They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

Hello Becky, how is that blizzard? stay safe, Yes I am taking anti nausea meds, weird question do they constipate you at all? it is this pain all over from head to toe that ache I make myself get up and walk around it does help for awhile. yes I drink so much water your pretty much up all night!! I am glad to be alive and the port is in and I will not let this get the best of me.
Cynde

I am having 4 rounds of chemo (3 different chemos) 1 injection every three weeks, maybe that will give my body sometime to recuperate before the next one, I do not have to have Radiation, my heart goes out to those that do. I give you kudos for going to work for 3 months. thanks for the info.
Cynde

@loula- Hi. I've been reading your posts and it looks as if you have things under control right now. How did you feel after the port and biopsy were done? DO you have the results yet?

I have not gotten constipated from antinausea meds, ever. How is your appetite? I had chemo only for 4 months ages ago. About half-way through your course of meds, your body starts to become familiar with the drugs, and the effects shouldn't be as severe.

So how are you feeling? Are you writing your journey down? I love that you do some stretches to help with aches and pains. It's a winner!

Hello Merry
Yes I had the port put in and it is healing up pretty good, it sure was a trip taking my first shower afterwards you kinda worry about it coming loose ! the biopsy came back as expected it is cancer, 4 cm one and a little one doctor said more than likely it would come back with positive results, I told the doctor that I really do not want to hear anymore bad news for awhile so just let me know if the treatment is working. 1st chemo last Wed. then had to go Fri, for port and biopsy then on Sat. it was like a roller coaster ride for 4 to 5 days I Thank goodness I was lucky and had my sister here with me for 5 days. went from my bed to the couch and almost thought I wouldn't make it. now I am just tired but I make myself get up and move it does make it better for awhile but you are always tired. someone told me about Ritalin for fatigue ever heard about that at all ? I am writing down everyday what I am going through and what I am changing, I am so happy that winter is over and the sun is shinning it sure does a soul good. hope you are feeling well and things are going good for you. thanks for keeping in touch.

stay healthy
Cynde

Cynde I may have missed some of your posts. I do recall you had a bilateral mastectomy. Did you have the expanders put in for reconstruction? I have seen reconstruction on some patients back 11 years ago and the nipples were tattooed on by tattoo artist that plastic surgeons employee for that purpose and they looked beautiful. I can imagine what they're doing now 11 years later for that purpose. I sometimes wish that I had chosen to had a bilateral mastectomy instead of a partial mastectomy in the one breast. As I hate continuing to worry about reoccurrence in my breast. I'm glad that you're doing well and I pray for you.

Donna Levin

@loula- Cynde-Good morning. Please don't start messing around with drugs to offset your fatigue! You'll have more problems than you can imagine. The fatigue that you have is a result of having cancer and chemo, a port put in, and all of the emotional ups and downs of cancer. It is normal to be tired when you are healing and having chemicals put into your body. By trying to fight the fatigue in any manner that isn't natural, and worrying about it just drains your system further. Your body is telling you, "Hey homey, stop worrying about what you don't like, you are making your fatigue even worse." You have one job right now and that is to take care of yourself by resting, drinking lots of water, and eating as well to help your body heal.

Thank you for asking about me. I had my first vaccination a week ago. Today I finally feel great. Although it is cold in southern New England this AM it will start to warm up now that spring is springing!

A journal is great. Are you also writing down your feelings? Have you read my blog?
https://my20yearscancer.com/

Merry, you are so right about putting something else in my body, when I heard about that drug I thought well I am so darn tired why not. the doctor told me my blood count is low and it will probably go lower if so there is some injection they can give to raise the white and platelets have you ever heard of those? I already get Arnasep injections for my red count. I am going to wait for the covid shots until I am done with the chemo, which should be done in May. I read your blog what a strong woman you are. you look darn good for what you have gone through. thanks for all your information on this cancer.
stay strong
cynde

My wife is on maintenance Alimta and Keytruda for NSCLC. We got the covid vaccine as soon as we could..

@michaelw9dy- Good morning and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. What type of cancer does your wife have? Can you tell me more about her? I had my first shot a week ago. I had Moderna so I have to wait 3 more weeks for my second one. My husband just received his second one. I am a lung cancer survivor and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated unless otherwise told by a physician.

I don't care if I have to wear a mask for a few years ahead or not be around large crowds. Our world has changed with this pandemic and we have to adjust to it and respect science.

Did either of you have trouble with any side effects? How is your wife doing now?

Well I just spoke with a person I used to work with and she probably did not mean to scare me but she told me her son had stage 4 lung cancer and became very sick had to walk with a cane then a wheelchair could not eat and passed away 6 months, she told me to look into hospice and said I will need a lot of care, I have only had one chemo treatment and the next one is coming this Wednesday, I have 2 more after this one, it kind of made me think okay August will be 6 months then I stay on Keytruda I am trying to stay positive I feel good just tired but that is no big deal just get up and make myself move guess I have to ask the doctor Wednesday about this, why does everything with this disease scare the crap out of you.