Help - Masses of symptoms, feeling s..t but no 2ndary diagnosis yet

I had breast cancer 4 years ago and have never believed myself to be really well ever since. Every few months I’ve had what turned out to be a false alarm. I’ve lost count of the number of times of said to my husband that the cancer is really back.

This time it really is back - since a week today these are some of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing - searing pain at one spot in my back, nausea, lost 3 llbs, burning feeling in all lymph glands, massive night sweats, loss of appetite, tiredness, more breathless if doing exertion. Complete sense that something is massively wrong with my body.

Been to the onc who examined me and couldn’t see anything wrong and said wait two weeks before we go scanning, been to gp who is keen to refer me to psycho therapist, been to casualty in desperation who said just wait and go back to see onc.

I don’t want the diagnosis to be official but part of me thinks have to get on and try some treatment before too late. Another small part of me thinks maybe I am total nutcase.

The way I am now convinced diagnosis in 1 week will show bone liver and lung mets.

Help - what should I do now. Shall I not wait one whole more week before going to onc?

Hi Susie,a heck of a lot of us never feel the same after treatment for breastcancer and a lot of us (including me) will often experience all sorts of symptoms that we put down to seccondaries.I’ve had bad pains around were my liver is and awful nausea for weeks on end which I eventually put down to irritable bowel (when I discovered that the medication for IBS really helped) Before that I was almost certain I had liver seccondaries! I’m just saying that its not inevitable that it’s spread.The way so many of us live are lives after a bc diagnosis it’s no wonder that we can end up with all sorts of symptoms that seem to be related to mets! Weight lose is a sign of liver mets but we’re talking about alot of weight,and very quickly.Rremember you can also lose weight just by worrying! Try to have faith in your doctor and give yourself a couple of weeks and see how you are feeling then - Hopefully a heck of a lot better! If some of the symptoms are still persisting then have them investigated.

Josie xx

Hi Susie

I am sorry to read that you are having such a worrying time, perhaps a call to one of our helpliners would help, they can offer you support and a ‘listening ear’ which may help you to cope with the coming week. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and tomorrow (Sat) the line is open 9am-2pm, weekdays 9am-5pm. I hope this is of some help to you Susie.

Take care
Lucy

Susie -

Have you had any bloods taken recently ? I think if your onc has taken bloods and examined you and then says wait two weeks then he probably thinks its ok to do that and wait, believe me if they think you have secondaries they jump on it as there is no point in waiting for a few more weeks.

All the symptoms you list - could be related to a bad case of flu as well. I would try to get alot of rest and see if that helps - and then make an appointment in a weeks time if you really still feel ill, I hope you feel better soon…
CathyX