Mets to spine and rib

135

Comments

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #42
    Lynne Logan said:

    Port
    Hello Fellow Warriors,
    The imaging machine still wasn't working and a demo unit had been ordered. It didn't show up on time either. My oncologist was getting very anxious so my surgeon went ahead and did it anyway. Then just an X-Ray to double check all was well. My surgeon asked me if he should call my oncologist to let them know all systems were go on this end. I agreed he'd get to a phone before me. I was in so much pain that I was given Dilaudid before even starting then twilight sleep which didn't work at all!!
    Now it's Monday and not having heard from my oncologist called them. It appears that chemo hasn't been scheduled yet. I'm beginning to think there's a conspiracy.
    The "muscle" pain that turned out to be spine and rib mets has gotten so bad that even 2 10/325 hydrocodone/actem just dull the pain and the "activity" on my spine has now grown to the point it's easily felt. Also it was just the right 12th rib involved before. Now I have pain on the rib in front too. I've known this is an agressive cancer from the way the tumor doubled in size even while taking Arimidex but I'm beginning to feel discouraged. How can something grow so fast and be treatable?
    I've never been anxious for an infusion but I feel like this cancer is gaining too much ground to be controlled.
    Thank you all for your concern and prayers. I'm feeling a bit hopeless but my spirits get a lift when I join you here.
    Hugs to everyone,
    Lynne

    Lynne, I am glad your port
    Lynne, I am glad your port is in but not happy about the rest of your news. Don't be hopeless! You can beat this!


    Hugs, Jan
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #43
    Noel said:

    You are on our prayer list
    You are on our prayer list at church too Lynne.

    I just read your earlier
    I just read your earlier post that you got your port. I know you didn't want one, but, in the long run, I hope it helps with your treatments to make it worth it.


    You didn't say how your skin was from rads? Is it healing Lynne?

    Always thinking of you and praying,


    Diane
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #44
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    Hi Lynne,
    As you probably
    Hi Lynne,

    As you probably know, I've been dealing with this stage IV/mets status for about 9 months now. (Although my mets are not causing any pain as yet.) It is a hard pill to swallow, and coming to acceptance is different than the initial dx.

    Sometimes I think the second time around is easier because I know much more now that I did before dx....sometimes I think it is harder for the same reasons.

    I wish I had more for you than hugs.

    Linda

    Sending gentle hugs today!

    Sending gentle hugs today!
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #45
    debi.18 said:

    So sorry
    So sorry to hear this. Sending hugs and prayers. We're all here for ya!

    Hugs, Debi

    Praying every day for you
    Praying every day for you Lynne!
  • Lynne Logan
    Lynne Logan Member Posts: 105 Member
    #46
    DianeBC said:

    I just read your earlier
    I just read your earlier post that you got your port. I know you didn't want one, but, in the long run, I hope it helps with your treatments to make it worth it.


    You didn't say how your skin was from rads? Is it healing Lynne?

    Always thinking of you and praying,


    Diane

    Rads long over
    Hi Diane,
    I finished my rads in early March just before I discovered the new lump. I posted a suggestion for dealing with the weeping ugly mess from rads burn.
    As of now I'm on the countdown for chemo to begin. What a long wait it's been and I get so discouraged since the pain has gotten so bad and it's spread to other ribs. I'm thinking all this delay has taken time off my life.
    I had a question I posted in a different place...the one where I was thought to be MIA. Anyway, originally I was told my chemo was going to be the typical every 3 weeks, for 6 sessions. Then I get word last week that chemo gas been scheduled for next Saturday the 7th, Sunday the 8th and Monday the 9th. Has anyone else had their chemo begin with such a hard hit? I'm wondering if it's due to the delay or what? But I'm very curious if this has happened to any of you in The Club?

    You're all such special ladies,
    Lynne
  • Lynne Logan
    Lynne Logan Member Posts: 105 Member
    #47
    survivorbc09 said:

    Lynne, I am glad your port
    Lynne, I am glad your port is in but not happy about the rest of your news. Don't be hopeless! You can beat this!


