second cancer diagnosis
Comments
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wowlynn1950 said:Time heals all wounds?
That just came to mind. I had the same hopes shot down. I ended up with a bilateral mastectomy in April of '08, followed by Chemo and radiation. Finished radiation in October. I never cried the whole time.
Up until last week I continued to be emotionally unwound. I finally cried some time last winter and then I cried a lot (and I still cry sometimes). Every twinge in my body reminded me of CANCER - my lymphedema and wearing a sleeve, some shoulder pain, numbness, restricted movement, etc. etc. etc. It is only now that I am understanding that none of these have to do with cancer...they have to do with the surgery. It's part of the recovery process.
What has helped me is therapy and anti-depressants with the occassional xanax thrown in.
So, thank goodness you are crying. Just know that it does get better and that you can do it. Accept all the help you are given. It makes people who care about you feel better to be able to help. And you will make new friends along the way, including us on this Discussion Board.
xoxox Lynn
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?0 -
Cathlinberreth, you can docathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
Cathlinberreth, you can do anything! You can get thru this and we will all be here to walk your journey with you. Having bc is awful, but, for you and the others to go thru having cancer twice, is uncomprehendable.
I wish you the best of luck. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Keep us updated!
Hugs, Noel0 -
Wow, I can't imagine goingDianeBC said:Welcome and I am so sorry
Welcome and I am so sorry that you are here because of cancer for the 2nd time. I can't even comprehend what that must be like, even though, I realize that it is a big possibility. We all face that fear of a recurrence or another new cancer showing up. For me, I don't take any drugs for it, but, I have a huge support group in my family, my friends and faith in the Lord. Those will get you thru anything!
Best of luck to you, Diane
Wow, I can't imagine going thru this again and hearing those words. I applaud you ladies that have gone thru it more than once. I pray that you find strength to get you thru this and to beat the beast again!
Hang in there!
Kristin0 -
Just know that you are in myKristin N said:Wow, I can't imagine going
Wow, I can't imagine going thru this again and hearing those words. I applaud you ladies that have gone thru it more than once. I pray that you find strength to get you thru this and to beat the beast again!
Hang in there!
Kristin
Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Im sorry you are going through all of this for a second time. Once is enough for me, i couldnt imagine twice. Stay strong and keep plugging in and letting us know how you are.
laura0 -
Good luck with your PETcathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
Good luck with your PET scan! I pray it turns out ok for you!
Praying for you, Susie0 -
It was a mistake not to cry!cathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
I was just going through the motions of living and getting through each day. It got emotionally really painful last October and stayed that way until recently. Crying is good! At first, I actually had to pump myself into tears by listening to sad music. After I cry (cried) I (I'd) feel better.
I am really a wimp and not a risk taker. If I could get back to some kind of normal, you can too!
Folks here, and the medical people, and other cancer survivors would tell me: "You can do it!" "It will get better." They were right.
Lynn 0 -
welcome cathlin
your help is here in the way of encouragement, information, empathy, suggestions and ideas. Hopefully this will make your second journey just a little easier. I imagine it must be frustrating to have to go through all of this a second time, but there are a lot of others on the board that have done it. I know my aunt had bc twice, second one being a completely different type of cancer, not a recurrence. She is in her 60's, and went through it with flying colors.
Let us know how the petscan goes.
Cat0 -
wow!!Jeanne D said:I am so sorry
I certainly wish I had some magic words or some great words of wisdom to help you and to comfort you. But, I don't. All I can offer is this, I have had bc twice, first in 1985 and this year in January, I was diagnosed again. It is hard to hear those words again, and, especially after all of the years. And, it really brings you to your knees. But, I put my faith in God and in my medical team. And, I fought and am still fighting and will continue. Just put your mind to it that you are going to fight this and that you will live a very full and long life! Cancer will not defeat you, you will defeat it!
Please keep us posted as to how you are doing. We will all support you thru this very difficult time.
Hugs, Jeanne
Jeanne, you seem so positive and encouraging... I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. I had left breast mastectomy, 3 out of 9 lymph nodes were positive. I had my last treatment in September. My hair is coming in nice and curly i might add My labs have been great, ct's normal and had a mammogram in April. Wouldn't you know it found a lump in my right breast today.. As you can imagine, I am a little freaked out. So I can only imagine what you must be going through after 24 years and now this. anyway, I just wanted to say that I wish you the best!
