Topic: I'm in PAIN

Posted on: Oct 18, 2009 05:23 pm

Houston, TX
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 332

kirby wrote:

Well, the pain is on by my left back rib area. It started last Monday morning as a little twinge. I actually had an appointment with my oncologist the same day to get my first Zometa, but didn't mention it because it was very minor at the time. Every day since then it has gradually gotten worse and worse, like a hot poker stabing me. I was recently dx with bone and liver mets, but not in this area, could it have spread in 1 month? I have been taking aromosin for a little over a month.

They did tumor marker test at my appointment and was waiting to see the results of that before I got too concerned, but Friday I was told the lab failed to do this test, so won't know anything until Wednesday of this week. In the meantime I plan to call and see my oncologist tomorrow, but really getting concerned with this constant pain! Any ideas? freaking out... :(-

xoxo

Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Posts 1 - 24 (24 total)
Krystyna Joined: May 2009 Posts: 71	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 06:33 pm Krystyna wrote: Dear Kirby, You were the first one comforting me with my liver metastasis. I wish that I could do the same to you.Hopefully your oncologist will have an answer for you. Bone metastasis just in one month does not seem right... As you probably seen in my posts I also have one of my vertabrae half eaten by cancer and no pain.I have had a severe rib pain in January and there was nothing in my ribs.... All the best. Krystyna Diagnosis:12/18/2006, multifocal 2,5 cm, Grade 3, 3/21 nodes , ER+/PR+,HER2-
Fitztwins MI Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 8,174	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 06:36 pm Fitztwins wrote: It could be anything. I get a lot of pain like that from muscle strain (could be mets related). Rest, ice, heat, motrin, and use the 2 weeks rule. I had pain in that area, because I wasn't using my mouse (computer) right! Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain, with the rain of shambala Diagnosis: 12/12/2004, IDC, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 06:45 pm kirby wrote: Thanks ladies. I have a very high tolerance for pain and this is kicking my butt. Even took some old pain pills and using heat. Do you think maybe it is a cracked rib?? Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 06:52 pm konakat wrote: Maybe you should ask your onc to do an xray to see if you cracked your rib. My met in my lower spine occasionally send shooting pains up my spine or around the lower back muscle -- I'm told it is my muscles compensating for the met. It freaked me out the first time it happened to me. Perhaps that's what happening to your rib area -- the muscles adjusting to support your ribs. Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Reneepals New Haven, Ct Joined: May 2006 Posts: 1,331	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 06:56 pm Reneepals wrote: Kirby, I have the same problem. On my left side is were they found a met to my rib. It only get's bad with my Zometa infusion and with any change of weather. Femara almost has it gone, so don't fret to much........ What is kind of ironic, is that on my right side were there is no Mets, but arthritis, I also get pain there for the same reason and my mind goes into overdrive. I start thinking the worst, but like Janis said follow the two week rule and try not to stress. xoxoxoxoxoxo Renee
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 07:02 pm kirby wrote: All sounds logical. This pain is non relenting, constant, burning and feels sore to the touch, so that is what concerns me. Does bone met pain come and go? I have no idea! but will go see oncologist first thing tomorrow. xoxo Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 07:14 pm konakat wrote: My bone mets pain comes and goes. Mostly goes now that Zometa is doing it's job. Let us know what your onc says. Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
AnneW Boulder, CO Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,298	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 07:15 pm AnneW wrote: Maybe shingles?? That would be the lesser of all evils, but very painful before the rash breaks out. Anne 2002 IDC stage 1, grade 1, rads & AI Diagnosis: 9/18/2007, ILC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Reneepals New Haven, Ct Joined: May 2006 Posts: 1,331	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 07:29 pm Reneepals wrote: I do remember that "burning" feeling when dx'd with the bone met. I had mets to the rib, but the pain referred to right under my breast. But when I get the Zometa or weather changes it makes that feeling come back, but not as intense. Renee
Analemma Cleveland area, OH Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 09:09 pm Analemma wrote: Kirby, You are asking for ideas on what this might be, but we are not drs and you are going to see the oncologist tomorrow. S/he will order either and xray or a bone scan and you will know then if it's bone mets, and if it is, you will treat it. There's nothing to be gained by asking everybody what it might be, on the internet, based on your description, when you're going to the doctor tomorrow anyway. Be calm, nothing will change between now and tomorrow. Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2-
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 09:32 pm kirby wrote: I have bone mets and have been asymptomatic until now. I just wanted to know what type of pain is associated with bone mets. Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 18, 2009 09:46 pm konakat wrote: Yes, I understand wanting to know other people's experiences. It helps to get a head's up if it's been experienced before or if it's something kinda strange. For me, it's more the muscles than the actual bones that hurt. Good luck tomorrow and don't forget to let us know what's going on. I hope its a pulled muscle or something "easy" like that. Elizabeth xox Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Krystyna Joined: May 2009 Posts: 71	Log in to post a reply Oct 20, 2009 08:56 pm Krystyna wrote: Hello Kirby, I hope you had a chance to talk to your oncologist.Is your pain any better? I finally have seen my oncologist and my radiation oncologist today. Long and stressful afternoon.. Will have spot on my spine radiated(have to wait for it up to 2 weeks..) plus oral Clodronate. They also will get me into clinical studies(Aromasin plus RAD001 or just Aromasin if I will not get to the group getting RAD001) and are hoping that my liver lesions will respond to the treatment.If not, chemo will be next. So looks like we will be getting similar treatment. Hugs. Krystyna
