Aches, Pains and panic

Theresa987

Hello, chemo surgery and radiation complete. Will be starting xoleda in about 2 weeks. I've really never had back pains, about 2 weeks ago I started with lower back pain, went to the Onc doc today, she feels its prob arithritis. She sent me for xrays. So I'll call her tomorrow for the results...ontop of that i found a small lump (pea size)on my right breast (i had left mast) next week i have mamo and u/s scheduled. Of course praying not mets....but the fear gets to me. I have do faith in god, I say my prayers, Im doing everything I can do to battle this. But the tears still come.

When does this paranoia stop. I know I'm driving myself nuts.. Sorry to ramble and whine.

JudiJo

Don't be too worried about your back yet. I had severe back pain towards the end of radiation and before Xeloda. When I went into my GP he went to an MRI right away, to make sure it wasn't mets. Turns out I blew a disc in my back. I ended up with physical therapy for 4 weeks or so.

I am told the worrying will lessen with time (try looking at calling all TN's if you haven't already), but give yourself a break for now. Our bodies have gone through a lot and sometimes it's hard to keep the fears at bay.

Theresa987

Thank you Judijo! Thank you for your kind words. You're right ... My oncologist called me today. Bad arthritis...never thought I'd be so happy to have arthritis! Sometimes I just have to take a step back and breathe.My next step is Xeleda...we are getting there one step at a time

Hope you are doing well with PT. And your back

Thanks again!

VL22

Theresa - so happy you got good news!! It’s so easy to panic and think the worst - we all do it.

So glad you can move along in your treatment with a better mind set.

Hugs.

JudiJo

Theresa -

I, too, never thought I would be glad for what previously would have been bad news. Before the TNBC diagnosis, the blown disc would have been a disaster, but now, it's a blessing. After about 6 weeks of pain, 2 which were pretty severe, my back seems to have "healed" itself. Still, did physical therapy for core strength in order to relieve overstressing my back.

I can't say I am happy you have arthritis, but I am happy it isn't mets. Hoping they can find something to help with your pain.

I am starting my sixth round of Xeloda tomorrow an it hasn't been horrible so far. Read up on the TNBC and Xeloda forum - There are lots of good tips for managing hand and foot which is probably the biggest physical problem with Xeloda.

Be kind to yourself and just know in your heart - You got this!!!!

Flynn

Theresa,

It’s so sad when you’re happy to have arthritis! I’m no where near feeling relaxed about aches & pains but I do work on it by writing down things that stress me out. It makes me feel better to get it out without constantly stressing my husband. I’m getting ready to start Xeloda, too.

VL22

Unfortunately, this is how it is ladies. I will say that I have trained myself not to have a complete panic attack at every ache and pain - I was doing that and I was a physical and mental mess. For me, stressing causes actual aches and pains.

I’m at a point where, yes, I think of cancer every day, but it doesn’t dominate my thoughts - sometimes it is just white noise.

Best wishes to those of you still in treatment!