 2013 six months after losing my husband in an accident. My surgeon believed that my three centimetre tumour began ti grow around the accident time. I believe my tumour was ignited from stress. Do any others feel that stress led to them developing BC? Some drs think it might have been due to stress while others say it's a coincidence. I am 62 years old and I had four cycles of TC and 16 sessions of radiotherapy. I'm on Femara. I also came down with febrile neutropenia in my final cycle of TC . I actually managed well with my treatments but now find I suffer from stiffness of both muscles and joints from my hips down and trip over a lot. Not sure if I can blame it on Femara or lack of fitness. Upper legs ache at night Also find fatigue gets to every afternoon at about two and I have to have a nap or else I become very clumsy. Are my symptoms normal?

5 Replies

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Vicki,I am almost 60 and had the same chemo as you.I am now on Tamoxifen and will probably stay on it as I have osteoporosis now.There are so many theories around stress leading to BC,but I don't think we will ever know exactly.I think also,that what is stress to one person may not be stress to another,or at least our bodies process things differently.I am 5 months past treatment,and I am working hard on my fitness.I feel really great,and really notice not much difference to how I was before I got BC.I think that Femara must have worse side effects than Tamoxifen,so in some ways I am glad to stay on it.Nice to meet you Vicki,and please stay on this blog.Its a great place to get advice and just general support and friendship.Cheers xoxRobyn
  • bmc's avatar
    bmc
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi

    Yes to all of the above!!

    I believe that it was more than coincidence about the stress factor in my situation, although I am always much more inclined to believe the science about any medical matters in general. My diagnosis came about after dealing with the impact of the Queensland floods in early 2011 and the personal and professional aftermath in my family.

    Afternoon fatigue lasted for me until about the two year mark after treatment finished, although I also had Herceptin which only exacerbated the fatigue. I felt very fortunate that I was able to nap if I needed to, although I was very frustrated at my limitations.

    The aches and pains you describe are pretty common from what I hear from other women on Femara. Certainly for me I was dragging my feet a bit and I was a bit unsteady, so be careful with yourself and wear flat shoes.

    The pain has subsided, again around the two year mark. It is also a matter of managing it, with magnesium supplements and Glucomanine tablets. I also use Voltaren gel on any sorer spots, and have a couple of Panadol when needed.

    Walking for as long as I can every day also helps. Good mentallly as well!

    I have persisted with the Femara as I want to be as sure as I can that I have done everything possible I can to help myself.

    Best wishes.

  • Vickichacha's avatar
    Vickichacha
    Member
    12 years ago
    Will find out more and get back to you. Hope your chemo journey is as easy as mine was.
  • MLE59's avatar
    MLE59
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Vickichacha I put a post on about six weeks ago in the Liverpool group when I was first diagnosed. Noticed there didn't seem to be any posts since January so I was unsure if this group was still going. You sound like you are much further ahead of treatment than I am. Last week I have met with the oncologist and know that I will be starting TC in near future as soon as my mastectomy wound fully heals and then onto an aromotase inhibitor for 5-10years; will be seeing oncologist again next Thursday.

    Would also be interested in meeting others for a coffee if you find out any more info

    Cheers MLE59

  • Vickichacha's avatar
    Vickichacha
    Member
    12 years ago
    I was told that the Liverpool Support Group meet for coffee every so often. I would like to attend. Can someone give me further info.