If you are not Stage IV but have questions, you may post here
Comments
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Papillon, just echoing what Chrissy and Barsco have said. No pain is a blessing! And taking each moment as it comes is truly the key on this journey. We cannot change the past, we cannot know the future, but we have THIS moment. And if we can find love in this moment, it is enough. Beauty, peace, joy, gratitude - those are also blessings that we can hope for each moment, but sometimes there is only love, and that is enough. May you find peace and love in each moment today.
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Hi Ladies, just got a quick question which I know doesn't really fit here - but not sure where else to post it and I know there are lots who read these posts.
My son is 14 and has had a hard sore lump under his right nipple for 4 or 5 months now. He's mentioned it a few times and I've always just past if off as hormonal changes as he has certainly shot up in height and his voice has changed during that period of time. He complained about it again today and when I had a look the lump is bigger and his nipple is quite red and hard as well, and it is quite noticable that it is different to the left side.
I'm pretty certain that at his age it couldn't be anything bad - but as usual that c word pops up in the back of my mind.
Have any other mums had anything similar as their boys have been going through puberty?
Thanks, Julie.0 -
Hi Julie........I had one son and I have four grandsons all have gone through puberty without anything like what you are describing. Yes it could be hormonal, it is also possible that it's a cyst but if he is complaining about it and it is really as noticeable as you say I think it's a good idea to have the doc look at it.
It's better to be safe than sorry and I have found that boys only mention things that are really, really bothering them otherwise they just seem to pass it off. Good luck and please let us know the outcome.
Love n hugs. Chrissy0 -
Thanks Chrissy, I've got him booked in at the docs next Friday as he's got some moles I want to get looked at - so I'll get it checked out for sure and let you know what they say. The doctors at our medical centre seem to turn over a lot & unfortunately the one I'd had all my life has retired and there are a lot of training doctors. Do you think I would be sounding unreasonable if I insisted on an ultrasound?0 -
Julie, it is obvious that there is something there so I would definitely ask for an US and FNA, that way you will know exactly with what you are dealing.
It really is a pain when the practices have a volume of docs going through.......hopefully the one you get will give you the info and aid that you need.
Love n hugs. Chrissy0 -
hi,all. I have what I believe is a swollen lymph node just above the inside of my elbow. It is big,hard,non movable as far as I can tell. This is the opposite arm of breast ca arm.
I first noticed it Jan 2012 when I was doing chemo. Came home my port was bothering me,felt this pain in my jaw area, went down my neck,down my arm ended at my elbow. I looked and there was this huge bump,it hurt bad. I went to the ER cause I thought I had a blood clot. They said no,we want check your heart-it was fine. They had no idea what the bump was or is!
Since then I have showed it to several drs,primary,MO,sub MO,mo's phys asst,you name it,I've showed it. They all feel it,say huh that's strange. Don't know what it is?
It is not painful anymore after the first few days,on occasion it will flare up,and it gets a little bigger -growing pains,I guess:))
Anyhow,today while getting prepped for cat scan,3 different people tried to get the IV in and couldn't .i showed them the swelling/lump/bump,too. They felt it,all said HUH!! They called in the picc team with an ultrasound,I was like hey,can you see what it is,she said I'm only trained to locate veins. Then says my god,no wonder you couldn't get it,the vein is1cm deep! I said yea because the dang lump lol ,that no one knows what it is. She said well there might be fluid and I can tell you your body has lymph nodes there.
Sorry,for such a long post,my thinking is when I go back to the MO to let her know I want it checked out,maybe a fnb. Does anyone else have any thoughts on my situation.0 -
Hi Belleeast.....wow! That sure is a long time for you to have had this lump/bump and nobody has suggested an US and FNA to find out exactly what it is! It does sound like it is beginning to interfere with the anatomy of your arm and access to a vein so if it were me, I would be insisting on finding out what it is.
It is possible that it is a cyst but I would still want to know. I sure do hope that you get some satisfaction when you next see your doc. Good luck!
Love n hugs. Chrissy0 -
First, I wanted to just say thank you for this thread really do appreciate it.
