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My wife also had a sub-cutaneous port put in for chemo (4 month od AC, then T). Called a Grashon (spl?) Medi-Port.  It works great! Like Mike’s wife, no maintenance (no coumadin, heparin, etc).  It’s a little bit of a hassle to get installed, but they often use Versed for anesthesia with local pain killers, so you dont’ have to deal with nausea.  Was especially great for my wife since she has an increased risk of lymphedemia in one arm, and bad veins in the ‘good’ arm.  She had some discomfort for about a week after installation, but it is WELL worth it. Chemo can really chew up your arm veins. Best Regards, Scott

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My cancer almost didn’t show on mammogram

Mine also never showed on the mamo.  In February of 2002, I had a clean mammo. In November, I had a 2.5 centimeter lump that never showed on the mamo.  Only ultrasound could find it.  And good for you for hanging around and insisting that they find it. Take care, BarbF

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Even worse … mine was 2.5 cms … no lump at all … nothing on mammogram … nothing on first ultrasound … BUT was spotted on 2nd ultrasound. All I had in the way of symptoms was some numbness and shooting pains in the top of my arm. I was sent for a CT scan because I’d had a cough for a few weeks aswell. That showed I was stage 4 !    What a shock. Just to emphasise how hard it is to detect sometimes, so you are right to insist on any tests you can get. Good Luck, Luv Mazza xxx

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My cancer almost didn’t show on mammogram Mine also never showed on the mamo.  In February of 2002, I had a clean mammo. In November, I had a 2.5 centimeter lump that never showed on the mamo. Only ultrasound could find it.  And good for you for hanging around and insisting that they find it. Take care, BarbF

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I agree–if you have to do chemo, get the port.  Mine was under the skin on the inside of my arm.  They put me out when they put it in, so I didn’t feel a thing and never had pain after.  My lump also didn’t show up in the mammo. I understand when you’re younger, your breast tissue is dense and it is more difficult to see lumps.  Sorry you have to go through all of this and make these tough decisions.  All my best, Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Too bad I’m not talking about the after-dinner kind.  Because of bad veins, I’ve been advised to have port installed for chemo.  I still haven’t made up my mind to have the chemo but in case I do I would welcome any advice about port. Don’t relish another surgery to install and, possibly, another to remove; taking coumidin for duration; and just the idea in general.  See radiation oncologist tomorrow (had lumpectomy so radiation was a given) and back to the medical oncologist on Thursday when I’m expected to give my decision. Recurrence rate w/o chemo 12%; with chemo 8%.  Is it worth it?  Sure wish I knew.  AC is the planned chemo but could change with results from echocardiogram.  It’s really too bad that I’m ER-. Also, I’ve heard of people having a preventative masectomy, has anyone had radiation for preventative purposes?  It scares me that the worst of my cancer, i.e., the invasive part, did not show on mammogram and had not the noninvasive calcifications worried the radiologists I’d be sitting here with invasive cancer and not a clue that it was there.  How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland

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<< If I had not inquired about "warmth" in the breast that had the infection for 3 months in Feb/March ‘02, it wouldn’t have been caught for a long time, as the surgeon wasn’t even all that concerned when he saw me, but did a needle aspiration to begin with anyway..{whew! huh?} However, the needle aspiration didn’t turn up positive, if I recall, although it eventually did.  That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t positive initially–just that the biopsy sample may not have included enough or the ‘right’ cells.  You had other signs, though, that it might be positive–an infection that resulted in hospitalization and took an extraordinarily long time to heal. As I mentioned in another post, as far as ‘recurrence’ is concerned, the most recent oncologist we saw told us that the cancer doesn’t ‘come back’; it has always been there in micro-metatastic form–where it’s not large enough to show up on scans–or not in the sample(s) obtained.  However, one does hope to be able to knock it out with chemo and/or keep it dormant, if it is still there.

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Kaye wrote <<<< Those I have heard from and  personally know–who had alot of positive nodes who not only are still alive but have not had recurrences in over 16+ years–were treated weekly for a year with non-standard, poly-chemo.  And these were women who were dx’d with aggressive cancers while in their 30’s. Kaye wrote <<Those I have heard from and  personally know–who had alot of positive nodes who not only are still alive but have not had recurrences in over 16+ years–were treated weekly for a year with non-standard, poly-chemo. And these were women who were dx’d with aggressive cancers while in their 30’s. We just talked another oncologist for a second opinion–outside of our health care plan–who will be reviewing my records.  He no longer treats patients–just reviews records/films (along w/radiologists), and then makes recommendations.  Most don’t have time to do this–even other private dr.’s.   It took me about 2 weeks to put all the records together–sorted them by type of scan, dr.’s, and lab work and then put them in  chronological order.  The records from just 22 mos. barely fit into a four-inch binder.  Anyway, the dr. I am seeing is very well-known.  He told me that when he used to treat patients, he had some on chemo for 2 years. The current regimen of 4 AC, every 3 weeks was adopted out of convenience and compromise.  That has been in use for over 20 years.  Just recently, the newer high dose regimen of getting dose intense AC every 2 weeks with Neulasta or Neupogen to help raise blood counts has been shown to be more effective.  Other treatment combos are also proving to be more effective in those who have run-of-the-mill types of breast cancer (i.e. AC and Carboplatin and AT).   I wish I did  have the garden variety type, but that was not the case.  It is hard for me to feel confident when I have been told that I have  something much more aggressive than most and several rare variants going on which makes me at very high risk for recurrence and shorter relapse-free overall survival, but then was given just the ’standard’ treatment which has been shown to be less effective for those who did have not only the most common type of b.c. but less involvement than I had.  Therefore, I feel that I can’t sit back and ‘wait’ and not do something now, while there may still be a chance, if there is….True, I did get Herceptin but they are now even testing that with those  who have no nodes and are giving it to all in experimental trials for periods of up to two years.  If it worked for one year for all, they wouldn’t need to have trials for longer periods of time.  Plus, they are now using more and different chemo earlier–in experimental trials because it does appear to have increased survival benefit. So,  now that I bored everyone with my long saga, I wanted to add that I would feel alot more confident if my  alk phos. had not showed a pattern of overall and steady increase. I forgot to mention–that I have been aware of inconsistent medical records, professionally, for th e past 27 years.  In my profession I pore over medical records of students who ofen have complicated, medical difficulties which impact their performance and overall well-being.  Initially, I was surprised to read inconsistencies and errors.  However, that seems to be more the norm, rather than the exception.  Had I not been aware of that I probably would be more relaxed about it all.  But, even in my own reports I have read of inconsistencies and missing information. I won’t even begin to list all of them–but here’s a few.  When my hormone levels went whacky, I was immediately put on thyroid medication–before I saw the endocrinologist.  They changed my med records to say that I was receiving thyroid medication–which WAS correct.  Then I saw the endocrinologist who changed that and my records for all dr.’s that I then saw for the next several timesas well as the lab test reports WRONGLY stated that I wasn’t on thyroid medication.  In addition, in her report, the endocrinologist wrote that I had been on HRT (hormone replacement therapy).  I HAVE never taken HRT and vehemently refused it on several occasions when my former ob-gyn (the one who dismissed the mass in my breast when I showed it to him 9 mos before my dx) tried to push it on me–telling him there was no evidence it increased one’s risk for b.c.  He wrote in his records that I refused it.  He did not write my reason for refusing if (bad family hx of b.c. and that my aunt’s  oncologist (head of hematology/oncology at NYU hospital) said we should never take it.  He also didn’t write in my report that I showed him a mass in my chest at the time I did.  He wrote that "patient doesn’t like to do self-breast exams."  I only said that in context of finding something different each time–including this sudden large mass–and that I wasn’t sure what I should be looking for… Now, it’s time to get back to reality–soliciting donations for the first annual dinner dance/auction for the school choral music program and then to write reports for work (after doing a 2-hr Sunday interview which includes review of inolved individual’s medical history) and then time for some family ‘fun’….

