I Am So Scared!!!

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sheila63
sheila63 Member Posts: 38
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hey everyone,

I have been having a dull headache for about two weeks, and been getting dizzy spells. I did not think that much about it until today when I started having a flashing light in my left eye.  I am worried sick that this beast is back.  I have made a call to my doctor, but have not received a call back.  Since today is Friday I am worried they may not call me back today. 

I finished chemo last August, and completed rads in November.  But with TN I know the recurrence rate is very high the first year.  

Can anyone please help me with advice or hope?

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  • Lauriesh
    Lauriesh Member Posts: 692
    edited March 2013

    If it gets bad enough, you could go to the er. They will do a brain MRI if you go in with symptoms of headache, dizziness, etc.



    It just may be migraines. Do you wake up with a headache? That is a warning sign that it could be mets. Again, not always. I just had a brain MRI because I was having morning headaches and my scan was clear.



    Good luck



    Laurie

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited March 2013

    Laurie's advice is excellent as you will get immediate attention.



    Also, ring your doctor again and ask for an urgent appointment. Or ring your primary doctor.



    I hope you have a supportive family member with you while you are going through this fear.

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  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited March 2013

    Sorry that you are having such anxiety and worry. And on a weekend to boot. Good advice from the girls above - don't hesitate if it is getting you stressed out.

    Hoping that it is only a migraine. (hugs)

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2013

    Sheila, several weeks ago, I began having an odd dizzy feeling.  The first time I felt it was when I woke up in the middle of the night and rolled over in bed.  At first I thought I was getting the flu.  Then I would get it when I got out of bed, sort of a wooziness and lose my balance a bit.  It would happen when I got up after lying on the sofa, and after I stood up from bending over to pick something up off the floor.

    Fearing the worst, of course, I did an internet search and decided just possibly it could be vertigo.  And there was a 'simple home remedy' called the "Epley Manuever".  I'll copy and past the instructions here, and also provide a short youtube video link that gives a good idea of how to perform this.  Very simple to do.

    Epley for Dizziness - YouTube

    I did this maybe four or five times over several days, and if it was 'vertigo', it went away. Of course, see your doctor for your concerns, but in the meantime, this cost nothing to do and who knows, it may help. 

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2013

    Here are the instructions that I copied from another website on how to do the Epley.  There are slight variations of this technique, but this one seemed to be nice and clear.

    1. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left, if the vertigo is in the left ear, or to the right if it is in the right ear.
    2. Lie back quickly with shoulders on the pillow, neck extended, and head resting on the bed. In this position, the affected ear is underneath. Wait for 30 seconds.
    3. Turn your head 90 degrees to the right (without raising it), and wait again for 30 seconds.
    4. Turn your body and head another 90 degrees to the right, and wait for another 30 seconds.
    5. Sit up on the right side.

    The maneuver should be performed three times a day and repeated daily until there are no signs of vertigo for at least 24 hours.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2013

    Here's a link to an article on dizziness that starts out:

    Experts who treat dizziness estimate that about 20 percent of all dizziness is due to loose crystals — or ear rocks — in the inner ear.

    The Epley manuever is supposed to help correct the position of the loose 'crystals'.

    Inner Ear 'Rock Slides' Lead To Vertigo : NPR

    \

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  • sheila63
    sheila63 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2013

    Thank you all so much!  My doctor's office called me back, and said they thought is could be my vision (?).  I have an eye appointment Monday afternoon, and my next appointment with the oncologist is next Friday.  Hopefully next week I find out an answer. 

    TheDivineMr:  I am doing the instructions for vertigo. I hope this is what it is, so I can knock this out before even seeing my doctor next week.  Thank you for the instructions.

    Hugs to you all,

    Sheila

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  • sheila63
    sheila63 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2013

    I saw my doctor on Friday, and since I am still having dizzy headaches he has scheduled a brain MRI for tomorrow, and said he would let me know by the end of the day.  Please keep me in your prayers.  Thank you.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited March 2013

    Sending prayers and hugs.

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  • redheadinwv
    redheadinwv Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2013

    sending best wishes and prayers for you!

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited March 2013

    Praying for you.

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  • sheila63
    sheila63 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2013

    Hey everyone, my MRI came back clear.  Thank you so much for thoughts, and prayers!!

    Hugs To All

    Sheila

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited April 2013

    Good news, Sheila. I am having the same dizziness as well as lower back pain. My doctor is sending me for a PET scan. I'm looking to hear about others with these experiences. Happy to read some good news.

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