recurrence and symptoms

mooneyes13

recurrence and symptoms

mooneyes13

Hi! I was diagnosis w/breast cancer June 2006 w/ grade 9 stage III and lymphnodes were cancer too. I had both breast removed and went through chemo. I had my reconstruction done in Nov. 06 and saw my doc in March 07 and June 07. I am going to be seeing a new doc come March. My question is that I have not been feeling well lately, tired, headaches, dizziness, just feel kinda of bad lately. What are some of the signs I have relapse and what are my chances of getting cancer again?? I am really worried lately and have not told anyone!! Please, let me know what to do. 

TenderIsOurMight

HI Mooneyeyes,



So sorry to see you write your post, and to read you had treatment for breast cancer. Sorry too that you aren't feeling well of late.



Perhaps you might share the type of cancer you had, ductal or lobular and if you had radiation, and what chemotherapy if any? Is your cancer sensitive to hormone treatment, like Tamoxifen or such, or is it HER+, needing Herceptin? Sorry to fire questions back at you, but it is a big help to us here to know how to further help you and answer some of your questions.



Relapse locally usually shows as another lump, either on the chest wall or by the clavicle bone area. Distant relapse can show as a persistent cough and shortness of breath, or bone pain, or feeling like you're not hungry, and are loosing weight, have some right sided abdominal discomfort and/or GI like symptoms.



Have you told your oncologist of your headaches and dizziness? Is your blood pressure up (maybe you could check it at the grocery store too), and are you swelling around the body?



We'd be happy to help you through your concerns, as well as to welcome you to breast cancer.org even though the circumstances are tough ones.



I hope this starts a series of conversations or posts,and look forward to looking back in and hearing more from you. In the mean time, lots of things cause tiredness, headaches, including the stress of our diagnosis itself.



So go on back in and see your oncologist, and in the meantime, let us hear a tad should you wish.



All the best to you,

Tender

sflow

Tender,

what could right side discomfort mean? I am one year out of stage 1 IDC--no nodes. Had radiation and on Arimidex. I had tests / scans in Dec and all was okay except some sort of "sludge" in gall bladder. Any ideas? I am seeing my onc in 2week and blood test in one week.

mooneyes13

Tender,

It was invasive ductal, also my ER&HER2 are negative. I had postive nodes and as the doctors put it suffers from high risk breast cancer.  I did do chemotherapy but not radiation. The chemo was the AC and taxol with growth factor. I did not do well on the taxane at all. I have a doctor appt in March, with a new doctor. When I was diagnosis with BC, they found some masses on my liver, which in a couple of reports stated "Nonspecific hepatic masses evident as described above. Both benign &malignant eiologies would be of consideration." When I asked my old doctor about this he stated "We are going to do chemo first to try and get rid of it first." he has never done anything more about that, and this is one of the reason i am getting another onc.  As for the symptoms above, i have been having some GI problems and others. My blood pressure is up and i have some swellen on my left side!!?? I have not told anyone about the headaches and dizziness, and just plain tired, just yet. I do work for some ENT doctors and they have seen me 4 times in less than 2 months, because I keep getting sick.  I am keeping my appointment with the new doctor thou. 

Thank you for your time.

Mooneyes13

TenderIsOurMight

Sflow, sorry you are having right sided pain. Good to know too that your last blood chemistry all was normal. Hard to say what is causing your pain, but "sludge" in the gall bladder often suggests it may not be functioning normally, and allowing gall stones or crystals to collect as sludge. This usually is just found by accident when a gall bladder is viewed with the ultrasound machine, but in your case, with your right sided pain may suggest your gall bladder is causing pain. So, good to bring this up with your oncologist at your upcoming meeting, and re test your blood looking for signs of gall bladder dysfunction (like elevated bilirubin).



Mooneyes13,

So very sorry this all has come your way, and fast, with poor reaction to the taxol, and question of the liver. Yes it's wise you see an oncologist who addresses your needs and continues to do so to give you some relief of the pain and the appropriate anxiety.



I am glad you work for ENT's and that they are trying to help. Maybe too, they might draw or give you and order for a simple CBC and Chemistry panel, since you continue to feel ill. From this anemia, low white count, sodium etc imbalance, and liver/gall bladder problems may be shed some light on, in a relatively easy way and short time period. Then if necessary, you might be seen either earlier by your new oncologist or evaluated in the hospital by visit to the emergency room.



