Newly diagnosed and terrified by pain

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rockwood
rockwood Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer

Yesterday I received the news that my mammogram and ultrasound were positive.  I had felt a lump a couple of months ago and thought it had gone away.  Two weeks ago, I felt it again, and after tests and consultations, here I am.  A core biopsy was done yesterday. I have a very strong and bleak family history of BC.

What is completely terrifying to me right now is the pain in my back/ribs on the same side as the mass.  I have also been having joint stiffness in one of my knees and in my thumb.  I mentioned the pain in my chest to the nurse and she quickly passed if off to hormones.  I feel like a total hypochondriac (sp?) but this pain scares me terribly.  It seemed to be a little better after the biopsy, but now it's back with a vengance. 

Is this normal?  Stress related or something to be genuinely frightened by?  I'm 47 and single; the mom of an 18 year old son with Asperger's.   Thank you for any insight you can offer.

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  • jessicav
    jessicav Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2010

    Rockwood-

    It's late at night and I just came across your post. I don't know the answers to your  questions. But I am familar with fear ..you have to come to the right place..the ladies here will help you.

     Thinking of of you and sending you and your son prayers tonight.

    Jessica 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2010

    Rockwood...Did you have a bone scan since you have been just DX will you have one?

    Sheila?

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  • rockwood
    rockwood Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2010

    I haven't had one yet.  Is that typically done before or after surgery?  I take it from your response that this is not usual?

     Thanks,

    Rock

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2010

    When i was DX it was routine to have a bone scan.

    If you are really hurting ask for one when you meet your oncologist.

    Its done after the surgery. All my tests were done after my lumpectomy.

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  • rockwood
    rockwood Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2010

    Thank you.  I'm really hoping it's just nerves.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited November 2010

    My dr didn't recommend a bone scan at all and I even asked about it. (im not having any bone pain at this time)  However,  in your case I would definitely tell him your symptoms and see what he wants to do.   I have found that during treatment all sorts of aches and pains come up and ya never know what you are facing,  so ask the dr just to ease your mind.    We are all here for you and each other during this trying time.   I am 5 days away from my first chemo tx.  Scared and looking forward to killing it all at the same time-  weird feelings.   I was and at times still am on a roller coaster ride of emotions.   I never knew cancer could be so invasive to your spirit and soul.    This website and been a wonder and a plethora of info!

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  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited November 2010

    Hi Rockwood,

    Bone scans are not routine if your lymph nodes are negative. Be sure to let your doctor know any symptoms you are having. It's normal to turn into a hypochondriac. I am 48 and I now notice every little ache and pain, and worry about what they are. General guidelines are to discuss any pain that persists more than a couple weeks with your doctor. From what you have listed, your tumor is small and it is not all that likely that it would have metastasized.

    Sorry you have to go through this,

    Karen

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  • soulswithin
    soulswithin Member Posts: 154
    edited November 2010

    How is your biopsy area doing? Did you have any of this pain before the biopsy? Yes, please do ask your doctor, and hopefullt he can ease your mind. If you are worried about a cancer spread, I would insist on a scan or at least an xray. It doesn't hurt to know all you can before starting all the treatments. It's helpful in making decisions later, and to make those decisions, we all need to know if there is a possibility that the cancer has spread. So please don't feel badly about advocating for yourself!

    Best of luck to you. We all know the anxiety and exaustion this BC causes. Try to exhale, breathe slowly, and distract yourself away from the trauma if you can. You will get through this. One day at a time.

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  • jp3
    jp3 Member Posts: 18
    edited November 2010

    I am newly diagnosed (10/21/10) and had bone and CT scans prior to lumpectomy.  Maybe it's determined by the routines established by the particular medical team and/or biopsy results as to when bone scans are done.

    One of the things I'm discovering about fear is my tendency to make up stories in my head which perpetuates more fear and pain.  I'm trying various techniques to medigate strong emotion like focusing on breathing and quieting the mind until the emotion passes.  It's a way of being gentle with myself by letting go of something I can do nothing about in this moment and trusting myself to be strong and assertive when I can do something. Hugs are nice too.  Sending one to you.

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