Possible recurrence - freaking out here

welela52

I've had what was thought to be pneumonia for at least 3 1/2 weeks.  I got sick on November 24th.  Started with a temperature of 101.5 in the middle of the night.  By morning the fever had broken.  I didn't feel bad - just tired.  I then had minor symptoms of a chest cold.  But  the cold didn't go away and I started coughing and have been tired alot.  I went to my primary care doctor and was given antibiotics (Levaquin) and cough pearls (Benzonatate).  I finished the Levaquin and felt no improvement and the cough worsening.  I went back to the doctor and was given Avelox and Prednisone, with a script for a chest xray.  (Since then I've had 3 chest x-rays which showed possible pneumonia in the upper left lung.)  I went back to the doctor and was given a second antibiotic (Clindamuycin).   The coughing continued and I ended up pulling a muscle in my right breast (which is still very painful) and also pulled my back out (that has resolved).  I finished all the meds and went back to the doctor Monday. I had the third xray which showed no improvement from last week.  Doc put me back on Prednisone for 6 days and sent me for a CT-scan on Tuesday.  The CT scan showed that I did not have pneumonia in my left lung - just some scarring from a past infection.  However, they found a "nodule" in my right lung.  I have to have a repeat CT scan for that.  They also found a lesion/myeloma on my thoracic spine.  This is what has the docs concerned.  I have to have a nuclear bone scan next week.  Now I know they haven't said I have cancer again, but I can't help but worry that maybe I do.  I'm trying to be positive again, but the bad thoughts creep in every once in awhile..... what if.... 

barbe1958

How scary it must be to start the new year off with this fear of recurrence! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this stressful time. Please keep us posted here so we don't have to chase you all over the boards to see how you're doing!

It is totally normal to think the "what ifs" when something has dragged on so long. I had a friend who's cough wouldn't go away and when she finally went to the ER it was found that she was riddled with cancer tumours in her lungs. Absolutely full of them, there was no question. To her it was "just a cough" and yet she was so advanced. It was easily spotted on x-rays, never mind the nuclear tests. It sounds much more subtle in your case....I would consider that a good thing at this point. A lesion can be dealt with as well as a nodule. At least they have something to "aim for" now and you are getting more testing done. I'm glad you kept returning to your PCP.

I remember years ago I had a cough so bad that people shook their heads in amazement and then fear when I really had a bout of coughing. It was actually embarrassing as people would even back away. My Dad had been diagnosed with lung cancer and I sounded WAY sicker than him! Turned out to be nothing uncurable, but I tell you, if I had that now I'd be terrified of mets, too.

My heart goes out to you. Please know you are not alone.

somanywomen

Seems, I am starting out the New Year with very bad attitude, we all try to stay so strong when facing new symptoms, for myself I am really upset when I keep reading how BC keeps trying to comsume our lives.......All I have to say is Damn-Damn-Damn...freakin cancer....always on our mind....Sure hope you get good results from up-coming scan.....

SpunkyGirl

I've had so many scary times where I thought a recurrence was going on and I thurned out to be wrong.  We all know what you are going through.  I'm sure they are being extra vigilant with anything they see on the scans.  I hope you get some great news soon.

Hugs

Bobbie

welela52

Thanks so much for your thoughts and words.  As ya'll know, it means a lot to have someone who's "been there" offering words of comfort and encouragement.  Today I'm feeling a tad on the angry side.... guess it's normal.   I will definitely keep you advised of what the heck is going on.  But I can tell you this.... I AM SICK of this shit!  I want my life back, my ignorance, my health... boy do we take it for granted. 

konakat

The fun of scans and waiting.  It's awful.  Not feeling in control is unbearable...  If you get bad news (I hope you don't!!!) harness that anger into energy to kick the cancer out the door and down the street.  BC is a whole new reality for us, it sucks, but we all get through it some way or another.  I hope you post good news from your scans.  Hugs,

Elizabeth

NativeMainer

Did you have radiation? What you are describing sounds like radiation pneumonitis, which can occur years after rads is done.  Radiation pneumonitis needs to be treated with very large doses of steriods over a longish period of time, antibiotics only help minimally.  It also shows up on x-rays as pneumonia unless the radiologist reading the x-ray knows about radiation pneumonitis and that you had radiation treatment. 

