Had pain in hip for a year, bone cancer discovered 3 weeks ago

beaumontdave

Whew! I'm tired pondering how

Whew! I'm tired pondering how worn out you must feel. That's a lot of stuff going on, I always think of juggling when I remember or hear about stressful, demanding periods like your having. Just trying not to drop a ball, while Life chucks a couple more into the rotation. I hope you catch a bunch of breaks and your load lessens through the summer, with good results from treatment. And by all means, find that "me time".....................................................Dave

SandiaBuddy

Joan M said:

June was the craziest month!

I haven't been on the forum much or other social media most of the month. I've had some really good family times this month, and some stressful, and some very sad.   There's been alot of fun times, and a crazy/busy month with alot of friends and family visiting, my grandchildren staying over, Bike rides, motorcycle rides with my husband.  

Then I had some health problems for me with severe pain and weakness in my left leg possibly caused from the radiation?  More likely though from all the housework and yardwork in preparing for the party.  and helping one of the boys clean for apartment inspection and lease renewal.  I really overdid it.  

To the point of collapsing, having severe chills, and high fever (103.5), and ending up in the ER and hospitalized in ICU with tachycardia, exremely low blood pressure (80/40), and low heartrate (<45), low magnesium, low potassium, and left brachial bundle branck block(not even sure what that means!?)

My mother in law had similar chills and high fever a few days before me, but the doctors had no explanation  for what caused it the fever and chills for either of us.  All tests for bacteria and viruses have been negative.  My doctor ran the tests for 7 days, and all remained negative.  I had a CT scan to check for any pockets of infection, and they could not see  anything to explain the cause of my symptoms.   

I have been trying to enjoy myself anytime I feel remotely up to it.  

June 2nd, my son graduated.  June 9th we had his graduation party, June 16th, celebtated Father's Day,  June 18th, my mother in law went into the hospital.

June 21st I was helping my 24 year old, and he had to bring me to the ER, and I ended up in the hospital all weekend.  That same night he went with his friend to a casino at an Indian reservation and his car was stolen.  He and his friend were stranded with no hotel rooms available there, and spent the night looking for the car and talking to police who really didn't seem to care about his car.  June 22, He ended up in the hospital from depression/suicidal thoughts.  I got out of the hospital on June 23 and then he got out a couple days later.  We had to make another police report and get the vehicle listed on a statewide data base.  The car was found and we had to wait for police to process it. It had a flat tire, keys were lost, and some other body and interior damage.  We tried going to get it but couldn't make it to the town it was found when the tires shops were open so had to wait until Monday.  We finally got the car, and although driveable, had a lot of damage both inside and out.   That was a very traumatic and dramatic weekend.  We've been dealing with insurance issues, and the car may be totalled due to the damages.  

June 30th, more drama this time with my 18 year old who just graduated decided he wanted to move out but does so by pulling teenage disrespectful crap.  I was so upset and just felt like complete crap.  But decided to pull myself together and go to the lake with my husband, daughter and grandkids as planned.   So we ended up having a really good time.         

The next day my 18 year old comes with us to get the car, and is very respectful and apologetic. 

Reflecting on the events of the month, things were more stressful after I got out of the hospital, so it wasn't stress that put me into the hospital.  Just not sure what it was.  One theory is possiblr interactoins with medications:  I had chemo one week.  The next week I had problems with allergies, and the doctor put me on zithromax although I didn't have an actual infection.   The next week, I went on prednisone for the injury to my leg. I saw my cardiologist on Tuesday and had an echocardiogram  and everything was okay with my heart.  That Friday, I went into the ER and was put in ICU due to tachycaridia and low heart rate, etc.  The next day on Saturday, I felt 100% better, but was kept in  hospital until Sunday and my heart was doing fine.  It just doesn't make any sense.       

One weekend I'm in the hospital, and the next I made it out on the lake with the jetski.  This weekend, celebrating the 4th of July with my family.  My grandaughter said "This was the best 4th of July ever!"  and I agree - we had a blast!  It's my husband's favorite holiday and I really love watching him light off fireworks!

My mother tells me I need to slow and down and rest.  I get sick and tired of being sick and tired.  Life is too short!

Collapsing like I did, made me realize how quickly my own health can change. 

My 24 year old's mental health problems and suicidal ideations, caused alot of heartache as did the 18 year old's disrepect.  Both are doing well today.  Tomorrow could be entirely different.  

Hope and pray that these kids will pull themselves together.  

I want to enjoy each day of my life.  Even if I spend it in a hospital because I'm sick or visiting a relative, or dealling with kids who just don't appreciate me.  Although it was stressful, I learned alot this last month about taking one day at a time, enjoy the good days, and on the bad days push through it and deal with the drama, then enjoy what tiime you can.          

  

Prednisone and heart problems

Sorry, I caught on just one thing in your post, prednisone and heart problems.  I had some pretty bad heart issues after two courses of prednisone.  I went to a heart specialist and asked him if prednisone could have any influence.  He said "no."  But I researched it myself and found it has a real impact.  The seminal study is link.  Chemo caused heart issues for me and I have found that meds I took in the past (like prednisone, ibuprofen and sudafed) now cause heart issues.  I am mentioning this in case if affects you.  Sorry about all of the other issues in your life.  

Annabelle41415

Joan M said:

Thank you Kim

So far July is going better.  We had fun with fireworks on the 4th and also went to the lake on Saturday.  

Things seem to be settling down at home. My mother in law is in the nursing home.  My mother has been dating and visiting her new boyfriend on weekends.  24 year old has his car back and found a new girlfriend.  My 18 year old is working.  7 year old granddaughter spent a few nights with us and is back home with her mom.  I'm looking forward to some time for myself.

 

A good turnaround

Sounds like a good turnaround from a hectic June to a little better July.  Wishing you some good quality time for yourself.  You sure deserve it.

Kim

Joan M

SandiaBuddy said:

Prednisone and heart problems

Sorry, I caught on just one thing in your post, prednisone and heart problems.  I had some pretty bad heart issues after two courses of prednisone.  I went to a heart specialist and asked him if prednisone could have any influence.  He said "no."  But I researched it myself and found it has a real impact.  The seminal study is link.  Chemo caused heart issues for me and I have found that meds I took in the past (like prednisone, ibuprofen and sudafed) now cause heart issues.  I am mentioning this in case if affects you.  Sorry about all of the other issues in your life.  

Prednisone causes alot of problems

I need to add it to my list of meds I cannot take.  Zyrtec is another - it makes me way too tired, and a bit off balance. 

 

I had the steroids in my system from chemo too, and had a Z-pack, so definitely a combination of factors - the perfect storm for heart problems.  

I'm very sensitive to many medications and don't take them unless I feel absolutely necessary for pain, and usually won't take antibiotics until after the tests are shown to be positive - except in emergency situations such as the recent hospitalization - then I trust God with my life and obey the doctors who are caring for me.   

Had the full regime of Folfiri chemo last week and am supposed to get 5Fu every week but had to cancel it yesterday.  Just wasn't feeling well felt nauseas and sinus problems again possible from allergies, also had bloody mucous when blowing my nose.   I've been resting the last coupld of days and hope to swim at the gym today and get some housework done.   

SandiaBuddy

Joan M said:

Prednisone causes alot of problems

I need to add it to my list of meds I cannot take.  Zyrtec is another - it makes me way too tired, and a bit off balance. 

 

I had the steroids in my system from chemo too, and had a Z-pack, so definitely a combination of factors - the perfect storm for heart problems.  

I'm very sensitive to many medications and don't take them unless I feel absolutely necessary for pain, and usually won't take antibiotics until after the tests are shown to be positive - except in emergency situations such as the recent hospitalization - then I trust God with my life and obey the doctors who are caring for me.   

Had the full regime of Folfiri chemo last week and am supposed to get 5Fu every week but had to cancel it yesterday.  Just wasn't feeling well felt nauseas and sinus problems again possible from allergies, also had bloody mucous when blowing my nose.   I've been resting the last coupld of days and hope to swim at the gym today and get some housework done.   

Sinus infections

I had a series of sinus infections while on chemo, so that is a definite possible explanaition.  Unfortunately, a stiff course of anti-biotics is the treatment that works best for me.  It sounds like that is not attractive to you.  You can also do sinus washes, I guess they have neti pots, but I just use some salt water, with a dash of baking soda and an ear syringe.  It can provide some drug-free clearing of the sinuses.  Sorry things are so tough for you right now.

Joan M

SandiaBuddy said:

Sinus infections

I had a series of sinus infections while on chemo, so that is a definite possible explanaition.  Unfortunately, a stiff course of anti-biotics is the treatment that works best for me.  It sounds like that is not attractive to you.  You can also do sinus washes, I guess they have neti pots, but I just use some salt water, with a dash of baking soda and an ear syringe.  It can provide some drug-free clearing of the sinuses.  Sorry things are so tough for you right now.

I've had a lot of trouble with sinuses

But only one that was diagnosed as an infection, but if I rememver correctly that test was negative after a couple of days.  I've takeb antibiotics a few other times, but won't again unless the tests are positive.  I have severe allergies in the fall and spring which is the time I am getting the sinus problems.  Also have problems whent the fires from out west blow smoke into our region.   I just need to remember that and get on the claritin and mucinex when the problems start.  

