What should I be looking for...
 

I received my diagnosis of triple positive on 8/20/2015, after finding an approximately 1.3cm lump on 6/6/2015. While I am patiently waiting for my surgery and then for chemo to start, what should I be looking for as far as symptoms of a spread? Anyone?

Today I have not felt well at all. Aches and pains in my arms, legs, lower back, and even in my lower belly, which is likely just my colon. I don't know if I'm getting a bug or something or if I should call the doctor.

Also, to top it off, last night I went to check in on my lump again. It was found upon my examination and then the mammogram confirmed it. It was found right on the breast wall, just above the nipple. Last night, I couldn't really find the lump as easily. It's like it moved, or got smaller, or something weird. I used all of the different positions, sitting, lying down, arm up, arm down. The lump has seemingly changed and I'm concerned because of my lack of knowledge. Did something leak out of it and it shrunk and now that is running through my body making me sick? I mean, what the heck??? Lol. This is just too weird.

Probably best to call the doctor, huh?

Any suggestions or experience would be fantastically awesome.

God Bless you all. This board is a beautiful thing, keeping me off of Google!

Thank you!
-Diane

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

Oh, and I have a fever of 99.9 right now. This may explain my aches and pains. Hopefully I'm just over-worrying. Ugggggg

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

I think we've all gone through similar things. Pre-diagnosis a sharp, stabbing, debilitating headache is just a bad headache, or a migraine. Post-diagnosis a mild headache is a brain tumor we're not going to survive. Fear sets in and we automatically assume the worst about things . . . at least for a while.

I'm feeling blah today and I think it's just allergies - could that be an issue where you are? If you're concerned, definitely go to and talk to a doctor about it. It can't hurt.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this but I'm glad you've found the site. You'll find a wealth of information here and the support of people who understand what you're going through.

Best of luck to you and feel free to ask any questions you may have about what you're going through and your treatment.

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

Hi Diane,

Glad you found this website, there are so many of us that can help you through this journey. I was right where you are 5 years ago, found lump in right breast in October of 2010 but treatment did not start until end of December then surgery in August of 2011. I was so perplexed on why I was not starting treatment immediately, it's cancer for God's sakes!! You will have a roller coaster of emotions but trust that your medical team has a good plan for you.

You may be getting a bug, you have been through a lot recently with the diagnosis and I'm sure, many mammograms, biopsies, doctor's appointments. I felt run down and thought my cancer was spreading too. You will be okay but call your doctor when you need too, they are there to help you through the process.

As for the lump, I had a sizeable one but dense breasts so it was hard to feel at times. Focus on staying strong and positive for this journey - it is the best medicine you have to fight the battle!

Many prayers and we will be here should you need any advice down the line!

Jessica

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

For what it's worth, I only had a few very subtle changes to my breast prior to being diagnosed, and even though I was metastatic at diagnosis I had NO symptoms or signs of that, not even from blood tests. Normal liver function. Normal tumor markers. No pain. No lump in my breast. The CT scan showed the mets. We would not have known about them otherwise.

Try not to worry about anything until you have to. What I think that means is don't tell yourself stories about what's going on, based on limited information. Easier said than done, I know, but it's a skill you can learn.

And feel free to rant, vent, ask questions, etc. on this site. It's what we're here for.

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

I think you should go to the hospital and see a doctor.








honor 6 schutzfolie

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

Thank you for your response. A HUGE thank you to everyone who responded.

Fortunately, once again, you ladies were right. It was clearly just some sort of a 24 hour, or less, bug. I felt better after about 12 hours of decent sleep. No more fever, no more aches and pains. My lump is, well, it's my lump. What can I say. I'm attached to it. I've got an appointment to see the surgeon in a week. Cannot wait to get this ball rolling!

You ladies rock!

Re: What should I be looking for...
 

Diane,
You are on the first steps to a journey - the best advise I can offer is to learn not to panic at things (as much as possible). There is a lot that you will learn along the way - but meantime, I can tell you as a 20 year survivor, cancer is a MIND game. Meaning, you have to learn to control the fear. Cancer is your own cells that don't die as they are supposed to - it's not an invader or something that can "spill" into your system. It is hard to stay steady but it will serve you well. Try your best to stay calm and steady and focus on getting information. Worrying about signs that it has spread is a waste of your energy that you need to get well - and besides, there is no universal sign of spread - it is different for everyone and some people with stage 4 disease with no symptoms (like me). Hopefully your team will do their job and monitor you. If your oncologist has not walked you through the order and time line, that will help you know what to expect and when. The expression "knowledge is power" really applies to fighting breast cancer. Stay strong!