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 20, 2009 09:12 pm konakat wrote: Any news Kirby? Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 20, 2009 10:08 pm kirby wrote: Ladies, I am better. My oncologist said the aromasin was not working, my tumor markers had doubled. He started me on Xeloda ( oral chemo) and I will get Avastin tomorrow. My pain is better and should lessen once the Xeloda kicks in. I wished the Aromasin would have worked, but at least have other options. Krystyna, I hope radiation helps your pain and the aromosin kicks the cancer out. Konakat hope you are having a good start of the week. Thanks for both of you checking on me! xoxo Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Fidelia Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 307	Log in to post a reply Oct 20, 2009 10:35 pm Fidelia wrote: Hi Kirby, Sad about the Aromasin not working - hope Xeloda and Avastin do the job. Was the pain associated with mets? Are you on Zometa? Also, I find that the great thing about this BB is that you CAN ask anyone about their experience and it really does help to try and understand what you are experiencing - I know it may seem strange to try and think things through for yourself by gathering information from others - but in my long experience with this disease - there is no better resource than fellow patients and doctors - while they do their best - are not always reliable - they have their good and bad days - as a patient - the more you know and the better your questions - the more likely I think you are not to get dismissed - and with this disease - when you have any kind of pain or fear you really need help FAST! Hope you continue to improve - please keep us posted - I watch for these posts as I sit at my desk in not always sunny Australia and know that I am not alone
Krystyna Joined: May 2009 Posts: 71	Log in to post a reply Oct 20, 2009 11:17 pm Krystyna wrote: Hi Kirby, I am so sorry that Aromasin did not work.Please let me know how the chemo works for you. I am worrying that sooner or later I will also end up with chemo. All the best. Krystyna
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 12:01 am, edited Oct 21, 2009 02:25 PM by konakat konakat wrote: Ooops -- one of those weird double posts... Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
konakat Ottawa, ON Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,341	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 12:01 am konakat wrote: Hi Kirby -- I'm so sorry about the TMs. I hope Xeloda does the trick. A month ago or so I remember Mason being really sick and she started a Xeloda/Tykerb combo and it was amazing the quick response she had. I hope you get the same quick results too. Hugs, Elizabeth Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream. Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Monique42 Wpg Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 126	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 12:53 am Monique42 wrote: Hi Kirby, The aromasin didn't work for me either. I have liver and bone mets and I'm going for scans tommorrow. I won't be surprise if my tumour markers also double. I use to be on Aromasin 3 yrs ago, but not compliant- I was stage 2 then. Onc and me decided to try it again. I started to have major side effects but thought it may take a while to go into my system. I too had severe back pain -(felt like sciatica), liver swelling, loss of appetite. neuropathy in fingers & toes. Different bowel movments- Sounded Like what they call a " sluggish liver" . I feel so depressed right now. I hope that the Xeloda and Avastin- kicks a$$ for you. I don't go on the board that often as I work full-time nights, but I will check in to see how your doing sweetie. Monique Monique Diagnosis: 6/17/2008, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 1/4 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 09:19 am kirby wrote: Yes, according my my oncologist my pain was from the bone mets. Never had pain like that before. Still some pain, buch much much less intense. So far after taking Xeloda yesterday and this morning I am feeling ok. Researching all the side effects :)- Going for my avastin infusion today and for CT scan tomorrow. I guess this is my new full time job. I also got zometa last week and assuming I will continue once a month. xoxo Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
joaniji chicago, il Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 387	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 01:42 pm joaniji wrote: Hi Kirby, I am so sorry to hear that you are in intense pain and that the Aromasin failed you. What is the matter with that darn drug!! I was just wondering if you had an xray or bone scan to determine why you were in pain in a new area. Just to let you know, I have experienced similar pain and an xray showed that I had two broken ribs due to cancer. It does take ribs a long time to heal (so I hope that your's aren't broken) but you will feel better once the Zometa kicks in. Wishing you improvement and comfort. Don't hesitate to continue to check things out on this forum, if the answers help you ask more questions of your docs then great!! joani Diagnosis: 1/1/2009, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2-
kirby Houston, TX Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 06:07 pm kirby wrote: Joani, My oncologist just told me the pain would get better once the Xeloda started working. I thought it might be a cracked rib, but he wasn't hearing that. The pain has gotten better, still there, but much more tolerable. How long did it take for your rib to heal and the pain to subside? Going for CT scan for liver tomorrow so not sure if it would pick up if my rib was cracked. I guess if the pain doesn't improve with time I will get an xray. I had a Zometa infusion a week ago. Thanks for your input and hope things are going well for you. xoxo Diagnosis: 9/1/2009, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/7 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Krystyna Joined: May 2009 Posts: 71	Log in to post a reply Oct 21, 2009 06:33 pm Krystyna wrote: Hi Kirby, From what I know CT scan should be able to pick it up better than x-ray. Please keep posting, looks like we are in a very similar situation.I have a bone scan tomorrow to see if it will show my half eaten vertabrae. It was clean in February. It it will be clean again , they will not be using it for any follow up tests. Another CT next Wednesday to plan my radiation treatment...My leg started bothering me today, so I am not sure if it is coming from my spine....or my lovely DVT is back... All the best. Krystyna Diagnosis: 12/18/2006, multifocal 2,5 cm, Grade 3, 3/21 nodes, ER+,PR+,HER2-, currently dx with spine and liver mets.

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