No women with breast cancer should be left alone, and in pain. I am thankful your ENT employers are trying to help you, and hope you might ask them once again for their assistance. I know this it is hard, to push into the unknown, yet clearly they think much of you and your troubles, and sound like concerned physicians. Then too, your old oncologist should be available until your new doctor visit.



Please stay in touch, let us know how you are. I will gladly answer any questions you have, and try to help in any way possible as will the others on this board. We never wish anyone to feel alone, especially in pain.



You've touched my heart today. I will keep you close in my thoughts. I wish for additional immediate help to you, which you yourself may need to ask for. Sometimes it's like moving a boulder on our back, yet we must.



With warm wishes for some comfort for you,

Tender

Gitane

Mooneyes13,

I couldn't help more than Tender has, she knows so much more than I about this. I just wanted to tell you that I am wishing you well, hoping this will be resolved for you soon.

Gitane

mooneyes13

Gitane,

Thank you for your words and thought. It truly means alot to me knowing that there are other people out there.  I hope all is well with you.

Mooneyes13

Gitane

Mooneyes13,

We haven't heard from you. Just wanted to let you know we're waiting and hoping for the best for you.

Gitane

newanna4

Hello.

I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with Stage IIIB BC when I was 38 years old.  18 out of 21 Lymph nodes were also positive.  I am now on Aromasin and am in constant pain.  My joints, bones hurt constantly.  I also deal with nerve damage in my feet and hands, and lymphodema on my left side (where the lymphodes were removed).  Lately I've been waking up at night with horrible "heart burn" and seem to be "choking" or gasping for air.  Sleeping elevated seems to help a little.  I am concerned with this recent development.  I also have the joint pain (like arthritis) in both wrists and all my fingers.  I am taking Lyrica and Celebrex and Tramadol for the pain; but as the time passes the pain progresses.  I am a single mom of a 9 year old son and 3 young adult kids (in their 20's).  I have a lot to live for but don't seem to have energy or ability to keep up with my mind (which feels like I should be 30 something) but my body acts more like 80 something.  Does anyone else experience these types of systems?  My onc. have told me that it's not a matter of if but when the cancer will return.  I try to be at peace and live each day to the fullest because truly that is all we have.  It is great to find sisters who have simular experiences and conditions.  It makes me feel that I'm not crazy and that how I feel is real.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards, newanna4

newanna4

Hello.

I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with Stage IIIB BC when I was 38 years old.  18 out of 21 Lymph nodes were also positive.  I am now on Aromasin and am in constant pain.  My joints, bones hurt constantly.  I also deal with nerve damage in my feet and hands, and lymphodema on my left side (where the lymphodes were removed).  Lately I've been waking up at night with horrible "heart burn" and seem to be "choking" or gasping for air.  Sleeping elevated seems to help a little.  I am concerned with this recent development.  I also have the joint pain (like arthritis) in both wrists and all my fingers.  I am taking Lyrica and Celebrex and Tramadol for the pain; but as the time passes the pain progresses.  I am a single mom of a 9 year old son and 3 young adult kids (in their 20's).  I have a lot to live for but don't seem to have energy or ability to keep up with my mind (which feels like I should be 30 something) but my body acts more like 80 something.  Does anyone else experience these types of systems?  My onc. have told me that it's not a matter of if but when the cancer will return.  I try to be at peace and live each day to the fullest because truly that is all we have.  It is great to find sisters who have simular experiences and conditions.  It makes me feel that I'm not crazy and that how I feel is real.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards, newanna4

newanna4

Hello.

