Didn't think I would worry, but then . . .

Teach76
Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

I finished treatment (chemo, surgery, radiation) in July and had my survivorship plan meeting in October.  Tuesday I am going for a Dexascan (now on AI), and first mammogram since treatment.  After the survivorship plan was positive, I thought going for tests would not affect me.  Right now it's all I can think about.  I have pain and what feels to me like a lump in the affected breast, but 2 doctors told me it's "probably either fluid or scar tissue."  I needed to press to get it checked out.  I would not be concerned, except after my chemo I was told the tumor was gone, but after surgery I was told there were still cells.  

     I suppose I should be glad to be getting checked out, but that is not helping my anxiety.  I also went back to work full time in September - the fatigue and neuropathy are sometimes overwhelming, not to mention the number of times I can't find things I just had, or I lose my trend of thought when interrupted.

 

    Anyway, thanks for listening.  Family and co-workers see hair now and me functioning, so I don't think they get it.  I suppose I am also a bit like them . . . On the outside I look ready to go, but I constantly feel I am behind in what I hope to accomplish.

 

    Hope all are doing well!

 

Kathy

 

 

Comments

  • Sasu
    Sasu Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2016 #2
    Normal

    it is normal to worry.  Especially when every time we see our oncologist they ask if we have any new or unusual lumps or bumps they need to check out!   

    If you have something you feel is unusual or not normal insist they check it. If they won't, get a new oncologist.  

    Hugs to you!

  • Jazzbear
    Jazzbear Member Posts: 10
    #3

    Hi Kathy.  Recovery is a process that you cannot rush.  It takes time to get past the fatigue and get your energy back.  Be good to yourself.  Push yourself to do what you can but remember to relax and get enough rest, too.  It can be difficult to balance this at times.  The neuropathy will get better with time, too.  It may never go away but you should feel some improvement within a year or so.  I know, it's frustrating but it takes time to heal.

     

    I had a lymph node removed, under my arm, four years ago.  To this day, it is still sore.  There is scar tissue and swelling.  At times, I can tell there is some fluid build-up there that makes it feel even more swollen.  The fluid slowly absorbs and then it feels less swollen.  It is a cycle that repeats.  I have a nerve trapped in the scar tissue so it does cause pain at times.  Very unpredictable.  Things like that can happen so try not to let them alarm you.  If you do feel like there is a lump, insist that it get checked but know that it probably isn't anything serious - just a quirky side-effect of treatment.  If you aren't satisfied with your oncologist's follow-up, find someone else.  There are many doctors out there who will go above and beyond for the physical and emotional welfare of their patients.

     

    I wish you well on your continued path to recovery.

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    #4
    Same thing happened to me. I

    Same thing happened to me. I had to take a Xanax the morning of the mammo. My sister is a 20 year survivor and she says she still gets stressed at her mammograms. I guess it's an abreviated form of PTSD. You'll have to take the Pink bus with you!  Best wishes.

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    #5
    Thank you

    Thank you for the supportive responses.  Being so close to the end of treatment I do not expect any negative news.  On another note, I just saw my PCP regarding a sore throat.  I was treated last week for a sinus infection, and the doctor does not see a reason for my throat to hurt.  

    She is thinking it may be acid reflux caused by the anastrozole.  I already take dexilant in the morning, and now I need to take Zantac 150 at night for 2 weeks.  If no improvement I have to go to an ENT to see if my vocal chords are somehow affected.

    Well, at least this is a distraction from the breast evaluation tomorrow!

     

    thanks,

    Kathy

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    #6
    After appointment

    I had my first mammogram post treatment - surgeon sees and feels what I feel.  She did an ultrasound and concluded that it is fatty necrosis (scar tissue) and some nerve regeneration that may be causing pain.  For fatigue I am being sent to a nutritionist.  She also suggested I not wait to make an appointment with an ENT to check out sore throat.  Come back in 6 months for another mammogram and ultrasound, but if I feel lump changes come back sooner.  I am also seeing my radiation oncologist on Friday - I expect I will be giving him more information than he will be giving me.

