Symptoms of Recurrence, Menopause and/or Depression?

Kaleena · October 2013

For the past year, I have had little stuff going on. Headache around my left eye and then fatigue at various times. Of course, I called but didn't get much info. My gyn/onc did order an MRI/MRA because I had complained about it the last time I was there - It was good. That doctor has left and is now in Texas. In February, I started to have the lower back pain again. Went to chiropractor. It took 3 times to get some relief. This was also on my left side. And I was starting to get the sciatic stuff down my left leg again with pain and some numbness. I went to my PC and she ordered a back x-ray (I had also called my gyne/onc but the RA said that recurrences don't start there and go to the PCP for x-ray???). I did get the x-ray and it only showed I have bone spurs along my spine. Nothing else. The PCP said she couldn't get me a CT Scan (I hadn't had one for several years) unless I did physical thereapy and she just wrote a script for Steroids and Pain Pills (Neither of which I took). This was February. Shortly after, I gained 10 pounds for no apparent reason. In June, I got to see the new Gyne/Onc. He ordered a CT Scan - which still came out good (still shows the two small masses which haven't changed). Since then I gained a few more pounds. I get fatigue near the end of the day. However, the GYNE/ONC called to say that my PAP had abnormal cells. They ended doing the other test which was negative.

At my mammogram in May, I also got called back in for a spot on my right breast (I had a biopsy done on my left breast in 2004 which was negative). Went back in and they indicated i was ok.

Recently, I have been starting to get what I call "achy bowels" and the pain near my rectum. This is how my whole ordel happened back before I was even diagnosed. This is what is concerning to me because it is the same thing that happened at my recurrence. I get the lower back (Achyiness), along with the bowel achiness (sort of like menstreul pain) Not really pain - just an achy feeling. I think this is what is causing me to feel fatigue. I do have a high tolerance to pain. When I do take motrin, I feel so much better and I realize I must have been in pain. But now it it affecting my mood. I am much more irritated easily. I am usually a very happy smily person. But I can't take much now. I am taking motrin now several times a week now. Also, I am getting sweats like breaking a fever at various times.

I just asked my PCP for blood test to test for thyroid problems and also to take a CA 125 (even though it wasn't an indicator for me). However, the PCP only tested one of the thyroid tests and it was ok. My red blood cells (HCT) were just past the normal range but no one said anything about it. My CA 125 was a 10.4, before I believe it was a 3. (It was 21 after my second surgery when first diagnosed). I feel like something is going on but that tests won't find anything. I do want a PET Scan. Maybe this can say whether or not there is anything active. The two small masses did have an SUV reading of 2.4 and 2.1, but hadn't changed but that was back in 2010 but I haven't had one since.

I do have an appointment with my new doctor on November 15th. I don't want to call there because I only get to talk to the RA and she seems to make her own diagnosis.

I feel like I am whining, but I am tired and then I do get depressed because I feel like I can't do what I used to do becasue I feel so tired. Don't get me wrong, I still work full time and do some volunteer work. It is just that my energy level is zapped big time. (like taking naps in the middle of the day).

Thanks for listening. I think I just needed to get it off my chest.

Kathy

NoTimeForCancer · October 2013

You aren't whining

You know, every time something "twings" somewhere in my body I wonder "what is that"? Like a noise in the house downstairs when I am upstairs. My senses go on high alert and I wonder if I should be worried?

It is a terrible thing I do to myself and I bet a lot of the ladies do it out there. Kathy, you have enough that I would be asking myself the same things you are.

You are always welcome to get it off your chest with us.

Kathy G. · October 2013

NoTimeForCancer said:
You aren't whining
You know, every time something "twings" somewhere in my body I wonder "what is that"? Like a noise in the house downstairs when I am upstairs. My senses go on high alert and I wonder if I should be worried?

It is a terrible thing I do to myself and I bet a lot of the ladies do it out there. Kathy, you have enough that I would be asking myself the same things you are.

