Having a scan? Waiting on results? The waiting room is open!

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited March 2016

    Thanks, Shutterbug. How do you feel after the acupuncture session, Estela? Bosco, no, don't expect the worst. Hope for good news, and know that if it isn't, your onc will have a plan. At least that's what works for me. Taxol can be really effective. I'm a big fan of it.

  • EstelaLorca
    EstelaLorca Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2016

    Shetlandpony - I wasn't sure what to expect but I do feel like there was a shift in my body. I have another appointment on Monday, I think acupuncture could be something you need to do a few times for full benefits? I'll try it, can't hurt right? Well, maybe a little...hahaha

  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited March 2016

    Shutterbug...stable is beautiful!!!  I agree if there was something wacky going on, the ct would've picked up on it!!  On with the "O...."...you know how my spelling is :-)

    Shetland....eyes to thighs...perfect!!!   Yep, Estela, standard area to scan...I wish they'd add the brain to it!!  I'm a newbie to acupuncture too. I had really strange ses from my first appt.  I got a horrible headache & areas that had suffered trauma in the past (bc/diep breast, broken ankle, carpal tunnel hand) had very sore moments...which I hadn't experienced in years!  My poo turned weird for about a month (even had tests in it-all normal) & it totally freaked me out...it may have had nothing to do w/it...but I didn't go back for 2 months.  My acup dr had said a post-menopausal woman w/bc meant there would be many "hot spots."  I read, and he agreed, that it can take a few appts to get good benefits...something about your meridians opening.  I started going to see if it would help my anxiety.  I take prozac, but would like something more natural for the long term.  I only go every 3 weeks & I do think it's working, in many ways...a calmness, for sure, clearer eyes, healthier nose (almost no nosebleeds), a less fuzzy feeling ...just somewhat of an overall better feeling. One thing that's weird is my bc hand fingers are a little swollen.  I'll ask Wed, but I don't want lymphedema & I don't know if there is a chance of that.  Since I had diep...maybe those channels are really messy and will take longer to heal.  Anyhoo...sorry to go on & on...the accupuncture dr said he needed to calm me down...to which my DH said...good luck with that!  When he finished, I asked if he'd fixed me...to which he said, I wasn't broken.  I liked that, cause sometimes I feel like a walking disaster :-)

  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited March 2016

    Ronniekay, All that is good to know as I plan to start using some of the centers benefits available to me including acupuncture. I had my first massage a week ago and that actually brought up some new aches and pains for me which have since settled down. Interesting and good to know that you can expect "weirdness". I too could use some anxiety relief but want to stay away from meds if possible due to liver mets. I like that "wasn't broken" too!

  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited March 2016

    Artist...glad I wasn't just rambling.  It helps me to know what can be a possibility when we move out of our safety net :-).  I considered not going back after the first time, but thinking that it's something that's been practiced for so many years, I knew it had to have benefits.  Awesome that your center offers it. I go to a dr w/my gp's office but my ins pays it.  I'm getting pt for my neck pain & she's doing massage & oh my...feels so much better!!!  I can imagine a whole body tx...but even though I'm not very modest, it makes me a bit too self-conscious....my body's a mess!  At my last us, the radiologist (female) said, "Nice recon-are you getting nipples?"   It seemed weird, but my gp said that she must see lots of recon...so it would've been a sincere compliment.  Ugh. Wish I had my old body back...I want a do-over dating back 7 years :-).  Next acup is Wed...stay tuned :-)

  • EstelaLorca
    EstelaLorca Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2016

    Ronniekay, I had my 2nd acupuncture appointment yesterday. I'm not really sure what to make of it, I'm trying to keep an open mind as I too am looking for alternative ways to deal with everything. In my consultation, I may have lead my acupuncturist to believe that I was looking for relief from my chemo side effects. I didn't put too much emphasis on my depression, I think I was embarrassed to say that depression was a big concern for me and something I wanted to work on. So yesterday I mentioned it again, and he said that it's part of the whole process.

    I guess my expectations were that I'd feel more at peace afterwards, I do have insurance so I may keep trying. I have an appointment this week with my GP, I'm going to ask for some anti-depressants as I feel like I need a little help. How often do you go for acupuncture?

