Update - Do I dare ask?

Clementine_P
Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
edited April 2013 in Breast Cancer #1

So, went to my oncologist for my 6 month visit and was told I am woefully anemic...again.  He said that he is virtually certain that I am bleeding internally and is sending me for an endoscopy and colonoscopy this Friday.  I know if there is anything it will likely be a polyp or an ulcer both of which are very treatable.  Of course, however, with my history my mind immediately jumps to the irrational thought that it could be my cancer recurring.  I don't think that breast cancer goes to the colon with any regularity (or to the stomach).  Plus, I do have agita, and a pain exactly where they say you will if you have an ulcer sooooo.....well, of course I am in rationalization mode.  The next few days are going to be fun!  Ha, not so much.

Eh, I just wanted to get that off my chest to some ladies that understand. 

Best,

Clementine

«1

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    I hope all goes well..I have

    I hope all goes well..I have had over 20 coloscopies in past 20 yrs (annually and sometimes more) BUT I Have ulcertive colitis...

     

    sorry to hear of your issues...thinking of you

     

    Denise

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #3
    Positive thought sent your way!

    I hope you have something very treatable.  Hard not to worry.

    Wishing you the best,

    Doris

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    #4
    Think treatable for certain

     

    I hold my breath at every appt, and I've only been at this a year.  I think it would be very easy for me to worry myself into an ulcer.  I hope for the best results for you, Clementine.  Let us know.  Hugs, Linda

  • Josie21
    Josie21 Member Posts: 382 Member
    #5
    Hi Clementine

    I am sorry you have to go through this Clementine.   I hope your tests reveal nothing more than an ulcer thaI is easily treatable or absolutely nothing wrong would be nice too.

    Sending hugs and prayers your way,

    Ginny

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #6
    Josie21 said:

    Hi Clementine

    I am sorry you have to go through this Clementine.   I hope your tests reveal nothing more than an ulcer thaI is easily treatable or absolutely nothing wrong would be nice too.

    Sending hugs and prayers your way,

    Ginny

    Clemm ...

    I am there with you waiting .. praying, and sending positive vibes.  Please, know that we are here for you, ALWAYS!

     

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #7
    VickiSam said:

    Clemm ...

    I am there with you waiting .. praying, and sending positive vibes.  Please, know that we are here for you, ALWAYS!

     

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

    Thanks goils!

    I knew I could count on you all for some support and encouragement!  Funny, I never thought I would see the day that I am praying to have an ulcer.  Ha ha ha.  Cancer sure makes us do weird things.  Okay, here's to a day of not thinking about it.  Smile  Thanks a million, everyone.

    Clem

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #8
    Clementine_P said:

    Thanks goils!

    I knew I could count on you all for some support and encouragement!  Funny, I never thought I would see the day that I am praying to have an ulcer.  Ha ha ha.  Cancer sure makes us do weird things.  Okay, here's to a day of not thinking about it.  Smile  Thanks a million, everyone.

    Clem

    Everything you've said points to "normal" problem

    To Our Favorite Crazy Redhead,

    I have no medical qualifications WHATsoever, but everything you've said seems to point to a "normal" gastrointestinal problem, such as an ulcer, gastritis, etc.  We hear from an awful lot of women on this board, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything about breast cancer metastisizing to the stomach or colon.

    Please, please keep reminding yourself that those of us who've had breast cancer can still get plain ol' health problems like anybody else that have nothing at all to do with cancer -- most of the time, we don't even get to "blame" the cancer for them!

    We'll be so thrilled to "celebrate" with you when you tell us you have an ulcer!  Yay, ulcer!

    Smile Traci 

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #9
    TraciInLA said:

    Everything you've said points to "normal" problem

    To Our Favorite Crazy Redhead,

    I have no medical qualifications WHATsoever, but everything you've said seems to point to a "normal" gastrointestinal problem, such as an ulcer, gastritis, etc.  We hear from an awful lot of women on this board, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything about breast cancer metastisizing to the stomach or colon.

    Please, please keep reminding yourself that those of us who've had breast cancer can still get plain ol' health problems like anybody else that have nothing at all to do with cancer -- most of the time, we don't even get to "blame" the cancer for them!

    We'll be so thrilled to "celebrate" with you when you tell us you have an ulcer!  Yay, ulcer!

    Smile Traci 

    You are right

    I know you are right, I know you are right, I know you are right, I know...wait!  I am actually typing this and not just repeating inside my head.  I'm thinking that maaaaybe the crazy redhead in me is part of the reason I am having this normal and treatable (lol!) problem.  Maaaaybe worrying and obsessing is welllll not the best way to go about this?  Okay, on Friday I say we c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e with a virtual margarita!  I love margaritas and I will want to get my crazy on with someone fun!  Laughing

    PS (go ulcer...go ulcer...go ulcer)!

