Bloating after small meals

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still-me
still-me Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi everyone.  Sorry we are all here, but greatful to have it.

I have a question and can't find a board for it.

I finished treatment for IDC in 10/09.  I was stage 2 grade 2 ER/PR positive and have been on Tamoxifen ever since.  I have Neuropathy in both feet from chemo and now am scared that there is something wrong.

I have a bloated stomach after I eat and even when I don't actually.  I can not eat all day and still by 4:00 PM I look 6 months pregnant. 

The reason I decided to post today is that in the past couple of weeks there have been bizarre things happening.  I get dizzy while standing.  Not all the time, but two days ago I nearly fell because of it.  There is also a lump behind my right ear just about at my jaw line and it has been there for about a month.  Also yesterday, while watering my yard, I got bitten my mosquitos 22 times and didn't realize it until hours later while in bed getting ready to read.  I just glanced at my arm and saw all the red bumps.  How could I not feel 22 bites?

I have mentioned these symptoms to both my Oncologist and the nurse at the clinic and both say it's nothing to worry about. ( Not the mosquito bites, that just happened last night)

My last blood work was in March of this year and my CA125 was 18.  They said everything else was normal including my thyroid.

I don't have insurance so I pay for my own blood work and have not had a CT or MRI in a year or so.  I have not seen my Oncologist in at least 6 months because I don't have insurance also.

So I was hoping some of you have had the same symptoms and can share with me.

What is going on?  Please help.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2011

    Hi still-me

    I dont have any answers for you just bumping the thread.

    Most States have free BC programs. Did you check if you are eligible?

    Sheila♥

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    Hi Sheila,

    Thanks for trying to get movement anyway.  I have tried to get in to a state program.  I don't qualify because I do not currently have breast cancer and I make $100.00 too much a month before taxes.

    It amazes me that follow up care after treatment is not covered.  I have to be diagnosed again with a cancer before I can get in to a program.  Great huh?

    I will just go to the clinic here in town and have them check my neck and tummy, draw some more blood and take it from there.  I'm sure everything is fine.

    Take care, and thanks.

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited July 2011

    Sorry you don't qualify for a state program. 

    I tried to get into a state program when i was diagnosed.  I was turned away because I'm TOO YOUNG!  The program was geared toward women ages 40-64.  ANd I'm 35.

    Maybe if you express genuine concern at the clinic, a compassionate doc will hear and listen to you and run some tests.  SOmetimes doctors have to treat anxiety rather than disease.

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited July 2011

    Hi still-me.

     I am having some of the same problems as you! And I was dx'ed just a few months before you.

    I have had the bloated abdomen for about 7 months now, combined w/constipation. I had a colonoscopy (clear) and a CT that showed an enlarged uterus and "moderate free fluid" throughout my abdomen - which to me means ascites. So I went to the gyn and ended up having open abdominal surgery to remove 12 fibroids (tennis ball sized!) that had been having a party on the Tamoxifen. I felt better for a few weeks, but then constipation, bloating, and now headaches and dizziness have started. Dizziness was at first just upon standing, but now lasts most days, all day. It's affecting my work!

    I had a head CT - clear. But my labs came back with low hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, WBC, ALbumin, and A/G ratio.So it looks like I am iron deficient anemic. Sure enough, the iron tests they drew back in March showed my serum iron to be a 6 (should be 30-126). So I had major surgery with almost no iron reserves!

    I would say get your blood drawn as anemia can cause some of these symptoms. I will be following up on Monday to test my liver functions, as that may be part of the problem. Plus I will be getting IV iron infusions to try and rebuild my stores. And if you take Tamoxifen - I would totally recommend a check up at the gyn. My fibroids had me looking like I was 5 months pregnant. Not fun!

    Good luck to you!

    ~Janine

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    Janine,

    Thank you so much!!!  I have been so worried.  I am going to call on Monday and make an appointment.

    So sorry to hear about all you had to go through.   I wish I could get a CT or MRI just to ease my mind, but I can't afford that kind of a bill.  Let's just hope the blood and an x-ray can show something. 

    Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.  It really helps to know that I am not alone in this.