I am not even sure what the heck I am doing on this site, I think I just needed a little bit of encouragement or words of wisdom from someone who has been through it and knows, the first time around I was a warrior, this time, I am not so sure. So to read your post and your positive, words,
Thank you,
Leticia0 -
Yes, let us know how the PETcats_toy said:welcome cathlin
your help is here in the way of encouragement, information, empathy, suggestions and ideas. Hopefully this will make your second journey just a little easier. I imagine it must be frustrating to have to go through all of this a second time, but there are a lot of others on the board that have done it. I know my aunt had bc twice, second one being a completely different type of cancer, not a recurrence. She is in her 60's, and went through it with flying colors.
Let us know how the petscan goes.
Cat
Yes, let us know how the PET scan goes.0 -
Yes Cathlinberreth, you cancathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
Yes Cathlinberreth, you can do it! Please post and let us know how your PET scan comes out.
You will get thru this! And, we will be here to help you!
Hugs!0 -
Do let us know about yourlynn1950 said:It was a mistake not to cry!
I was just going through the motions of living and getting through each day. It got emotionally really painful last October and stayed that way until recently. Crying is good! At first, I actually had to pump myself into tears by listening to sad music. After I cry (cried) I (I'd) feel better.
I am really a wimp and not a risk taker. If I could get back to some kind of normal, you can too!
Folks here, and the medical people, and other cancer survivors would tell me: "You can do it!" "It will get better." They were right. Lynn
Do let us know about your PET scan! We are all praying for you!0 -
I think we all need to crylynn1950 said:It was a mistake not to cry!
I was just going through the motions of living and getting through each day. It got emotionally really painful last October and stayed that way until recently. Crying is good! At first, I actually had to pump myself into tears by listening to sad music. After I cry (cried) I (I'd) feel better.
I am really a wimp and not a risk taker. If I could get back to some kind of normal, you can too!
Folks here, and the medical people, and other cancer survivors would tell me: "You can do it!" "It will get better." They were right. Lynn
I think we all need to cry at times. It cleanses the soul!
Good luck to all of you!0 -
Sorry it's taken so long for me to replycathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
6 sessions may be all you need. Go for it. I needed more and the therapist I wanted to see was not covered by insurance. My tiny local hospital has a scholarship fund to help people like me, and they have granted me two scholarships of $500 each, enabling me to have 20 sessions of therapy. I pay a $20.00 copay, which is what I would pay if my insurance would cover the cost of service. So don't be afraid to ask your onc docs, social workers, etc. if you need help. I was afraid that I might be taking money from someone who might need it more, but I was assured that I was just the sort of person that the money was set aside for. Lynn0 -
That is good that you got tolynn1950 said:Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply
6 sessions may be all you need. Go for it. I needed more and the therapist I wanted to see was not covered by insurance. My tiny local hospital has a scholarship fund to help people like me, and they have granted me two scholarships of $500 each, enabling me to have 20 sessions of therapy. I pay a $20.00 copay, which is what I would pay if my insurance would cover the cost of service. So don't be afraid to ask your onc docs, social workers, etc. if you need help. I was afraid that I might be taking money from someone who might need it more, but I was assured that I was just the sort of person that the money was set aside for. Lynn
That is good that you got to use that Lynn. That is the case in a lot of hospitals, and, patients don't know until they ask. I wish the oncologist's would just tell us right up front. Glad you could use it!0 -
Haven't heard from youcathlinberreth01 said:wow
Lynn,
I don't know how you managed NOT to cry. You must be a rock! But it sounds like you did need to cry after all, so I am glad you are doing so now.
Thanks for your picture of reality in regards to the pain of the bilateral. I like your perspective on that the pain is part of the healing and recovery. That is a better way of looking at it.
I am thinking of looking up a therapist through my employer's EAP but it is only 6 sessions.
I am waiting until I get PET scan results and if it is more bad news than I will use them.
I guess things will have to get worse before they get better with the major surgery coming up. But I can do it, right?
