Possible Stage 4

First let me start by saying; slow down and take a deep breath. This may or may not be cancer, but if it is you can handle this. The worst part is the not knowing, and the waiting. There are many men and women including myself that have been exactly where you are. Also stay off the internet (medical research type stuff) it will drive you crazy.

Many men and women are living productive and happy lives for years after a mets dx and with new treatments coming out everyday there is tons to be positive about.

I see you have a blogspot titled Widowed in 2010, I am so sorry to read that. I will however check out the blog.

You have obviously been through so much in your lifetime I pray that they find this to be just a bruise. If in fact it turns out not to be the case; we are all here for you.

Please keep us apprised,

Edie

blondelawyer - I am so sorry you are going through this fear. It can only be magnified by the grief you are still going through over the loss of your husband.



I agree with Mari - right now, it is just a spot, and it really hasn't changed much. Will your doctor re-scan you anytime soon? I know PET scans can provide false readings, and can be sensitive to increased carbs in your system. No two tests are ever completely equal. My PET on Monday showed a possible spot on my rib, but my new MO thinks it is injury-related, and not cancer (and she is comparing this to obvious mets in my pelvis). Being a single spot is a better sign - TN tends to spread more diffusely.



Unfortunately, we can't always change what will be. I know that has been the hardest thing for me to accept. Hang in there, I'm sending you positive thoughts.

Blondelawyer-I have been thinking about you. Glad you posted. WHere is the spot on your rib? Is it close to where your breast lump was? Did your ro think you should biopsy it so you could possible get rads to that area also if it is cancer? I am well familiar with the freaking out thing. After my second ct scan the report read-response consistent with STAGE 4, as plain as day. I talked with both my oncologist and surgeon and they still say stage 3, but there are differing opinions as to where one of my positive internal mammary nodes is located, the person that read the ct thinks it is a mediastinum node, mo thinks not, that it is still local and stage 3. He says it is under the breast muscle inbetween ribs. What I take from it is that it is not operable either way, and that freaks me out! So stage 4, stage 3, doesn't really matter, what matters is if it responds to treatment, and that worries me. If by chance you do have a single met, and it has been found so early, maybe more chemo and rads can just get rid of that sucker! Have you started zometa? My doc put me on it as preventative, even though the studies seem to be contradictive, some say it helps, newer studies say it doesn't help, my doc has said he has seen good results of using it with his patients and I think he puts most on it.

I hope you heal up soon, so you can start up treatment again. Are you getting any energy back from your chemo break, or has surgery and healing made you more tired? I look for you whenever I am at Swedish! Was there 2 times this week and am going tomorrow! Good thing the people are really nice there!

BL - Stage IV should be automatic disability. I applied as soon as I was diagnosed, and today talked with the social security office. They were very kind, and she said that it should not be an issue. I think in some cases, Srage IIIc are eligible. I would sayit is worth a shot. Keep in mind you have to wait 5 months from date of disability before receiving benefits - but I stopped working with my initial diagnosis and chemo, and that is what they are using for me.



But I'm going to hold out hope that you are NOT Stage IV.

Blondelawyer, I will be at swedish tomorrow. Doc appt 12:30 and then 2 oclock in the treatment center. I am a bit of a wreck waiting for results! I applied for ssdi at stage 3c.,  but looking on my last ct report it says stage 4. I am thinking of calling them and showing them that particular report, even though my doc says stage 3, I am so confused, but if I can use something bad to get something good! I have a very hard time working and have been barely making any money because of the hours I can work. I wonder what my new ct report is going to say tomorrow? I took extra ativan to help me sleep tonight, I am probably not making any sense!

I haven't seen him. Still thinking I will buy a blender first.

My ct results were good. The word "remission" even came out of my mo's mouth. I thought he said close to, but my hubby said he just said remission. Now my surgeon is having me do a breast and chest mri on Tuesday, so I hope it agrees with the ct!

Do they have to put you completely out for the surgery?

I am suppose to have an answer by october 4th for the ssdi. If I am denied, then I am not sure what to do . i know I can appeal. I did talk to Sylvia about the paperwork and she helped me out a bit.

Blondelawyer, you may want to try Juven.  It is a powder that is mixed with water.   I had a postop infection and had to have debridement two weeks after mastectomy and then had a wound vac for three weeks.  Surgeon said I would have wound vac for at least 6-8 weeks.  I truly believe the Juven sped up the healing process plus I drank one protein shake a day.  My home health nurses could not believe how fast the wound filled in.  You can purchase it any drug store without a prescription.  Two weeks worth is around $60.  The dietician where I work orders it for patients with wounds to promote faster healing.  Hope this helps.  I know how depressing having a gaping hole in your chest can be. (((hugs)))

Thanks blondelawyer. That would be great if you ask you friend if she might help if I need to appeal or if she knows of someone else I could call. I should know within the next couple of weeks, unless they prolong the answer, which would not surprise me!