I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with Stage IIIB BC when I was 38 years old.  18 out of 21 Lymph nodes were also positive.  I am now on Aromasin and am in constant pain.  My joints, bones hurt constantly.  I also deal with nerve damage in my feet and hands, and lymphodema on my left side (where the lymphodes were removed).  Lately I've been waking up at night with horrible "heart burn" and seem to be "choking" or gasping for air.  Sleeping elevated seems to help a little.  I am concerned with this recent development.  I also have the joint pain (like arthritis) in both wrists and all my fingers.  I am taking Lyrica and Celebrex and Tramadol for the pain; but as the time passes the pain progresses.  I am a single mom of a 9 year old son and 3 young adult kids (in their 20's).  I have a lot to live for but don't seem to have energy or ability to keep up with my mind (which feels like I should be 30 something) but my body acts more like 80 something.  Does anyone else experience these types of systems?  My onc. have told me that it's not a matter of if but when the cancer will return.  I try to be at peace and live each day to the fullest because truly that is all we have.  It is great to find sisters who have simular experiences and conditions.  It makes me feel that I'm not crazy and that how I feel is real.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards, newanna4

lisa39

Hi Newanna4,

Sorry you're having such a hard time.  You should get back to your oncologist asap and tell him about your join/bone pain and the waking up at night with heartburn and gasping for air.  And no - you are definitely not crazy and you do have a lot of support here.

Gitane

Hi Newanna4,  The AI's are known for causing those joint pain symptoms, especially in the hands and wrists and especially when we are trying to sleep.  I have the same.  I'm also tired and aching in the other joints like many others.  I think this lack of hormones in our bodies affects us greatly and the effect wears on us over time.  I also think it makes it harder for us to cope with the stress, and affects our brains.  Your symptoms are similar to mine.  However, I don't have the gasping for air or choking.  Having that checked out is important.  When we lose sleep it uses up a lot of our energy.  I hope you can get some help from your doctor in dealing with this.  I like the words you chose, "how I feel is real",  I've used the exact words myself.  Living with cancer can be "otherworldly" in that it places us outside the day-to-day experiences of others who don't know what it's like. Welcome.  Hope to hear from you again. 

carmadi

I was taking aromasin for  1 1/2 years and the joint pain was horrible!!!  Its just one of the s/e associated with all the aromatase inhibitors....femera, arimidex included.  While taking Tamox I had no s/e's at all - but everyone reacts different.  But go see you doc anyway about the choking...it just could be stress!!!

dpbrown523

I agree that it could be anxiety attacks that cause the choking feeling.  I am on Arimidex and have the same symptoms you are describing.  Also having back problems.  I am only 44 and feel like I am 100, especially when I get up in the mornings.  I just started on Lyrica today.  I hope it helps with the constant pain.  I have read horror stories about weight gain though.  Has anyone else had any side effects like that?

Hugs to you.  I know how you feel....

Miss_Lolli

Newanna, I just had to jump in here because I know of a newly diagnosed woman who is having the same choking episodes you describe. She feels it is anxiety and will probably try some xanax for it. She's in the medical field so quite educated. If I get any more info while she's checking into it I will let you know...but other's chimed in that they had panic attack type symptoms similar to that.

My second point...are you comfortable working with a doctor who tells you it's not a matter of if, but when? That strikes me as very pessimistic and just plain wrong! I don't want a cheerleader for a doctor, but some low-key optimism might be nice.

wallan

Hi there:

 I am 45 and 1 year ago I started takiing aromasin after a hysterectomy and ovaries out.  I was premenopausal before all this.

Anyways, I had joint pain, incredible fatigue, nausea, and right-sided pain... which after having all checked out over time, turns out to be all side effects from the aromasin.

Just in the last few weeks, I have felt better. It is like I am finally getted used to no hormones or something.

Tell your doc... maybe he can recommend something to help you.

Wendy A

lene

I am wondering why in these Forums some doctors don't jump in to answer the questions of the patients. I know for Parkinson there are doctors  who answer the questions directly. Does any body know if there is a Forum where a doctor answers the patient questions on a frequent basis.?

I think patient to patient interaction is very encouraging but doctor to patient interaction is lacking.