Haven't heard from you cathlinberreth. Hope everything is ok! Post when you can!
Lex0 -
PET SCAN results and first chemoKristin N said:Yes, let us know how the PET
Yes, let us know how the PET scan goes.
I got my PET scan results and everything looks good! Thank you ALL for your comments and support! I am stage 2B IDC, moderately aggressive, H2NU+, hormone negative. It is SUCH a relief to know staging so that you can mentally adjust and sigh.
I had my first chemotherapy on Tuesday and have been assessing how I will be doing so I can know how it will affect my job peformance. I worked 6 hours the day after and the day after that but was out on the third day.
My current problem is my biopsy site for my lymph nodes (left armpit) was swollen with accumulated lymph fluid and they drained it on Tuesday. They took 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fluid out. ICKY. Unfortunately it is swollen up AGAIN and I will have to travel 2 hours to have it drained AGAIN. My surgeon doesn't want any other doctors touching it because she knows what was taken out, etc. Has anyone else had this problem and will it resolve itself?
My armpit is swollen out like I have a chicken egg under my skin and it HURTS. So I have been taking Percocet which makes me nauseous. I can't tell how much nauseau and fatigue are from the pain meds or the chemo. Either way I keep taking anti-nausea medication. Zofran doesn't really do anything for me, so when it is bad I have to take that Compazine which KNOCKS ME OUT!
Besides nausea and fatigue, I have some sore throat and mouth pain which the Percocet kills easily. That is it.
OH! Embarrassing! I had been sick from my Percocet when I went in for chemo and had already thrown up that morning. However I had been feeling better and had some lunch while I was receiving my first Herceptin infusion. So lunch is finished and my chest and back felt odd-I can't explain it-but then I started shaking and the nausea hit HARD. I still had a throw up bucket they had given me and there I was in the chemo room with my head in that bucket RALPHING up my lunch in front of everyone. SOOOO Embarrassing! They finally gave me some IV antinausea meds and I was out for over an hour after that! Any other infusion reactions?0 -
A big CONGRATULATIONS oncathlinberreth01 said:PET SCAN results and first chemo
I got my PET scan results and everything looks good! Thank you ALL for your comments and support! I am stage 2B IDC, moderately aggressive, H2NU+, hormone negative. It is SUCH a relief to know staging so that you can mentally adjust and sigh.
I had my first chemotherapy on Tuesday and have been assessing how I will be doing so I can know how it will affect my job peformance. I worked 6 hours the day after and the day after that but was out on the third day.
My current problem is my biopsy site for my lymph nodes (left armpit) was swollen with accumulated lymph fluid and they drained it on Tuesday. They took 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fluid out. ICKY. Unfortunately it is swollen up AGAIN and I will have to travel 2 hours to have it drained AGAIN. My surgeon doesn't want any other doctors touching it because she knows what was taken out, etc. Has anyone else had this problem and will it resolve itself?
My armpit is swollen out like I have a chicken egg under my skin and it HURTS. So I have been taking Percocet which makes me nauseous. I can't tell how much nauseau and fatigue are from the pain meds or the chemo. Either way I keep taking anti-nausea medication. Zofran doesn't really do anything for me, so when it is bad I have to take that Compazine which KNOCKS ME OUT!
Besides nausea and fatigue, I have some sore throat and mouth pain which the Percocet kills easily. That is it.
OH! Embarrassing! I had been sick from my Percocet when I went in for chemo and had already thrown up that morning. However I had been feeling better and had some lunch while I was receiving my first Herceptin infusion. So lunch is finished and my chest and back felt odd-I can't explain it-but then I started shaking and the nausea hit HARD. I still had a throw up bucket they had given me and there I was in the chemo room with my head in that bucket RALPHING up my lunch in front of everyone. SOOOO Embarrassing! They finally gave me some IV antinausea meds and I was out for over an hour after that! Any other infusion reactions?
A big CONGRATULATIONS on your PET scan! So happy for you!
Hugs, Lex0 -
don't know what your chemo drugs arecathlinberreth01 said:PET SCAN results and first chemo
I got my PET scan results and everything looks good! Thank you ALL for your comments and support! I am stage 2B IDC, moderately aggressive, H2NU+, hormone negative. It is SUCH a relief to know staging so that you can mentally adjust and sigh.
