Forum Discussion
My first post
Hi everyone, this is my first time to reach out to anyone out there who maybe able to help me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2010. Had mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy. In March thru to April 2011 had a failed attemped at breast reconstruction.
In October 2012 I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in the liver and bones. After ct scans and various other tests revealed both had spread extensively thru my body. I have had xeloda, navelbine, denosamab injected every month.
Over the past year my bone cancer has been the worst. If not for it I would be quite well and life would have stayed somewhat normal. Unfortunately, I no longer drive the car , I walk with a walker, and need care to dress, get in and out of bed etc. The plus is that I try to greet everyday with a smile and I remind myself of the things I can do rather than what I can't.
My carer is my wonderful hudband. He now works 3 to 4 days a week. We have had an enormous roller coaster ride since my first diagnosis. I have my pain managed but find I have to rest most of the day and fear this will worsen. I am almost at the end of my tether.
I saw my oncologist last week and I had to make the decision to go on more intravenous chemo, more ct scans , blood tests, maybe a bone marrow biopsy, or to let things take their course.I have chosen to go ahead another time.
I hope I am strong enough. Is anyone out there a bit like me and can you suggest maybe some pain relief you have found helpful.
Looking forward to hearing from someone out there.
Kind regards, Denise
14 Replies
I hope yesterday went ok for you and that you can get your pain issues resolved.I was diagnosed in April 2010 for a second time with early breast cancer.My first time was in 2003 -same breast.I consider myself lucky that it was caught early again.It saddens me to think that you were diagnosed with secondaries in 2012,two years later.How scary that must have been for you but how brave you are dealing with it.You are focusing on what you CAN do and not on what you can't.This network is a very special place and I hope you'll keep coming back for friendship and support. Big hug, Tonya xx
Hi Robyn, thankyou for your support.
Big hug, Denise xxx
Hi Pam,
I have a wonderful "pain doctor" who tries to move things around to suit me and is always looking for new medication. I dont like being on it all but as I am in so much pain I cant do without them. I am booked in this Thursday to start a new chemo called caelyx. Hoping for a little discomfort it will do the job for a while and I will have some relief from my pain. Yes I have a wonderful husband and family around me, I am a truly blessed to have them by my side.
Keep smiling, kind regards, Denise xxx
Hi Pam,
I have a wonderful "pain doctor" who tries to move things around to suit me and is always looking for new medication. I dont like being on it all but as I am in so much pain I cant do without them. I am booked in this Thursday to start a new chemo called caelyx. Hoping for a little discomfort it will do the job for a while and I will have some relief from my pain. Yes I have a wonderful husband and family around me, I am a truly blessed to have them by my side.
Keep smiling, kind regards, Denise xxx
Hi Jess,
Thankyou for your info, I found it very helpful. sending you lots of hugs, Denise xxx
Hi Sarah
B
y now I expect you have your results. If you have, I have my fingers crossed it all went well for you.
Thankyou for replying to my blog. The response has been amazing, You all give me so much hope to keep going. Sending you lots of positivity and hugs, Denise.
Hi Denise,
Like you, I was rediagnosed in 2012 with mets in the liver and bones, so I can truly sympathise with your situation. However, we are all so different - being her2+ and ER+, I am being treated with Herceptin, Tamoxifen and Denosumab, and I am living quite well at the moment. My aches and pains are manageable, and I try to avoid too much medication.
I know there are other women on this site who may be able to give you more feedback in regard to pain relief, but remember your doctors should be able to help. Some women find Pall care very helpful with getting the pain under control.
You sound a brave woman and lucky to have such a devoted husband. I send you warm wishes for further successful treatment. Keep trying to greet each day with a smile - I know it's not easy.
Best wishes.... Pam
Hi denisep,
Glad you have made a blog post and thank you for sharing your story with us.
There is an online group for Women Living with Advanced Breast cancer that you might be interested in. You can find it here: http://www.bcna.org.au/group/4218.You could also use the site's search function to find others posting about advanced or secondary breast cancer, brain mets (see above the main navigation bar where it says "start your search here" -- when the results page comes up, if you look at the right side of the page, you'll see if each result is a blog post, page, group, etc.).
Hope that helps a little-- if you need a hand with finding your way around let me know.
Jess xso sorry to read your story, why am I reading it because I too have cancer and waiting for results tomorrow from double mastectomy and nearly all lemph nodes out under left arm. I fear the worst but who knows. It's the worst time in anyones life 'waiting waiting waiting". Keep positive and hug those very close to you.
hugs
Sarah54
so sorry to read your story, why am I reading it because I too have cancer and waiting for results tomorrow from double mastectomy and nearly all lemph nodes out under left arm. I fear the worst but who knows. It's the worst time in anyones life 'waiting waiting waiting". Keep positive and hug those very close to you.
hugs
Sarah54