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<< And he went on to tell me, that several very simple things can elevate an alk phos reading. Vitamin supplements are a big offended, otc  meds for colds or flu, asthma, sinus’s, eating, not eating before a blood draw, Tylenol, and any pain meds are another big offender.   True, and I am aware of that.  What concerns me, though, is the overall pattern.  That’s what one looks for with tumor markers.  Alk phos IS considered such.  After chemo mine was 57–towards the lower end of normal.  In the past 22 months it has slowly gone up.  In March it was 85.  About 14 mos ago there was one higher reading which occurred between the first and second taxol but it went back down again.  Then from the end of April through May (9 and 10 mos. ago) I had 3 unexplained attacks of acute pancreatitis.  The next alk phos reading, although still normal, went up 10 points to 95.  The  pancreatitis attacks probably contributed to that.  However, from may through December, it had been hanging around 95  with the exception of one much lower reading (when blood work was taken /analyzed at a different facility–and that was  the only time it dropped significantly and the following month, when again taken at usual place, it was the same.  Then between Dec. 4 and Jan. 17 it went up 20 points to the highest level it has ever been after being around the same level for 7 months.  The last blood draw  was taken 3.5 mos. after I finished Herceptin. What it means–who knows?  However, the risk for anyone who was ever dx’d with breast cancer of eventually having bone mets is 50 to 65% and the risk of anyone with mets developing bone mets is about 85%.  And, since I have been on the negative side of even the rarer odds for just about everything, it does not increase my confidence that I won’t develop them.  Plus, the liklihood that I would develop them is even greater because of all that was going on.  Now, if I weren’t experiencing all the discomfort in my lower back, hips–which feels like it’s in the area of the bones and then the  just this past December extended to my mid back, (and wakes me up at night), I would be less concerned.  Oh, and I almost forgot to add that my left shoulder and arm began hurting at the end of last October.  That is my good, non-lymphedma side where blood draws are taken.  Also the type of bruises I get on that arm have changed–from being a normal ‘black and blue’ (purple) to first being a very yellow-green color before changing to purple and lasting much longer (about 4 weeks).  Plus, the area under my ribs where the liver is located–is now palpable (it’s not supposed to be), and it hurts if I lay on it. Then when I asked my regular oncologist about how one differentiates arthritic activity from bone mets, he did not answer my question.  Rather, he shrugged his shoulders and said that it didn’t matter in terms of overall survival if one waited a year and treated the person with mets for two   years as opposed to beginning treatment right away and treating them for 3 years.  Really, there is NO way one can compare the two in actuality since no two breast cancers are the same, and no studies  have controlled for such.   Based on all I had going on, I am not so sure that I wasn’t at the early stages of stage IV to begin with.  (The second oncologist within our health plan but at a different facility did not disagree).  In fact he commented that cancer (unless a completely new primary) doesn’t come back–it’s already there).  I don’t feel that my b.c. was hit ‘hard’ enough or long enough.   I think the Herceptin, while it was given, maintained whatever was there, but I don’t think the original chemo knocked it all out.   Those I have heard from and  personally know–who had alot of positive nodes who not only are still alive but have not had recurrences in over 16+ years–were treated weekly for a year with non-standard, poly-chemo.  And these were women who were dx’d with aggressive cancers while in their 30’s.