I had my first chemotherapy on Tuesday and have been assessing how I will be doing so I can know how it will affect my job peformance. I worked 6 hours the day after and the day after that but was out on the third day.
My current problem is my biopsy site for my lymph nodes (left armpit) was swollen with accumulated lymph fluid and they drained it on Tuesday. They took 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fluid out. ICKY. Unfortunately it is swollen up AGAIN and I will have to travel 2 hours to have it drained AGAIN. My surgeon doesn't want any other doctors touching it because she knows what was taken out, etc. Has anyone else had this problem and will it resolve itself?
My armpit is swollen out like I have a chicken egg under my skin and it HURTS. So I have been taking Percocet which makes me nauseous. I can't tell how much nauseau and fatigue are from the pain meds or the chemo. Either way I keep taking anti-nausea medication. Zofran doesn't really do anything for me, so when it is bad I have to take that Compazine which KNOCKS ME OUT!
Besides nausea and fatigue, I have some sore throat and mouth pain which the Percocet kills easily. That is it.
OH! Embarrassing! I had been sick from my Percocet when I went in for chemo and had already thrown up that morning. However I had been feeling better and had some lunch while I was receiving my first Herceptin infusion. So lunch is finished and my chest and back felt odd-I can't explain it-but then I started shaking and the nausea hit HARD. I still had a throw up bucket they had given me and there I was in the chemo room with my head in that bucket RALPHING up my lunch in front of everyone. SOOOO Embarrassing! They finally gave me some IV antinausea meds and I was out for over an hour after that! Any other infusion reactions?
Did they give you Emend? That and Ativan kept my nausea under control. You don't say what your chemo cocktail is made up of. I had adriamycin and cytoxin first, but since you can't have the adriamycin, what is it replaced with? I'm H2Nu2 negative, so no Herceptin for me. I slept through the taxol part of treatment because I am sensitive to benadryl. The nurses would laugh when I predictably would start to nod off.
I know about the travelling. My surgeon was 2 1/4 hours away (barring rush hour traffic). So is my lymphedema specialist. Not fun.
Like I and others have said ...you can do this. Best wishes to you and your family. Lynn0 -
So sorry that you are havingcathlinberreth01 said:PET SCAN results and first chemo
I got my PET scan results and everything looks good! Thank you ALL for your comments and support! I am stage 2B IDC, moderately aggressive, H2NU+, hormone negative. It is SUCH a relief to know staging so that you can mentally adjust and sigh.
I had my first chemotherapy on Tuesday and have been assessing how I will be doing so I can know how it will affect my job peformance. I worked 6 hours the day after and the day after that but was out on the third day.
My current problem is my biopsy site for my lymph nodes (left armpit) was swollen with accumulated lymph fluid and they drained it on Tuesday. They took 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fluid out. ICKY. Unfortunately it is swollen up AGAIN and I will have to travel 2 hours to have it drained AGAIN. My surgeon doesn't want any other doctors touching it because she knows what was taken out, etc. Has anyone else had this problem and will it resolve itself?
My armpit is swollen out like I have a chicken egg under my skin and it HURTS. So I have been taking Percocet which makes me nauseous. I can't tell how much nauseau and fatigue are from the pain meds or the chemo. Either way I keep taking anti-nausea medication. Zofran doesn't really do anything for me, so when it is bad I have to take that Compazine which KNOCKS ME OUT!
Besides nausea and fatigue, I have some sore throat and mouth pain which the Percocet kills easily. That is it.
OH! Embarrassing! I had been sick from my Percocet when I went in for chemo and had already thrown up that morning. However I had been feeling better and had some lunch while I was receiving my first Herceptin infusion. So lunch is finished and my chest and back felt odd-I can't explain it-but then I started shaking and the nausea hit HARD. I still had a throw up bucket they had given me and there I was in the chemo room with my head in that bucket RALPHING up my lunch in front of everyone. SOOOO Embarrassing! They finally gave me some IV antinausea meds and I was out for over an hour after that! Any other infusion reactions?
So sorry that you are having such a bad time with chemo. Just be sure and let your oncologist know this.
Good luck!0
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