What Next? Just Need To Talk

[Guest]

Has anyone Stage IV had back pain which resulted in tumor involvement? I had a recent PET Scan and my Onocologist commented a "strange area" on my spine but to go ahead and dismiss it, (possibily arthritis) since I am having chemotherapy anyway, and it could probably be controlled.

A few weeks later, I had an appointment with a specialist at UCSF and he advised to have an MRI regarding the area of the spine I felt important to inquire about. The results of the MRI showed that the area is cancerous, but was assured that it wasn't anywhere near the spinal cord. When I brought up the prospect of radiation to my present onocologist (because the specialist at UCSF recommended it )she referred me to a Radiation Onocologist to decide whether I will have radiation to keep the cancerous area from spreading.

Rochelle

[michele]

Rochelle,

I am not stage 4, but am stage 3c. I just read your message and my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine the worry, but my prayers are with you.

Definitely fight with all your might. There are so many survivors on this sight that have inspired me that I am not so worried about a recurrance. I do worry, don't get me wrong, but I know I can fight. So... just fight. Maybe, you will need radiation. I pray you and your doc can come the the right decision for your needs.

michele

[Guest]

Hi Michele
Thank you for your kind words. My Onocologist hinted to me that that radiation may be a good idea to treat the back in order to contain the C.

I will be asking the Onocology Radiologist this tuesday at the consultation specific questions pertaining to treatment to the back area affected in order to to decide if this is the right course to take regarding treatment.

Thanks again for your support
Rochelle

[pjmanes]

I am stage IV also and have horrible back pain. At first they saw a "suspicious" mass but then they decided it was "just" degeneration of the discs due to arthiritis. I am on oxycodene and morphine so that I can function. I'm sorry to hear that your results weren't as positive. I hope the radiation works for you. Phyllis

[Guest]

Hi Phyl
I have found that a heating pad helps to alleviate the pain and soaking in a hot tub of water. I also use Ben Gay extra strength pain relieving patches. Your pain sounds more severe, so I'm not sure if any of these suggestions would help you. Thank you for your kind words.

Rochelle

[Fishy]

i've been having the back pain for about 6 months, and i recently started xeloda and the pain has increased. now my whole body seems stiff a lot. so, i guess my first question is if anyone else has had pain/stiffness with xeloda. also, i need advice on pain pills. i have tried vivadin,oxycodine, hydrocodine, and percasat(i'm sure these are all grossly mispelled). but , they all cause either stomach pain, headaches, cloudy-headedness, or put me right to sleep. i work full-time and i can't be taking these things at work or i won't be able to function. also i find that if i take them at night when i get home, i have a "pain pill hangover" the next day. so what pain pill is there that is strong enough to dull the pain , but doesn't loop me out.

[ASTEPHENS33]

I just completed my six round (out of 8) of Xeloda and no back pain. I didn't have back pain before the cancer, but did have knee pain. When I first started on the Xeloda (well actually the week off after two weeks of on) my knee really started hurting. He said (but not sure I really understand it) that Xeloda is an anti-inflammatory, so when you're off it old aches might return. I am now taking Celebrex the entire time (on and off weeks), as this is also supposed to help with hand-foot issues. Since then, no knee pain.