help me off the ledge

momand2kids
momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
edited June 2014 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Hi

I need some reassurance.  I have been sort of sick all winter-- shingles, then bronchitis, then allergies--- had 2 chest xrays-both clear.... this week the cough has persisted, but it is much better-- but now I have this bone wearying exhaustion--makes it hard to even get myself to work,never mind exercise, etc.  My h also has some of these symptoms.  My doc wants me to have a ct scan and see a pulmonologist... I of course am terrified about what this could be.....

can you talk me off the ledge?????

thanks

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited May 2014

    I'm sorry you are stressing out.

    Have you been traveling anywhere?  I came back from Singapore in my 30s and had a cough for over a year (caught a nasty cold there and we flew on to Hong Kong and Beijing).

    Exhaustion can be anything from stress, low iron, lyme disease, lack of sleep, mono, and allergies will most definitely wear on your body.  Have you tried an antihistamine to see if you are feeling better?  Have you had your thyroid checked??

    Don't panic yet.

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  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited May 2014

    Wally

    thanks so much--no travel-I really have been some sort of sick since December--am on inhalers, flonase--did a round of prednisone....

    the cough has gotten better and I was feeling fine--then late last week, just got progressively more tired and now I am just exhausted... really wrung out-- my husband also seems to be under the weather..... I don't want to panic-my mom was just here-she is a nurse--no fever--- I have had 2 chest xrays--all clear.... am freaked out about having to have a ct scan--told my doc how much I hate testing--she tried to reassure me by saying it is likely a virus since my hubby is also suffering-- and to not worry about the scan, but we all know how crazy that is..... 

    so, I came home from work and just sitting on the couch--I would worry more-but I am too exhausted.  I did sort of think well, could it be cancer?  I am still on femara, had early stage, chemo, radiation--did all that I could, so there really is nothing to be done if that is what it is.... made myselfe even more tired just thinking about this..... 

    thanks for the good thoughts--- keep me in your prayers....

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited May 2014

    Your doctor has a good point.  If your hubby also has this, it looks more likely to be a bug.  

    Out here in the PNW, they are saying there's an unexpected round of flu going around again.

    If you had a flu shot, maybe you are experiencing mild symptoms.  Flu is respiratory and it makes you feel like a semi ran you over.

    I'm betting that is what is going on.

    And sing it, sister....scan-xiety ...it is like my new best friend.  Sigh.

    Just remembered that my derm in WI emailed me in December saying she was so, so sick that she literally cancelled her annual xmas party and was actually rushed to the ER; spent a week in bed.  Nasty strain of something has been going around.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited May 2014

    Hi Momand2, I am so sorry that you are sick and stressed.  I wanted to tell you that I had a serious cough and was extremely short of breath and I went to pulmonologist and he straightened me right out with nasal sprays and saline rinse and also albuterol and symbicort inhalers. All of my coworkers thought I had metastasized to the lungs by my symptoms but it was sinus and copd/asthma. No problems now. Good luck to you

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  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited May 2014

    thanks all-

    I woke up feeling slightly better-still not great-- will go in about an hour to have the scan.... then see the pulmonologist next week.... I know the likelhood of it being a severe cold or pneumonia is good--- but as I know you understand, my mind goes to the worst place---especially when I am not feeling good.... which has been for the last several months....

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited May 2014

    Does your area have Valley Fever?  Washington state has just announced they found a case here (not typical).  It is a fungal infection and requires proper treatment.

    hoping you continue to do well.

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  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited May 2014

    Hi all

    thanks for the advice (Wally-never heard of valley fever)... Anyway, lungs are clear.  But, as we know, radiologists have to write all they see-and they saw an nodule on my thyroid.  PCP wants an ultrasound--if it is over 1cm, then a biopsy--- if not, all is well.  She is not concerned nor is the radiologist--no real hurry on the ultrasound--- but I am going to just get it done.

    Here is what really made me feel better over the past few days-- a neti pot.... who would have thought?  I think this cold/allergies really attacked me but after 4 days using the neti pot, I feel significantly better!!!!

    will keep you posted!

    thanks again.

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited May 2014

    hi there!  I think I have told you before that you are my role model -- early-stager with ILC ... Lumpectomy, fellow Bostonian. ;-)  I just saw this thread today and was reading through all the posts. My first thought, as an armchair doctor, is that you have a case of chronic sinusitis and would benefit from a course of a z-pack. And then I saw your final post where you're getting relief from a neti pot ... The plot thickens!

    I have a  history of sinus issues, and often a bout of flu or a bad cold results in a feeling of fatigue and malaise  that I just can't shake,  along with sinus congestion.  I now am familiar enough with the symptoms that once every two or so years I need a z-pack. It's a little hard on the stomach, but it's amazing how much better I start to feel one day into the five-day course.  I think sinus infections involve a lot of work for the body to fight, hence the bone-tired feeling. 

    So perhaps mention to your doctor a suspected sinus infection?  Also the pollen levels here in Boston aren't making any sinus woes any better. Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!

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  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited May 2014

    Hi gemini.

    it really is allergies at this point--but it was all sorts of other things throughout the winter--- but the one thing it never was was pneumonia--so no zpack for me.... I am feeling significantly better -was able to get out last night finally and do a 5 mile walk-cannot wait to run again--- but taking it slow.... I am not bone weary tired any more either--so my energy levels are back.... which is a good thing.  The neti pot was something I probably should have started months ago--I have no history of sinus issues--so this was all a mystery--just so glad my lungs were clear.... Now of course I have to have this ultrasound on the thyroid, but I am not overly concerned about that!!!

    Hope you are doing well... I am 2 more weeks on my aromatase inhibitor then all done!!!!

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited May 2014

    I'm so glad you're feeling better!  I love my neti pot and use it almost daily in the shower. 

    Good luck with the thyroid u/s, and congrats on your AI graduation!  :-)

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