What Doctor Should I See?

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pupfoster1
pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi ladies,

I've been experiencing some new pain in a weird area and I'm not sure who I should get checked out by if it continues.  I recently had my 6 mo oncologist appt which went well, but about the same time (about 2 weeks ago) I started having an ache in the back of my left shoulder (on the non cancer side) which now is radiating in to my neck on the same side.  It seems a bit better after sleeping, but gets worse as the day progresses. I did not do anything strenuous to pull or injure it. It does not feel at all like a pulled muscle, more deep inside and radiating, and it seems to be getting worse, not better.  Percocet does nothing for it.  I'm really trying not to go down "that" road again, but of course in the back of my mind I'm worried it could be bone, breast cancer or something of the like. 

Soooo, who do I see at this pont if it continues?  My MO? My ortho doc? My GP?  Eeeshhh.

Thanks girls,

Sharon

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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2014

    Here in Britain, if these symptoms  occurred within the first few years following dx, we would contact the breast cancer nurse, who would arrange an appointment with the consultant. I would rather see a consultant than a GP as GP's -  they are just so, well, general...

    If I was 5+ years out from dx, I would probably have to see a GP for referral if they were concerned.

    Consultant or Onc would always be my 1st choice.

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  • juneping
    juneping Member Posts: 1,594
    edited April 2014

    i would talk to my MO pronto. or at least call the office and see if MO think you need any immediate attention. 

    agreed with winter, GP are just too general, it's out of their league....

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  • peacestrength
    peacestrength Member Posts: 690
    edited April 2014

    Sharon - What the ladies said above...I would make an appt with my MO, request a scan and tumor markers.

    Please let us know how you are.

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  • peacestrength
    peacestrength Member Posts: 690
    edited April 2014

    Sharon - Also, you've had this pain for about 2 weeks...to me, that gives warrant to get it checked out.

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  • weesa
    weesa Member Posts: 707
    edited April 2014

    Sharon, are you taking an AI? Sounds exactly like something I had while taking them. The pain went away when I stopped them Let us know. Sounds like inflammation to me.

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited April 2014

    Hi Sharon,

    Since you just had your 6 mos visit and all was good.that's a good sign. However, as the other ladies said if you pain is continuing AND you need Percocet you need to get it checked out. It could absolutely have nothing to do with BC, however your MO knows your hx and is the best Doc to see right now.

    keeping fingers and toes it's nothing!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    Sharon,  I had this type of pain in my ribs a few weeks ago, and was scheduled to see my Rad Onc for a follow up.  He told me to take motrin during the day for 5 days to get rid of any inflamation, and it should disappear after 5 days.  If it does not after taking the motrin regularly to come back and see him.  As it turned out the rib pain seemed to coincide with bad weather and would come and go.  So now I don't worry too much.  But speak with your team and they will give you the best advise.  Hope all works out.!

    Oceana

    marvelous-nicole-rodriguez.jpg (180×119)

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited April 2014

    Thanks girls.  Just plugging through right now.  Too much to do for kids etc.  

    Oceana I'll have to try the Motrin thing. If it's still bothering me next week I'll make the call.  

    Thanks for being here!

    Sharon

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited April 2014

    I once read that if the pain is persistent and progressive it should be checked out, and I assume that is after two weeks.  I think as cancer patients, we sometimes forget that we are all going to experience aches and pains as part the normal aging process.

    I'm sorry you are experiencing pain, and it sounds like have a good plan.  Hopefully, it lessens soon.

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2014

    Sharon,

    take advil or motrin on a regular basis for like 3 days...percecet does not take down inflamation. that is what it sounds like to me. I would call your MO and just tell them whats going on.  Dont panic,  you are going to be fine!!

    keep us posted my dear friend!!!!

    love you

    steph

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited April 2014

    Just want to clarify with the gals on the other side of the pond - that a primary care doctor in the US is not necessarily what you would have over there. 

    My PCP is an Internist - he is an integral part of my team. And I would never characterize him as being too general. I would not hesitate to see him about something like this because I know that he knows me, know all my other doctors, and would not think twice about recommending I see my oncologist or Orthopaedic doctor for that matter. 

    That being said - I can choose who to see and go directly to that specialist. I've been on the 3 mos plan with my onc and now am on the 4 mos plan with her however. 

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited April 2014

    Decided not to wait, and set an appointment up with an orthopedic doctor (who specializes in shoulders) on Monday.  My MO in the past has recommended I see my GP first for other things, but this is in a specific area that I thought warranted a more specialized doc.  Plus, she probably would have sent me there anyway.  Luckily for me (like you dlt) I am able to bypass the GP. 

    Nice to "see" you Steph!  Will keep you guys posted.

    Sharon

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited April 2014

    Ortho doc says it looks like bicep tendonitis.  Cortisone shot, pain and anti inflammatory meds, wants me to do PT.  said he didn't think it was cancer, but if I wanted more reassurance to see my medical onc to follow up with blood work, whatever.  I think I'll wait a few days to see if the shot works, then go from there.  

    Never a dull moment.

    Sharon

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited April 2014

    Sharon - 

    Glad you have a course of treatment from your Ortho. Must be somewhat of a relief to be doing something. I hope & pray this is it for you. 

    I'd imagine that if you don't realize some relief that you will check with your MO. I think she/he would schedule a scan before bloodwork - but what do I know ;-) 

    Hugs! 

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