Joan M

beaumontdave said:

Whew! I'm tired pondering how

Whew! I'm tired pondering how worn out you must feel. That's a lot of stuff going on, I always think of juggling when I remember or hear about stressful, demanding periods like your having. Just trying not to drop a ball, while Life chucks a couple more into the rotation. I hope you catch a bunch of breaks and your load lessens through the summer, with good results from treatment. And by all means, find that "me time".....................................................Dave

Thank you Dave

It's slowed down a little, but never a dull moment.  Sometimes I wonder if that's a good thing if I am so busy.  Then I don't have time to sit around and worry about my health.  But of course I need to avoid all the stress since it is proven to cause heart problems and also linked to cancer - which I am experiencing both at this time.  So yeah, gonna just let everyone take care of themselves now that they are "all grown up" being over 18 and all.  It would also be nice to not be helping them out financially - then I can enjoy spending  money on what I like instead of paying someone else's light bills, gas money, and tire repairs, etc. the list is endless.  Guess my kids think I am made of money just because I'm a lawyer.  What they all seem to forget (and I can't imagine why) is that I am not currently working.  Aslo having my own office was expensive and doing work for legal aid clients and other pro-bono work wasn't good for the bank account or retirement.  

If only I could turn back time......... so many things I would do differently.  And since I can't I just need to start from here and go forward and start enjoying the time (and money) I have left. 

   

Joan M

Another and different injury to left leg...........

I can't believe this and not sure if it's in the above lengthy post:  I have had a different pain in my left leg for over a month now.  Had another MRI and found out this pain is caused by bulging discs in 2 vertebraes in Lumbar spine and it causes inflammation in the nerve that runs down the back of the thigh to knee.    Doctor says a cortisone shot in the back is best treatment, but can also have less invasive procedure such as injection in the knee.  Trying to get that done soon now that I know what is causing the pain.  I've been limping around for over a month and have problems sitting so stand alot.     Carrying anything over 5 pounds causes more pain due to pressure on back.  Sounds like a lifelong issue and will need shots every so often.  Oncologist advises against the shots because of risk of infection and possible problems from cortisone, especially since you need them every couple months. I'm tired of the pain, interferes with sleep and makes me look like an old lady due to the limp,  so I will risk the infection.

And yes, time for  a break from it all.  Praying for that to happen.  

beaumontdave

Joan M said:

Another and different injury to left leg...........

I can't believe this and not sure if it's in the above lengthy post:  I have had a different pain in my left leg for over a month now.  Had another MRI and found out this pain is caused by bulging discs in 2 vertebraes in Lumbar spine and it causes inflammation in the nerve that runs down the back of the thigh to knee.    Doctor says a cortisone shot in the back is best treatment, but can also have less invasive procedure such as injection in the knee.  Trying to get that done soon now that I know what is causing the pain.  I've been limping around for over a month and have problems sitting so stand alot.     Carrying anything over 5 pounds causes more pain due to pressure on back.  Sounds like a lifelong issue and will need shots every so often.  Oncologist advises against the shots because of risk of infection and possible problems from cortisone, especially since you need them every couple months. I'm tired of the pain, interferes with sleep and makes me look like an old lady due to the limp,  so I will risk the infection.

And yes, time for  a break from it all.  Praying for that to happen.  

I just tried the cortisone

I just tried the cortisone shot in my ankle /foot joint and wow, that helped with the pain and movement for weeks, but the podiatrist say he can only do it three times a year without creating other issues. At least I've have the option before a trip or real hike, if I ever get around to it, lol. Stay strong Joan...............................................................Dave

SandiaBuddy

Joan M said:

Another and different injury to left leg...........

I can't believe this and not sure if it's in the above lengthy post:  I have had a different pain in my left leg for over a month now.  Had another MRI and found out this pain is caused by bulging discs in 2 vertebraes in Lumbar spine and it causes inflammation in the nerve that runs down the back of the thigh to knee.    Doctor says a cortisone shot in the back is best treatment, but can also have less invasive procedure such as injection in the knee.  Trying to get that done soon now that I know what is causing the pain.  I've been limping around for over a month and have problems sitting so stand alot.     Carrying anything over 5 pounds causes more pain due to pressure on back.  Sounds like a lifelong issue and will need shots every so often.  Oncologist advises against the shots because of risk of infection and possible problems from cortisone, especially since you need them every couple months. I'm tired of the pain, interferes with sleep and makes me look like an old lady due to the limp,  so I will risk the infection.

And yes, time for  a break from it all.  Praying for that to happen.  

Cortisone

If prednisone led to heart problems, you might want to be cautious with cortisone.  Like you, I was set for the injections, but dropped them when I had the prednisone-linked heart issues.  I would rather live with some pain than die with heart problems.  Coincidentally, I started taking potasium gluconate to potentially help with the prednisone-induced heart problems, and it helped incredibly with the pinched nerve in the leg--that pain is now gone.  I take #3- or #4-99mg pills a day.  It may be unique to me, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Joan M

Thanks for the great advice

I was not able to get the cortisone shot for my knee.  I saw a different doctor and he actually did xrays of the knee area and said the shot wouldnt help with the pain issue I am having.  It is more in the muscular area not the joint, and may be caused by the nerves but would have to get the in my back for it to work.  I have to go to physical therapy and see if that helps.  I am willing to try any supplement because these pain meds are not healthy for long term use.  

I've heard that magnesium and potassium are good for the heart.  May try both.