I'm about a year and a half from diagnosis and finished treatment (other than tamoxifin) last february. About three days ago I started having a small pain in my armpit & if I hold my arm a certain way I can feel a lumpish thing there. It's right near the scar from my ALND - so it could just be scar tissue, but my mind wanders to recurrence. The thing is, I just saw my onc three weeks ago & he of course felt under there. I hate to be one of those people who calls their office about every little thing, but at the same time, I don't want to overlook something I should get checked out. Should I just wait a week or so & see if it resolves itself - heck, I could just be imagining it for all I know. Any thoughts?0 -
hey ziggypop. i was wondering the same thing about myself, so i am really not the one to answer. iseem to have lumps lately that were not there before, but mine are nowhere near scars. and they are painful, and do not seem to move. so i have my next mammmo and see BS in the middle of january. i am trying to wait till then, and keep calm. i am pretty sure i have a seroma that still hasnt resolved after all this time, and am hoping that this time that they will drain it. causes this insane itching everyday too. so i hope someone will come here and answer our questions soon! with thanks0 -
I m not stage 4 yet. But it s likely I ll join you later...
After my surgery and before the treatment, I had a ct scan showing no sign of spreading.
During my chemo, the 5th round, I was in hospital because of cough, fever and out of breath. The ct scan showed I had a chest infection.
3 months later after I finished the treatment, the ct scan still showed a spot in my lung. But the doc said it was probably from the last chest infection, not concerned.
Last week, I had a ct scan again. This time the radiologist is concerned. The spot is still there and its surrounding is changed a bit as well. My oncologist mentioned it was probably because of the radiotherapy. He also refers my case to a chest specialist, who is not concerned AT THIS STAGE.
But my oncologist does mention he will keep a close look on me, and give that spot a few more months and then seeits develop. He also mentioned that spreading to the lung is common in bc' case.
And I m waiting now...
In less than half a year after the treatment, I am back to the starting point, this time worse. The anxiety can eat me alive!
I ve been back to work for 2 months. Just 3 weeks ago I restarted my jogging, same time I stopped the hot flash and night sweat. I try very hard to get my life back to normal but it seems this c word will never ever leave me alone, even for a little while!
Today is my 36th birthday. I feel nothing but trapped to a body I hate so much!0 -
Emma
I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I too have a lung nodule and know how scary and difficult these incidental findings are. I have had a few scares now, all benign so far including a nodule on my thyroid and a cyst on my spine. Lung nodules are very common and can show up at any time especially after a chest infection. Also radiation can make them change. My radiology oncologist told me that. I have met several women with lung nodules and they were not mets. I know it is difficult to always be dealing with the stress of this. I almost drove myself to the point of despair over my nodule but as mine did not show any change after chemo I am having another scan in a year. I am sure everything will turn out for the best for you!
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Emma, you are not alone. I was dx with a likely recurrence that is a much later stage than I was originally. Please hang in there; consider getting support from a support group that includes women with late stage. You are right this isn't your former body but it can be a body that helps you fight cancer. Please know that many have similar early recurrence conditions and are young like you. Your life isn't over. Really. V0 -
Happy birthday, Emma! Thinking of you.
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Hi Ziggypop, I know it's hard not to let your mind take you to what you fear most but take a deep breath and try to relax a little. What you are feeling could indeed be scar tissue and if your onc felt in that area just a few weeks ago and was unconcerned I think you will find it's nothing to worry about. Having said that, if, in a couple of weeks it is still bothering you I would make that call and get it checked out for your own peace of mind. Good luck!
Kathec sorry to hear that you are feeling something similar although not near your scar. Being somewhat distant from your scar would indicate something else altogether. It could be a seroma but it could also be something called a Lypoma which is a lump in the fatty tissue and totally benign. What made me think of that is the itching that you mentioned. Lympomas can be sore and very itchy but they don't cause a real problem. As always, rather than conjecture about what it may be, if it is really bothering you go to the professionals and get it properly check out.
