How to curb the fear
Hi everyone, it has been quite sometime since I have been on the network. We have had other dramas in our life and my focus has tended to be on that. A couple of weeks ago my psychologist commented on how sever my anxiety and depression is. I have struggled so much emotionally since finishing my cancer treatment back in 2015. I coped so much better whilst I was having treatment. so much has happened though since then. Now my anxiety is off the ritcher scale. 2 weeks ago I developed a pain in my "good" boob. I wasn't too concerned, maybe a cyst. I couldn't feel a lump though. I saw my GP last Wednesday as it wasn,t improving and she referred me straight back to the breast surgeon. I have an appointment for this Thursday. In between times the pain in my breast has gone into my under arm and now the entire breast hurts. It is swollen and I have an ache going from the top of my shoulder into my neck. There is still no noticeable lumps. I haven't had any temperatures, so I don't believe it is an infection and I am post menopausal thanks to chemo, so I don't believe it is hormonal. There is no rash or discolouration but I am absolutely terrified that it will be inflammatory bc. I am struggling to sleep, partly from pain but mainly from anxiety. What if, what if, what if?????? I just don't know how to curb the fear. I have had several scares over the last few years and I have been a mess each time until I get the all clear. How do you deal with the fear and the anxiety about it coming back? I am and have been convinced that the cancer is going to return just because my original diagnosis was very aggressive.
Waiting Waiting and more Waiting
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 in April 2015.....had lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. All mammograms and ultrasound since have been clear. Ten days prior to Christmas I noticed changes to my nipple of the same breast. The end of it actually looked like a wedge had been cut out.....this then very quickly changed to becoming more inverted to level but totally different to the other side including the areola having stretched to almost double the size. I saw GP just prior to Christmas and was extremely concerned but didn't think it would be due to old scaring. Had further mammograme and ultrasound but told that would only be due to scar tissue but he did a FNA. G.P rang me with -ve results and I was happy BUTshe is very concerned still and spoke to Breast specialist - he too is still concerned of being a false -ve. So now Im going for a core biopsy tommorow afternoon and see GP again Monday....... It's really hard as I can't tell my adult daugters until it is confirmed as they have their own dissabilities, all-be-it minor and dont cope ......
Bugger, bugger, bugger
Just 2 months ago I was feeling really fit and healthy and celebrating 6 years clear. Now not sure what is ahead. This week I have had a hip ultrasound and CT scan of lumbar spine to investigate increasing pain in lower back and pelvis. I have mild hip bursitis and mild disc compression but the CT scan also picked up ‘something’ in my pelvis. The radiologist has recommended a bone scan. I have had increasing pain especially at night. Yesterday I saw a physio who is very concerned as in her opinion my pain is not explainable from a mild disc compression and very mild hip bursitis. I am seeing my GP for a bone scan referral tomorrow. Hopefully I can get an answer before the weekend. Am in too much pain to do what I normally do to keep busy in these situations - go for a walk, cook, clean etc. Bugger, bugger, bugger! Trying not to think too far ahead and it will be what it it will be but I am really feeling like ‘I know’.
What a let down!
Got through 3 appointments with the all clear after breast surgery and then pelvic surgery last October November. Radiation treatment throughout Dec and Jan. 6 monthly checks over past weeks - breast surgeon very happy, gynae surgeon very happy, then PET scan prior to seeing gynae radiology oncologist. Then the shock - PET scan shows some concern at the site of original breast surgery - bugger! Back to breast surgeon tomorrow, maybe 12 month scan will be brought forward, who knows. Just when I thought things were getting back to normal, holidays being planned etc, etc and then another kick in the butt. Hoping it might just be scar tissue or something not problematic, but can’t help the negative thoughts. I just want to get off this ‘merry-go-round’
Understanding the tests scheduled for Surgery Day ( 24th May)
Well here I am again asking for help with my tests, to make sure I am prepared. <3 Tomorrow I have a CT scan, I am okay with that as I've had them before and been okay. A week after surgery I have a Bone scan - I am not looking forward to that as I have claustrophobia and I did have a panic attack last time.. But as I survived the first one, I should be okay with a valium before hand ;) Now the ones scheduled for the day of surgery? 1 / Needle localisation to put in guide wires, what to expect? 2/ Lymphocintogram - is this the sentinal node thing, radioactive blue dye? 3/ Tracer - what is that?? Gone blank on that one. I thought I had it all sorted out but today I'm confused again. I don't want to read about it because Im the type of person that only needs the basics not TMI or I overthink it and get anxious haha
Re tests
Just wondering if anyone has had any tests after chemo and radiation has finished. I am TNBC, my oncologist said that there is only mammogram/ultra sound follow up. I am 64yrs old she said no to removing ovaries as it's not oestrogen feed cancer. I had bone and ct scan before lumpectomy September 2018 nothing since. I am grateful for any feed back.Xxx
26 and freaking.
Hey ladies. About three years ago I found a lump in my right breast. Had an ultrasound and it came back as a fibroademona and no one was concerned. I’ve had it scanned yearly since and just last week got the okay to move to two yearly + scans. A few days ago I was in the bathroom and when drying my hair I noticed an indent in my other (right) breast but didn’t think much of it as I was wearing a pretty awful bra that day. Last night I was doing my monthly breast check and when I lift my arms above my head the indent is still there. It’s about 1.5cm above and slightly anterior to my nipple and only visible with arms up. I am freaking out. I have very severe anxiety and my meds aren’t even touching the edges with it today. I did the worst thing known to man and googled and while there are lots of varied lump stories (mine included) the ones starting with “I found an indent” seem to all end with C.
scared.
hi all, I have just recently been diagnosed with what they are saying is stage 2 breast cancer. Mastectomy and chemo is needed. I have a strong family history so they have been showing concern and the need to act promptly. Friday just gone I had my ct scan and bone scan but have not heard any results from this. The medical team at my hospital had their appointment today and called me to organize my appointments to get all results and hoping they will have a plan for me. Terrified that the bone and ct scan has shown that the cancer is else where even tho mammogram and ultrasound showed no spread to lymph nodes. Just wondering if anyone else in similar situation? worried sick!!