    Hugs

    Teri

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2011

    still-me, I'm glad you're seeing a doctor.  One thought I had as I read your post is, have you maybe considered stopping the Tamox for a couple of weeks, to see if any of your SEs ease?  I'm not a doctor, but that's just something I might do if I were on a med and experiencing symptoms that might be related to it -- withdraw it for a very short time, to see if it makes any difference in your SEs.  

    I'm also thinking if you want to share what state you live in, someone here on BCO may know of a local program to help you with medical costs.   (((Hugs))), and hope you can figure out a way to get the follow up care you need and deserve.     Deanna

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    I live in Oregon.  But as far as going off of the Tamoxifen I don't think I should do that.  The night sweats just eased a little and the bone pain is something I have learned to manage. I wouldn't want to go through all that again if I were to stop tamoxifen and start again.  But thank you for your suggestions!

    Hugs to all of you..........And thanks.

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    I had an ultrasound yesterday and waiting to hear the results.

    There are definately cysts on both ovaries and something in my uterus.

    I have one question I hope someone out there can answer for me.

    Why would the woman doing the ultrasound ask at the end of it if I had had a bone scan recently?

    I am a little concerned about that.

    As far as the tummy issues I will let all you know what they say.

    Thanks for all your support.

    (((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited July 2011

    Prayers and positive thoughts for good results.  <hug>

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited July 2011

    Did you mention your bone pain to her?  Maybe she was just asking because of that, thinking that the ultrasound she was doing wouldn't address that (I'm guessing it was an abdominal/pelvic ultraound?). 

    She might not realize that the bone pain can be an SE from the tamox.

    Good luck for B9 results.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2011

    Maybe because she saw nothing of concern and was trying to figure out another test you could have to help rule out any serious issues in regards to your symptoms?  I don't think bone mets would show up on an ultrasound?  I hope you get answers soon.  Soo sorry that you are having to deal with this stress!  That is a bizarre question to ask....After I had my PET scan, they called and left a message wanting to know if I HAD my period when I had the scan or if I had recently HAD my period before the scan....of course this caused an immediate hot feeling in my mouth which was the same sensation of heat that I got in my mouth during my biopsies and moments after my diagnosis. There was uptake in my uterus....turned out to be nothing.  I had two sonograms afterwords that I insisted on after this PET....apparently you can see a bit more with those....also had a CT scan at the same time as the PET that showed nothing of concern...my point after that long winded story is sometimes techs, nurses say things that we read into due to our situation (and they should know this) and they mean nothing but cause us a whole lot of stress....good luck....hope you get relieve soon....I am very sorry that you do not have health insurance.  This must be causing you more worry and stress....What state do you live in? I am asking because I know there are some pretty good programs here, one which covers all medical costs for treatment (and this includes a chiropractor!!!) and then five years after treatment....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    still-me:

    A couple of things come to mind about paying for your tests.  Have you talked to the patient advocate at your hospital?  Have you talked with local religious organizations like Catholic or Jewish organizations?  Have you also approached the American Cancer Society for help?

    The women on the Insurance Forum are very knowledgeable regarding this subject.  I would like to see you be able to get the tests that you need - perhaps a separate post on the Insurance Forum will help get more info.  Keep us posted and good luck to you.

    Carol

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2011

    Bloating, nausea, etc can be from gallstones, too. Keep us posted!

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  • browniefranks
    browniefranks Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2011

    Have you tried getting in touch with your local American Cancer society office, here in NE they have programs to help women who don't have insurance and maybe Oregon may too!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011
    Hi StillMe, am afraid that your symptoms sound like mine.  Major dizziness on getting up, even just turning head in bed, no appetite, eat very little and feel full very quickly.  Like you, thought about ovarian cancer....everything was clear a few months ago....try not to worry about it since I'm only seeing the gyn in the fall.  I must say that the dizziness has decreased a bit since the onco took me off Tamox, had to have a brain scan for the dizziness, but will have to go back on it after my breasts MRI at the end of July Cry
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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and information.

    Carol, I got the hospital discount sliding scale packet yesterday and have filled it out.  As for other organizations, I have looked in to several.  I am waiting for responses.  But I am praying that I will at least qualify for the discount at the hospital.  I will visit the insurance forum to see if I can get some help there too.  Thank you so much for that information.

