Forum Discussion
Who me ?
"Come back for another scan, there's a grey area"
That was just over 4 weeks ago, and I thought "who, me ?" I was so sure it was just a bruise from when I had fallen some weeks before, and then they started scanning in a different spot . . .
*It's very small" "we've caught it early " "you'll be fine"
There's a little part of my head that just won't let me believe those things right now.
I have a wonderful surgeon who has done the wide excision and the sentinel node biopsy (results next Tuesday) and a fabulous support network including my family, my collegues at work and my old Nursing Mothers group - we've been friends forever, nearly 30 years, and their love is astounding.
I am talking positively to myself every day, filling myself with good thoughts, moving forward. Everything so far has been very smooth, and fast. But that fear of the unknown is inescapable in the middle of the night - what if it is already somewhere else ? Is my slightly upset tummy just nerves, or something sinister ? How do I know that my aching legs are just menopausal ? How will I stop myself from bombarding my doctor wih requests for cancer scans on every part of my body ?
How do you cope with that ? Can anyone offer any thoughts ?
120 Replies
Day after pins I'm feeling normal - don't know if I would have been anyway given that I'm on the upswing now but I'm going with it. Yayy !!
I actually had normal food, felt normal, did normal stuff. It's weird. For a few brief shining moments I actually forgot . . . .
Got my new "hair"yesterday. It's sitting on a block looking at me - I have to decide if I like it. I can take a week, and if it doesn't sing by then I'll take it back and try again. My gf who came with me reckons it looks terrific, and I was pretty happ I have to admit. It's very like the style I normally have when I am coloured and cut so people who know me won't be totally surprised, and people who don't won't know. And I decided that the GLAD about it is that I will never have to worry that I haven't had time to wash my hair !!!!
Wouldn't it be funny now if mine doesn't fall out :P
Keitha
- Okay - day 4 of the slippery elm bark powder and its going really well. I just make sure i have a glass of it first thing before I eat anything and no heartburn :-) I am a bit bunged up though and can't find pear juice anywhere so I just bought fresh pears and juiced them... I'll see how that goes tomorrow. I am keen to put only natural stuff down my throat after all these chemo toxins. Mind you - I must admit to the slipping in of a Maxalon today... keen to keep the nausea at bay! Stay well Lisa. :-)
thanks I'll investigate. I had an acupuncture session today - I know that will help a lot of things to flow better. He put pins in for digestive health and headaches as well as general wellbeing - mental as much as anything. I'll let you know how I feel in the next day or so.
Keitha
Hi LisaG
I have 7 sessions of chemo to go, weekly. So if this happens again this Friday, I think they will suggest something. Yes, me to can not use my right arm, since having surgery and lymph nodes removed.
Maybe I will also try the slippery elm bark powder, as I also have been suffering with the indigestion. And with a big spoon of honey to go....
Thanks, love and hugs Julie XX
- O Julie - so sorry to hear of your IV problems! I sooo know what you're going through. My veins play up every time... I am a Warfarin patient and the nurses draw straws for who does my blood tests, especially now my best arm (the right) is out due to the lumpectomy. I asked for a PICC line for chemo and though it is uncomfortable, at least my weekly blood tests are easier. Do you have many sessions to go? Perhaps you could request a PICC line? Keitha - the slippery elm bark powder is working well. It tastes much better with a big spoon of honey in it and I am finding my indigestion problem is easing with a daily dose of this natural remedy :-)
Hi coco
Great to hear that your surgery went well. Hope your results are good. Fingers crossed XX
Just take it easy, and try not to stress too much before your results.
Love and hugs Julie XX
Hi Keitha
Yes, I am taking the Somac at the moment. It does help. I still have the yucky taste in my mouth as well. Wish we all could taste food like we used to... miss it heaps. Hate that taste and feeling in the mouth..... so over it.
Finished chemo sessions of FEC and now am on Taxol for the next 9 sessions. So my tummy isn't feeling well at the moment. Had my 2nd Taxol last Friday. So taking Somac again.... so over it...
Had a horror session Friday, as they had to try 4 times to put the canulla in, as my veins decided to collapse and no blood flow. So after having the canulla in the blood test came back inconclusive that they had to put a needle in my arm to take further bloods out. So by the end of 5 "stab wounds" to the arm, my arm said "thats enough". I had pain in the arm upto my elbow, so they had to slow down the flow of chemo into my arm. I totally felt sorry for myself that day... :( ..... "Not happy Jan", as now I have heaps of bruises on my arm.
Sorry to hear that you keep having migraines. Maybe you need to let your oncologist know.
As for the dizzy spells, I was having them with real shortness of breath. My oncologist made me have another CT scan as they were worried it could have been clots on the lungs or my heart. But all came back OK. So they decided it was the chemo making me feel that way. So mention it to your oncologist as well.
Take care and keep us posted. Love and hugs Julie XX
Hi guys happy to report surgery went ahead as planned last thursday, made my cast to me the night before, have looked at my scars and it doesn't bother me at all which is a surprise. Feeling tired but already at home, going to get path results next monday so I will know more then. Hope you are all coping well with whatever stage your journey is at.
Hi guys happy to report surgery went ahead as planned last thursday, made my cast to me the night before, have looked at my scars and it doesn't bother me at all which is a surprise. Feeling tired but already at home, going to get path results next monday so I will know more then. Hope you are all coping well with whatever stage your journey is at.
Love the idea of a little man at the back of your throat - EXACTLY how it feels. I like images for things ! Don't you hate the taste thing, it's driving me nuts - I LOVE my food and hate not enjoying it as much.
Do let me know about slippery elm, I'm trying anything i can think of. I'm going to see my favourite acupuncturist soon cos I am sure he can help me.
Enjoy your movies.
Keitha