You are always welcome to get it off your chest with us.

Hi Kathy!
Sorry you are going

Hi Kathy!

Sorry you are going through all the things you describe above. Please don't feel like you are 'whining' as you know I have been going thru something similar. Usually I can move on fairly quickly after periods of being down, but I have been in a funk for awhile now. I thought I had pretty much finished up 'the worst' of menopause with minimal symptoms, but about 6 months after my hysterectomy the sweats you are describing started coming on. I am warm most of the time, and the flashes and/or sweats are really uncomfortable. I swear being warm all the time contributes to the fatigue I am also feeling, but I know stress and recent weight gain are also culprits. I go thru periods where I swear I could eat the wallpaper off the walls I am so hungry. I lost weight after the surgery, and now have gained it back and then some. I have no motivation. I do take my anti-depressant, but I wonder what the heck is going on. I cleared my 3rd 3 month check -up this month. I asked about all this and got the 'it's normal' response. Aside from the fatigue I feel okay physically...no pain which would make ME grumpy!

I always try to get my focus back on feeling grateful things weren't worse, and I have not had to go through what so many of these other ladies have, but cancer is cancer and the 'new normal'is always there in the back of my mind.

Wish I could be of more help, but know I'm with you...

Kathy

Kaleena · October 2013

Thanks for the Replies

Thanks Kathy and NoTime. It is just good to vent to a place where someone understands. For people who have not gone through anything like this, they just look at you and like you are whining or they ignore you. But if uterine cancers whisper, we do have to be aware of our bodies. Yes, not every symptom is something to worry about. However, when they start adding up, then you kind of have to "listen".

Back in 2009, I had a positive biopsy indicating I had a recurrence and docs telling me that they could not operate on the mass. After a second and third opinion, I finally found a doctor that said he could do it. He removed the mass which was negative and removed several lymph nodes (one which was positive for microscopic cells). We did not do treatment at that time. Just a wait and see approach and that is why I go every six months since then. (this is probably another reason why I worry)

In any event, thank you girls! I got up feeling mentally good today. I did get some extra rest which probably helps. It is a beautiful fall day here in Pennsylvania so I am going to enjoy it. I think my husband and I are planning a quick trip to New York next week (2 niter). Sometimes I guess you just got to break the daily routine!

I will let you know what the doc says after my November 15th appointmnet.

Enjoy your day!

Kathy

jazzy1 · October 2013

Kaleena said:
Thanks for the Replies
Thanks Kathy and NoTime. It is just good to vent to a place where someone understands. For people who have not gone through anything like this, they just look at you and like you are whining or they ignore you. But if uterine cancers whisper, we do have to be aware of our bodies. Yes, not every symptom is something to worry about. However, when they start adding up, then you kind of have to "listen".

Back in 2009, I had a positive biopsy indicating I had a recurrence and docs telling me that they could not operate on the mass. After a second and third opinion, I finally found a doctor that said he could do it. He removed the mass which was negative and removed several lymph nodes (one which was positive for microscopic cells). We did not do treatment at that time. Just a wait and see approach and that is why I go every six months since then. (this is probably another reason why I worry)

In any event, thank you girls! I got up feeling mentally good today. I did get some extra rest which probably helps. It is a beautiful fall day here in Pennsylvania so I am going to enjoy it. I think my husband and I are planning a quick trip to New York next week (2 niter). Sometimes I guess you just got to break the daily routine!

I will let you know what the doc says after my November 15th appointmnet.

Enjoy your day!

Kathy

Kathy

Cancer is just not easy, once diagnosed we are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. With "cancer" diagnosis on our health chart, docs are always more cautious and more eager to get more aggressive on testing and scans.

