It's been a few days and though yesterday Wednesday was in comparison a good day with little pain I thought today would be better but I instead it proved to be a really painful afternoon on both sides of my ribs. I even made plans for the weekend but I realiased I have to be patient. A lot more patient. It's disheartening and sometimes I cry a little because it does hurt . I'd rather lose a leg than have to go thru this. Anyway I look forward to recovery and I hope that it comes real soon. Thanks for reading thanks for sharing. Distressed Donna

I am so very sorry that you have so much pain.Perhaps on Wednesday,when you felt a little better,you did too much?Pain is a terrible thing,because it controls us not only physically, but mentally .Donna I hope that you feel a little better soon.Try to take it slowly,and please stay connected on here ,even if the only thing that we can do for you is to listen.Sending you a big cyber hug.Robynxox

Hi Donna I don't know the circumstances for your pain - I'm assuming you've had one or both breasts removed. I had bilateral mastectomies in July 2012. It was the most hideously painful experience I've ever been through. The most important thing that I learnt through it all is to be your own advocate and get an adequate pain-management plan in place. My surgeon wasn't really helpful in that regard so I went to see my GP who was wonderful. He put a plan into place and life was much more manageable after that. I also soon realised that even though I felt better, my body needed to heal and the best thing for that was rest, rest, rest! Good luck and don't lose faith - the pain does go! Xxx Jeanine

You know I havent had any breast removed one because back then in 2009 my surgeon at the time who wanted to do a double mastectomy referred me of course to a oncologist and she advised that because it had matasticized (I could never get my mouth around that word) I didn't need to have a mastectomy. So I still have both and I've got to play the waiting game with now. If I listen to my body really listen I'll get through it I thinK. As for the pain management I am not getting any advise at all from radio oncology though fortunately I have a medical oncology appointment this coming monday at RPH so I'll ask my Dr for advise there. I hope she'll be flexible in how I want to or not want to continue taking Tamoxifen. I hate it with a passion because it's changed the landscape of my body. If any body tells me its necessary I continue then they should be willing to swap places with me. My physical and my mental and physiology being are all one; it's not separate as far as i'm concerned. They're all connected and to change one area of me changes everything. Well that's how I'm feeling now the next few months will give me detail as I continue on this journey. Thanks again for your message. It really heartens me when I get feed back from this wonderful group. I am glad you are in a good place and I look forward to when I get there too. I will continue to blog here and look forward to your comments. Take care, Donna

like a kick in the guts | BCNA Online Network

denisep
Member
11 years ago
Hi Donna, yes you are as strong as me, we are all strong. Thankyou for letting me know what treatments you are on. I will discuss this with my oncologist/pain specialist. It is all such a help. Lots of love and support, Denise.
denisep
Member
11 years ago
Hi Donna, yes you are as strong as me, we are all strong. Thankyou for letting me know what treatments you are on. I will discuss this with my oncologist/pain specialist. It is all such a help. Lots of love and support, Denise.
Donna_Message
Member
11 years ago
Robyn I can't see that I responded to you but thanks so much for your thoughts and yeah hugs are good even Cyber ones. Back to you aye.
Donna_Message
Member
11 years ago
Oh Denise I know I'm not as strong as you I do not want to go through all that pain you are experiencing expecially the bone cancer which as youre probably aware I have cancer again in my spine. Back in 2011 the cancer in those areas were dealt with and I was left with just scarring and I had a hard time convincing RPH that I had cancer in my bones, spine, hips etc. This time around it caused the breakdown of T1 and T8 and yeah I've been having nerve problems or spasms I guess, wearing a brace and pain. I am resuming a higher dosage of supplements called OPC3 with calcium of course and Advanced B. These sups are Isotonix which I partnered up with the company Market Australia and damn it all I'm going to for the first time beat this cancer. I've never ever said that because I was more concerned with managing my cancer. Well I guess I can do both. Now and then it gets me down because well, I hate pain but as I continue to diarise my illness I will keep in touch. i pray for you, and I havent done that for yonkies that you will one day get better. I don't know whether a cure is possible just yet but if it comes soon I must help all those other types of cancers so they can live a 'full' life too. Donna
Julie_Bache
Member
11 years ago
Don't know where you live but here in the west we have a lovely group of volunteers that we can access through breat cancer support. They helped me out with getting to hydro when I was unable to drive and needed assistance to get in and out of pool. Real angels! I truly hope you find that balance of pain meds to suitably manage the pain so you are able to access hydro again. xxx
denisep
Member
11 years ago
Thanks Julie, my problem is I can't get out on my own. I have been to hydro pool, I must pick it up again. My lovely sister and husband would help me to do it again. The problem is I cant bend down because of three fractures and a break in my lower back, and of course the bone mets. Surgery was ruled out about a year ago because I had to much cancer in that area. I have pain management in place and a lovely specialist. But if I take to many drugs I am so drowsy and spaced I sleep most pf the day away. If I dont take them I am in pain. We continually move things around to try and find the right balance. We just , we keep on keeping on. Have a happy day. Xxx
shiney50
Member
11 years ago
It is good you are letting everyone know how you are feeling. So important to share. I am still in the throws of finding out my final diagnosis re malignancy as I was told it is cancer then today the surgeon is not sure till surgery next week.

Hard yards for you atm and I am hoping things improve for you soon. I am reading this and thinking the appt for you was today? How did it go?

Take care

Shiney 50
Julie_Bache
Member
11 years ago
I Denise. You really have been through a lot in such a short time. When I was in worst pain during undiagnosed fracture from bone mets my oncologist referred me to a pain specialist and I was using slow release patches, norspan and fentanyl. Once fractured bone was replaced (after several unsuccessful attempts to stabilise it) I have had minimal pain. However, I do hydrotherapy exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Land exercise is almost impoosible but I find the warmth of hydro pool very soothing. I do hope you can get that pain sorted because life is so much more bearable hen pain is reduced. I have been living with bone mets for 7 years and generally they have remained relatively stable. There are plenty of good drugs so make use of them when needed. Love to you and good luck on your journey. xxxx
Julie_Bache
Member
11 years ago
I Denise. You really have been through a lot in such a short time. When I was in worst pain during undiagnosed fracture from bone mets my oncologist referred me to a pain specialist and I was using slow release patches, norspan and fentanyl. Once fractured bone was replaced (after several unsuccessful attempts to stabilise it) I have had minimal pain. However, I do hydrotherapy exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Land exercise is almost impoosible but I find the warmth of hydro pool very soothing. I do hope you can get that pain sorted because life is so much more bearable hen pain is reduced. I have been living with bone mets for 7 years and generally they have remained relatively stable. There are plenty of good drugs so make use of them when needed. Love to you and good luck on your journey. xxxx
Donna_Message
Member
11 years ago
I am sorry you r going thru so much. Knowing we can share our experiences is a fantastic sounding board for people like us and for our family and friends I guess who don't know how to help and want to know how. There's this 40 yr old bloke named Question, remember him he was interviewed by u think Ray Martin , I could be wrong and he's done so much despite his been wheelchair bound and experiences pain every day. To me he's an inspiration. I do love your last sentence; listen to your body and relax and have a cup of tea.