Gitane

welela52,  We did take it for granted.  Wasn't that ignorance wonderful?  Hard to believe my anxiety level got up over stupid junk before. Yep, it's the pits, that's for sure.  I've thought many, many times that this or that must be a recurrence.  I have asthma, though not bad, so lungs have always been my issue.  I can't even get tired and achy without worry, and since I'm taking Femara I'm tired and achy most of the time.  You are healthy.  Hold on to that.  Hugs!

TriciaK

Hi Welela,

I'm sorry you're going through this right now.   I had a routine bone scan around Sept for back pain, I always have aches as I take arimidex but this one seemed to be more persistant.   I was shocked when the scan showed a suspicious spot, fast forward to an inconclusive mri (but showed spot too) and a clear negative pet/ct!!   The onc was going to arrange a biopsy but we just learned it's too small, so having another mri at the end of Jan to see if it's grown and will go from there.

I can relate to what you're feeling and have been up and back down with a bang since Sept!!!!

It's torture, and the only way to get through it is to try to either put it out of your mind, which you can't do all the time...or accept whatever news may come bad or good.  I've used this time to research what treatments etc I'll face if it's mets, but know I'll be over the moon if it's not:)

It's tough, but you can do it and it may be nothing. My own suspicious area is the thoraic also. I have a friend who had a spot/nodule on her lung and was followed up six months later and found to be nothing!  I really hope you get the same news.

Good wishes to you, why not stop by the waiting room thread where many of us support each other during this time:) ??

Tricia xx

Anonymous

welela, first of all I see you're from N.C.  I'm from Wilmington.  Nice to meet you, but not under these circumstances.

It seems like it's one thing after another.  I went in for my routine oncology appointment, complained about my lymphedema are, to make a long story short, I ended up with my onc wanting a CT scan and a bone scan.  What was found wasn't exactly what SHE was looking for.  LOL  Anyway, I had a lesion on one of my Thoracic vertabra.  I choose to have a biopsy and it turned out positive.  So far I've taken it pretty well.  She changed my from Arimidex to Aromasin and I'll be going back this month for my three month CT scan to see if there are any changes.  I have had no pain.

I realize this is a very scary time.  Waiting is no fun, thus I choose the biopsy.  Right now I see this new diagnosis as IT IS what IT IS.  However, there have been many scares on this board by many women who ended up with no progression.  We'll keep our fingers crossed for you and pray that all is B9.  Seems like we are just waiting for that other shoe to drop. 

Boy, wouldn't we ALL like to go back to the "ignorant" days?  I would love to have those days back. 

BTW, to anyone on AIs and having joint pain.  Have you tried upping your vitamin D3 intake?  Some women seem to have a good response when they get their levels up.  If you haven't done this already, ask your onc for a vitamin D level...25(OH)D.  You can read more about this on the Alternative Thread.

welela, please let us know what you find out.

Shirley

welela52

Hey Ladies:  thanks for responding. 

Native Mainer:  yes, I did have rads.  4 months of chemo and 7 weeks of rads, and I'm on Femara.  I did mention the pneumonitis to my PCP and he kind of poo pood it.  My onc didn't seem that concerned about it either.  But we are all aware of it and it may resurface - who knows. 

 Konakat:  you're right.  The anger does help to movitate you.  I used that trick the first go-around.  I will certainly call on it again if need be.  But I sure hope I won't have to.

Gitane:  I have had body aches and pain since the starting the Femara and tend to chalk everything up to that.  The back pain I've been having I attribute to the Femara too.  Maybe that's not quite accurate.  But since I"ve been on Prednisone, I'm not as achy and seem to be able to move much better.  Funny, but before this I was even contemplating stopping the Femara.  I still may after I speak with my onco.  Maybe there is something else I can try that doesn't cause as much pain, stiffness and weakness. 

