breast cancer?

Question

i have been in remission from breast cancer for 18 months, can anyone tell me if you ever forget about it, every time i look in the mirror i see it, i still have scaring from the radiation, i had all my lymph nodes removed with many being positive, i feel as though i am going insane as soon as i see something i run back to my dr thinking its come back, is it normal to be this jumpy and on edge? i also have a *spot* on my back, that i have had constant on going bone scans to keep a check on it but they wont tell me either yes or no, it gets me so angry

Answer 1

Hi. I just wanted to tell you that what you are feeling is totally normal. I am actually at Mayo Clinic right now for my 6 month check. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 and a half years ago, and I freak over everything. From a headache to a hangnail. Email me and we can talk more. Here are some of my stats...

*I was 29 yrs old when diagnosed and 8 months pregnant
*I had 3 tumors in my left breast, the biggest being 4 cm
*I have had both breasts removed and TRAM recon
*I did 3 months of AC chemo, 5 weeks of rads, 1 year of
Herceptin (Her2+), and I have 3 more years of Tamoxifen (er+)
*I am surviving cancer

Take care, know that all you are feeling and thinking is normal. Don't let people who have not gone through this tell you how you should feel and when you should feel it. They have no clue. Hopefully they never will.

Sue

Answer 2

Everytime you look in the mirror, instead of agonizing over the scarring and how it looks, think of it as "My life was spared and this is my reminder." You can never forget what you see everyday, but you can change your mind set about it. It is a small price to pay for the continuance of life.

As for going crazy over the "spot" do yourself a big favor & get copies of all of your tests. You have a right to those! My Aunt has recurrent bc & gets a copy of ALL of her tests, including her blood tests, PET scans, MRI's etc. You should do the same. She now has a spot on her sternum (breast bone). She did not have a bone scan, instead they detected the activity from a PET scan. Initially it showed up on an MRI. Doctor's don't always tell the entire story. They tend to leave things out because they don't think it is important enough or whatever at the time.

And yes, it is normal to be jumpy & on edge. Cancer has a way of looming over you. My husband died of cancer 7 years ago & boy did I have aches & pains here & there. I went to the doctor a lot....my problem....depression and of course anxiety from what we had been through. My 2 young daughters had their share of aches & pains as well. It is very tramatic in many ways. Don't ever feel bad for how you react.

Have you ever had a PET scan? I would suggest if you haven't, you should. A PET can show activity before other tests will show up. Also, are you taking any current medications for the cancer? I would like more information from you as to type of bc, staging, etc.

Answer 3

Hello! I am pleased 2 hear that you have been remission for 18 months. It must feel nice. I am currently fighting Breast Cancer. I just started chemo.

I don't think you will ever forget it. It is something has become a part of your life now and forever. I am not saything that it won't get easier, but it is a part of you.

Try writting an online journal with your feelings in it. Get some of the angery and scared thoughts out. It make help you get on with each day. You can get a free online Journal at Blogger.com

Feel free to look at mine. It's http://www.lovingpinkgal.blogspot.com

As for the spot. if they were really concerned at this time, I am sure they would be doing something.

Best of luck to you and Take Care!

Again, Congrats. on the 18 months.

~~ Pink Ribbons~~

Answer 4

I always thought everything in this area was either black or white as far as the answer I sought. I have lost faith in the medical profession because they will not commit to a firm yes or no it is not there. Frankly, I have grown to accept the fact that they are soaking my insurance and will not commit. Trust me if they were concerned there are tests that can confirm the existence of cancer and the doctors are insensitive to the grief they cause people. Go have a sonogram/mammogram every six months. If it shows reason for concern their professional commitment dictates that action is taken otherwise they can be sued. Good luck!

Answer 5

its down to your attitude im afraid,, you are going through a traumatic time and it sounds as if the doc is not helping by witholding info from you,, you have a right to know and on your next visit demand the answers you seek even if they might be negative as then at least you would be aware of whats going on..
my advice that i have gave over many years is that positive thinking works wonders,if you look at life in a positive fashion even although you have been delt some nasty cards you can still enjoy and have a positive effect on others,
without even knowing you i do know that50 years ago you would be dead already, so thats a positive is it not,its very difficult bur worrying only increases the chance of your body suffering more stress and therfore more illness, try your best to remain positive and good luck to you

Answer 6

you just have to keep your head up and be happy you are still a breathing, living being on this earth. You obviously wanted to survive if you opted to get the treatments, and you have to try and look past all that and see what life is really all about, like being all you can and doing all you can because it's too short and you never know when your time will be up. Even if this means getting help from a psychologist or antidepressants.

Answer 7

Awww ((HUGS))
I know what you mean. I had bc in 02, then again in 03..lumpectomy first time, double mast the 2nd time.
I am constantly worrying. A lot of people that had it, and are survivors longer than I (I am 3 yrs out, congrats to you!) say yes it gets better, but its alwasy back in their mind, especially right before their tests, I know I am!

A spot on your bacK? Well usually if my dr sees something , he tells me, then I get tested again when the time comes.
They should tell you if they are just watching or whatever.

You need to get answers from your doctor, and make sure he/she gives thme to you!

Negativity and worry don't help, I know. We can not make ourselves sick thinking of "what ifs"...just take it easy.
I have had spots, but they turned out to be nothing.

Yes its normal to worry, but dont' let it over take you.

Please take care.

YAY for all of us survivors........

I'll pray for you
God Bless

02
lumpectomy, 4 1/2 mos chemo, 6 week rads
03
double mastectomy, 6mos chemo, 7 weeks rads

Answer 8

i had breast cancer that spread to the lymp-nodes i had 2types of chemo 5 treatments of that and 33 radition treatments and 5years of tomox.{not sure of spelling} i don't worry about it i found a lump in the same area last year found out it was just more scar tissueforming. i didn't worry about that either. my faith in GOD keeps me worry free about it. GOD will not call me home until HE is ready. i suffer a lot of side effects from the chemo but hey i'm still hear spreading the WORD.i'm sure if the doctors knew something about the spot on our back needed further attention they will let you know. I pray GOD frees you of worry and that you enjoy the rest of your life. GOD bless you

Answer 9

God bless take care hope all turns out good for you.
Sorry i cant answer your question (as im a guy) but ill add you to my prayers tonight.

Answer 10

give up the number 1 cause of breast cancer dairy, yogurt and cheese http://www.notmilk.com then your body can begin to heal.