Waiting for my scan this morning. Why... - SHARE Metastatic ...

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Waiting for my scan this morning. Why am I such a pessimist?

Arisgram profile image
44 Replies

90 days on everolimus and letrozole. Some side effects. Not terrible. But, the constant ache under my ribcage and heartburn/gastric issues have me very worried the liver lesions have increased. Wheezy breathing and a bit of a cough are also concerning.

Bottom line, we know nothing until we have scan results. Hopefully, my onc will have them by my appointment this afternoon.

Love to all of you dealing with the constant anxiety.

Andi

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Arisgram profile image
Arisgram
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44 Replies

Hi Andi! I can completely empathize with your pre-results stress!

Like you, leading up to the meeting, I become acutely aware of every thing I feel in my body and then wonder if it's from tumors...

I don't have a solution, so sorry! But at least you'll know soon, hopefully good news, fingers crossed for you!

Lynn

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to

Just left the consult. Primary lesion has more than doubled. 2 new friends. Treatment change required. 3rd treatment in 18 mos. I've had only one good scan since this began. Ugh

Thank you for the encouragement. Andi

in reply to Arisgram

Oh, Andi, I'm so sorry!!! What a disappointment! I'm hoping (earnestly / actively) that this next treatment is the one that really works!

My best to you...

Lynn

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to

Thank you, Lynn

hopenowandtomorrow profile image
hopenowandtomorrow in reply to Arisgram

So sorry for your tough news! Praying the next treatment works for you ❤️🙏❤️

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to hopenowandtomorrow

Thank you

Topood profile image
Topood in reply to Arisgram

I’m with you for frequency of treatment changes....I’m on my 4th in two years....but I’m grateful for every one (though a lot of it hasn’t been fun, has it?)....just keep me alive long enough to find one that works! Good luck!

breezie profile image
breezie

It's hard to stave off those pessimistic thoughts. At stressful times I can swing wildly between imagining both good and bad outcomes. I know it's useless to offer advice about not worrying but I am sending you positive vibes for good scan results. Hopefully it's just acid reflux. I have been on Lansoprazole for that for years but the symptoms were exactly as you describe with an aching pain under the ribcage. That was long before I had MBC. As far as wheezing and coughing go I tend to do that as soon as I start thinking about it. Wishing you all the best.

Sue

kbrad profile image
kbrad

Good luck Andi...saying a prayer for you.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to kbrad

Thank you. I appreciate your kindness

Scan anxiety is awful. Wishing you good results.

8576 profile image
8576 in reply to

Hello. I was just writing to Sandra and saying we hadn't heard from you for a while. How are you?

Cheers, June S.

in reply to 8576

I am ok but struggling with the exhaustion that my chemo is bringing. My oncologist lowered my dosage by 20% to see if that would help. It did with most of the side effects but the first two weeks I’m useless and just sleep. 😩. My first bone scan since starting chemo is Thursday. Nervous as heck about this. Thanks for thinking of me ❤️❤️

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to

I'll be thinking of you Thursday. Maybe the exhaustion is from the meds acting on the cancer. Please let us know, and take good care of yourself. Much love, Andi

in reply to Arisgram

Thank you Andi.

in reply to Arisgram

Sorry to have hijacked your post.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to

Oh please!! We are all worried about you! Just rest and enjoy the support!! We are all here for you!

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi in reply to

Sarcie,

Good luck and prayers for good results!

in reply to mariootsi

Thank you.

8576 profile image
8576 in reply to

Oh my, I figured you were having to spend your time coping with the meds/chemo. Sorry to hear about the struggles but glad they are somewhat alleviated. Here is hoping for good results on Thursday. I'll be thinking about you. I think you are right. The exhaustion is from the treatment getting rid of the cancer.

Cheers, June S.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

Thank you, Sandra. Please know, I think of you everyday and hope things take a turn for the positive for you. You have given us all so much!

Much love from the South, Andi

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

Thank you. It wasn't meant to be, unfortunately. I hope you're doing well!

Andi

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

I'm going to wish upon the stars tonight for you, Sandra.

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71

Good luck, hope all goes well.