Listen to your body, is the key area I'd recommend which you are doing. With my latest recurrence I saw the CA125 (which BTW is a good marker to follow for me) go up ever so slowly over a 6-month period of time. Then, bingo I found the hard spot on my neck and the journey started again with all the specialists. Thankfully I followed thru with the enlarged node and pursued what I felt wasn't correct with my body. One thing led to another and the bottom line was the PET scan which yes showed the recurrence. First time I've ever had a PET and it does show the true results....cancer or not!!!

Keep the faith and glad you feel comfortable unloading to the gang here. We've all be there and know we can endure, just at times it's so much to handle at one time. Try to keep thinking positive thoughts as you go thru the doc journey...it might be simply nothing!!!!

Hugs,

Jan

Kaleena · October 2013

jazzy1 said:
Kathy
Cancer is just not easy, once diagnosed we are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. With "cancer" diagnosis on our health chart, docs are always more cautious and more eager to get more aggressive on testing and scans.

Listen to your body, is the key area I'd recommend which you are doing. With my latest recurrence I saw the CA125 (which BTW is a good marker to follow for me) go up ever so slowly over a 6-month period of time. Then, bingo I found the hard spot on my neck and the journey started again with all the specialists. Thankfully I followed thru with the enlarged node and pursued what I felt wasn't correct with my body. One thing led to another and the bottom line was the PET scan which yes showed the recurrence. First time I've ever had a PET and it does show the true results....cancer or not!!!

Keep the faith and glad you feel comfortable unloading to the gang here. We've all be there and know we can endure, just at times it's so much to handle at one time. Try to keep thinking positive thoughts as you go thru the doc journey...it might be simply nothing!!!!

Hugs,

Jan

Thanks, Jan
for you kind

Thanks, Jan

for you kind remarks and positive view and hugs. BTW I did hae an enlarge lymph node on my neck during this time too. I was given steroids and it went away. I will continue to keep positive. I think that when I am in pain, then it is when it is harder to think positive. I ended up having to take motrin again today. I tried not to take it but I was slowly running down. If I start to have to take it daily, I know then something is up. But hopefully it is only scarring and/or arthritis.

Will keep the faith! Thanks again.

Kathy

Double Whammy · October 2013

Kaleena said:
Thanks, Jan
for you kind
Thanks, Jan

for you kind remarks and positive view and hugs. BTW I did hae an enlarge lymph node on my neck during this time too. I was given steroids and it went away. I will continue to keep positive. I think that when I am in pain, then it is when it is harder to think positive. I ended up having to take motrin again today. I tried not to take it but I was slowly running down. If I start to have to take it daily, I know then something is up. But hopefully it is only scarring and/or arthritis.

Will keep the faith! Thanks again.

Kathy

Nov. 15

I assume you appointment Nov. 15 is with your gyn/onc? Since you're going to wait until then to see the doctor, I suggest you chart (or calendar/journal) your symptoms between now and then. That will tell you/him how frequent your symptoms are, whether they're effected by meals, stress, time of day, etc. Be sure to somehow rank the level of the symptom (like they do for pain) so you can also see if it's increasing or decreasing. It sounds like you have a lot of symptoms that are causing you concern and you have every reason to be concerned.

And we will be here being concerned with you until you get some peace of mind.

Sending up a whole bunch of good mojo,

Suzanne

Hopeful Girl1 · October 2013

Best wishes for a doc visit

Best wishes for a doc visit that reveals no issues of concern. THINK POSITIVE. POSITIVE ENERGY cancels out negative energy!

I am a survivor since 2010, uterine stage 3C. I have had a couple of scares. I had two abnormal paps in 2012, and I just had a call back on mammo and it turned out to be two normal cysts. I am currently awaiting the results of my latest pap from last week.

During the timeframe of my two abnormal paps I stumbled across a commercial for smoothie machine and I was super intrigued and so I bought one at the store and began making healthy smootheis from fruits and kale, spring greens, spinach etc. I really believe that the healthy drinks played a role in the healing.

I was terrified for the call back on my mammo which was this week. I had more mammos on one breast and an ultrasound and it turned out to be two normal cysts. Praise God.

I recently found the radio station Klove and they have a website with encouraging words of faith and you can listen on line as well. I love it! I find it lifts me up and it's amazing. There is a song played often called "Overcomer" by Mandisa which they say has become a mantra song for anyone facing a challenge and or cancer. It is a GREAT inspirational song and makes you feel like dancing and fills you with hope.

It is easy to feel tired, and depressed when we are worried. Afterall, worry zaps energy. I am a big worrier. I find it helps to take some deep breathes in and out and I feel calmer. I have become very spiritual and I find that faith guides me through.

Good luck and peace and calmness to you!

Kaleena · October 2013

Double Whammy said:
Nov. 15
I assume you appointment Nov. 15 is with your gyn/onc? Since you're going to wait until then to see the doctor, I suggest you chart (or calendar/journal) your symptoms between now and then. That will tell you/him how frequent your symptoms are, whether they're effected by meals, stress, time of day, etc. Be sure to somehow rank the level of the symptom (like they do for pain) so you can also see if it's increasing or decreasing. It sounds like you have a lot of symptoms that are causing you concern and you have every reason to be concerned.

And we will be here being concerned with you until you get some peace of mind.

Sending up a whole bunch of good mojo,

Suzanne

Thanks Suzanne

Suzanne,

Thanks for the advice. Yes, my appointment is with a gyne/onc (who is also a surgeon). I am now keeping a log of when I take motrin since I have already taken it 3 times since Sunday (from not taking any). I didn't take any on Tuesday and I tried to go without it on Wednesday but I got really run down and in a fog so I ended up taking it late evening. Like I said, I usually do not get irritated with people but lately (after realizing I am in pain) I have a tendency to be short with people. I am working hard on not being that way.

I know my husband is getting concerned. I try not to worry him about it however I thought I should start telling him my symptoms. He can tell when I am not feeling well sometimes before I even tell him. I started walking again and playing my accordion instead of going to bed to try to do other stuff.

For a quick change of scenery, we are off to New York tomorrow to see a couple of shows and some jazz along with a dinner or two. We will be back Saturday. It will be great because my husband and I haven't been away by ourselves for awhile. It will be good it get away from work and getting out of that rut! Also, the long drive will give us plenty of time to talk without interruptions.

I appreciate your concern. Thanks for sending up the mojo. I already felt some!

(((Hugs)))

Kathy

Kaleena · October 2013

Hopeful Girl1 said:
Best wishes for a doc visit
Best wishes for a doc visit that reveals no issues of concern. THINK POSITIVE. POSITIVE ENERGY cancels out negative energy!

I am a survivor since 2010, uterine stage 3C. I have had a couple of scares. I had two abnormal paps in 2012, and I just had a call back on mammo and it turned out to be two normal cysts. I am currently awaiting the results of my latest pap from last week.

During the timeframe of my two abnormal paps I stumbled across a commercial for smoothie machine and I was super intrigued and so I bought one at the store and began making healthy smootheis from fruits and kale, spring greens, spinach etc. I really believe that the healthy drinks played a role in the healing.

I was terrified for the call back on my mammo which was this week. I had more mammos on one breast and an ultrasound and it turned out to be two normal cysts. Praise God.

I recently found the radio station Klove and they have a website with encouraging words of faith and you can listen on line as well. I love it! I find it lifts me up and it's amazing. There is a song played often called "Overcomer" by Mandisa which they say has become a mantra song for anyone facing a challenge and or cancer. It is a GREAT inspirational song and makes you feel like dancing and fills you with hope.

It is easy to feel tired, and depressed when we are worried. Afterall, worry zaps energy. I am a big worrier. I find it helps to take some deep breathes in and out and I feel calmer. I have become very spiritual and I find that faith guides me through.