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<< He told me yes that he had many patients that never showed a normal reading after having chemo treatments. Thanks, that is good to know. <<And he went on to tell me, that several very simple things can elevate an alk phos reading. Vitamin supplements are a big offended, otc  meds for colds or flu, asthma, sinus’s, eating, not eating before a blood draw, Tylenol, and any pain meds are another big offender. That’s right, I was aware of that but it slipped  my mind.  I really haven’t taken much of anything different in the last month, although I suppose it may be a cumulative effect from the Celebrex which I’d started 2.5 mos. before that last test.  However, the alk phos. level had been 20 pts. less just 3 weeks before. <<HTH you abit…I know what it feels like to have this fear amd hopefully you are feeling abit better now knowing this… It goes without saying you shouls remain vigiliant as far as your health and if something just doesn’t feel right or sound right, then speak up..My motto now? "if in doubt check it out"   I am feeling a little better after reading this–thanks, but at the same time, I have had increasing discomfort in my back and hips and left arm which wakes me up at night.  I also have had pain in the area near the liver as well which has also woken me up.  Knowing that I am at high risk for recurrence does have me more concerned than I probably would be if that were not the case.  Re. the liver–my first CT scan showed a 1.5 cm "clearly defined" lesion there which they thought to be an hemangioma.  They did a tagged red blood cell study to confirm. Tthey weren’t able to confirm it since it didn’t show up on it. However, they weren’t concerned about it since they said that often if the lesion is less than 2 cm, that there isn’t enough resolution for it to show up.  I can buy that.  Well, I had an ultrasound about a year later and the lesion was 1.8 cm.  I thought that the size differential might be due to a measurement difference.   Then I had a CT scan done soon after and the lesion was 2.0 cm. A subsequent CT scan reported that it wa 2.0 cm and "stable."  If it went from 1.5 cm to 2.0 cm, how can it be stable?   At the same time the first CT scan reported that there were also several nodes on the retroperitoneum–which they said were not likely due to breat cancer. Well, that is true for most breast cancer (about 85%).  However, for the type of breast cancer I had (or one of the types–invasive lobular), the 3rd most common site for metastases to occur is the retroperitoneum.  It is supposedly rare for ductal b.c. to metastasize there. So, with having 9 positive nodes, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular spread, being Her2+ in addition to the above it is kind of hard not to think that there may be something else going on.    And, also, although only 9 nodes were positive, the report of the first CT scan stated that there was something else of significance–more lymph nodes that appeared to be matted together. Now I don’t know if that was due to the surgery or if, in fact, there may have been more positive nodes that were not removed. Hope I haven’t bored anyone with all the sordid details but thought they’d help further explain why it’s hard not to be concerned.   I do try and keep my concern limited to this group, although it does spill over at times at home.  I am able to forget about all this at work and school…

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Thanks – I think I’ll look into this although I don’t think I’d want to go to NC.  Now if they offer free airfare to Belgium or one of the other participating countries it would be tempting.  Since one of the institutes to contact for more info is in the DC area, as am I, maybe I could do it locally. Thanks again, Mary

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Thanks for the reply – gave me another question to ask doctor – timing of chemo and port installation.  What would I have done without this group?   Mary

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Well, had a good meeting with radiation doctor – she is the best.  She was at the tumor board meeting when they discussed my unique case (chemo doctor was not but had read the reports).  No help though in making up my mind, just said to make a decision and then put it behind me.  Later that night at support group one of the members told how she came to a decision.  She said that should there be a recurrence later she wanted to be able to tell herself that she did everything possible that was available to her at the time.  Otherwise she would end up blaming herself.  That sounded a whole lot like me.  Anyway, when I met with chemo doctor and showed him some studies I had downloaded and articles from various sources I think he got the idea that I was leaning away from chemo.  So, he said that ER- was unfortunate (otherwise Arimidex for me) but he was really worried about the HER-2 (3+ overexpression, which I gather is the worst) and "strongly recommended" chemo.  Actually, I had already decided to go with it but was  playing devil’s advocate to see how he would respond.  If he had been more of the "it’s a gray area so decide for yourself" I might have backed off but I don’t think so. So it’s off to have a port (under the skin, size of a button on an outdoor coat) installed on the 18th; first chemo (AC – 4 infusions planned) on the 25th unless there’s some problem with it being that soon after the port procedure. When I set up the schedule port appointment was 2/11 but I rescheduled pending new mammogram and sonogram on the other side that showed some possible abnormalies on the MRI.  Wasn’t sure how long the results would take. Shouldn’t have worried – got them on the spot and there was nothing suspicious on either the mammo or the sono.  Thank goodness. My next support group meeting is the day after port install. and I’m going to see what advice I can get about AC and hairloss timeframe.  Guess it’s time to get out and shop for the "cranial prothsesis" – this is how chemo doctor wrote it on script.   Stay tuned for next installment of my big adventure, Mary PS:  Any comments on personal experiences with AC most welcome. PPS:  Forgot to ask the radiation doctor  how long I have to wait between chemo and radiation (scheduled for 33 to complement the lumpectomy I had).  Anyone know?

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My alk phos levels STILL haven’t come back down into the "normal" reference ranges since the first time I had chemo in 1999. And now having chemo again. {sheesh!} I asked my oncologist if he had patients that never had what he would call "normal reference ranges" after chemo, and continued to be shown as NED when tested. He told me yes that he had many patients that never showed a normal reading after having chemo treatments. And he went on to tell me, that several very simple things can elevate an alk phos reading. Vitamin supplements are a big offended, otc  meds for colds or flu, asthma, sinus’s, eating, not eating before a blood draw, Tylenol, and any pain meds are another big offender. There was a study done here at the Medical College of Ohio by three very well known doctors. This study was conducted over a 3 year period and the results showed that even in the smallest doses listed on the bottle, over a prelonged period of time could damage the liver {one area of alk phos results when done/bones and liver problem indicator along with other levels as well} HTH you abit…I know what it feels like to have this fear amd hopefully you are feeling abit better now knowing this… It goes without saying you shouls remain vigiliant as far as your health and if something just doesn’t feel right or sound right, then speak up..My motto now? "if in doubt check it out" If I had not inquired about "warmth" in the breast that had the infection for 3 months in Feb/March ‘02, it wouldn’t have been caught for a long time, as the surgeon wasn’t even all that concerned when he saw me, but did a needle aspiration to begin with anyway..{whew! huh?} Take care there dear God bless you annie   Ultimately…..we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom. "Courage"…is *fear* that has said it’s prayers.