    Luan, I am so sorry to hear about all that you have been through.  A brain scan has crossed my mind.  I think I'll know a lot more when I get that phone call.  I think it's heading for a bone scan though Frown. 

    Maybe I'll be lucky and it is only gallstones like Barbe 1958 says.  Keep all fingers crossed.

    Thank you so much all of you.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011
    Barbe, how would gallstones be detected ? would have to see a gastro I suppose...way too many doctors for my own good Frown
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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2011

    An ultrasound would pick up gallstones. I do know that my onc doesn't want to hear about anything that isn't cancer related so would say it was nothing too!! Perhaps a PCP would be a better source or a walk in clinic.

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  • Octobergirl
    Octobergirl Member Posts: 334
    edited July 2011

    Vertigo can cause the dizziness and is not unusual when you've had chemo because it affects the tiny hairs in your ear.  I am just getting over a siege of vertigo and it is not fun!  I had the kind that is worse when I am lying in bed and try to turn over but also had dizziness when standing up and when I'd tilt my head back to look up when I cleaned or painted. Like you, my first thought was mets to my brain.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2011

    Meant to mention that the bump behind your ear could be a cyst that needs lancing. My ex-DH used to get them, it's fairly common in men. It would set your balance off.

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  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited July 2011

    I  also had a 2cm lump behind my ear and had it surgically removed, biopsy came back b9. I live in oregon too, are you close to portland? I know OSHU helps with patient care before/after BC- Your in my thoughts and prayers

    Debbie

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    Barbe 1958.   The lump behind my ear has been confirmed as a lymph node that is enlarged because I am having trouble with my ear draining.  This could also be why I get dizzy all the time.  I though it could be a cyst too.  I just hope they are right and it is an ear issue not something more.

    I really just need that phone call.

    Thanks all of you.  I'll let you know what they say as soon as I know.

    (((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

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  • AnneWisc
    AnneWisc Member Posts: 476
    edited July 2011

    I wanted to comment on the lump behind the ear, too.  I knew someone (male) who had that, it was a salivary gland tumor.  It had to be removed because it would eventually choke the facial nerve, but the pathology result was totally benign and 25 years later he did not have a recurrence. Anyway, I do think you need to get that checked out.

    Good luck, still-me.

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    I too have been having abdomen pain and stomach is swollen.  I have an appt with gyn on Friday. RO was a little concerned today when he saw my stomach and recommended seeing gyn.  I am also afraid it may be cancer related, but I will not worry until I have something to worry about.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    Octobergrace, that is exactly on the dot what i am experiencing. How did you come to the conclusion that it was chemo related ? i know about the real tiny hear in our ears that are so important for many things....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    Just a shot in the dark on the dizziness.  I have low blood pressure and it started to flucuate about 9 months ago.  I would go from 90/60 to 80/50 without warning.  When this would occur, I could barely hold my head up and had to be very careful about dizziness and fainting - fainted twice. 

    Before my neurologist could schedule me for the testing, I came off the chemo I was on and the BP fluctuation went away and I was OK.  Are you able to monitor your BP?  Is it really low right now?  Some common drugs can cause your BP to drop.

    Just a thought.

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  • still-me
    still-me Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2011

    The hospital faxed me a copy of the report.  Cysts on both ovaries, one measuring  2 x 2.5 x 3.8cm, the other one measures 1.4  cm in diameter.  There are fibroids in my uterus and free fluid in my pelvis.

    I think this is pretty good news considering the alternative.  I will talk to the doctor who ordered the test tomorrow.

    Thanks for all of your support.  And I will let you all know what comes next.

    Teri

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    nurse ann, for me it,s not so much a fainting feeling (my BP is fine) but a dizzy where you have no balance and walk like a drunk, can,t walk in a straight line. Exactly what Octobergrace describes, while laying down and turning head, i think i,ll lose it, or just sitting and you feel your body moving to one side. I,m beginning to be afraid of going deaf. I also have that wooshing sound in my ears and can,t hear well :( being referred to a neurologist and an ENT

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    still me, the free fluid will do it re bloating, let us know what treatment you,ll be getting, glad the news are good

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    octobergrace, you,re 3 years out and still have the vertigo...? :(((



    do you have to take meds?

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