    All in all not a bad day - at least now I am more at ease regarding the lump.  Seeing the ENT in 2 weeks.  

  • Jazzbear
    Jazzbear Member Posts: 10
    #7
    Teach76 said:

    After appointment

    I had my first mammogram post treatment - surgeon sees and feels what I feel.  She did an ultrasound and concluded that it is fatty necrosis (scar tissue) and some nerve regeneration that may be causing pain.  For fatigue I am being sent to a nutritionist.  She also suggested I not wait to make an appointment with an ENT to check out sore throat.  Come back in 6 months for another mammogram and ultrasound, but if I feel lump changes come back sooner.  I am also seeing my radiation oncologist on Friday - I expect I will be giving him more information than he will be giving me.

    All in all not a bad day - at least now I am more at ease regarding the lump.  Seeing the ENT in 2 weeks.  

    That's great news, Kathy.  So

    That's great news, Kathy.  So happy to hear that the lump you are feeling is just scar tissue.  Nerves can cause pain in that location and also travel to seemingly unrelated areas so don't panic if you feel a twinge elsewhere now and then.  I agree that you may as well get your sore throat checked because there is no point in staying in unnecessary pain if it can easily be treated.  You've got enough going on already!  Good luck and keep positive thoughts.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #8
    survivorship plan

    I have never heard of survivorship plan.

     

    NO advice, just hugs and pixie dust heading your way.

     

    Denise

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    #9
    disneyfan2008 said:

    survivorship plan

    I have never heard of survivorship plan.

     

    NO advice, just hugs and pixie dust heading your way.

     

    Denise

    Survivorship Plan

    The survivorship plan was a summary of my treatment and a plan moving forward.  It included all of the meds given and reactions during chemo, listed the surgery findings (staging etc. before and after surgery), rounds and intensity of radiation, and a listing of how many months until I should see doctors - PCP, onco, rad onco, surgeon, as well as what tests should be scheduled.

    It will be a good resource if ever I switch doctors . . . I could just make a copy instead of filling out a ton of paperwork ( anticipating this now needing to see the ENT).  It was difficult enough before treatment to recall all sorts of dates and correct spellings of meds before diagnosis.  It is very frustrating when you get handed a sheet to fill out on a first visit and you need to know all of this.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    edited November 2016 #10
    Teach76 said:

    Survivorship Plan

    The survivorship plan was a summary of my treatment and a plan moving forward.  It included all of the meds given and reactions during chemo, listed the surgery findings (staging etc. before and after surgery), rounds and intensity of radiation, and a listing of how many months until I should see doctors - PCP, onco, rad onco, surgeon, as well as what tests should be scheduled.

    It will be a good resource if ever I switch doctors . . . I could just make a copy instead of filling out a ton of paperwork ( anticipating this now needing to see the ENT).  It was difficult enough before treatment to recall all sorts of dates and correct spellings of meds before diagnosis.  It is very frustrating when you get handed a sheet to fill out on a first visit and you need to know all of this.

    Thanks for info. I never

    Thanks for info. I never heard of #s, margins etc. NO clue on my radiation etc.

     

    Thanks

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #11
    Jazzbear said:

    Hi Kathy.  Recovery is a process that you cannot rush.  It takes time to get past the fatigue and get your energy back.  Be good to yourself.  Push yourself to do what you can but remember to relax and get enough rest, too.  It can be difficult to balance this at times.  The neuropathy will get better with time, too.  It may never go away but you should feel some improvement within a year or so.  I know, it's frustrating but it takes time to heal.