Emma, Happy Birthday! I know right now you are not feeling like celebrating but you will in time realize that each birthday is a time for celebration. That lump/nodule in your lung could be a result of your chest infection and the changes in the surrounding tissue due to the rads. Please don't worry too much about it right now as having 'something' in the lung is quite common and most of the 'somethings' are benign. I have had a 'something' in my lung for ten years now and it shows up on every scan.........it is being 'watched'.
Try to let go but always remember that you will need to be vigilant with your health but it is possible to get back and lead that 'normal' life you desire.
Love n hugs to all of you. Chrissy0 -
Chrissy
I would just like to say that you are so kind and supportive and we are very lucky to have you on these boards!!!0 -
Thankyou Shoppygirl.0 -
Chrissyb,I have to second what so many others have said-Thank You so much for starting this thread and answering our questions about our concerns and fears.
On my issue the tech actually said there might be a little fluid but there are lymph nodes there just like under your armpit. I kinda felt dumb not knowing that after all this time. Lol
I am going to insist on an ultrasound and find out just what it is. I'll keep you all updated on what I find out.
Again,thank you to you and the rest of the Stage IV sisters who so patiently and kindly help us with our concerns. (((Hugs)))0 -
Chrissy, Thanks for your response, I'm going to go eat some pie now (relaxation food). I don't tend to be a worrier and my MO usually yells (in a friendly way) at me for not calling when I should have so I'm glad to have conformation that I don't need to right now. Once again, thank you for this thread and your calm and reassuring wisdom.
Kathec - Hope that what you have going on is one of those nothing things (or at least nothing comparatively). Would you PM me please when you find out? In the meantime, I will work on not worrying too much with you. ; )0 -
Yes ziggypop. i will let you know. my le therapist that i went to finally again, i can only see her so many times per year, sid she thinks seroma. but right now, i am thinking crissyb is right. i am going to go look that up, never even heard of it! who knew so many things could be going on in our bodies. and actually, when you think of it it is pretty amazing that so many things go RIGHT in our bodies! Thank you CHRISSYB!!!0 -
to shoppygirl:
after i ve got this cancer from absolutely nowhere, i do not feel soooo shocked of anything else. i know my situation and my prediction is not good anyway.
it is this uncertainty that torture me so much. thank you very much. How kind of you！
to HVV:
i used to like my body. i can walk fast, run fast, swim fast...except the flying part. This is actually the first time in my mind that I separate me from my body.
Thank you very much. It is good to know i am not alone!
to Racy:
thanks!
to Chrissyb:
thank you for your sweet words!
I understand what you say. I am just lack of motivations to do anything, to plan anything, even for my son. He is 4 now. but when he wants me to feed him, i will do it; when he wants more sweet and chocolate, i will give him...a lot! i know i should not catastrophize my situation, but it is so hard not to.
is that your kid with you in the pic? he looks gorgeous.0 -
Emma, for the sake of your little son please don't give up on yourself............it is important that you focus not just on your sons physical well being but his mental well being also. All the things you do or do not do will make an impression on him and he will remember.........I'm sure you want the best for him as all mothers do for their children and right now the best for him is to see you engaged in life.
The little munchkin in my avatar is my beautiful niece.........that photo was taken when she was just eight months old and she is now three........how the time flies!
I'm hoping for you that the 'something' is indeed benign.
Love n hugs. Chrissy0 -
I'd like to reassure people worried about becoming Stage IV, that there still can be life after that dx. Yes, it is much different from before but it can exist.
