finished chemo, now on herceptin and backpain

sissbrn

finished chemo, now on herceptin and backpain

sissbrn

hi, it's the first time I post something. I was diagnosed with bc in april, had bilateral mastectomy, tch , finished tc , still on herceptin. was diagnosed a stage I HER2 positive 5 mm cancer.

since a couple of weeks I am having both lower and upper backpain, close to shoulder blade . it comes and goes but it is not strong enough to keep me up at night, still it's as if needled were put in that area. then they disappear.

freaking out because I am scared it's mets but I am going to see my onc today. anyone had similar experience ?

thanks

ben50

I'm sorry for your stress - but yes! I think most people here can agree, one of the worst things about breast cancer (and probably most other cancers) is the way is holds us all hostage afterward with pervasive fear of recurrence. Throughout our journey, my wife has experienced lots of little pain here and there that never fails to makes our stomachs jolt with the "What If's." We have to remind ourselves that pains and discomforts are a part of life and will happen -- it absolute does NOT mean the pain is tied to cancer. Also know that many of the drugs you took can case a wide range of muscle/bone/joint pain and soreness. So it really isn't the weirdest thing to happen. With this disease anything can happen, but it appears you caught yours at a very early stage, so chances are very good that it's nothing. Although since it has been a couple weeks, I think you're right to get it checked out, I would think of it really more as a tool you can use to put your mind at ease (which is something we all need during this process). The best of luck -- really!

sissbrn

thanks ben50, I saw my onc this afternoon. she said she is not concerned , but for peace of mind I am doing a complete bone scan next week. what she thinks it is, is a muscle pain and stress that I put in my upper back. (sorry for my english. i"ve been living in the US for the last 6 years, but am italian, so sometimes phrases don't make much sense in english)

but thanks for getting back with me. not feeling alone means a lot

linzer

I've had pains (muscle) when on Herceptin. It almost feels flu-like/achy. It could be a side effect of the drug. Glad to hear that your oncologist is willing to alleviate your fear and allowing you to have a scan. Good luck! Keep us updated. Linda

Nettie1964

You're lucky your doctor ordered the scan, I've complained with back pain for over 6 months and all of my doctors say it's nothing to worry about and will not order scans!  The only thing giving me a little peace is that the pain has NOT gotten worse over time and some days it is barely noticeable, but all in all, it's still a worry!

sissbrn

Nettie, when she entered the room I told her I was in panic and that I sometimes don't feel any pain but then start thinking if it's really gone, that I start feeling pain again. maybe that made her decide for it, and plus, my mom died of ovarian cancer 1 year and 1/2 ago. after 6 months I ws diagnosed with mine. not sure, but she too said it more than once that she was not concered and she was reasonably sure nothing would show up. but still I'll do it, and although she reassured me a lot, am still a bit scared. And will go see a psycologist. i think I need some help in dealing with fear, emotons..have two young kids and have always tried not to make worry, then not too complain to much with my husband, then with my sister and dad that had just lost mom too..then surgeries. always thought that there are people in worst conditions than me and I had no right to complain or feel sad. now I need help.

CoastalXPat

Sissbrn, sorry to hear about the pain and also the stressful feelings, hey this isn't easy stuff to go through. For what it's worth, I'm about 5 months post-chemo, and I get all sorts of pains in my upper body. It seems to be related to my muscles tightening, especially where the lymph node surgery was on one side and where the port surgery was on the other side. I've gone to a physical therapist and also a massage therapist, and both have helped. I think it's great you'll get a bone scan for peace of mind, and assuming it comes out clean (I think it will!), maybe muscle stress is something to ask your doctor about? Best of luck -