    Hugs, Jan

    Port site
    Hi Jan,
    I was so against a port since my last one was very, very uncomfortable. It rubbed under my collarbone and made my shoulder and arm hurt. So I discussed it with my wonderful surgeon and he said I could have it put almost anyplace I wanted it. So, it's about an inch up and over from my arm pit crease. Very unobtrusive!
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #48
    Lynne Logan said:

    Port
    Hello Fellow Warriors,
    The imaging machine still wasn't working and a demo unit had been ordered. It didn't show up on time either. My oncologist was getting very anxious so my surgeon went ahead and did it anyway. Then just an X-Ray to double check all was well. My surgeon asked me if he should call my oncologist to let them know all systems were go on this end. I agreed he'd get to a phone before me. I was in so much pain that I was given Dilaudid before even starting then twilight sleep which didn't work at all!!
    Now it's Monday and not having heard from my oncologist called them. It appears that chemo hasn't been scheduled yet. I'm beginning to think there's a conspiracy.
    The "muscle" pain that turned out to be spine and rib mets has gotten so bad that even 2 10/325 hydrocodone/actem just dull the pain and the "activity" on my spine has now grown to the point it's easily felt. Also it was just the right 12th rib involved before. Now I have pain on the rib in front too. I've known this is an agressive cancer from the way the tumor doubled in size even while taking Arimidex but I'm beginning to feel discouraged. How can something grow so fast and be treatable?
    I've never been anxious for an infusion but I feel like this cancer is gaining too much ground to be controlled.
    Thank you all for your concern and prayers. I'm feeling a bit hopeless but my spirits get a lift when I join you here.
    Hugs to everyone,
    Lynne

    Business as usual...
    Hi Lynne,

    I am so sorry that you are having all this problem and are in so much pain. One of your doctors should address the pain immediately.

    My cancer had double between the ct scan that found it all and the ct scan I had as I began treatment. My next scan 7 weeks later had it all stable. It can be done. I am assuming that you will have radiation on the rib and the spine area. That should kill those cells and the chemo will do the rest.

    I understand your frustration. I had some snafu's too. The oncologist office forgot to submit my name to the Thoracic surgeon office until I called and inquired after not hearing from them. That was one week, then it took another to schedule me in to see them and another before they could perform the biopsy. Then it was waiting for the pathology report. Nearly 2 months went by between when I learned of my new cancer and when it was treated.

    I felt the anxiety too and they seem to take it all as business as usual.

    Keep us posted,

    Doris
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #49
    Lynne Logan said:

    Rads long over
    Hi Diane,
    I finished my rads in early March just before I discovered the new lump. I posted a suggestion for dealing with the weeping ugly mess from rads burn.
    As of now I'm on the countdown for chemo to begin. What a long wait it's been and I get so discouraged since the pain has gotten so bad and it's spread to other ribs. I'm thinking all this delay has taken time off my life.
    I had a question I posted in a different place...the one where I was thought to be MIA. Anyway, originally I was told my chemo was going to be the typical every 3 weeks, for 6 sessions. Then I get word last week that chemo gas been scheduled for next Saturday the 7th, Sunday the 8th and Monday the 9th. Has anyone else had their chemo begin with such a hard hit? I'm wondering if it's due to the delay or what? But I'm very curious if this has happened to any of you in The Club?

    You're all such special ladies,
    Lynne

    Thinking of all who are going through
    Thinking of all who are going through some bad times after dx.It has to be hard hearing it's somewhere else and you have another battle to fight.This is what I worry about even with Stage 0.We're all different.We never know.

    I want nothing but the best in treatment for Lynne, Renee ,New Flower and Carol.Alos any others on here who have been dx with mets.Good news from some of you being in treatment.Keep up the good fight and wish the same for other starting this war against this beast.

    Thoughts/Prayers to all of you going through difficult times.

    Lynn Smith
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #50
    Lynn Smith said:

    Thinking of all who are going through
    Thinking of all who are going through some bad times after dx.It has to be hard hearing it's somewhere else and you have another battle to fight.This is what I worry about even with Stage 0.We're all different.We never know.

    I want nothing but the best in treatment for Lynne, Renee ,New Flower and Carol.Alos any others on here who have been dx with mets.Good news from some of you being in treatment.Keep up the good fight and wish the same for other starting this war against this beast.

    Thoughts/Prayers to all of you going through difficult times.

    Lynn Smith

    I am sorry Lynne that you
    I am sorry Lynne that you even have to have chemo. I am wishing you the best of luck and you know I am praying for you.


    Hugs, Noel
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #51
    Lynne Logan said:

    Rads long over
    Hi Diane,
    I finished my rads in early March just before I discovered the new lump. I posted a suggestion for dealing with the weeping ugly mess from rads burn.
    As of now I'm on the countdown for chemo to begin. What a long wait it's been and I get so discouraged since the pain has gotten so bad and it's spread to other ribs. I'm thinking all this delay has taken time off my life.
    I had a question I posted in a different place...the one where I was thought to be MIA. Anyway, originally I was told my chemo was going to be the typical every 3 weeks, for 6 sessions. Then I get word last week that chemo gas been scheduled for next Saturday the 7th, Sunday the 8th and Monday the 9th. Has anyone else had their chemo begin with such a hard hit? I'm wondering if it's due to the delay or what? But I'm very curious if this has happened to any of you in The Club?

