by hfilipiak on Thu Aug 23, 2012 11:17 pm
The period between 2007 and 2009 was particularly stressful for me. My mother was dying and my husband and I provided total personal care for her except for when aides came while I was working. The company where I worked was in a merger and all people over 50 were let go, including me. My dog died of cancer and my elderly cat died. It was the first time all my children were away from home. I mention all this because they say that cancer often "gets" you during times of great stress.
The first chest pain I remember was rather "free floating". More like general aching that I couldn't exactly place. Thinking it was my breasts--I was sent to the breast clinic at a local hospital. They did mammograms and ultrasound, but found nothing. That was in Dec. 2008. In the three years that followed, I tried to get medical help, but was never taken seriously. I started having severe rib pain. The doctor said early on that I had pulled a muscle and prescribed naproxen and muscle relaxers. Later she said it was costochondritis. I realize now she never really did any diagnosing, just said things off the top of her head. In the meantime, I was in a lot of pain for weeks at a time. I would sit with the heating pad and could not got upstairs and sleep in my bed. One Thanksgiving, I was at a friend's home and had pain in my right lower rib and around to under my shoulder blade. It was suggested I might have gall bladder disease. I went and told the doctor that was what was suggested. She did a blood test for gall bladder and said I didn't have that. Now I realize she should have said,"But why don't we find out what you do have". In July 2011, while having severe pain in my right lower ribs, I suddenly had trouble breathing. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. I went by ambulance to the local hospital ER. They took an x-ray and said it was fine. They ignored my symptoms and proceeded to keep me for $13,000 worth of heart tests. My heart is fine. Since my true diagnosis, the doctors had the x-ray re-read and they should have seen the numerous broken and healed ribs. Finally, preparing to have a knee replacement, the presurgery x-ray showed the tumor on my spine and the broken and the healed ribs. I did have excessive fatigue and had asked my doctor about my thyroid-since I had found out I had the antibody against my thyroid-and she pooh-poohed my concern.
She told me in a terrible way. Just phoned and -out of the blue-told me I had cancer. I think she should have said something like "There is something on your x-ray and we are concerned and have to do some more tests, etc." CANCER. Then I had to wait over a week for a CT scan and then an MRI. I was terribly upset. I felt very scared. I didn't know what kind of cancer I had. I knew many cancers will spread to the ribs. Thank goodness I was referred to Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. First I saw a neurosurgeon. I said to him, " Help me. Please help me. No doctors seem to want to help me". He looked me in the eyes and said he would help me. I was there at 8:30Am and stayed for testing all day. By the next day, he could tell me that there was no cancer seen in any of my major organs. He came in on Saturday morning to do a biopsy of my spine. A week later, he knew it was a myeloma and referred me to a hematology oncologist. He also seems very concerned and competent. I saw him the very next day , the day after that I had the bone marrow biopsy ( I will say, I think it is rather primitive that they do not give people any sedative or pain reliever for that. I found it very painful and a bad experience). The next day I had a full body x-ray.
I have opted not to know any stages, etc. I want to go forward in a strong and optimistic manner. Maybe later I will read all the lab reports. It almost seems too much for me to take in now. I have done a lot of research in the meantime and have instituted a strong nutritional regime-both with supplements and diet. The truth is that I feel better than I have for a long time. No pain lately. Much better than I felt last year. I really think it is because I have had about two months now since I was detected as having cancer and I have instituted excellent nutrition, especially adding 4grams of tumeric, etc. I am scheduled to begin chemo on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Today is the 23. I am seeing the oncologist at a branch of Hillman and was sent to the main site in Shadyside to be evaluated for a stem cell transplant. I was told I would have to go through 4 cycles of chemo -VTD- first and then see where I am at. That doctor told me I would have to give up all supplements. I am very nervous about that-since I am feeling to great now since I started them. I am really torn about that.
I am nervous about the chemo. It is really ironic. I have spent my life trying to avoid medications, drugs, chemicals, etc. We eat organic as much as we can afford and do not smoke or drink heavily. (a little wine). Clean air and water. I am very healthy except for the myeloma. Now I will have to have all kinds of chemicals and it is scary for me. But I am also a strong woman.
One question I would like to ask while I am on here. Does everyone lose their hair during chemo? I did buy a pattern for chemo hats and was going to make some embroidered beaded ones, if I was going to lose my hair. Why not have a little fun with this, if I am stuck with it. Very elegant snood type with great fabric. Not jersey turbans. But I have been wondering.
Thanks for letting me vent. I am very angry with my previous medical care. I always got yearly physicals, but they were a lick and a promise. Barely could tell if I was dead or alive, I think.
But I am happy with the care I have gotten so far at the Cancer Center. The difference has been night and day.
I wish you all continued healing and peace of mind and happy moments,
Heather-Dawn Filipiak
I'm horrible when it comes to seeing doctors. Thank God she has it under control.
