Newly Diagnosed With Cancer

[Nance]

:confused:Hello,
I've been a member of the ICN since 2004. I've always appreciated the support given here, though I must say I've been more of a lurker than than a participant. Now I really need help and input and support and hope I will be able to find others like me...though I wouldn't wish the problem on anyone.
I have been diagnosed with a very agressive form of breast cancer. I have had a double mastectomy and am now facing 16 months of chemotherapy. I am scared to death that the chemo is going to accerbate my bladder pain...which is already serious, but I've learned to live with it...
I'm looking for anyone out there who is handling cancer treatment and IC. I would love to know what has worked or not worked for you and what your dr. has done to help you. Have you even needed help? Is there something that works brilliantly....or perhaps...just maybe...even a small maybe...has the chemo had no effect on your bladder?
I've finally learned how to live a great life with the IC and not let it control absolutely everything. I'm not free of it, still take pain meds everyday, but, I've learned to cope very well. And now this.
If anybody has any advice or ideas, please let me know. Right now I have a regular oncologist and a natural (naturepath) oncologist who will help with some of the nasty side effects. But, only you guys know what IC means and how, in constant excruciating pain, it can completely take over your life. I've tried to tell them that....but I can tell, tho nice, they haven't got a clue. And...they are the very best doctors...top in their field.
Help?:confused:
Nance

[kadi]

Hi Nance,
I don't have an answer to your question, but wanted you to know I'd be thinking of you.
Do you have a good urologist who could talk with your oncologists about how to manage this? Make it kind of a team approach? Just an idea..
Wishing you the best,

[KarenAnne]

:grouphug: I can not help with your question, but I will keep you in my prayers for a complete recovery with no side effects. May God bless you.

[ICNDonna]

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. I hope your doctors can work together to make your treatments as easy as possible.

:grouphug:
Donna

[amaranthe]

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It seems so unfair that you have had to deal with IC for so long and now must deal with cancer too! Unfortunately, I dont have any answers for you either, but like the others, I also want to offer you my support. I will include you in my prayers. I hope that you have a loving, supportive network of friends and family and that they will be there for you during this difficult time. We are also here for you. Please feel free to PM me anytime. Lots of times late at night, I am the only one on here, since I frequently have my days and nights mixed up. (Either that, or I often wake up to go to the restroom and then cant fall back asleep, so I get online.) Anyway, just wanted to let you know that if you are ever up too, and you are sick or scared or anything, or just need someone to talk to, please PM me. I will be happy to talk to you anytime or sit and listen if you have things you need to get out. We can talk about anything or if you want somebody to talk about something else and get your mind off things, well I am good for that too. Sometimes it is easier to talk to strangers than friends or family. (At least it is for me.) So, if you ever need me, please, please let me know and I will be there for you.

Again, I am so sorry that you are dealing with so much. Hopefully, someone here can answer your questions.

Sending hugs and support,
Amaranthe

[dyno]

I also don't have an answer for you but just wanted you to know that I am sending hugs your way!:pray:

[SueC]

Join us in chat.............

[Cassaundra]

I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck. Hang in there and be strong!

[kiffy313]

Hi Nance,
Just want to say I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and I will keep you in my prayers, too...as far as the chemo and how it may or not (hope hope) affect your IC...I wish I could help you there...I have not had to have chemo, but my mom did...for lung cancer...she is 5 yrs. in remission this past April!! While she does not have IC, I thought maybe giving you a little of her story may help...What I want to say is she was helped so much by the meds they would give her on the day she had chemo, but before they did the chemo...one of which was similar to vistaril. She also took an anti-nausea med... Thru the course of the chemo(s)-she had to have 2 different types; she also had shots for low red blood cells and low white blood cells as needed...she sailed thru the chemo!! She had 1 instance of nausea, no vomiting whatsoever...she did lose her hair, I crocheted her some fun caps, and ended up making them for a lot of people we met at the center...and she was tired...but not overly so...she also was on the Fentanyl patch during it all-as we all know easier to stay ahead of pain than try to "rein it in" later...I know we are all different, but hope it helps you to hear of someone else's experience...She had a super Oncologist, and he and his staff also made things better, so it is good you have 2 good professionals, that while they don't know of IC, sounds like they are supportive and willing to listen...please let me know if I can answer anything else for you...or just listen...
Take Care,
Kif

[Jerzeygirl]

My Grandmother battled and won both breast cancer and a urinary disease which is now known as IC. Believe it or not she complained more about her bladder disease then the symptoms related to the cancer and chemo. I recall her complaining about having to be on antibiotics again for a "UTI". She also had a double mastectomy and went through a series of chemo therapy. She lost some of her hair and both breasts. She used to joke and asked to borrow my padded bras to look good for my grandfather I believe what kept her going was the love and support from her family and friends. She stayed in great spirits and was determined to beat the cancer and she did. I believe that you can beat this. Continue to stay strong and know that you have your family, close friends, and IC friends are praying and cheering you on! :pray:

[leelee88]

I also do not know the effects of chemo and IC.. But wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you..

[Nance]

Hi,
Thank you all for replies and especially for all your support. I'm trying so hard to keep a positive outlook, and it's nice to someone else in my corner who at least hase an idea of what I'm looking at. I've mentioned that my Uro is in the same building as he is and he knows him. It shouldn't be too hard to get them together. I just hope I don't have to up my meds too much. I'm sure the oncologist already thinks I take too much.
Thanks again,
Nance

[VickiB]

I don't have an answer for your question either, but wanted to say I will keep you in my prayers! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this on top of IC. Very unfair!

Vicki

[HopeWithin]

I have a friend who currently is going through chemo right now and has IC too. If you would like to talk with her, PM me for more info.

Best of luck to you.

:pray:

[mary124]

I am so sorry about your diagnose of cancer. You can beat it. I really don't have an answer to your question, but having all of your doctors work together is a big PLUS. You are in my prayers.

[SharonA]

:pray::pray::pray: