I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after numerous CT, MRI and Bone scans I have just had a double mastectomy, one ANC and one SNB. They have said they don’t think the cancer has spread apart from the lymph nodes. About the same time I got all this news I started suffering from a funny head and sometimes a white noise headache. They put it down to high blood pressure and stress and anxiety which I do understand BUT the feeling of having a heavy hat on my head never goes. I’ve repeatedly tried to explain and they have put me on amitriptyline which doesn’t make any difference and pain killers don’t remove it either. I don’t know if I’m overthinking but have convinced myself it has spread to my brain. Any suggestions?
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You have been through such a lot and sadly I think most of us worry about recurrence and every ache and pain is a secondary. If you look on the Breast Cancer Now website it has a list of common symptoms to look out for. My Oncologist advises that if any of these symptoms last more than 6 weeks then she would investigate. Are you on any preventative treatment, Tamoxifen or Hormone blockers? They also have side effects. The BCN nurses might reply to your post with further advise and keep in touch with your medical team if these symptoms continue. The worry of recurrence is one of the worst after effects of (breast) cancer treatment. It should ease over time, although it never fully goes away. I recommend Macmillans counselling service which helped me. My very best wishes to you.
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Hi springer64
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Hello sorry to hear you are feeling so ill - what you describe is reminding me of how I felt when I had labyrinthitis in top of dizziness and loss of balance I had - vestibular migraines , white noise tinnitus and an odd sensation at the back of my head as though it wasn’t quite there. The more stressed I got my blood pressure went up and made it worse but it was there all the time whatever my blood pressure was doing . Obviously I can’t say what you have but what tends to happen is that after we have had cancer we get a new symptom and we automatically fear that that is what it is when it might be something less sinister . Amitryptylline can take up to a month to work so depending how long you’ve been on it it might be worth persevering . As has already been suggested counselling might help you as well. I have had it in the past when I have been trying to recover from a combination of physical problems and bereavement and It helped. Take care xx
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Thank you for replying, that actually all makes sense to me. It has been such an anxious time and I thought I was coping. I take on board what you have said and will look into counselling as this is just the beginning of the journey. Thanks again
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Hello springer64,
Thanks for posting.
It sounds as though this has been a difficult time but it is good that your CT, MRI and bone scans performed to exclude secondary breast cancer show no signs of spread.
It’s understandable that you are worried about what is causing the sensations in your head and white noise headaches you are experiencing. As @Galaq says our website includes information on the signs and symptoms of secondary brain cancer.
As @Galaq and @JoanneN say it is common to worry that all signs and symptoms relate to breast cancer when they can be present for lots of other reasons. Being diagnosed and undergoing treatment is a very stressful time and many people find that they feel anxious and worried. As both @Galaq and @JoanneN have said many people find talking therapies, such as counselling helpful.
Do speak to your breast care nurse or treatment team if you remain concerned about your symptoms, they will also be able to advise you on local talking therapy and support services.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Mandy
Breast Care Nurse
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