    You're all such special ladies,
    Lynne

    Hey Lynne,
    Hang in
    Hey Lynne,

    Hang in there...you're getting through each snafu. It sometimes take persistence and determination to get what's needed. Is this port working better for you?

    I completely 'get' the anxiety about getting chemo started. The sooner you get started the less time the cancer has to grow, and the sooner the chemo starts working. And then you'll know how you react to it also...that's exactly how I'm feeling about my new chemo on Thursday. Which chemo are you getting? That might have something to do with the 3 days in a row...

    I hope today is a good day, with less pain.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #52
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    Hey Lynne,
    Hang in
    Hey Lynne,

    Hang in there...you're getting through each snafu. It sometimes take persistence and determination to get what's needed. Is this port working better for you?

    I completely 'get' the anxiety about getting chemo started. The sooner you get started the less time the cancer has to grow, and the sooner the chemo starts working. And then you'll know how you react to it also...that's exactly how I'm feeling about my new chemo on Thursday. Which chemo are you getting? That might have something to do with the 3 days in a row...

    I hope today is a good day, with less pain.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I'm sending hugs, support
    I'm sending hugs, support and encouragement to you Lynne!

    Lex
  • Nana C.
    Nana C. Member Posts: 108
    #53
    I am so Sorry to hear
    Dear Lynne,
    I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through all this again. I will be praying that the next pet scan will show improvement.

    Prayers,
    Nana
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #54
    Nana C. said:

    I am so Sorry to hear
    Dear Lynne,
    I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through all this again. I will be praying that the next pet scan will show improvement.

    Prayers,
    Nana

    Praying that your doctors
    Praying that your doctors can help you with your pain Lynne.


    Lots of hugs and prayers,


    Kylez
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #55
    Lynne Logan said:

    Port site
    Hi Jan,
    I was so against a port since my last one was very, very uncomfortable. It rubbed under my collarbone and made my shoulder and arm hurt. So I discussed it with my wonderful surgeon and he said I could have it put almost anyplace I wanted it. So, it's about an inch up and over from my arm pit crease. Very unobtrusive!

    Lynne, I'm always praying
    Lynne, I'm always praying for you and appreciate your keeping us updated as we all care!


    Hugs, Angie
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
    #56
    Lynne, I have been
    Lynne, I have been following your post and really I wish you well. You are in my thoughts and prayers, whatever effect that may have. Please keep us updated, it helps to know how you are doing and to keep us informed of how things can progress.

    much love to you
    Mariam
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #57
    mariam_11_09 said:

    Lynne, I have been
    Lynne, I have been following your post and really I wish you well. You are in my thoughts and prayers, whatever effect that may have. Please keep us updated, it helps to know how you are doing and to keep us informed of how things can progress.

    much love to you
    Mariam

    Always in my thoughts and
    Always in my thoughts and prayers! Keep posting Lynne as we worry about you!


    Lots of hugs,


    Angie
  • Lynne Logan
    Lynne Logan Member Posts: 105 Member
    #58
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    Hey Lynne,
    Hang in
    Hey Lynne,

    Hang in there...you're getting through each snafu. It sometimes take persistence and determination to get what's needed. Is this port working better for you?

    I completely 'get' the anxiety about getting chemo started. The sooner you get started the less time the cancer has to grow, and the sooner the chemo starts working. And then you'll know how you react to it also...that's exactly how I'm feeling about my new chemo on Thursday. Which chemo are you getting? That might have something to do with the 3 days in a row...

    I hope today is a good day, with less pain.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    3 in a row
    Hi Linda,
    You sure have that right. When I developed pain in places that weren't on the PET scan it made it all the worse. To have to wait through all the snafus knowing that this nasty beast is spreading so fast is discouraging to say the least. To say nothing of trying to control the pain. On Thursday I'll be getting something stronger than the 20 10/325 Hydro/Acet. Why my oncologist just didn't prescribe yesterday I don't know. Evidently he hasn't a clue how bad it is and shocked me by prescribing Naprosyn on the 28th after I told the receptionist I was already taking the 10/325. Their office seems to be in a mess for some reason and yesterday they couldn't even locate my file.
    Please let us know how your new chemo goes. It's always an unknown even with what we know, we don't know how a new cocktail will affect us.
    I hope everyone has some nice plans for the 4th.

    Hugs to all,
    Lynne
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #59
    Angie2U said:

    Always in my thoughts and
    Always in my thoughts and prayers! Keep posting Lynne as we worry about you!