Tricia K:  yeah, it pretty much sucks - the waiting game, the thoughts that are always lurking in the back of your mind.... so sorry you've going through this too. 

Shirley - nice to meet you too - too bad we have the big C in common and we're meeting under these circumstances.

 Chin up ladies... gotta take the bad days with the good.  Luckily the good days rule!!!!

I'll keep you posted.  

lovemyfamilysomuch

Good luck  Welala and all my sisters worrying.  Cancer sucks big time.  Didn't appreciate the innocence when I had it.  Prayers for all of you xo

SharonS

Welela - Hope everything goes well with the scan.  I am in freaked out mode also....your post was on the day of my diagnosis 2 years ago....so it is time for the next mammogram.  I am healthy, ran a marathon in Oct, and try to eat right, etc.  However it is always there....what if it comes back?  Doesn't help that my running buddy had a recurrence after 14 years and she is way healthier than I am...she had a double mast this time and just finished her 2 chemo of 6 and is also getting herceptin every week.

The mammogram freaks me out as that is how my cancer was found....last time I thought I was going to pass out.....now I know what people are talking about when they say panic attack.  This one is both foobies....and last Jan they took extra pics of the good foobie....

Trying to stay positive....Friday is the day...hope you get good news...

candie1971

Welela, Hoping for B9!!! Just take it one day at a time. I just had a scare also, but it turned out to be ok, thank God! The best to you and I will keep watch with you. Hold our hands...your sisters are here for you!!

hugs and prayers,

Candie

welela52

I go for the nuclear bone scan today.  I already had the injection and go back in 1 hour.  I asked, and my onco will definitely have the results for my appointment tomorrow morning.  I'm feeling more and more positive that everything will be okay.  Again, the Lord has given me a peace about this.  I will keep you guys in my thougths and prayers, knowing you do the same for me.

I'll let you know what the results are... but they will be fine and B9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

candie1971

Welela, yes you are in our prayers today...good luck!

jinnypel

Hiya,

I really hope that your scan today will show no sign of the cancer returning.  I'm going for a MRI (I'm not sure if it's the same as what you are having) on my thoraric spine on Friday the 8th.  I was told on the 23rd of Dec and have had sleepless nights worrying myself sick about what it may or may not be (onco said it seems like a tumor or growth).  I know exactly how you feel it is very worrying especially if it's mets. 

I have had none of the coughing that you describe, but I get pins and needles in both my feet and my left hand as well as painfull chest when breathing.  Initially I had gone to my doctor about 6 mnths ago to complain about the pain on my chest.  I had an ECG as well as a chest xray which came out clear.  Only after insisting on a CT scan did they pick up the abnormality.  I also have a weak bladder which may or may not be linked to this.

I really hope that all turns out okay for you.

Good luck and God bless.

Jinny

welela52

YAHOOOOOOO!!!!!  No recurrence!!!  I just came from my onco.  Depsite what the x-ray and CT scan showed, the MRI and Nuclear Bone Scan are CLEAR!!!  No lesions, tumors... NO CANCER!  I do, however, have a broken rib from all the coughing - LOL - but even that is healing.  I can't thank the Lord enough for answering everyone's prayers and once again showing us how awesome He is.  Ladies I do so appreciate your prayers and good thoughts - you helped make this "all clear" possible.  Thank you.  You will all be in my thoughts and prayers too! 

claude1944

Welela,    I was out walking and wanted to hurry home to see if you had good results......YEH !!!!!!!!I am so happy ...your made my day...now go and enjoy your good report... Claudia

robyn33

Whooo-hooo Welela!!!!!!!!  What a relief!  :-)    I'm so happy for you!

hollyann

welela, I just found this thread and am so happy for your "all Clear"!..........Good news is sooo welcome for us all!.......Great excuse not to do housework!...LOL OOPS, wrong thread!...hehehe.....

barbe1958

Excellent news! You must be on cloud B9!!!