I would be interested in knowing if somebody has experience with radiation induced angiosarcoma.

lene

ericrock

 I couldn't get the text smaller...sorry! Hello! I am new to this discussion group so bear with me!!! I was diagnosed with stage III BC in 2004 and did the surgery, chemo, and radiation, reconstruction, and continue on Aromasin.  I don't know if what happened to me could be tied to chemo but last year ( yes, after 4 years I am still struggling terribly with fatigue, etc) I suddenly developed a massive case of reflux that the GI docs were unable to treat.  We tried all the meds! Nothing helped and I was losing like 2 pounds a day because all I could eat were a few pretzels off and on throughout the day.  I ended up having to have a surgery called a Nissen Fundoplication (sp?) to repair the problem.  Long story short I also have asthma and the acid that comes up with the heartburn seeps into the lungs sometimes making you choke and feel breathless. I am a nurse and it makes total sense to me that it might be your problem.  I would definitely ask your oncologist about treating the reflux.  If you do have that and it goes on for too long the acid eats away the lining of the esophogus and has the potential of causing cancer. So GET IT CHECKED! We want you to be ok! And I too have dealt with awful pains for 4 yrs.  I tried the Lyrica and it really helped but I gained 30 lbs in 3 months and figured in the long run it wasn't worth it cause I could develop diabetes or high blood pressure or something.  Cymbalta was somewhat helpful if you have a little depression it takes care of that plus pain, but getting off of it is hard- you have to do it real slow. My Doc also had me taking 2 Naproxen twice daily and it worked wonders for me but the stomache thing ruined that, I can't take any NSAIDS anymore.  I noticed you are on Celebrex and so you know that could be the cause of your heartburn.  You could hopefully counteract that with the over the counter Prilosec OTC.

Sorry I am rambling so much about meds but I've spent 4 yrs trying them out so if I can help someone with my experience, great! One more, my onc also gives me 200mg Ultram ER as well as the tramadol and it makes a big difference.  The long acting one is a life saver and it actually comes in higher doses. Now I have a question for you? Why did your doctor say that you'll pretty much inevitably get your back? That scares me! I wish mine would tell me my odds.  I am currently having symptoms that are scaring me and I just have this nagging feeling that whether its now or later, I will go through it again.  I really do have a very good outlook through everything I've been through so I'm wondering if it really is intuition or do all of you also feel that way?

Pure

i would dumo any doctor that tells you not if but when... What an A _ _.  

ElaineD

Pure- Newana +Ericrock posted back in June 2008-so doubt they'll be back to answer your question/comment!

gbjb1979

Hi all,

I was diagnoses Jan 08 with stage 11B IDC.  6 rounds of chemo, 36 rounds of radiation and lumpectomy with 2 nodes involved.  After all this treatment I left with a clean bill of health.  I now find myself with metatizised cancer.  It has come back in the breast and has spread to a few spots on my bones and possibly a nodule on my lung as well as other lymph nodes in my chest.  I am waiting to get in for a MRI of the brain to see if it has spread there.  Does anyone have any words of comfort for me at this time?  My doctor tells me that this is manageable but I'm so scared I can't think straight.

Thanks so much for you love and support to all of you.

gbjb1979

kira1234

I'm so sorry you have to go through this again. Have you checked out the lV thread? The ladies there have lots of knowledge, and will give you lots of support. I will be thinking about you over the next few days as you get your MRI. Let us know when, and my prayers are with you.

mylifelisa

I had stage lla grade 3  IDC w/ 1 node involved of my left breast in 2009. Had  left breast removed and implants in both. Went through 8 rounds of chemo but no rads. I have been having pain in the center of my chest for about a month, there are no lumps just feels like a bruise without the bruising. I had a MRI last Friday, the Dr said there was some concern of my 4 or5 rib and chest wall so I am getting a bone scan and ct scan tomorrow. I'm very nervous. Is there anything else this could be besides the cancer returning? The Dr said could be an old injury but I don't remember injuring myself there.Guess I just need a little bit of hope. Trying not to have any melt downs worrying but won't get the results till next week sometime.

sweetbean

mylifelisa,

how did your tests go?  so hoping it is nothing! 

mylifelisa

Well I got my results yesterday. Looks like I have mets on my lower left sternum and mulitple scttered nodules on my lungs. My ong wants a biopsy on my lungs. For treatment she wants me to get my ovaries out( I am 42 and premenopausal) and take hormone therpy. She said I don't need chemo or rads , which I am very happy about but  does this sound right ? Plus my chest pain seems to be getting worse.  Going to get a second opinion. Still concerned.

sweetbean

oh, mylifelisa, i'm so sorry!  i think hormonal therapy is generally where they start because it is easier to tolerate.  Definitely get a second opinion, though.  keep us posted!