Tell me I can do this

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DianaT
DianaT Member Posts: 532
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I am having a hard time this week, every little ache and pain is getting to me, thinking the cancer has spread.  I have a PET scan at the end of this month and I am so worried.  My last one in June showed NED and I am praying it stays that way for a long time.

Is it normal to feel this way? What should I really get worried about? What should I not? 

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  • Maryiz
    Maryiz Member Posts: 975
    edited October 2008

    DianaT, I can tell you for myself, that I often worry that every ache and pain is progression.  Before my diagnosis I didn't feel so much pain.  I believe much of our pain is attributable to the meds we are taking. You can at least be assured that you are being followed closely since your last PET in June showed NED and only 3 months later you are having another.  Be good to yourself, and try to do anything you to alleviate symptoms.  I find if I walk or even move around more, I feel better.  hang in there, Maryiz

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited October 2008

    Ladies,

    I had a hard time with chemo. What I held onto duringhtose hard days was what a doc advised me. " It will be hard, but REMEMBER its the treatment NOT the disease that is causing the discomfort.

    God bLess

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  • Diana63
    Diana63 Member Posts: 773
    edited October 2008

    I kept telling my husband and daughter every treatment was my last one, nope I'm not doing it again. They would just say OK and node there heads, I said no I really mean it this time. You know it isn't doing any good anyway, I'm still going to die they would say not today you arent. I did them all with their help, and my MRI was clear last month. Actually it was clear before rads started, so keep going you feel bad because the cancer cells are mixed with your good cells. Unfortunately chemo cant tell the difference right now which are which, we are here for you and we know you can do this. Laughing 

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2008

    I worry about this too.  I went to see a shrink at my oncology center and she told me that EVERY cancer patient/survivor feels this from time to time.  She said the best way to handle fears of recurrence is to make sure to attend all your check-ups, eat healthily and exercise and try to learn ways to relax, such as meditation, breathing, yoga, visualization and the like.  I'm trying, but like you, I still have those fears from time to time. 

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited October 2008

    ((((Diana)))) You CAN do this. It's scary and it stinks. But, you will do finish your txs, get your scans and keep on truckin'. Everything you are feeling is normal and Lisa had some great ideas on handling the fears.

    Lexi

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  • DianaT
    DianaT Member Posts: 532
    edited October 2008

    Thank you ladies.  Y'all are the best!  I went for a small walk outside today ~ it was so nice!  Holding my little ones hands, laughing and walking with the breeze in our faces.  I am going to do that everyday! Sometimes I wonder if I feel all these aches and pains because I haven't taken any prescription pain medication all week.  

     I just watched a segment on ABCNews.com about a woman who never used chemo, she was a stage IV (spread to her lungs), only takes herceptin every week and has been dancing with NED for the last 2.5 yrs.  I think this is the same woman from the Stand Up to Cancer segment.  This has helped relieve some stress. 

    Thanks again ladies! Here's to praying for a long and healthy life. 

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  • snowyday
    snowyday Member Posts: 1,478
    edited October 2008

    Dear Diana, glad to hear you went for a walk.  When I had my first rounds of chemo FEC D, my family constantly told me to take it easy, and I did,, but I think it really made me sicker.  I am now finally on herceptin, and I have been keeping very busy and trying to keep my heart rate good and exercise it so it stays strong.  I hate the herceptin it scares me but I fiquire if I keep my heart strong I will get through it easier.  I have aches and pains constantly and I remember thinking that iit was the cancer coming back, I woirried myself sick.  Now I just ignore them and walk the pain offf and it's working for me, I do take anxiety pills though and it helps.  Good luck and I wish you NED so much.  Big Hugs,

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Dear Diana,

    I read that seeing the woman on ABC helped you.  So I thought I would post with my story.

    I am almost FIVE YEARS from my mets dx (big skull met, L3 tumor and a sheen of mets of part of outer lining of spinal cord).  NO chemo since mets.  Only radiation, AI's and herceptin!  I truly believe herceptin is working wonders for me.  Yep, I've been on it for almost 5 years..the first year and a half it was every week.  Since then every three weeks.  Sometimes I get so tired of being in tx.  But I quickly stop myself and thank the Good Lord for my tx.  I did have some progression to a rib.  But my med and rad oncs and I very carefully considered everything and decided to radiate the rib and stay on my current tx (herceptin and faslodex). It was a good decision for me.  I have a HUGE arsenal of chemo out there to use when I need it.  But I want to hold off on that for as long as I can.  Sure my body is not the body of a 48 year old...more like 68 years old.  But I am LIVING with advanced bc.  I hope my story gives you comfort.  And I know exactly what you mean about every little ache and pain.  I follow the two week rule.  Oh, I am even going longer between my scans now.  Went SIX months between my last regular scans.  Plan on doing that again this time too.  But if I have an issue, I will get a scan, trust me!  Enjoy life, feel that breeze on your face and your children's hands in yours. 

    Hugs and love,

    Bethie

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  • DianaT
    DianaT Member Posts: 532
    edited October 2008

    Bethie ~ thank you so much for sharing your story with me.  I shared it with my husband and we both said praise God!! 

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  • lori5
    lori5 Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2008

     Diana

     You can do this it may be the hardest thing you have ever done but you CAN do this.  I am almost one year out of chemo and one year into herpception and I too once thought I couldn't do it but you just get up every day and say I'm lucky to have this day and push through the pain.  Remember to take your medicne every day....

    Hugs and Prayers

    Lori

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2008

    Another Her2 girl here!

    Yup, I still worry, but not so much as time passes.

    Hers hoping you are worrying less and less for many more years.

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited October 2008

    Diana,

    It's really one day at a time.  We all go through those days where we feel like everything is cancer.  I have a six month appointment tomorrow, and I am just dreading it even though I feel pretty good.  When do you go to the doctor about something?  Generally speaking, when a pain (or something not feeling right) is persistent, nagging, and lasts for more than two weeks, you'll want to get it checked out.  It is definitely hard to not freak out about every pain that feels unusual. Try to find things to do that relax you, like a warm bubble bath and soft music or taking a nap, or having a nice walk outside. 
    Hugs

    Bobbie

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