Please tell me I'm a hypochondriac - 4 years post treatment

noonrider · March 2018

Hi all.

I haven' t posted here in a long time. I was diagnosed in March 2014 with stage 1A IDC. My oncotype was questionable so opted for bilateral mastectomy, chemo, lots of reconstruction. No rads. Full hysterectomy done three years ago and surgically induced menopause complete. I am not taking long-term drugs because they make me too sick. I am mom to 7 kids with disabilities and I need to be able to function. I tried them, gave them a fair shot, and gave up. Got on a c-pap for my obstructive sleep apnea so I sleep great now! Although I had lost of problems with reconstruction, things have been great for a really long time. Life is good, I lost 80 lbs (intentionally) and am living a very active, healthy lifestyle.

But.....

A few months ago I started having problems with very sudden and severe abdominal pain. I have a very high pain threshold (something that has frustrated my doctors because I tend to wait too long to go in, then my problems are bigger than had I gone in sooner.) so by the time I get into the ER, I pretty much want to die. I've had a couple CT scans in the ER where they couldn't figure out what the problem was, though symptomatically they were sure they'd find a blockage, and so was I! That hasn't happened for two months or so.

About 2-3 months ago I started having problems with extreme night sweats. As in "Did someone dump a bucket of water on me?" I didn't know it was humanly possible to sweat so much, especially in my sleep! It is a nightly occurrence. Once in a great while I have a night that I don't sweat, they are rare.

And then, my body temperature dropped. I'm freaking freezing all.the.time. I thought, although I don't feel feverish, maybe I was running a fever? Um no, I'm sitting in the low 96's. I feel cold to the bone constantly.

Over the last couple of days I've started to feel a bit panicked that there is something going on. Surely it is something simple? Of course, the chemo I was on has the potential to cause lymphoma later on, which is where my mind heads. I have a scheduled checkup with my Onco on the April 9th, but right now that feels a very long time away. I just put a call into have my blood work done now instead of waiting for that appointment.

Am I crazy? Please tell me I'm crazy.

KBeee · March 2018

I would request blood work and also ask to have your thyroid checked. You might want to discuss your symptoms with your PCP instead since it may be something unrelated to the cancer. I'd cover all bases. Thyroid issues can mess with all other body symptoms, as can other endocrine issues. Hoping you find a solution and some relief.