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Hi Mary, I’m glad you had an MRI–my cancer showed up in my lymph nodes and on my breast after a mammogram but they couldn’t find the one on my breast even after 3 biopsies–an MRI found the tiny primary lump and found nothing on my other breast which was encouraging. I had a port installed–definately get the under skin kind. It was no trouble at all and I really really liked having it as it made hooking up for chemo so easy as compared to some who had other ways of getting chemo. As long as it is flushed after each chemo (watch the nurses and see it it is–I’m sure they’ll do it everytime) infection isn’t much of a problem. My oncologist had me wait –I can’t quite remember thanks to my chemo/meno brain but it was at least 2 weeks and maybe 3–after having it inserted before starting chemo–to make sure everything was healed to cut down on infection risk. Some people with ports occasionally had a difficult time getting the port up and running but the nurses always had a trick or two that worked great. I never had a problem with mine and it wasn’t very painful and after awhile I really forgot I had  it. I called in my bump. Best to you, Marlee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Too bad I’m not talking about the after-dinner kind.  Because of bad veins, I’ve been advised to have port installed for chemo.  I still haven’t made up my mind to have the chemo but in case I do I would welcome any advice about port. Don’t relish another surgery to install and, possibly, another to remove; taking coumidin for duration; and just the idea in general.  See radiation oncologist tomorrow (had lumpectomy so radiation was a given) and back to the medical oncologist on Thursday when I’m expected to give my decision. Recurrence rate w/o chemo 12%; with chemo 8%.  Is it worth it?  Sure wish I knew.  AC is the planned chemo but could change with results from echocardiogram.  It’s really too bad that I’m ER-. Also, I’ve heard of people having a preventative masectomy, has anyone had radiation for preventative purposes?  It scares me that the worst of my cancer, i.e., the invasive part, did not show on mammogram and had not the noninvasive calcifications worried the radiologists I’d be sitting here with invasive cancer and not a clue that it was there.  How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland

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Mary wrote << Will find out tomorrow when I see doctor or for sure (?  if anything about breast cancer is ever sure) on Friday Therein lies the problem!  Nothing is ever sure re. b.c.  Even with all the treatment metastases is still possible.  Supposedly, that depends more on the individual characteristics of the tumor than on size, number of nodes, etc. I am speaking from the position, though, of being the one for whom almost all that was on the negative side of the rare statistics was true with the exception of being ER+  However, I am now reading that those who are ER+ if also Her2+ are apparently weakly ER+ and are less responsive to hormonals. My best thoughts are with  you, Mary, whichever way you decide.  What seems most important though was that it was caught early.   Take care and, again, all the best!

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<< How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland Hi Mary, don’t know if you would be interested or not but just saw some info re. a clinical trial which includes women who were at stage one who were Her2+ They are being offered Herceptin for either one or two years without other chemo and/or just followed closely with (and/or without?) standard treatment. Here’s the URL (if for some reason it doesn’t work, and if you’re interested, let me know): http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00045032;jsessionid=63B3CCC5… 161D09E9FF62BCD5929?order=9 You have to copy and paste the entire address, as is.

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Thanks Barb – they did do an MRI of both breasts and just found out today that there is something in the "other" breast that need further checking.  May be a lymph node but having a sonogram and compression mammo of that spot Friday. Actually, I think they should have read the report of initial mammo since it mentions something along this line and said with cone compression it disappeared.  Perhaps it’s in a different area.  Will find out tomorrow when I see doctor or for sure (?  if anything about breast cancer is ever sure) on Friday. Thanks, Mary

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Thanks to everyone for the advice and info.  Was able to speak with one of the oncology nurses today and with another at support group tonight.  Just so happened one of the members has the kind I will be getting (under the skin, about the size of a coat button).  Before today, I had no idea what it was like or if under the skin or on  top.  However, I will have to take coumidin.  Feel much better about it but still don’t like the additional surgery but it will be much better in the long run. Thanks again, Mary

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<< I agree–if you have to do chemo, get the port.  Mine was under the skin on the inside of my arm. I wasn’t offered a port and didn’t even know what one was when I started chemo.  OUr health care facility doesn’t use them unless you have difficulty and/or request one.  I didn’t have a problem having chemo–and had 4 AC and 4 taxanes with a year of Herceptin for a total of 56 treatments.  And I just had a 57th–one infusion of Zometa.  For the last one I didn’t even feel the needle going in my wrist.  The nurse was great!  Fortunately, I had good veins for that.  Now, however, I am having difficulty giving blood from them–but that wasn’t from the chemo—it was from when I had pancreatitis 6 mos. after chemo and one of the nurses used the main blood draw vein for an IV and I developed scar tissue there. Anyway, as far as ports are concerned, there is an increased risk of infection, although many find them easier than getting chemo through their veins.  Still, I am glad that they didn’t offer me one because I had involvement of dermal lymphatics (skin) and think there may have been increased risk of spread that way in my case.   Hope that all goes well for you.  Take care and wishing you all the best!

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Mary wrote << How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2?

The day before my already scheduled bilateral I asked my surgeon the same question, especially because of the type of cancer I had (invasive lobular) which was the type most likely to show up on the other side and the fact that it takes about 5 to 10 years before it can be seen, and the fact that as early or late as  9 months before I had had a normal mammogram (and every year before that for the the past 8 years had had normal mammograms).  So, after I asked that question–whether it might be there but not have shown up–my surgeon’s response was  that it could be–so that erased any doubts in my mind about having the bilateral.  I  have absolutely no regrets as far as that’s concerned. I do hope it helped.  I am at very high risk for recurrence anyway and am still worried that something might be going on now.  (Since surgery my alkaline phos. level has been steadily rising.  I am now up and writing this at 4:30 a.m. because of all the back/hip discomfort I’ve been feeling while sleeping plus I have had itching in my back (on non-malignant side for the past week).  So–am concerned that something may be going on in the bones and/or liver–although hope I’m wrong).