  • dthompson
    dthompson Member Posts: 149
    #10
    Clementine_P said:

    You are right

    I know you are right, I know you are right, I know you are right, I know...wait!  I am actually typing this and not just repeating inside my head.  I'm thinking that maaaaybe the crazy redhead in me is part of the reason I am having this normal and treatable (lol!) problem.  Maaaaybe worrying and obsessing is welllll not the best way to go about this?  Okay, on Friday I say we c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e with a virtual margarita!  I love margaritas and I will want to get my crazy on with someone fun!  Laughing

    PS (go ulcer...go ulcer...go ulcer)!

    I'll have a margarita with

    I'll have a margarita with you when we celebrate the good news that it was nothing serious. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

     

    Dennis

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #11
    dthompson said:

    I'll have a margarita with

    I'll have a margarita with you when we celebrate the good news that it was nothing serious. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

     

    Dennis

    Thanks Dennis!

    You are definitely on my list of invitees.  I like them without salt.  Ha ha ha.

     

    Clementine

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #12
    Just to give you a little

    Just to give you a little hope.... Danny kept having a low hematocrit and was told that colon cancer had to be ruled out.  Colonoscopy and other tests normal.  Since he donates blood as often as allowed and since we have a diet low  in red meat, I added a regular multiviatmin with iron to our diet every other day.  End of problem.

    Sending prayers that you have a simple, fixable problem!

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #13
    CypressCynthia said:

    Just to give you a little

    Just to give you a little hope.... Danny kept having a low hematocrit and was told that colon cancer had to be ruled out.  Colonoscopy and other tests normal.  Since he donates blood as often as allowed and since we have a diet low  in red meat, I added a regular multiviatmin with iron to our diet every other day.  End of problem.

    Sending prayers that you have a simple, fixable problem!

    Thanks Cynthia

    I'm so hoping for something easily solvable (obviously).  I had some intravenous iron the other day and I'm told it will kick in in another week or so.  Then it is 4 more infusions of iron and I should be all set.  I am a vegetarian so that probably explains some of the iron issues and I have been somewhat anemic all of my life, but this time my iron levels were around what they were when I was on chemo.  Crazy so, on Friday it is a colonoscopy and endoscopy.  Now, in addition to hoping for an ulcer, I have added a polyp or diverticulitis of the menu of items I would rather have than a recurrence of my cancer (or a new cancer all together).  Of course, having nothing wrong wouldn't be a bad outcome either.  Thank you for sending your good vibes my way!

    PS, love your profile photo.  So pretty!  Here in NYC the pigeons aren't quite so attractive.

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #14
    Clementine_P said:

    Thanks Cynthia

    I'm so hoping for something easily solvable (obviously).  I had some intravenous iron the other day and I'm told it will kick in in another week or so.  Then it is 4 more infusions of iron and I should be all set.  I am a vegetarian so that probably explains some of the iron issues and I have been somewhat anemic all of my life, but this time my iron levels were around what they were when I was on chemo.  Crazy so, on Friday it is a colonoscopy and endoscopy.  Now, in addition to hoping for an ulcer, I have added a polyp or diverticulitis of the menu of items I would rather have than a recurrence of my cancer (or a new cancer all together).  Of course, having nothing wrong wouldn't be a bad outcome either.  Thank you for sending your good vibes my way!

    PS, love your profile photo.  So pretty!  Here in NYC the pigeons aren't quite so attractive.

    LOL, Clementine!

    I'm SHOCKED to hear that New York City pigeons aren't as attractive as CC's backyard friends!

    I'm sure there are some FABULOUS pigeons in some parts of San Francisco or West Hollywood who insist on looking that good...but I guess not in NYC!

    Laughing Traci

     

     

  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #15
    TraciInLA said:

    LOL, Clementine!

    I'm SHOCKED to hear that New York City pigeons aren't as attractive as CC's backyard friends!

    I'm sure there are some FABULOUS pigeons in some parts of San Francisco or West Hollywood who insist on looking that good...but I guess not in NYC!

    Laughing Traci

     

     

    I know most ALL of us go "there"

    when it comes to tests or going to the doctor to have something checked out. I recently put on my new patient info sheet that asks every question know to man if I have anxiety issues. I marked "YES! Everytime I have to come here!". The doctor thought it was funny but I meant it. Traci is right though, I had an ulcer years ago and those symptoms sound familiar. Praying for you sister that all will be fine!

    Hugs,

    Sylvia

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #16
    TraciInLA said:

    LOL, Clementine!

    I'm SHOCKED to hear that New York City pigeons aren't as attractive as CC's backyard friends!