Now to address people who have some problem such as a lump here or pain there. If you're concerned your doctor NEEDS to be respectful and responsive. You have the right to appropriate medical care. No one should have to worry about something if a test can be done to help resolve the situation. It seems to always be about the money...who is going to pay for it. Or doctors blow us off thinking we're just being over sensitive. Hey after cancer if anyone deserves to be sensitive about their bodies, we do. Please try not to let your medical team blow you off. They might perceive it as unnecessary but just for the emotional relief it should be done. If you can't sleep they prescribe sleeping aides but if you're not sleeping because of worrying about a lump why not investigate it and solve the problem. They need to get to the root of the problem.0 -
aaoaao, I wonder, why is there no like button for posts like yours?0 -
Thanks Chanah. I'd go to my doctor and tell him/her..."It might be nothing and I might be worrying for nothing but I AM worrying. The only way to relieve my fear is to have it biopsied, scanned, whatever needs to be done." If your doctor still blows you off I'd consider finding a new one. Some doctors want to prescribe drugs to treat our "mental" disorders while ignoring the cause of what's behind these issues. Again..if I'm not sleeping because I have a lump in my arm, don't just give me drugs, find out WHY I have a lump in my arm. Don't get me wrong because drugs for sleep and anxiety are sometimes necessary to get us through our days. I readily admit I'm bipolar and take meds for it. I denied it for many years due to being embarrassed and in denial. I just think that it helps if doctors try to help resolve issues than CAN be resolved. I don't believe that most doctors don't care, I just don't think they sometimes don't understand how much we are really worried. So that is why I'd advise stating it clearly to them...I want to do something because I NEED to. If they still can't understand, then they're an insensitive clod and a new doctor is in order.0 -
Thank you aaoaao! you have a wonderful way of putting things, been seeing you here and there. at my tx center, it seems i have always been having to fight them everystep of the way, and when they do do a (i sed do do!!!) test, it usually nothing. they do have me down as generalized anziety disorder tho cause, the year before i was dxed, i was end of life care giver for my friend who was dxed sage 4 lung cancer, and lived very well for 10 years. and when i was going through radiation, my friend lois passed from stage 4 BC, after 30 years of living well after first dx. so i was never afraid of them, or their death, and would let them lead conversations, till i really knew them well, and they were my 2 beautiful good women, and i miss them terribly. so why did not the drs think my anxiety may have had something to do with the fact i lost my two caring friends, and also, bc. situational more than generalized, i would think. so i am afraid they just think i cry wolf...too many times of nothing. but i swear they always denied lymphedema, said oh thats not too bad, and then got mad at me for missing pt appts during chemo! it did hit me hard. and then my ribcage has hurt every single day since surgury, am reeeeally tired of that, and various other places. thanks for letting me vent. i would go somewhere else, but the effort involved seems enormous.0 -
hello. I need counsel. I'm in the grey area between 3c and 4 and finished chemo today. I was sure that I'd have surgery but in reviewing some of the news out of the San Antonio conference it seems that dome studies day surgery for late stage metastatic disease may spread the disease or doesn't lengthen lifespan Or is correlated with shortened lifespan. I need help. I don't know what to do and want to know what is the norm for stage 4 and stage 3 women in terms of surgery. Please weigh in0 -
HVV, I was also sort of in-between stages, and had surgery but wish I didn't because I have had multiple complications from it, including lymphedema and chronic pain from cut nerves, and have had 3 recurrences and now mets. However, some people believe that removing as much tumor as possible is good, even for stage IV. I don't trust the statistics at all - they are based on large numbers of women and have absolutely NO predictive value for a single individual; for a single individual the chances of surgery helping is either 100% or 0%, but out of 100 women who have surgery, there is a certain percentage that are helped, a certain percentage that are harmed, and a certain percentage that are neither helped nor harmed. You need to have a very good discussion with your onc team, and you need to be able to trust them to guide you in the best direction FOR YOU and YOUR VALUES, not necessarily based on statistics. Sending you my best wishes for clarification and caring and expert guidance.
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Thank you Linda. I had a great meeting with my 2nd opinion surgeon and will be moving forward. She and I have a similar world view and so after the good news that ACT RESOLVED all know areas of concern I am heading into surgery in mid January. Thank you all for your counsel. V0 -
My friend was just diagnosed with stage 4 breastcancer that has spread to the liver and bones. What treatments is recommended?
Shes 37 years old0 -
My friend was just diagnosed 3weeks ago with stage 4 breastcancer that has spread to the liver and bones. What treatments is recommended?
Shes 37 years old and she was diagnosed couple days after she gave birth.0
