Pain, meds and a bit of fun!

Well it's been 3 weeks since my last post, so I thought I'd better do an update.

It's now 7 weeks post Oophorectomy and I am well and truly over that, shame I can't say the same about everything else eh!

I've been off Anastrozole for 3-4 weeks now, and the thoughts in my head are sky high and the pain is no less, so I've decided to go back on them as it obviously not them!

There are 3 types of pain that I have, one I've had 8-9 years which is called Fibromyalgia (Fibrous tissues), and I had that under control to the point where I only used lidocaine patches occasionally. That was before cancer, my doctor has now put me on Pregabalin as I refused point blank to go back on Gabapentin, which made me gain 3 stone all those years ago. Yes I'm back where I was all those years ago weight wise, but this time due to cancer, eating normal (because my Oncologist got me sorted on sickness meds) and no exercise (due to being in so much pain).

The second pain is my breast/side/back pain due to capsular contracture in both breasts, I have grade 3 in the left and grade 4 in the right. It sounds like cancer all over again! Cancer the gift that keeps on giving! Also the pain is due to the ports as I've mentioned before. So on the 30th September I will be having them exchanged yippee! It can't come soon enough, I just want it over and done with. I want to be fully better before the other big C later this year and have a great 2017!

The third pain is my bone pain , which I've had for months now and I don't understand what is causing it! I've had 3 sets of bloods done over last few months and they show a high 'C reactive protein' and a high' Plasma viscosity'. The reason why so many blood tests is due to surgery as that can cause high levels too. I had my latest bloods done on Friday and I'm back to see my GP on Wednesday to discuss the results and hopefully have an answer. It's something to do with inflammation and I'm hoping it's just inflammatory disease in response to my recent surgery.

Pain medications I currently take:
Diclofenac
Paracetamol
Codeine
Pegabalin
Morphine
Lidocaine patches

Surely this is not right, even if I am in agony and awaiting surgery!

Think I'll wean myself of them slowly.

The week off with my Mom here in Sunny Rutland was one of the best weeks I've had in 18 months, it was the first time she had been here since cancer diagnosis that I could actually go out and about, but lucky for me she can drive and has a blue badge, otherwise it would have been impossible! I've been to a few local parties and had a visit from my brothers. Oh and I've just baked some apple & cinnamon cake, might take some to work tomorrow...if I have any left! ;-)

Anyway I've gassed on enough. TTFN xx

A fancy dress birthday party.

 

Mom & Me :-D



My new sunnies :-)

One of a few short walks I've managed :-)

 

My prince has returned :-)

The pain is now unbearable!

It's now been 6 weeks since my Oophorectomy and that is nicely healed and the easiest part of my journey so far. I've had scar work therapy again by the lovely Debbie at Stables Clinic, she works wonders and my scars are all smooth now. 

My problem now is the bone pain and chest pain. The chest pain is caused by my implant ports in both breasts, they're banging against my ribs, and the capsular contracture in my right breast, is so tight now it looks like it might burst! Why does radiotherapy have to keep on working! 

My GP thinks my bone pain might be caused by my cancer medication Anastrozole, so I'm having a month off it to see how I am. If the bone pain eases then it's back to Oncology to try a different medication to kill all the oestrogen in my body, to prevent cancer coming beck. All cancer medication that you take for 5-10 years (after active treatment is finished) come with side effects of some kind and they nearly all can cause bone pain. But some less than others, it's just finding the right one that suits you. 

A few days ago I couldn't take the pain anymore, so my GP has increased my Lyrica and put me on Orramorph (morphine). Which is great as I'm almost pain free, I just ache now, but I'm very dopey (nothing new there I here you say :-P), very uneasy on my feet and I can't drive, so it's not helping with my sanity, so stuck at home, yet again. But as always I have my work to keep me going thankfully, otherwise I don't know what I'd do. My GP told me to ease of the morphine the odd day and see if the lyrica is helping. Lyrica can still be increased more so there's hope yet. 

It would be nice to get back to work in the office during the next 6 weeks while I'm waiting for my next surgery. Yes you heard right, I now have a date of 23rd September for my implant exchange and possible LD flap to make my new boob. So it's anything from a 1-2 hour operation to a 4-5! I really don't want the LD flap but needs must if i want a pair of boobs. My new plastic surgeon said I'd never have to go flat chested with him, just hope he can keep to his word! But I have been considering going flat and will do if these next two operations don't work. 

Two weeks ago I managed a day out to Barefoot Festival in Loughborough with my friend Lucy. We had a great day face painting, hair braids, dancing, henna and more. I also got some new hippy clothes to cheer me up. The face painting lady even glittered up my cancer tattoo. I've also got some new hippy cushions in bright colours to go in my soon to be happy cheerful lounge. 

Last weekend I watched the men dig a pond in our garden and it's lovely. Just need some plants and frogs now and maybe a few fish, can't decide. 

Today I had a little walk after therapy, was great to get out in the fresh air. Can't believe I still need councelling but so glad I have that, everyone going through anything similar really should get one, it's so good to talk and let out all your emotions. Then walk away and get on with life as best you can. 

My moms coming to stay next week, so looking forward to it, I miss my family. So i'm actually going to have a weeks holiday from work. Already booked us in for a manicure, looking forward to a few days out here and there, it's good she can drive and has a disabled badge because I'll need it too. 

Anyway I've rambled on enough now and it's getting late. So have a good weekend. TTFN. X

Barefoot Festival 2016

She even glittered up my cancer tattoo

My new hippy pillows

Made a wall in my bedroom, with all my hanging gifts from last year

My back garden

Our new pond

Our first frog...I kissed him and he now my prince ;-)