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I have to have a cat scan because my liver enzymes won't go down. Of course, I am terrified that I have a met. Intellectually, I know I was early Stage 1, Node negative, and that I treated this disease aggressively. That doesn't help much with the fear. I think Femara is causing my liver enzymes to rise. I've been on it two years (after 2 years on arimidex) and I don't think my liver likes it. For the month of May I am going to take Femara every other day instead of every day. I am tired of being a guinea pig.

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Hi MJO,

I think we can all relate to that terrifying fear of mets. It is exhausting and although on most days I am fine but just a little pimple in the wrong place can make me lose sleep for days.

I pray that your fears are soon put to rest and your scans come back clean. Sending lots of positive thoughts and hugs.

shobha

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Hi MJO...sorry you have to go through this...cancer sure robs us of our innocence, eh? Never again will a hangnail be just a hangnail...Hope everything turns out OK. I am nearing my end of 5 years arimidex and am wondering what my onc. will recommend. I know what you mean about the guinea pig feeling, although without us guinea pigs we wouldn't be where we are today!!! Best to you!! XO Suzan

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My liver enzymes are often high. They can be high for all sorts of reasons....surgery, taking Tylenol, just the way you are made, etc.....nobody seems concerned about my levels which are way higher than normal but have come down quite a bit since I have completed surgeries, bc treatments, etc. They did an ultrasound of my upper abdominal area and found a gallbladder cyst which they are watching and I am okay with watching after the initial....no, not something else is wrong feelings. Take care but know we are all in the same boat as you, anxious to begin with but relieved after the tests are done, part of this journey, don't you think. All will be well.

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Mjo,
I understand your initial fear...but let me ask you -
do you have any other symtoms? Otherwise you are feeling well? No pain, no change in color of your eyes (the whites)...

It is not unheard of for the liver enzimes to be elevates due to the AI - since it lowers the estrogen produced in the adrenal glands.

This could be one reason for the higher level Not Cancer.
Also, how is your sugar levels?
How is your weight?
Have you been drinking a bit of the vino?
Many reasons for the higher levels.
I am showing you all the other reasons for the higher levels. Hopefully all will be corrected. Make sure you tell your onc. you are cutting back on the Femara.

Sending you positive energy....and love.
Jean

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Hi MJo. I hope that you don't have a long wait until you get your CT results back. The anxiety surrounding the wait for reports after scans is the "pits". Sending along my very best wishes and a prayer.

Barb A.

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Mjo,

I just had a lot of scans for bone mets which were clear but still have the pain so the worry continue's.

I can relate and know what you're going through and hope the ct results are good and gives you peace of mind:)

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Thank you to all my dear sisters. Just for today, Xanax is this girl's best friend. I trust all will be well.

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MJo,

I'm praying that all will be okay. Perhaps the Femara and other meds you're taking are elevating your liver enzymes.

Joan

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In my prayers,MJo!
Hugs,Marcia

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MJO,
I am so sorry that your liver enzymes are causing you concern.

You are doing the right thing to be very cautious and get it checked out. Underscore...very cautious. I agree with others that we are on powerful drugs and sometimes our bodies send us signals that they are tired and have had enough for a while.

Others have posted about supplements that can help cleanze the liver. So, when you meet with your Onc. you might want to ask him about alternatives. (Milk Thistle comes to mind)

Please let us know the results......thinking of you....Lori

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Mjo,

Don't know if you read my post but I can totally relate to what you are going through. Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and wishing for good results!

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DOn't have my results yet, but boy oh boy, that CAT scan was something. I've had an ultrasound and a CAT of my chest. This was something else...I got the barium down without puking, but didn't realize I was going to get a dye injection. I haven't had an IV in my hand since my last Herceptin treatment. I had the mother of all hot flashes when that dye hit my veins and started hyperventilating. I should have known to ask my sisters here what to expect from a abdomen and pelvic CAT. I thought I would jump on and off the table, sort of like radiation. LOL

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I'm glad you posted this. I didn't know they did all that either. I'm having a CT tomorrow of chest, abdomen and pelvis. At least I won't be surprised!

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MJo,

Milk thistle and avoid Tylenol at all costs. Nothing pops up your liver enzymes like good ole' Tylenol!

Never knew about the CT flush. I am glad it's behind you. Let us know. Praying for the best, but got a good feeling on this one!

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My scan was fine, except for small gallstones. This experience shook me up. It's hard to explain why. I wondered why the doctor wanted something as intense as a CAT scan. WHen the nurse called me with the results, she said "It's not cancer." My first thought was, "Of course it's not cancer." I think I was beginning to feel safe... kind of like the way I thought pre-BC. This reminded me that I am still vulnerable. I'm rambling, but I'm trying to figure out what just happened. I wonder how vulnerable I am , as an early stage Her2 pos. woman who had aggressive treatment. I guess the research isn't there yet. Maybe the doctor is watching me carefully because my father and his mother had gastrointestinal cancers. What is strange is that my co-worker and I were diagnosed at the same time, and her Her2 pos tumor was larger than mine. We went through treatment together and we have the same onc, but she's not getting as many tests as I am. I guess I should ask the onc why. Or maybe I dont' want to know. Thanks for letting me ramble on

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I'm so glad to read your good news!

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So happy to hear your good news, MJo! Perhaps your onc is just extra proactive?? But going through these tests does take a toll on us, emotionally and physically. Not sure what is the right approach...

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Great news MJo... it's always something, and it never ends...

all the best
caya

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Oh am happy to hear of your good test results, but understand how you are feeling. It is very confusing.
Now is the time to bask in the relief, and have some fun. Treat yourself to something new.
Big ole hugs,
Diane