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited March 2016

    RonnieKay, you could try a massage wearing whatever clothing you wish. A therapist will want you to feel comfortable. I put some links below where massage therapists talk about clients' self-consciousness. I had my first massage maybe a couple years ago, and chose to wear undies. After a couple more, I found out that my "lower hips" really appreciated being included in the massage, so now I leave the undies off. But it took a while for me to be comfortable with that, and I've only used female therapists. Artist, was your massage offered by your cancer center, or was it from an outside therapist? As far as new aches and pains, the massage therapists I have seen always tell me to drink lots of water after the massage, and that I might be sore, but I'm not usually sore. I am pursuing well-being in any way I can think of. I got a free massage at my cancer center, and a free one at a spa helping train the therapists in oncology massage. I got a couple low-cost ones as part of a fund-raiser. I paid full price once at a spa. Recently I found a massage therapist with rates low enough that I can plan to go once a month. She is not at a spa or a chain store, but rents a small office once a week.

    http://www.jennifermadisonmassage.com/body-shame-m...

    http://bodyworkbrooklyn.com/2012/08/28/massage-and...

    http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/09/what-people...

    (Now I will confess that I cannot bring myself to volunteer for any needles, including acupuncture.)

  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited March 2016

    Ronniekay, I can be a bit self conscious too. I am uncomfortable having my body too exposed even though I have not had any surgery. I left on the undies too the first time. It just seemed more sanitary! I mostly enjoy spinal and shoulder massage anyway. But also flipped over for a facial and upper chest massage which was heavenly. She never took the sheet lower than my armpits thankfully or I would've told her I wasn't comfortable with that. I would not like a comment on my recon either, compliment or not. I'm a bit body shy.....Shetland, Yes, I am entitled to a free massage once a week at my center. They have a lot of free programs open to us. I haven't gone for second massage yet as I usually have to leave work for appts. I want to try everything too such as a support group, art therapy, whatever I can to stay busy and active. Haven't tried acupuncture yet, but I wonder if it will get ON my nerves more than settle them??? Estela, We have access to a free phycologist at my center who I utilized the other day. I need a little help with anxiety and mild depression too, but don't want to put more meds through my liver. I really liked her and plan to see her again. It was VERY helpful to have a non-partial ear to bend and take some of the burden off of my DH.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2016

    Hope everyone is holding up well in the waiting queue. I am sorry not to address everyone personally, but (sadly) there are too many of us, work is insanely busy and there's lots of activity buzzing around my younger dd and SIL as we enter the final weeks before the birth of baby Miles.

    I do have a PET coming up, but it was scheduled for this Wednesday, smack in the middle of my school day. I'llhave to reschedule it for a Saturday, and the sooner the better. I don't want a scan hanging over my head at the time of the baby's birth 😉.

    Take care!

  • EstelaLorca
    EstelaLorca Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2016

    I got my CT scan results today, my oncologist says I should put it on my fridge.

    My pulmonary nodules have decreased in size or resolved and my largest nodule has shrunk from 1.8cm to 1.4cm. Abdomen and Pelvis is clean. I know I should be happy about this, but I think my new anti-depressants have turned me into a robot. I caved, I figure I'll give the anti-depressants a try and see if it helps. Artistaheart, I'm also considering taking some art classes...something to keep me inspired and busy.

    Round 4 tomorrow......

    exbrnxgrl good luck with your pet scan!


  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited March 2016

    Estela, Isn't it nice to be able to breath for awhile! That is fantastic! Nothing wrong with some chemical help but maybe they can try something that doesn't numb you up? Busy art is GOOD!

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2016

    I was able to get my PET rescheduled from today to this Saturday. So, here I stand in the on deck circle. I am not too nervous. It's waiting for results that makes me crazy 😫

  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited March 2016

    Swing for the fence Caryn!!!