    Lots of hugs,


    Angie

    So..
    Very sorry, Lynne, to hear this news..and all the anxiety ridden waiting...I think, some how you have to get through to your doctor how bad your pain is and have them address it...don't let them poo-poo you off! I know nothing about your chemo 3 days in a row...that's new to me...do you know the cocktail you'll be having?

    Let your family and friends help you...they need to do, for you and themselves...we all put on the "I'm fine, happy face" the first go round with the beast but second go round, I've given that up...if it's a crappy day, so be it, I'm not smiling! One of my female physicians, she's also a good friend, told me to get a plastic tiara...on bad days, wear it to warn people....I had one and did what she said, the first go around..if nothing else it gave us a good laugh!

    Please know I'll keep you in my prayers..Keep us informed, we care...
    Big hugs, Nancy
  • Lynne Logan
    Lynne Logan Member Posts: 105 Member
    #60
    MAJW said:

    So..
    Very sorry, Lynne, to hear this news..and all the anxiety ridden waiting...I think, some how you have to get through to your doctor how bad your pain is and have them address it...don't let them poo-poo you off! I know nothing about your chemo 3 days in a row...that's new to me...do you know the cocktail you'll be having?

    Let your family and friends help you...they need to do, for you and themselves...we all put on the "I'm fine, happy face" the first go round with the beast but second go round, I've given that up...if it's a crappy day, so be it, I'm not smiling! One of my female physicians, she's also a good friend, told me to get a plastic tiara...on bad days, wear it to warn people....I had one and did what she said, the first go around..if nothing else it gave us a good laugh!

    Please know I'll keep you in my prayers..Keep us informed, we care...
    Big hugs, Nancy

    Pain and chemo
    Hi Nancy,
    My oncologist was very good the first go round and had no problem keeping me as free from pain as possible. Of course the difference was I was needing chemo related pain control. Taxotere was very hard on me but I think he understood side effect pain. I haven't seen him since the day I got the results (6/12) of the PET scan and a lot has changed since then. Like all the pain in my front rib that didn't show on the scan.
    I'm assuming I'll be getting the same cocktail that we discussed that day. With the exception that I won't be receiving it on the 3 week intervals as discussed. It's CMF Cytoxan, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil.
    When you're a Stage IV I think it's very important to keep the family involved. I told them from the beginning that I felt some resentment about having to protect them and carrying on to the best of my ability last year. My daughter is going with me to chemo, boring as it is. She thanked me when I said she'd be welcome. I'm pretty sure some research has been done and they're now aware that this really IS serious.
    This Stage IV DX also has made me face that I do HAVE cancer. Last year I just DID cancer. For some reason, I knew it would end up successful. My scan in mid Dec. proved me right. NED. It all went quite smoothly as far as scheduling and being told when, where, etc. This time everything was turned upside down from the moment I found the lump.
    We'll see what happens after my extended weekend of chemo. I start tomorrow and will reporting here as soon as I'm able.
    Something funny and evidently I'll be following your friend and physician's advice...my daughter has a plastic tiara on her dash. I'm going to use it, I'll bet with good results.
    Big hugs back to you,
    Lynne
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #61
    Lynne Logan said:

    Pain and chemo
    Hi Nancy,
    My oncologist was very good the first go round and had no problem keeping me as free from pain as possible. Of course the difference was I was needing chemo related pain control. Taxotere was very hard on me but I think he understood side effect pain. I haven't seen him since the day I got the results (6/12) of the PET scan and a lot has changed since then. Like all the pain in my front rib that didn't show on the scan.
    I'm assuming I'll be getting the same cocktail that we discussed that day. With the exception that I won't be receiving it on the 3 week intervals as discussed. It's CMF Cytoxan, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil.
    When you're a Stage IV I think it's very important to keep the family involved. I told them from the beginning that I felt some resentment about having to protect them and carrying on to the best of my ability last year. My daughter is going with me to chemo, boring as it is. She thanked me when I said she'd be welcome. I'm pretty sure some research has been done and they're now aware that this really IS serious.
    This Stage IV DX also has made me face that I do HAVE cancer. Last year I just DID cancer. For some reason, I knew it would end up successful. My scan in mid Dec. proved me right. NED. It all went quite smoothly as far as scheduling and being told when, where, etc. This time everything was turned upside down from the moment I found the lump.
    We'll see what happens after my extended weekend of chemo. I start tomorrow and will reporting here as soon as I'm able.
    Something funny and evidently I'll be following your friend and physician's advice...my daughter has a plastic tiara on her dash. I'm going to use it, I'll bet with good results.
    Big hugs back to you,
    Lynne

    Lynne, you know we are all
    Lynne, you know we are all always praying for you!

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