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My wife just had a port put in last Friday.  It is the "under the skin" kind – nothing sticking out, and no maintenance required.  She says the surgery to put it in was equivalent – or perhaps a bit worse – pain-wise as the lumpectomy that was performed on her a couple of weeks earlier. However, it should be worth it – with her bad veins, she probably would have been stuck multiple times before finally getting the needle in right, and eventually the wear and tear on the veins may have required the use of a port anyway. The doctor also recommended leaving the port in for several months after finishing chemo, in case more treatments were to be necessary. Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Too bad I’m not talking about the after-dinner kind.  Because of bad veins, I’ve been advised to have port installed for chemo.  I still haven’t made up my mind to have the chemo but in case I do I would welcome any advice about port. Don’t relish another surgery to install and, possibly, another to remove; taking coumidin for duration; and just the idea in general.  See radiation oncologist tomorrow (had lumpectomy so radiation was a given) and back to the medical oncologist on Thursday when I’m expected to give my decision. Recurrence rate w/o chemo 12%; with chemo 8%.  Is it worth it?  Sure wish I knew.  AC is the planned chemo but could change with results from echocardiogram.  It’s really too bad that I’m ER-. Also, I’ve heard of people having a preventative masectomy, has anyone had radiation for preventative purposes?  It scares me that the worst of my cancer, i.e., the invasive part, did not show on mammogram and had not the noninvasive calcifications worried the radiologists I’d be sitting here with invasive cancer and not a clue that it was there.  How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland

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How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2?

Mary: Have them do an MRI in the other breast, or possibly both breasts. When I was facing a mastectomy last December, I had decided against a prophylactic bilateral because there was no evidence of disease in the unaffected breat.  My surgeon recommended that to be sure the other breast was disease free I  have an MRI.  What came back was a report of 4 suspicious lesions and a recommendation from the surgeon and the radiologist that I do a bilateral. Good luck in whatever you decide. Take care, BarbF

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I would welcome any advice about port.

Get the kind that is UNDER the skin.  That way, you don’t have tape, dressings, etc.  You can shower, swim and there isn’t a constant reminder everytime you look at your chest.  I have tape allergies and had to fight to get this kind – it was worth it. Additionally, I feel that it’s a better barrier against infection that the above skin kind.

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This also worries me, a lot.  I wanted the surgeon to remove my other breast, but he would not do it at the same time.  He said he will remove it in a year if I still want it done, but he felt it was too much of an emotional decision to make right now.  I still wish it had been done and regret that he would not do it.  As far as appearance goes I think, for me at age 55, the flat look would be better than having one breast and looking lopsided. My cancer almost didn’t show on mammogram.  I had to insist the technician keep trying and finally when we managed to squish the breast very close to the chest wall, it showed up.  From there I went immediately into the ultrasound room and again they couldn’t find it.  I said I wasn’t leaving until she found it because I could feel the lump and knew it was there. After about 45 minutes she could finally see it. Everyone, including my surgeon, kept reassuring me that it was very tiny, only 1 cm in size.  A partial mastectomy was recommended.  The surgeon took out a very large chunk, anticipating nice clear margins.  That wasn’t the case, and I had to go back and have a mastectomy after all.  My lumph nodes were clear, one good thing.  But I’m told there were still no clear margins! So I don’t know what that means.  Scary. My oncology appointment to discuss treatment options is finally set up for Feb.26 and I will have to drive 1-1/4 hours (each way) to another city for treatment. Marianne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also, I’ve heard of people having a preventative masectomy, has anyone had radiation for preventative purposes?  It scares me that the worst of my cancer, i.e., the invasive part, did not show on mammogram and had not the noninvasive calcifications worried the radiologists I’d be sitting here with invasive cancer and not a clue that it was there.  How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland

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Can you tell me more about this port?  How large is it?  Does it hurt constantly the way the drainage tubes do?  My veins are also not so great, at least to get blood out of, anyway, and I think they might recommend a port for me.  And I also have severe allergies to any kind of tape.  I’ve tried all types available and they cause fluid-filled blisters after a few hours.  When I went back for my mastectomy the surgeon didn’t put any dressing on because of my allergies. (my request, I told him no steri-strips, nothing this time) Marianne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get the kind that is UNDER the skin.  That way, you don’t have tape, dressings, etc.  You can shower, swim and there isn’t a constant reminder everytime you look at your chest.  I have tape allergies and had to fight to get this kind – it was worth it. Additionally, I feel that it’s a better barrier against infection that the above skin kind.

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Too bad I’m not talking about the after-dinner kind.  Because of bad veins, I’ve been advised to have port installed for chemo.  I still haven’t made up my mind to have the chemo but in case I do I would welcome any advice about port. Don’t relish another surgery to install and, possibly, another to remove; taking coumidin for duration; and just the idea in general.  See radiation oncologist tomorrow (had lumpectomy so radiation was a given) and back to the medical oncologist on Thursday when I’m expected to give my decision. Recurrence rate w/o chemo 12%; with chemo 8%.  Is it worth it?  Sure wish I knew.  AC is the planned chemo but could change with results from echocardiogram.  It’s really too bad that I’m ER-. Also, I’ve heard of people having a preventative masectomy, has anyone had radiation for preventative purposes?  It scares me that the worst of my cancer, i.e., the invasive part, did not show on mammogram and had not the noninvasive calcifications worried the radiologists I’d be sitting here with invasive cancer and not a clue that it was there.  How do I know there’s not something similar going on in the other breast, especially since I overexpress HER2? Take care, Mary in Maryland

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Question:

Wow — I didn’t realize you were taking so many different ones. Which is the oldest in your system? Caroline

I have been on plaquenil the longest, about 4 years, and for mtx it has been about 2.5 years.