    I'm sure there are some FABULOUS pigeons in some parts of San Francisco or West Hollywood who insist on looking that good...but I guess not in NYC!

    Laughing Traci

     

     

    Ha ha ha ha!

    Yes, Traci - it is true.  Our pigeons have let themselves go.  It's like they are rebelling against the fashionista reputation NYC has.  Sad really, they used to be the best looking pigeons around!  I am so sure your west cost pigeons are fab.  Everything out there is just...well..cleaner.  Smile

    Thanks for the smile!

    Clem

  • cathyp
    cathyp Member Posts: 376 Member
    #17
    Clementine_P said:

    Ha ha ha ha!

    Yes, Traci - it is true.  Our pigeons have let themselves go.  It's like they are rebelling against the fashionista reputation NYC has.  Sad really, they used to be the best looking pigeons around!  I am so sure your west cost pigeons are fab.  Everything out there is just...well..cleaner.  Smile

    Thanks for the smile!

    Clem

    Hi Clementine,
    I'm sorry, I

    Hi Clementine,

    I'm sorry, I don't know your hx and this may be not relevant to you but when I was anemic it was due to menstration.  (I had  recurring Hodgkins Lymphoma and breat cancer from my treatments.)

    Also, I just started a plant based diet and have a question for you.  I was reading that our liver can store B12 for years but at some point going vegan or plant based you may need to supplemeny with B12.  I have a consult with a nutritionist at MSKCC but was wondering if you supplement.

    Thank you and good luck!

    Cathy 

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #18
    cathyp said:

    Hi Clementine,
    I'm sorry, I

    Hi Clementine,

    I'm sorry, I don't know your hx and this may be not relevant to you but when I was anemic it was due to menstration.  (I had  recurring Hodgkins Lymphoma and breat cancer from my treatments.)

    Also, I just started a plant based diet and have a question for you.  I was reading that our liver can store B12 for years but at some point going vegan or plant based you may need to supplemeny with B12.  I have a consult with a nutritionist at MSKCC but was wondering if you supplement.

    Thank you and good luck!

    Cathy 

    Hi Cathy,

    Thank you so much for your post.  I no longer menstruate due to Tamoxifen, but I am, hormonally speaking, pre-menopausal.  

    I never did any sort of supplement before very recently (last couple of months).  I thought that since I was so low in iron it couldn't hurt to take a B12 supplement.  My oncologist told me on Monday that he didn't think it was necessary (maybe because I am vegetarian and not vegan?).  I have been a vegetarian now for almost 25 years and aside from a history of being slightly anemic, have had no need for supplements or any sort of adverse effects.  

    Good luck with your new diet!  If the nutritionist tells you anything of interest, I'd love to hear it.

     

    All the best,

    Clementine

  • cathyp
    cathyp Member Posts: 376 Member
    #19
    Clementine_P said:

    Hi Cathy,

    Thank you so much for your post.  I no longer menstruate due to Tamoxifen, but I am, hormonally speaking, pre-menopausal.  

    I never did any sort of supplement before very recently (last couple of months).  I thought that since I was so low in iron it couldn't hurt to take a B12 supplement.  My oncologist told me on Monday that he didn't think it was necessary (maybe because I am vegetarian and not vegan?).  I have been a vegetarian now for almost 25 years and aside from a history of being slightly anemic, have had no need for supplements or any sort of adverse effects.  

    Good luck with your new diet!  If the nutritionist tells you anything of interest, I'd love to hear it.

     

    All the best,

    Clementine

    I'll keep you posted!  I find

    I'll keep you posted!  I find all my specialist are so well versed on their speciality but not necessarily nutrition but I can't fault them for that. 

    All the best to you too!

    Cathy

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #20
    cathyp said:

    I'll keep you posted!  I find

    I'll keep you posted!  I find all my specialist are so well versed on their speciality but not necessarily nutrition but I can't fault them for that. 

    All the best to you too!

    Cathy

    Good luck tomorrow

    Sending positive thoughts to your way

  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #21
    New Flower said:

    Good luck tomorrow

    Sending positive thoughts to your way

    hoping your test are good

    hoping your tests are good. I beleive it could be  what you eat being a vegetarian.I am too.I got bronchitis that lasted quite sometime.I ate but got run down.Ended up being low on B12, folic acid and vitmain D.I take vitamins now orally but was getting IV's with vitamins.That was a hassle going in every week and getting a IV. 

    This reminds me I need some blood work.I think my last blood test was November.I need updated.

    Age(66)  can make a difference in our health.We can become anemic and low on other vitamins the older we get. I think this is alot of my problem too.

    Thoughts and Prayers to you.

    Lynn Smith

Discussion Boards