Hello everyone, I’m just looking for info really from anyone who may have been in a similar situation.
I was diagnosed with tripple neg in Dec last year at 29. I had no lymph nodes involved. Had a lumpectomy, chemo, rads and this all finished mid July. For about 6 weeks now I’ve been having hip and back pain. I do suffer from this a bit due to lots of lifting in my job, but I’ve not had this type before. I have spoken to the nurse and they don’t think it’s anything to worry about so are just going to do bloods. Does anyone know how exactly anything would show up in the bloods, because I didn’t realise anything did. Surely then we could have routine blood tests to check everything is ok, as part of our aftercare? Although I had to have these bloods taken from my wrist as my veins are pants now.
This does seem a bit strange. there aren’t really any definitive routine bloods that tell us we’re okay which is why they don’t tend to do that. If you develop a specific problem they run more focused checks.
I’m at a bit of loss with this one though - is this through your GP or oncologist? Blood tests can be used as I’ve attached a link - if you scroll down you’ll see a section on blood tests:
Do you have your blood form and can you post the tests they are doing? If not ask the nurse what they’re checking - s/he probably won’t be able to say but knowing the type of test would be useful.
Hi Kells im no expert but iam an orthopaedic nurse aswell and they can tell alot of things and rule out simple things by doing a blood test 1st bloods can tell us if it is due to inflammation by checking the ESR in the blood and infection due to a raised WCC because you can also get backpain from kidney infections they also used to do a bloods for alkaline phosphate and a high level of this could also be an indication of something more sinister like bone malignancy ( although dont panick about this)low phospherous and calcium could also indicate bone thinning etc like osteoporosis ( if your on tamoxifen this can have an effect on your bones.But because you say in your job you do a lot of lifting and it is more likely due to wear and tear on the joints that has taken a bit more battering after your treatment . as i say im no expert but i hope this helps Julie xbut definately talk to your dr or oncologist.
Thank you so much for your reply. I only had a message left yesterday to drop in for blood this morning from my chemo nurse. I know they had 3 lots but that’s all I know. I am waiting for my nurse to ring me back so I can ask a few more questions. I really do appreciate your responses. I am sure it is just down to my job as I have had problems in the past which is why I waited quite a long time before mentioning it I’m not on Tamoxifen so at least that’s one thing ruled out. It’s just a bit hard to find the balance between being overly worried and then being complacent.
Thank you again, I will let you know what she says.
The chemo nurse will definitely know what the tests are about, please do let us know.
I understand what you’re saying. I had a back problem prior to all my surgery and treatment and having a double mastectomy has caused me a lot of shoulder problems. I’m constantly like you about every problem - should I let it go or should I get it checked. In the end if it causing worry I think better to get checked.