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Mary: Maybe Arthur has the upper hand right now but that could turn around in a New York minute and for no apparent reason at all. This is what has happend to be lately.  Since my last severe cold/flu/asthma, my RA has not been bothering me to any significant degree.  I feel like an almost whole person again.  I think this is remission.  Nobody has answered me on that one yet. Jeannette

You might be in remission but you never know until you are off the prednisone.  Have you reduced the prednisone much?  When you are completely off prednisone and still feel the same then I’d say you are in medicated remission. I wish arthur would head for New York and not come back.  I am through playing you can go home now Arthur (BG). — MZ

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks you guys!  I tolerate the mtx fairly well, I never get sick from it, and the headaches have disappeared.  Last visit he upped my folic to 8 mgs, and that pretty much eliminated the tired feeling. He also wanted me to take iron supplements, so I started taking 240 mg of ferrous gluconate about 3 weeks ago.  He said my iron was low, however he said RA patients often don’t absorb iron. As for other meds I am on Enbrel and plaquenil as well.  He is a little mystified why I respond to treatment, but then start to fail again. He actually felt pretty bad about it.  Since I tolerate the mtx so well and my liver function tests are normal he is willing to up the mtx.  We are afraid to stop mtx and switch to other meds because I flare so quickly and recovering from it takes major meds, and months, and months of work. I totally agree with him on that score, getting the disease back into under some control is a huge issue. He offered prednisone, but I told him I didn’t need it. He always says I am too tough. I told him I didn’t think my symptoms were severe, but he said my extreme resistance and the location and type of swelling indicates it is severe. My pain response is so different it is one reason I can still do so many activities. The Enbrel and Mtx are still helping, however arthur is gaining the upper hand. — MZ

I believe you would be hardpressed to find ANY arthritic patient who is NOT anemic according to test which most doctors run. There is something called ‘anemia of chronic disease’ which accompanies most degenerative disorders. This is the body sequestering iron away out of the blood to prevent it from adding to the disease. Most doctors view this anemia as BAD and treat it as such. Those doctors in the iron field believe any doctor who prescribes iron supplements should be *sued*. Type in iron and arthritis into Medline and see what comes up. What I have found is the iron from meat builds to toxic levels in the body and causes all disease. This was told to us over two thousand years ago. Treatment bloodletting to reduce the iron stores to that of which a vegetarian would have.. transferrin saturation below twenty and ferritin below twenty. This treatment was told to the Jewish over two thousand years ago.. and was not implemented. Type in sickle cell anemia (disease which strikes Jewish race) and bloodletting see what comes up. This treatment is to be implemented by ANYONE with disease. Believe it or not.. man is a herbivore.. and brings disease into his life by ignoring this fact. Who loves ya. Tom — Jesus was a Vegetarian! http://www.nucleus.com/watchman Iron In Disease http://www.waste.org/~lanshark/vegan/iron.html Before you buy.

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Actually sickle cell anemia is most prevalent in African Americans.

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Sounds like a plan to me. Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am taking 1 mg. per day I guess.  That is how the dr. ordered it, I think.  I just do not have the bottle handy right now so can’t be sure.  Maybe I should increase it the day I take MTX and the day after because that is when the fatigue hits me big time.  The third day is much better.  The headaches are awful the day after I take MTX. Jeannette

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I am taking 1 mg. per day I guess.  That is how the dr. ordered it, I think.  I just do not have the bottle handy right now so can’t be sure.  Maybe I should increase it the day I take MTX and the day after because that is when the fatigue hits me big time.  The third day is much better.  The headaches are awful the day after I take MTX. Jeannette

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Mary: Maybe Arthur has the upper hand right now but that could turn around in a New York minute and for no apparent reason at all.   This is what has happend to be lately.  Since my last severe cold/flu/asthma, my RA has not been bothering me to any significant degree.  I feel like an almost whole person again.  I think this is remission.  Nobody has answered me on that one yet.  Lots of prayers from everywhere may have helped.  I honestly felt I was dying and made my husband get life insurance for both of us during my last sickness.  We still have not been approved but…….my husband has to have money to bury me.  Anyway, I am feeling pretty darned good considering. This is the way it happened with my dad too.  He had RA so so bad and then went into remisison about 2.5 years ago and has been real good.  He is off all meds and was on MTX.  Maybe like father like daughter.  It is my miracle right now and I am thankful every day.  I will hope and pray for that for you ok?  Keep up the sense of humor……it is what gets us through the worst of it. Jeannette

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Jeannette — how much folic acid are you taking? Maybe you need more to reduce your weekly day of fatigue. Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks you guys!  I tolerate the mtx fairly well, I never get sick from it, and the headaches have disappeared.  Last visit he upped my folic to 8 mgs, and that pretty much eliminated the tired feeling. He also wanted me to take iron supplements, so I started taking 240 mg of ferrous gluconate about 3 weeks ago.  He said my iron was low, however he said RA patients often don’t absorb iron. As for other meds I am on Enbrel and plaquenil as well.  He is a little mystified why I respond to treatment, but then start to fail again. He actually felt pretty bad about it.  Since I tolerate the mtx so well and my liver function tests are normal he is willing to up the mtx.  We are afraid to stop mtx and switch to other meds because I flare so quickly and recovering from it takes major meds, and months, and months of work. I totally agree with him on that score, getting the disease back into under some control is a huge issue. He offered prednisone, but I told him I didn’t need it. He always says I am too tough. I told him I didn’t think my symptoms were severe, but he said my extreme resistance and the location and type of swelling indicates it is severe. My pain response is so different it is one reason I can still do so many activities. The Enbrel and Mtx are still helping, however arthur is gaining the upper hand. — MZ

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Wow — I didn’t realize you were taking so many different ones. Which is the oldest in your system? Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks you guys!  I tolerate the mtx fairly well, I never get sick from it, and the headaches have disappeared.  Last visit he upped my folic to 8 mgs, and that pretty much eliminated the tired feeling. He also wanted me to take iron supplements, so I started taking 240 mg of ferrous gluconate about 3 weeks ago.  He said my iron was low, however he said RA patients often don’t absorb iron. As for other meds I am on Enbrel and plaquenil as well.  He is a little mystified why I respond to treatment, but then start to fail again. He actually felt pretty bad about it.  Since I tolerate the mtx so well and my liver function tests are normal he is willing to up the mtx.  We are afraid to stop mtx and switch to other meds because I flare so quickly and recovering from it takes major meds, and months, and months of work. I totally agree with him on that score, getting the disease back into under some control is a huge issue. He offered prednisone, but I told him I didn’t need it. He always says I am too tough. I told him I didn’t think my symptoms were severe, but he said my extreme resistance and the location and type of swelling indicates it is severe. My pain response is so different it is one reason I can still do so many activities. The Enbrel and Mtx are still helping, however arthur is gaining the upper hand. — MZ