LibraryGeek profile image
LibraryGeek

Thinking of you and Sandra and sending you the best- hopefully there is something better around the corner.

Jackie x

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

Andi,

Sending prayers and good vibes for good results. Constant anxiety is such a struggle. It's draining!

I have been trying to adopt the mindset that worry won't change a damn thing.

If we could just learn to funnel all our energy in a positive direction, I think we can focus more on fighting this damn cancer.

I totally understand the struggle with anxiety.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

I agree 100%! I just can't get there. I meditate, go to therapy, journal.....

When it comes to this, I'm stuck dead center in the negative muck of it all. I just have to keep trying.

Thank you for responding! You are always so supportive. Andi

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi in reply to Arisgram

All we can do is keep trying.

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

Sandra,

You are in my heart and prayers as you go for your mri. Understand your break in posting, but hope you will post your results. We are all here for you, miss you and wish you the best outcome.

Love,

Marianne

BluHydrangea profile image
BluHydrangea

Thinking of you and wishing for a positive scan. The waiting is the worst.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

I got it yesterday. My onc is good to let me know quickly. The primary tumor has doubled two new small lesions have joined the party. New treatment on the horizon. Thank you for your well wishes! Andi

8576 profile image
8576 in reply to Arisgram

Wow. That is quick. Sorry it wasn't so good news but not bad either. At least now they can change to something more effective to treat you. You are welcome to all the well wishers. That is what we are good at!!

Cheers, June S.

ChrisVict profile image
ChrisVict

I’m so sorry that you are feeling this anxiety especially since I am just beginning this treatment. What I find hopeful is that there is another treatment and that maybe

Better. In the meantime I believe this is something you cannot control so try to be in a peaceful place.

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to ChrisVict

Whoops! I put my response to you in the wrong place. It is below in the general thread! I'm sorry

jersey-jazz profile image
jersey-jazz

I think that what Marioots is suggesting is a very good way of thinking about this mess. The idea is worth a try. Meanwhile, I try to mentally jump over it all and make plans for the future, regardless of the reality. It seems to put my mind momentarily on "pause', regarding the multitude of questions that having MBC poses.

Please try to think of something that made you smile, laugh and/or be happy and keep that thought for a little while. Perhaps you are smiling, now.

XXX OOO

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to jersey-jazz

It's so funny you say this. Last week I bought a house! A 102 year old house that has 4 sets of steps to the front door. I will be leaving my home of 30 years.

Given yesterday's results, I'm feeling like a fool, but I needed a distraction. A big change. I spend all my time online shopping for things to decorate with.

Thank you for your suggestion and helping me feel a little less stupid.

Andi

jersey-jazz profile image
jersey-jazz in reply to Arisgram

God knows, you are not stupid! Furthermore, good luck and glad tidings with your wonderful new/old home. I am sure that you will work hard on it to optimize its' beauty. This is such a positive thing and such a good platform for creativity and renewal.

Well done, you!

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram in reply to jersey-jazz

Thank you. I truly needed that!

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi in reply to Arisgram

Congratulations on your new house! How exciting.

8576 profile image
8576 in reply to Arisgram

That is what I forgot to suggest and now you have done it. Got a new project to concentrate on instead of scans! Sounds brave and exciting moving to this new place after 30 years. If you feel like it, it would be nice to see some pictures of the place and the new treatments. I love old houses. So much personality and history. I am impressed.

Cheers, June S.

Mary115 profile image
Mary115 in reply to Arisgram

Here's to healthy distractions to mitigate the anxiety.

And here's to you for being a good example..

Arisgram profile image
Arisgram

In response to ChrisVict. I put it in the wrong place:

Thank you. You are right there is little to no control. The "What ifs" will drive you crazy. Hopefully, I will find out today which drug they have in store and get started ASAP. I have to stop burning through them so quickly though.

I hope you are feeling a bit more settled and your work stuff is less of a worry. We are here for you!

Andi

AnnaP668 profile image
AnnaP668

And, so sorry to hear your news. Hope things turn around soon.

Hi Andi

This treatment must be the right one for you!!! It’s going to give you time to work on your house project. I think it’s a great idea to have something else to make plans for and to absorb yourself with.

You go girl

Clare x

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