Half way through chemo

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IBC in May.  I have had 3 of 6 chemo sessions (TAC), they are three weeks apart.  My IBC presented with a lump and was initially diagnosed as IDC, but then was found in skin, so the diagnosis changed.  Initially,  I was to have a mastectomy, but when it was found in the skin, they changed the treatment to chemo first.  My main concern is that I had pain in my breast before diagnosis and that was one of the things that drove me to get it checked out.  It was a stabbing pain.  It went away briefly, after the first treatment, but has gradually become more frequent again.  Is this something my oncologist can even address?  Should I have additional testing?  Will it change anything about my treatment? 

I'm having a hard time lately with keeping my head up.  I've been feeling very sorry for myself and getting snappy with my family because they just don't understand.  Additionally, I just found out that a woman 6 years younger than me, from my very small hometown, just passed from cancer.  It makes me so scared.

My cancer was caught early, because of the fact that it presented with a lump.  My oncologist doesn't think it's in my lymph nodes, but he can't be certain.  It has not metastasized.  He also does not think it has spread to my chest wall because the tumor is so far forward in my breast.  I know all these things, but I'm so scared.

Positive thoughts and advice about the pain would be truly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tami

Hi all,

I had a PET scan before chemo.  It came back clear for any cancer, other than the cancer in my right breast.  I talked to the oncologist today and he doesn't seem overly concerned.  He seems to think that the breast feels more diffuse and says that's a good thing, but that if the pain persists, they would run another MRI.  I'm on an anti-depressant and have been for many many years.  I have the xanax and also ambien.  I hate taking too many pills and wait till I can't deal with it at all.  The thing I feel the most guilty for is being cranky with my family.  I just get so sick of being hovered over, then get mad when they don't help me with something I really need their help for.  I feel like they totally don't get it, but I know they're doing everything in their power to make this easier.  I'm getting away this weekend with my twin sister for our birthday.  It's only a three day trip, but I feel like it's going to be so great.  I hope everything goes well.  We are traveling about 6 hours with a pop up camper and our two dogs.  Thanks for the advice.  I'm going to go take an Ambien now, as it's 2:20 in the morning and I still can't sleep.

Tami