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{{{{{{Mary}}}}}}                                            Be well,  Patty *~A friend is someone who reaches out for your hand, and touches your heart.~*                                    http://www.paincentral.com

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Boy, I hope this increase works for you. Sounds like you may have to consider something else in the near future. Rats. Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got back from my RD appointment, and as usual I am not doing as well as expected.  Enbrel is less effective, and arthur keeps creeping into my joints. Sigh…so another mtx increase, now I am up to 35 mg. Geez, I can’t believe I need that much. My anemia is a little better, but he thinks the RA is causing it.  I asked if the high dose of mtx caused it, but based on the tests it doesn’t appear to be the issue. He said I was one of his toughest patients.  Damn this thing is hard to treat. Incidentally, my RD visited the Immunex Enbrel plant and said it is a high tech operation.  He said in the area where Enbrel is grown (chinese hamster ovary cells) has to be kept absolutely sterile.  He said they can’t have a speck of dust or a virus, because it would destroy all the cells growing the Enbrel.  He was amazed at the precautions, and security they have to take.  If we have a NW gimpfest perhaps we can visit Immunex. — MZ

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Mary Z: How high does he plan to keep on taking you up on MTX?  35mg. seems so high compared to my 12.5mg.  Do you have side effects?  I get very fatigued and headaches for two days.  I can’t even imagine what it would be like at 35mg.   You are also on something else correct?  I am sorry to hear you are not responding well to meds.  What is your status?  Are you able to get around, up and down steps, cook etc?  I wish you the best dear.  Take it easy.  I really mean it…..take it easy. Jeannette

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Thanks you guys!  I tolerate the mtx fairly well, I never get sick from it, and the headaches have disappeared.  Last visit he upped my folic to 8 mgs, and that pretty much eliminated the tired feeling. He also wanted me to take iron supplements, so I started taking 240 mg of ferrous gluconate about 3 weeks ago.  He said my iron was low, however he said RA patients often don’t absorb iron.   As for other meds I am on Enbrel and plaquenil as well.  He is a little mystified why I respond to treatment, but then start to fail again. He actually felt pretty bad about it.  Since I tolerate the mtx so well and my liver function tests are normal he is willing to up the mtx.  We are afraid to stop mtx and switch to other meds because I flare so quickly and recovering from it takes major meds, and months, and months of work. I totally agree with him on that score, getting the disease back into under some control is a huge issue. He offered prednisone, but I told him I didn’t need it. He always says I am too tough. I told him I didn’t think my symptoms were severe, but he said my extreme resistance and the location and type of swelling indicates it is severe. My pain response is so different it is one reason I can still do so many activities. The Enbrel and Mtx are still helping, however arthur is gaining the upper hand. — MZ

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I just got back from my RD appointment, and as usual I am not doing as well as expected.  Enbrel is less effective, and arthur keeps creeping into my joints. Sigh…so another mtx increase, now I am up to 35 mg. Geez, I can’t believe I need that much. My anemia is a little better, but he thinks the RA is causing it.  I asked if the high dose of mtx caused it, but based on the tests it doesn’t appear to be the issue. He said I was one of his toughest patients.  Damn this thing is hard to treat. Incidentally, my RD visited the Immunex Enbrel plant and said it is a high tech operation.  He said in the area where Enbrel is grown (chinese hamster ovary cells) has to be kept absolutely sterile.  He said they can’t have a speck of dust or a virus, because it would destroy all the cells growing the Enbrel.  He was amazed at the precautions, and security they have to take.  If we have a NW gimpfest perhaps we can visit Immunex. — MZ

Response:

So sorry to hear about your persistent RA! Stupid Arthur!! I really hope you continue to tolerate the MTX as well as you have been. Did the RD say anything about taking iron for the anemia? And did he increase your Folic to go along with the increase in the MTX? It just sounds like you are really having to up the dose quite a bit this time.:o( Isn’t Immunex in Seattle? I don’t even like to go to Portland, so somebody else can drive!!<g I know, great big WUSS!!! Anyhow, hang in there Mary. You have got to be one of the toughest people I know…..either that, or you suck at complaining!;o) Kellann;o) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got back from my RD appointment, and as usual I am not doing as well as expected.  Enbrel is less effective, and arthur keeps creeping into my joints. Sigh…so another mtx increase, now I am up to 35 mg. Geez, I can’t believe I need that much. My anemia is a little better, but he thinks the RA is causing it.  I asked if the high dose of mtx caused it, but based on the tests it doesn’t appear to be the issue. He said I was one of his toughest patients.  Damn this thing is hard to treat. Incidentally, my RD visited the Immunex Enbrel plant and said it is a high tech operation.  He said in the area where Enbrel is grown (chinese hamster ovary cells) has to be kept absolutely sterile.  He said they can’t have a speck of dust or a virus, because it would destroy all the cells growing the Enbrel.  He was amazed at the precautions, and security they have to take.  If we have a NW gimpfest perhaps we can visit Immunex. — MZ

– I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.-Unattributed

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Question:

Word up…….it’s a sinus infection! Sinusitis.  Sorry about my outburst earlier on this evening  The ER doc gave me an antibiotic and Vicoden.  I’m so glad.  That was driving me crazy. I said to the ER doc about hte constant headache, and said that my sinuses (deep inside the bridge) of my nose really hurt.  He said that sinuses to *him* were usually directly above and below the eyes.  But I says NO, the pain is definitely in the bridge of the nose.  And sure enough, THERE it was on the x-rays!!!!  It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!! — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

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I think my immune system was occupied with all that snot and phlegm.  

SNOT funny!! Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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Sarah, if I was drinking a Pepsi it would have come out my nose!!!!

Now THAT would clean out your sinuses. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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It seems to me I heard somewhere that Maybull2 wrote in article I think my immune system was occupied with all that snot and phlegm.   SNOT funny!! Char

Now, Mama Char, remember we don’t allow phlegm wars here. — Don Kirkman     "Fool someone once . . . and they’ll feel foolish for a day . .. . . . but teach them to fool themselves and they’ll be foolish for a lifetime."  M. Fry & T. Lewis, ‘Over the Hedge’

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Glad your going to be okay Rox. Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – .I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!!

