before diagnosis - Cancer: Breast Message Board

tiredpoet · 01-07-2007, 08:01 PM

Hi there,
I'm wondering if anyone out there would be willing to share with me how they felt before they were diagnosed (before you knew you were ill). Was there anything different that you chalked up to other illnesses or just to life/stress issues, like more fatigue, more feeling sick, dizzy, nausea, etc? I'm just wondering if breast cancer hints to its existence before any palpable lumps can be found. (I know there are different types of cancer and not always a palpable lump, but most stories I read begin with the day the lump was found). I'd be really grateful to anyone who would share how they felt generally in the time leading up to their diagnosis.

cassie2 · 01-07-2007, 09:00 PM

Hi
I cant answer on a personal level, but my sister told me she just had this tired feeling, as tho she had a slight flu, she wasnt sick, but she certainly did not expect the cancer result.(aggressive cancer they called it )
My mother has had breast cancer and she felt fine, till the lump was discovered, she survived that op and chemo, then 7 years later we were travelling around the country, she was perfectly healthy, slipped on a rock, went to doctors as hurt her back, xray showed 7 cancer lumps on her lung, she had no sypmtoms before, now my dad starts chemo tomorrow for lung cancer, he went to hospital with pancreatitis and while in there xrays showed lump in lung and nodes, but he had no lung or breathing difficulties.
I have heard of people being perfectly healthy, until the diagnoses, then dropping like flies once its discovered
Do you think you have cancer?

tiredpoet · 01-07-2007, 09:51 PM

Thanks so much for the response. I had a breast lump biopsied back in 2004-results came back atypical but due to my age and no cancer in the family they said no worries at all. Meantime they are testing me for everything else under the sun because my fatigue, muscle weakness and cognitive issues are so severe. These symptoms started in 2004 and as a result of seeing so many doctors, the lump was found. The lump has gotten firmer and a little larger since then. I requested another opinion on it, but I was wondering if all the other symptoms were maybe my body trying to tell me something. It's possible the lump is nothing and the other symptoms are actually something else, but since they haven't found anything to explain them yet, I just don't know. I've been tested for lyme, lupus, thyroid, low B12, anemia, etc, and everything was normal. I have an MRI next week. Just wondering if I should more aggressively push for them to check this lump sooner rather than later (as aggressively as I can, since I have no energy!)
Thank you again for your insight!

cassie2 · 01-07-2007, 10:40 PM

I read your other posts, do hope that the all goes well for you.I have had nana, mother, sister, father, uncles all with cancer, the doctor says I should have a mamogram every 6 months, my last one, they found a lump, had to have second *****, and scan, but it was just a cyst "thing" good thing too as my sister was actually starting chemo the next day, and doubt if my dad would have handled his 2 girls with cancer at the same time.!!Scarey , these health problems.

tiredpoet · 01-07-2007, 10:45 PM

Very scary. Hoping for some firm answers soon. My thoughts are with you, I'm sorry about all of your family members having been sick.