GloDee

Congratulations, welela!  I was so eager so compare my situation with your case since it sounds similar to mine.  Had BC surgery in April, 6 wks of radiation in summer.  Because of sudden swelling/pain under left surgical breast, which my GP dx as costocondritis, my oncologist decided on CT scan two weeks ago.  Just got results Monday.  It showed at least 10 nodules in bilateral lungs, lower lobes, and a nodule 8mm in my pancreas!  Don't know who was more surprised, my oncologist or me.  Was scheduled for a PT scan today and, wouldn't you know, it is snowing and icing here in Mississippi.  They cancelled me for today, but put me down for tomorrow, weather permitting!  This waiting is ridiculous!  I also have a dry, hacky cough and chest burning and discomfort, along with back aches.  I am on Arimidex and have blamed that for several months on my aches and pains.  I have talked myself into thinking maybe I have an infection.  The nodules were "noncalcified" and very small, the largest in the lungs was 7mm.  Do any of you have any help with this.  I am trying not to be terrified.  People keep telling me of others who have nodules that were 'nothing".  When you've have BC, everything is something. 

Gloria

welela52

Gloria, I CAN imagine what you're going through and the waiting and "what if's" are the worst.  My CT scan showed the spinal lesion and nodule in my right lung.  Yet the bone scan showed no lesion.  As for the nodule in my lung... docs don't seem concerned about it so I won't either.  Will follow up in a few months to see if any change.  Keep the faith, and know that you are not alone... we are all here for you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Try to think positive ( I know that's hard when you're terrified).  Good luck with your PT scan tomorrow and please let us know the outcome.  Never give up!!!!   ((((hug))))     

P.S.  You're right, when you've had BC everthing is something ... everything is cause for concern and fear.  Find your peaceful place and go there when you're freaking out.  My place is my garden.  Even in the winter I can go there in my mind and listen the the birds and bees, and smell the flowers and feel the breeze.  Picture it and feel the peace.

barbe1958

Gloria, I also liked the way you said with cancer "everything is something". People who have never walked our walk cannot understand that. You are in my prayers, cause Welela just graduated!

Husband11

That is such great news.  I can't imagine what you were going through.  Its inspiring to know that you felt a sense of peace from God as you awaited the results.

Goldia

Hello this is my first post. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 5/08 with 16 lympgh nodes affected. I have had reaccurances, the first was 6/09 and then a nodule 12/09 and have 1 nodule now for sure but I have felt 3 more that has come up that I'm not sure about. I am suppose to have a PET scan the 19th and my Oncologist has talked about putting me on Clinical trial meds, I'm nervous about that, but right now it may be the only thing that will help.  Your right, anytime you feel anything different or hurt it  is scary. I try to stay positive and lean on God

SharonS

Welela - Glad you are basking in the good news...

Goldia and Gloria you will be in my prayers.

 My mammo is in the morning....trying to stay calm with a glass of wine and some dark chocolate and watching the football game.

GoldenEyes

Not sure If I am posting on the right thread...I am a stage IV.. My First Dx was 7 yrs ago... Two years ago..it had spread to my left lung.. I had treatments..again..For the last several months.. I have had an achy..soreness in my neck and shoulders... just not feeling RIGHT....I am 53 and I work all day.. I am on my feet all day.. Just getting old  lol...I did let my Onc know about this months ago...Nothing showed up on any of my scans.. blood work was fine... I had my yearly PET done on Monday... I got a call from Dr at work.. it showed two spots that lit up.. on my Cervical spine..I asked him.. point blank.. to be up front with me.. it IS a possibility. .it coudl be cancer...BUT also a chance it couldbe something else.. But with my history.. my backround.. Most likely.. it is cancer..I asked if it does turn out to be cancer.. is it from the orgiginal breast cancer.. He said.. most likely NO.. a NEW cancer.. This is just so confusing to me...He is going to order an MRI.. for just my SPINE..Not sure if MRI is better thatn PET I always assumed the PET was best to detect cancer? and if this IS cancer again...will I need a biopsy on my spine? Sorry so many questions....

GoldenEyes

ANYONE?

AzKim

I'm sorry nobody has answered your questions Golden,.I have no answers for you and I've not had any scans since treatment ended. I'm sure someone will come along and give you some help. Warm hugs,

Kim