Good luck and peace and calmness to you!

Thanks for the Replies

Thanks for your reply. We have overcome so many different obstacles that sometimes we get caught up with one or two. It is great that there is a place like this to vent. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.

I will let you know what the doc has to say.

Faith is a great!

I hope all is well with you.

Kathy

tattooedtxgirl · October 2013

Thinking of you

Keeping you in my thoughts!

Hugs,

Crystal

Kaleena · October 2013

tattooedtxgirl said:
Thinking of you
Keeping you in my thoughts!

Hugs,

Crystal

(((Hugs)))

Thanks Crystal!

My husband and I did get away for two days to New York. Saw a show, did some shopping. It was relaxing time. However, I did develope some pain on Friday and had to rest for a couple of hours until the motrin set in.

Hope all is well with you!

Kathy

ConnieSW · October 2013

Kaleena said:
(((Hugs)))
Thanks Crystal!

My husband and I did get away for two days to New York. Saw a show, did some shopping. It was relaxing time. However, I did develope some pain on Friday and had to rest for a couple of hours until the motrin set in.

Hope all is well with you!

Kathy

Weekend

So glad you got away.

Kaleena · October 2013

ConnieSW said:
Weekend
So glad you got away.

Thanks Connie!
Ready to go

Thanks Connie!

Ready to go again! I am one of those that its hard to get to go but once I am there I enjoy myself!

ConnieSW · October 2013

Kaleena said:
Thanks Connie!
Ready to go
Thanks Connie!

Ready to go again! I am one of those that its hard to get to go but once I am there I enjoy myself!

I am exactly the same way.

My husband and I are going to Nantucket in November for our 44th wedding anniversary. It's where we spent ourhoneymoon. I had planned to wait for our 50th but who knows what can happen between now and then.

Kaleena · October 2013

ConnieSW said:
I am exactly the same way.
My husband and I are going to Nantucket in November for our 44th wedding anniversary. It's where we spent ourhoneymoon. I had planned to wait for our 50th but who knows what can happen between now and then.

Happy Anniversary

Connie:

I would go twice! Sounds like a wonderful time. Happy Anniversary to the two of you! Congrats on 44 years! My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th in January.

Enjoy your time in Nantucket.

Kathy

Parker matne · April 2014

Hopeful Girl1 said:
Best wishes for a doc visit
Best wishes for a doc visit that reveals no issues of concern. THINK POSITIVE. POSITIVE ENERGY cancels out negative energy!

I am a survivor since 2010, uterine stage 3C. I have had a couple of scares. I had two abnormal paps in 2012, and I just had a call back on mammo and it turned out to be two normal cysts. I am currently awaiting the results of my latest pap from last week.

During the timeframe of my two abnormal paps I stumbled across a commercial for smoothie machine and I was super intrigued and so I bought one at the store and began making healthy smootheis from fruits and kale, spring greens, spinach etc. I really believe that the healthy drinks played a role in the healing.

I was terrified for the call back on my mammo which was this week. I had more mammos on one breast and an ultrasound and it turned out to be two normal cysts. Praise God.

I recently found the radio station Klove and they have a website with encouraging words of faith and you can listen on line as well. I love it! I find it lifts me up and it's amazing. There is a song played often called "Overcomer" by Mandisa which they say has become a mantra song for anyone facing a challenge and or cancer. It is a GREAT inspirational song and makes you feel like dancing and fills you with hope.

It is easy to feel tired, and depressed when we are worried. Afterall, worry zaps energy. I am a big worrier. I find it helps to take some deep breathes in and out and I feel calmer. I have become very spiritual and I find that faith guides me through.

Good luck and peace and calmness to you!

Glad To hear You.

Its just wonderful experince to reading few lines of your thoughts. It's make me happy that how much people are concerned with the problems of other. That's the real thing to retain the beauty in the world.

Symptoms of Recurrence, Menopause and/or Depression?

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