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2016

    LOL! Perhaps my Bronx roots will channel the spirits of the Yankees legends

  • Andi67
    Andi67 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2016

    I haven't posted in forever... finally taking advantage of a snowy morning in Denver to catch up with all of you. Exbrnxgrl/Caryn - thinking of you as it's Saturday and you are having your scans. I am sure they will be fine! (or "gorgeous" as my oncologist says when mine come back NED/clean) Are you still getting PET scans? I am no longer able to do that - insurance wont' pay as they say it's "investigational"".... so I get CT/Bone scans. Just had mine two weeks ago and spent two days in complete anxiety... but thankfully they were all okay.

    Nice to see everyone else... holding good thoughts and sending positive vibes to anyone with scans coming up.

    XO

    Andrea

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2016

    Good news and congrats to those who have recently had good scans. I just got home from mine and wolfed down a breakfast sandwich and a large coffee in the car , courtesy of my younger dd. Ah,bliss!

    Now the hard part begins, waiting for results. Conferences start next week, so I have 22 report cards to do. I hope that keeps my mind off of things 🤔.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2016

    My mo is the best! She just sent me a message and the scan report and I remain NED!!!! I can now relax for another 6 months 😀

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited March 2016

    Very, very good news, exbrnxgrl!

  • Ally46
    Ally46 Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2016

    you are my inspiratio

  • Shutterbug73
    Shutterbug73 Member Posts: 791
    edited March 2016

    Wonderful news Caryn!

  • LindaE54
    LindaE54 Member Posts: 2,054
    edited March 2016
  • EstelaLorca
    EstelaLorca Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2016

    Great news!!!!

  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited March 2016

    Fantastic news!!

  • terri-c
    terri-c Member Posts: 180
    edited March 2016

    That's great Caryn! I agree, the waiting on the results is the worst part!

    I have my CT/Bone scan on Friday. It was scheduled at the beginning of February, so I've had to do some serious waiting on these. They don't normally schedule that far out, but I had some GI issues and they wanted to hold off on the scans in case I had to have x-rays.

    So, scans on Friday, treatment the following Tuesday. My onco will be on vacation next week, am hoping I can get someone to give me the results. I will lose my mind if I have to wait until the onco appt on 4/4 because of the right hip pain. It has eased off, but it hasn't gone away completely.

    Keeping fingers crossed.

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited March 2016

    Terri, maybe you could call your onc this week and arrange for getting your results. Ask him/her to appoint someone and make sure they know they have "permission" and need to call you.

  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited March 2016

    Wonderful news Caryn!!!

  • Andi67
    Andi67 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2016

    Great news, Caryn!


  • GoldenGirls
    GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
    edited April 2016

    Scanxiety is in full effect around here and I am beside myself with anxiety. Today we get the results of my mother's latest scan to see if her current chemo is still working and her MUGA results after she began showing some signs that could possibly indicate a heart issue. She's been having trouble getting her counts up too, even with an extra week between cycles, so she's also having blood work to see how her counts are after having had another transfusion (2 units) with her last chemo. Our concern is that even though the mets are still contained to the bone with no organ involvement, the effect of the chemo may limit her options. The good thing is that aside from swollen ankles and legs, she feels fantastic. Her pain has always been the best indicator of progression, so at least there's that.

    On top of all of that, my husband has a very enlarged inguinal node and no sign of infection that might have been the cause, so he is now scheduled for an excisional biopsy to try to rule out lymphoma or other type of malignancy. He's had some imaging done in the meantime to look for other enlarged nodes or possible problems, but they won't give us the results until his pre-surgical appointment next week. So frustrating!

    If only they served wine in this virtual waiting room!

    My thoughts to anyone waiting on results.

  • LindaE54
    LindaE54 Member Posts: 2,054
    edited April 2016

    Goldengirls, that's a lot going on for you. Praying for good results for both Mom and DH. Make sure you take good care of yourself as well! Sending hugs.

  • GoldenGirls
    GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
    edited April 2016

    Thank you Linda. I am happy to report that her counts are up, her scans still showed stable, and her MUGA was fine. The onc is taking her off of chemo and switching her to Faslodex. This way he can go back to that chemo again down the road. Such great news! Whew! Now I just hope my DH's results are benign. Definitely been feeling the physical and emotional effects of all of this stress. Such is life when you love others I suppose :)

    Thank you again!

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