Is Nervous

Mary Jo · 04-10-2007, 08:41 AM

Ok - needing some positive encouragement here. I'm still battling with the left upper side ache. Near lower rib. The ache is that general area off to the side and goes a little way around to the back. Now it's been going down the left side also. I've mentioned it to my onc. for well over a year (I've mentioned this before in here and it started during chemo in Oct. of 05) After she examines me she always say "you are perfect." At my last onc. visit she said it sounds like bowel/colon trouble to her. Well, it is definitely NOT going away and it is driving me crazy so it's time to get to the bottom of it. I FINALLY called my onc. nurse for direction as to what to do. I'm hoping my onc. will order some tests - possible a CT of the ab. and/or colonoscopy and I won't have to go see someone else. I have had looser stools also and notice I am gassy ie burping and other end

often. If only this constant ache wouldn't be their.

Sooooooooooo now I wait for her to call me and I'm ALREADY DREADING it all. I just don't want to go back. I don't want to have tests. Tests bring back BAD memories as I know you all understand. Back in the day when I wasn't afraid of tests I always thought - oh, I"ll be fine - but after hearing the "C" word I think we all know anything is possible now. Hence, the nervousness. My onc. continues to remind me that things will happen and it isn't always cancer. I know she's right and in all honestly I don't believe this is either BUT there is that other part of me that thinks it's everywhere and I'll be dead in a year. You all know the feeling! The one positive is that I had PET/CT scan Dec. 27, 2006 and it was fine BUT from what I understand those aren't always accurate either. So.........................................just wanted to vent to those who understand the best. Thanks for "listening" with your eyes.

Hugs and Blessings to all,

Mary Jo

Jean · 04-10-2007, 08:49 AM

Dear Mary Jo,

I am so sorry you are having any pain. For me I don't dread the test so much.
I dread the unkown rather than going and finding out all is well.
I guess I look at it as I have a 50/50 either way and why not feel the glass is half full in my benefit.

I believe in early detection - that is what saved me. So either way if you consider everything....you are in control by taking the best measures to
protect yourself.

Also remember how brave you are - you have already survived hearing
"C" word. I will keep you in my prayers and think positive - the mind
helps heal the body. (It an't easy sister) but know we are all behind
you and with you!

Keep us posted!
God Bless,
Jean

suzan w · 04-10-2007, 10:48 AM

Hi Mary Jo,
Sorry to hear about your 'pain'...I know what you mean about worrying!!! I had a pain a few weeks ago that I was sure was my liver (don't know why I picked that!) it lasted for about a week, I called the onc. and her nurse suggested ibuprophen...well, the pain went away, so it wasn't my liver...anyway! I agree with Jean, you are taking action to find out the answers, and that is SO important. Looks like you and I are on about the same time-frame...my last herceptin was on Oct. 4, 2006!

penelope · 04-10-2007, 10:55 AM

Sounds like gall bladder to me. I had something similar and asked for the CT scan and ultrasound. No aliens were found so I had a Hida scan and it turns out that my gall bladder functions at 13%. Normal low is 35%. Gassiness is part of the symptoms.

Carolyns · 04-10-2007, 11:22 AM

Mary Jo,

Sending positive vibes and encouragement. It should be fine. That said, you can not ignore symptoms. Good for you for trying to get to the bottom of the problem. You need to get the question answered to be able to move on.

Have you had a colonoscopy? Is it time for you to do so?

I hope that everything is fine. Good luck to you.

Love, Hope, and Peace,

Carolyns

lexigirl · 04-10-2007, 12:06 PM

MaryJo,

Sending hugs and positive thoughts and prayers your way. After the diagnosis that we have had, I don't think our pain symptoms should be totally ignored. I had some pain in my back that wouldn't go away. My onc oredered a bone scan. As soon as I received the negative results, my back felt great! I am hoping the same for you!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

RobinP · 04-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Yep, I've had terrible headaches in the past, had my MRIs, and they found nothing. As soon as I knew things were fine, it seemed like my headaches went away. I hope this is the case with you. Definitely have your pain checked, but keep the faith. I'm praying for you, and I hope you feel better soon.

Marlys · 04-10-2007, 01:30 PM

Marejo,
This a copy of a post I did last summer. I experienced a lot of left sided pain. I did have a colonoscopy done 6/12/06. I might also mention that I had been diagnosed with Chron's Disease several years ago. Anyway, I think getting a consult with a gastroenterologist might be a very good idea.

"I finished 3 weekly Herceptin 7/11/06. Finished A/C 7/5/05. My worst symptom was diarrhea. Biopsy of colon showed "micro colitis" possibly secondary to "drug effect". I think this meant the Herceptin. I lost 13 # in 3 months from persistent diarrhea. However I have gained that back and the diarrhea has stopped."

Hope this helps.
Marlys

LAURIE · 04-10-2007, 01:33 PM

I am proud of you for being so persistent. My remedy for belly aches has always been what my mom told me when I was little. "go sit on the potty for awhile and you will feel better" I really just wanted to make you laugh but a lot of times it helps me, I think of the bathroom as my medation area sometimes (until your behind falls asleep) Ha ! Ha !

I hope for pain free days in your belly and your mind.

Mary Jo · 04-10-2007, 05:29 PM

Thank you ladies. Your encouragement and "funnies" are much appreciated.
I'm not really that nervous that I have cancer because what I'm experiencing doesn't fit the cancer mold HOWEVER tests in general aren't my thing but I knew I had to finally take care of this as it's been a "pain in my side"

for well over a year.
So, as always, thanks for your love and encouragment. Isn't God awesome in how He brings us all together?

Love from me to you,

Mary Jo