fearing everyday symptoms are secondary cancer, help!

[loulou40]

Hi Gilly, thanks for your comments. I think I have managed to talk myself into not being so delusional now and just gonna ride the chemo wave, however bumpy it might get, its a means to getting the little critters out and keeping them out 🙂 Im havimg the odd sight blurr and pressure head every now and again but pretty good going so far, been shopping and visiting today, 3 days after my 1st blast so mustn't grumble! Great news that your fighting fit and all clear, all the best, Lou xx

[Butterfly318]

Evening Loulou

It is really difficult not to let our imagination run riot.  We have had a big shock.  Nobody in my family have had breast cancer, i was very shocked to have missed my lump until it was a 6.5cm grade 2 idc..... How did i miss that.  (i always thought i was pretty sharp).

I am now 2.1/2 years on from diagnosis and completed 6 x FecT October 2012 - End Feb 2013  Have had 2 years Mammogram / untrasound and all good, NED.  However my imagination still runs riot. 

Looking back it was things like loss of hearing, confusion (Chemo Brain), poor sight etc during Chemo that worried me..... It can affect muscles and my optician said the deterioration in my vision would improve.  He was right it is back to how it was before Chemo.  I still have mouth ulcers / inflammed nasal passages from time to time.

Try to avoid infection whilst on the Chemo and use everything prescribed, mouth wash, cream for inside you nose and take good care of yourself, resting when you need to.  I won't tell you not to worry.

Take Care  Gilly x   

[loulou40]

Thanks Somerset, thats what I keep telling myself and know its right but you cant help but worry sometimes, its like your brain wont think straight! x

Cass, I wanted the nutri bullet but sooo expensive so went for a Phillips one for £80, still really good but leaves a bit of moisture in the pulp.  Just love my juicing and makes me feel like Im doing something to fight back x

[somerset]

Yes it is very hard to dismiss aches and pains which you would not have thought twice about in the past!  In case it helps Loulou you may find chemo does make your sinuses worse - I already had hay fever/sinus problems but the chemo (AC in my case) made it worse. I was told this was 'normal' as the chemo upsets the mucous membranes - still irritating but better than thinking it was something worse. I used cold cap as well and funnily enough that did not seem to make much difference to the sinuses.

[cass79]

Nutri Bullet! Xx

[cass79]

Yes I've got a multi-bullet so can make sure I get plenty of vitamins. I was so sure I'd feel awful and I don't really. I'm 20 weeks pregnant so baby due in September. After that I must admit I'll be ready for a glass of wine! I'm having 3 EC before baby and then 3 Tax after, along with Herceptin for 15 months. I'm obviously gutted I have to have chemotherapy with a new born (I've heard the Tax can be pretty bad) but I'm just happy to be doing something to kill this thing 🙂 I think that because there's been a few secondary cases in the media recently involving younger women it's hard not to worry. Xx

[loulou40]

Hi Cass,

I havent had an MRI as my tumour was only 1cm and no lymphs affected so going straight for preventative treatment of 6 x FEC chemo and radio with a year of Herceptin to follow. So they are not concerned with secondary but it doesnt stop your mind from messing with you! I have even been to my GP twice who has confirmed a blockage in my middle ear due to sinuses and to steam, sudafed etc, just seems to be getting worse after my first chemo but suppose the drugs used give you congestion along with my mind running away with me! Fairly surprised so far that apart from a cloudy head and a bit of fatigue here and there I am fighting fit so far! I bought a juicer and have been juicing ever since diagnosis, overdosing on the stuff so hoping that is helping with my immunity along with 3 greens stir frys every night. Ive never eaten so healthy (or been so alcohol free!) When is your baby due? xx

[cass79]

Hi LouLou. I've also had some worries abound secondaries. My cancer was grade 3, 4cm and a new tumour growing was also found during WLE. I also had one node positive. I've had congestion and headaches, which my onc says is because I'm pregnant. Now I'm getting hip and knee pain which is also just pregnancy symptoms I bet but it's hard not to let your mind wander. I'll be having an mri scan after my baby is born, will you have one? I started chemotherapy yesterday and so far ok too 🙂 xx

[loulou40]

Hi All,

I have just started my first sesh of FEC on Friday 8th May.  Feeling okay so far, even stretched to go out for lunch yesterday.  Apart from a little nausea and fuzzy head, all going well so far.  Gagging for my Sunday afternoon glass of chardonnay but otherwise good 🐵 

The only problem that I have had since diagnosis are my sinuses and blocked ears which I have partly put down to stress although my GP has had a look at my ears and said my middle ear/sinuses are congested, they seem to be getting worse even after a dose of Amoxocillin. I have always had sinus problems but it has never affected my ears and since chemo they seem to be getting worse!

I told my Oncologist about this before my chemo started and he didnt seem to concerned (I even convinced myself that the cancer was in my brain, which has terrified me over the last weeeks) even though my lymphs were clear and had a great outcome from my lumpectomy (which was only 10mm cancer, 15mm clear) so my treatment is more of a preventative measure.

I know I am just being silly, even reading symptoms of brain cancer etc wont put this fear out of my head.

How do you stop every ache and pain being a worry? Its driving me nuts! x