Third Time

[Gram10]

Hi everyone. I have metastatic breast cancer. This is my third time having breast cancer. The last one was 11 years ago. I thought I had beat it and was shocked to get the diagnosis 3 weeks ago. I'm on letrizole and Ibrance and now experiencing unbearable shoulder pain and loss of appetite. My oncologist put me on prednisone for 6 days. Will the pain go away in time or will it stay with me indefinitely. So discouraged and depressed.

[Clair19]

Sorry you are having so much discomfort. I’m sorry to say this but everyone’ body reacts so differently to these kind of Targeted therapy. If it does not improve I would suggest you call your Oncologist after your steroid dosing. It’s so hard to predict how long it will take for meds to kick in. Steroids usually take a bit but could be different for you. I was only on it for 3 weeks before my blood work was critical. Most likely you probably will adjust. I’m on Faslodex injections and they have some side effects also. Do you take anything for pain? Ask your Dr. if you can take an antifamatory medication like advil. I hope this helps.

[Gram10 in reply to Clair19]

I do take Aleve or Ibuprofen but neither puts a dent in the pain. I might need a prescription pain killer until my body adjusts. I will be getting my blood tests on Tuesday . It will be the first since I started the meds. Anxious to see if they have affected my white blood count.

[blms in reply to Gram10]

Look into acupuncture and or medical marijuana for pain

[Boogitymom]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, hoping you can find relief soon. I’m on the same meds. When pain is bad, I rely on my heating pad and an epsom salt bath. I read here that it’s suggested to during 1 gallon of water daily. I’ve been doing it for about a month and haven’t taken anything for pain in 2 weeks, don’t know if it’s related or just a coincidence, but I’ll take it.

[Gram10 in reply to Boogitymom]

Thank you for the suggestion of drinking a gallon of water a day. That could be a factor because I know I don't drink enough water. I'll give it a try.

[Snowcone16 in reply to Gram10]

I love my heating pad and icy hot. Just great for relaxing at night if I feel achy.

[blms in reply to Gram10]

Do the gallon of water every day! Reason I have been telling everyone about this is because it’s in the Ibrance literature!

[SeattleMom]

Hi, Gram10!

I know, as likely every woman on this blog does, the utter shock and depression you are enduring. I was diagnosed with Stage 1A (small lump in right breast, no node involvement) over 17 years ago, followed by double mastectomy, no chemo.

When told I had MBC this past November, I underwent the same hopelessness and utter grief you are feeling today. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! Despite the initial news, you will learn to live again and become accustomed to the daily pill regimen.

You don't mention where your mets are located, mine are in my spine, but I do sometimes experience a few days each month where I have pronounced pain in my knees. I'm not sure if it is the letrozole or the Ibrance but one of them will produce joint pain for a few days during your cycle. You do learn to live with this, as it is not a constant; mine lasts just a couple of days and then gone for the rest of the month.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

XO Linda

[Gram10 in reply to SeattleMom]

Thank you, Linda, for the encouragement. I needed that. My MBC is in my right 7th rib. My first cancer was about 15 years ago, and like you, it was stage one. I had radiation and lumpectomy. The second time I had radiation, chemo and another lumpectomy on the opposite breast. This cancer is a real fight!

[SeattleMom in reply to Gram10]

Yes, it is!! But the lapse before recurrence should offer you a lot of encouragement. My oncologist told me that this is a sign of a "timid" cancer that has been slow-growing. In addition, the letrozole/Ibrance combo appears to be a powerful "clean up crew" in the MBC fight. God bless! XO Linda

[Gram10 in reply to SeattleMom]

That is a positive. Cant bear to leave my grandchildren. My little 6 year old holds my hand and prays. Such a sweet grandaughter. One of 10.

[SeattleMom in reply to Gram10]

You are so lucky for the experience of "grand parenting." I have two adult children, ages 27 and 24, but neither ready for marriage just yet. I imagine that being a grandma is the next best thing after being a mom! God bless your little granddaughter; she has learned to be a nurturer! What a lovely image!! XO Linda

[Gram10 in reply to SeattleMom]

Thank you, Linda. I love being a grandmother. My 7 oldest are adults and the last three are 9, 6, and 2. I babysit them two days a week and come home exhausted but I cherish the time I spend with them. So lucky to have them close to me. I feel blessed.

[SeattleMom in reply to Gram10]

You are blessed indeed! And so are they!! XXOO Linda

[blms in reply to Gram10]

I am happy to know that oncologist today no longer tell any initial breast cancer patients and a matter how small their diagnosis seems that they are cured after the treatment. There is no cure for breast cancer at any stage at this point in our lives. But, we rejoice when were in remission no matter how long that lasts! And we are all thrilled to know that their medications they can help us live longer feel better and they are new things on the horizon each and every day.! Looking for new ways to stay healthy longer is it 24 seven job and were all helping each other through this support site. For this and all of you I am extremely grateful because that’s what the medical profession seems to be Lacking still.

[Snowcone16]

I’m sorry about the discomfort/pain. I’ve heard radiation, pain meds or when tumor shrinks that it will subside.

I was diagnosed January 30. Looking back now on some journals and posts, I was in a pretty dark place until about 25 days later. What lifted me up was seeing my oncologist and I think just time.

Give yourself time to feel emotions. But remember, they are temporary. You will not always feel that way. Also, leave yourself open if you do need medicinal support. My colleague had to take anxiety/antidepressant meds for almost 4 months. Then she no longer needed them. I know it’s an option for me if I ever feel that way longer than I can handle.

🤗

[blms in reply to Snowcone16]

Always remember the old adage, “and this too will pass”. Try l theanine before anti-depressants to see if they help.

[Snowcone16]

Yes, I sometimes have food aversion and nausea. My tips:

Drink water, take with meal

Take w your anti nausea med. I just started taking ondansetron the same time (5pm) with Ibrance and letrozole.

5pm is good because any continued nausea, you can sleep through

And many will tell you THC/CBD helps with appetite and nausea.

🌸

[Jerseygirl45]

The medicine will start taking the pain away. I started having bad pain in my right shoulder again. The last time they did radiation on it. My pet scan just showed uptake in that shoulder. I have an appointment next week with radiologist to see if he can do some radiation for the pain. You can ask your oncologist about that.

[Gram10 in reply to Jerseygirl45]

Thank you. I will check with my oncologist if this is an option

[RLN-overcomer]

Greetings: Gram10 In difficult times I ask God to give you comfort. In challenging times I ask God to place a seed of encouragement in your heart. At all times , good times, and difficult times trust and, give God praise. May God grant you healing, and restoration as you maneuver through this life journey. Amen XoXoXo

[Gram10 in reply to RLN-overcomer]

Thank you for the prayers. It means a lot.

[RLN-overcomer in reply to Gram10]

Greetings: sister Overcomer Sorrrrrrry for the late response, I just got back from a week long rainy , but wonderful Virginia Family reunion. I am my sisters keeper, and Iron does sharpens iron. XoXoXo