     

    I had a lymph node removed, under my arm, four years ago.  To this day, it is still sore.  There is scar tissue and swelling.  At times, I can tell there is some fluid build-up there that makes it feel even more swollen.  The fluid slowly absorbs and then it feels less swollen.  It is a cycle that repeats.  I have a nerve trapped in the scar tissue so it does cause pain at times.  Very unpredictable.  Things like that can happen so try not to let them alarm you.  If you do feel like there is a lump, insist that it get checked but know that it probably isn't anything serious - just a quirky side-effect of treatment.  If you aren't satisfied with your oncologist's follow-up, find someone else.  There are many doctors out there who will go above and beyond for the physical and emotional welfare of their patients.

     

    I wish you well on your continued path to recovery.

    Lymphedemia

    Has your ono sent you to physical therepy to see if you possible have lymphedemia?  They are also helpful with scar massage and long term care.  I love my physical therapy people.  You do have a long way to go and that is normal.  And it is not wrong to feel stressed now and again.  You may consider asking your doc for a low dose anxiety med to help get your though some tough times ahead.  Lexapro is a good one.  It is about taking care of you. It is about finding all the positive and medical ways to help you have a better outcome.  People that do not go through it, dont get it. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited November 2016 #12
    just take care of you

    At this juncture, all that is important is you taking care of you.  No one knows what a cancer patient has to go through, physically or mentally.  They try but they just cant and we dont wish it on them.  Have your doc set you up with a physical therapist to test you for possible lymphodemia or built up scarring and they can evalute you and help you with life care treatments you can eventually do at home.  Taking care of this is life long.  Cancer is a kicker and it can cause long term and life long reprocussions.  Thankfully, there are people out there that can help. 

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    edited November 2016 #13
    Apaugh said:

    just take care of you

    At this juncture, all that is important is you taking care of you.  No one knows what a cancer patient has to go through, physically or mentally.  They try but they just cant and we dont wish it on them.  Have your doc set you up with a physical therapist to test you for possible lymphodemia or built up scarring and they can evalute you and help you with life care treatments you can eventually do at home.  Taking care of this is life long.  Cancer is a kicker and it can cause long term and life long reprocussions.  Thankfully, there are people out there that can help. 

    . . . And thankfully, we have

    . . . And thankfully, we have good cyber friends here who give great advice, or just acknowledge that our feelings/fears are real.  Thanks!

    Kathy

  • Not.just.cancer
    Not.just.cancer Member Posts: 4
    #14
    Jazzbear said:

    Hi Kathy.  Recovery is a process that you cannot rush.  It takes time to get past the fatigue and get your energy back.  Be good to yourself.  Push yourself to do what you can but remember to relax and get enough rest, too.  It can be difficult to balance this at times.  The neuropathy will get better with time, too.  It may never go away but you should feel some improvement within a year or so.  I know, it's frustrating but it takes time to heal.

     

    I had a lymph node removed, under my arm, four years ago.  To this day, it is still sore.  There is scar tissue and swelling.  At times, I can tell there is some fluid build-up there that makes it feel even more swollen.  The fluid slowly absorbs and then it feels less swollen.  It is a cycle that repeats.  I have a nerve trapped in the scar tissue so it does cause pain at times.  Very unpredictable.  Things like that can happen so try not to let them alarm you.  If you do feel like there is a lump, insist that it get checked but know that it probably isn't anything serious - just a quirky side-effect of treatment.  If you aren't satisfied with your oncologist's follow-up, find someone else.  There are many doctors out there who will go above and beyond for the physical and emotional welfare of their patients.

     

    I wish you well on your continued path to recovery.

    thank you for sharing that

    I have the same symtpoms under one arm, same reason...only 2 months post-operative, I thought it should be gone by now.

  • Kats2
    Kats2 Member Posts: 126
    edited July 2017 #15
    Any updatesTeach76?

    Hi Teach76,

    How are things going for you? I notice that your last post was in Nov of 2016. Can you fill us in on your progress?? It's been 8 months since we've heard from you.

    Hope all is well.    Kats2

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