hello all,
I was wondering how all of you keep new aches and pains in perspective.I feel really paranoid if i go to docs or say anything to bc nurse.A couple of months ago i had ct scan as i had really bad neck,back and hip pain,especially neck.The ct scan revealed arthritis in my neck but also small liver lesions,too small to be of concern,to the docs but not me!!(my aunt died at age 41 of secondaries to her liver).I`m on painkillers now for my neck,(very painful 24/7) but for the last couple of weeks ive woken up with a headache evry day and in the last few days have felt nauseous and have had what i can only describe as mini blackouts,where for just a split second evrything goes black and i feel really sick and dizzy.I dont feel comfortable complaining to bc nurse ,i feel as tho im being paranoid,im hoping the headaches and dizziness is because of the constant neckpain.But my mum died of secondaries to the brain,albeit 22 yrs ago at the same age as i am now(51).It seems so difficult to dismiss anything as a minor ache and pain,will i always live in fear of it returning,does anyone else have the same fears,i would welcome your opinions,and i apologise very sincerely to those whose fears have become reality,and are now living with secondaries. 
Thanks Di.x
I would phone your bc nurse and get it checked out. Anything that goes on for more than a couple of weeks is always worth following up
Its always scary having these tests, but it’s better to know sooner rather than later, there are usually more treatment options if things are caught early.
Remember the chances are that it is something quite benign
Good luck
Melissa
Hi dib
As well as the support you receive here please do give the helpline a call and talk things through with one of the trained members of staff. Here you can share your fears with someone who will be able to offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
thanx melissa,think that after my next surgery in just under 2 wks i will ask for a scan to include head scan too and Sam i will ring the helpline and talk thru my fears with them,
thankyou
Di.x
Hi Di, i don’t think your paranoid, just worried.
Go to the doctor if that is what you would normaly do for all the pain.
There are other things that can go wrong as well as cancer.
Dont try to be brave - get it seen to - I wish I had listened to that advice 4 years ago.
I had a mini stroke that took most of the sight in my right eye. The damage could have been much less - but because of the cancer - I didnt want to bother the doctor for “just a head ach”.
Hope every thing turns out to be ok.
Glo
thanx glo,
i went to docs on friday,told him i was worried about spread to the brain,he did a few tests which involved me shutting my eyes,and then telling him what objects he had put in my hands.when i got them right he said well that should put your mind at rest,because that test requires 4 parts of the brain working at the same time which you wouldnt be able to do if there was anything wrong.I felt silly for having bothered him and felt as though i was being overanxious and paranoid.But it did seem a very primitive test and very childish.I am going to ask for an mri scan after surgery which is on the 18th.Glo,was your stroke a result of brain mets?How are doing now?
Love Di.x
HI Di,
Just to reassure you that your worries are quite normal. I had similar symptoms and was worried to death that I had brain mets. My onc was trying to tell me that it’s caused by my bone mets in my neck, but my constant pulsing headache wouldn’t let my mind rest.
He sent me for a neck MRI and discovered a partially collapsed C7. I was referred to a spine specialist for an op. During pre-op, the spine specialist arranged a brain MRI for me just to double check. On the day of the scan, they couldn’t put the dye in me because they couldn’t find my vein. I was still worried to death for fear they missed something on the scan because of no dye!!! It was only until after the spine op in my neck, my headache magically disappeared, was I convinced that my headache was caused by my neck rather than brain mets.
All the best with your surgery on the 18th. M xx
Thanx M, im hoping when i get some decent pain relief for my neckpain that it will stop the headaches,glad youve got the headaches sorted too,constant pain whatever the cause eventually wears you down.,
Di.x