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Glad you go t antibiotics, I get sinus infections several times a year and they drain all the energy out of me.  Take care and do something nice for yourself. Jan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Word up…….it’s a sinus infection! Sinusitis.  Sorry about my outburst earlier on this evening  The ER doc gave me an antibiotic and Vicoden.  I’m so glad.  That was driving me crazy. I said to the ER doc about hte constant headache, and said that my sinuses (deep inside the bridge) of my nose really hurt.  He said that sinuses to *him* were usually directly above and below the eyes.  But I says NO, the pain is definitely in the bridge of the nose.  And sure enough, THERE it was on the x-rays!!!!  It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!! — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

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Hi Rox, I hope you will feel better soon! Hugs, Wendy

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says… .I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!!

Rox, I’m glad you’re up and running again.  Headaches suck big time. Well, it’s good to hear you are back and will be in better condition soon.  My RD says infections can increase RA, decrease RA activity or there can be no change.  He said the immune system is activated and it can react in different ways depending on the infection.  That tracks with my observation, in December I had a cold that activated my RA and a couple of weeks ago I had an infection that settled arthur down (unfortunately, it is back in full swing again).  When is your next appointment; May wasn’t it? Hope your new Dr. is a keeper.  Sounds like Walt and Lynn found good RDs.  So the way I figure it, you’re next on the list, then it’s Jill turn. — MZ PS. Congrats to Diane A for making the correct Dx!

Hey, am I good, or what?! — Di http://www.skybusiness.com/dabell2

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Last time I had an infection my joint felt great.  I think my immune system was occupied with all that snot and phlegm.   Sarah L

Sarah, you do have a way with words.  LOL — Di http://www.skybusiness.com/dabell2

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Hey, am I good, or what?! — Di http://www.skybusiness.com/dabell2

You’re not just good, you’re goooooooooooood. — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

Response:

Last time I had an infection my joint felt great.  I think my immune system was occupied with all that snot and phlegm.

Sarah, if I was drinking a Pepsi it would have come out my nose!!!! — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

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for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection?

Last time I had an infection my joint felt great.  I think my immune system was occupied with all that snot and phlegm.   Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

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Hey Rox: answer about infections and not feeling joint pain.  That is what had happened to me with my recent bout with the flu/asthma.  I am still not feeling much joint pain.  Don’t know why.  I thought maybe it was the antibiotics that helped.  Wishing for you better days and better nights.  Rest and get rid of those headaches. Jeannette

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Ohhhh — what does she win??? Caroline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – PS. Congrats to Diane A for making the correct Dx!

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Glad to hear you got the source of your headache nailed down, Rox. Now maybe you can start feeling better soon. Blondie — What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Word up…….it’s a sinus infection! Sinusitis.  Sorry about my outburst earlier on this evening  The ER doc gave me an antibiotic and Vicoden.  I’m so glad.  That was driving me crazy. I said to the ER doc about hte constant headache, and said that my sinuses (deep inside the bridge) of my nose really hurt.  He said that sinuses to *him* were usually directly above and below the eyes.  But I says NO, the pain is definitely in the bridge of the nose.  And sure enough, THERE it was on the x-rays!!!!  It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!! — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

Glad to hear that you got to the hospital and got some answers, like everyone else I was concerned. I, like you, feel better now so I’m off to stick myself and visit my dad. Both of which I hope will be painless. JDShine

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 It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection?

I  mentioned this 3 weeks ago – I had a cold at the time and the arthritis seemed to get loads better when it was at its worst.  Bingo – I have a bad cold again (I cannot believe all these colds I keep getting!) and true enough when it was at its height on Saturday and Sunday I could move about relatively pain free, but today it has returned with a vengeance.  Hope you don’t get the same. JayneB

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.I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!!

Well, it’s good to hear you are back and will be in better condition soon.  My RD says infections can increase RA, decrease RA activity or there can be no change.  He said the immune system is activated and it can react in different ways depending on the infection.  That tracks with my observation, in December I had a cold that activated my RA and a couple of weeks ago I had an infection that settled arthur down (unfortunately, it is back in full swing again).  When is your next appointment; May wasn’t it? Hope your new Dr. is a keeper.  Sounds like Walt and Lynn found good RDs.  So the way I figure it, you’re next on the list, then it’s Jill turn. — MZ PS. Congrats to Diane A for making the correct Dx!

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Rox, glad to hear you got some good help this time.  Besides the antibiotic did they give you a decongestant to help get rid of the pressure. Something like dimatap or another brand.  It is also used for allergies and relieve the congestion in the sinus area, and the antibiotic will get rid of the infection. Good sniffing today LOL Am happy they helped you. — Janers

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Take your medicines regularly even if you feel better ’cause otherwise, it’ll come back with a vengence. (Gee, do you think she’s talking from experience? <G) You’re in our prayers. DeeTee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Word up…….it’s a sinus infection! Sinusitis.  Sorry about my outburst earlier on this evening  The ER doc gave me an antibiotic and Vicoden.  I’m so glad.  That was driving me crazy. I said to the ER doc about hte constant headache, and said that my sinuses (deep inside the bridge) of my nose really hurt.  He said that sinuses to *him* were usually directly above and below the eyes.  But I says NO, the pain is definitely in the bridge of the nose.  And sure enough, THERE it was on the x-rays!!!!  It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection? Hey, at least they didn’t tell me "nothing is wrong with you" this time!!! — "There are some people that if they  don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em." — Louis Armstrong http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

– http://www.erols.com/bobndiana/ http://lep694.gsfc.nasa.gov/lepedu/FrontPage.html

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:  It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today : too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except : for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little : stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus : infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection?           Not with an infection, but I’m afraid that when the OA in           my hip got serious it ‘cured’ the very bad multi-day           headaches I had been having for for the last 3 years.           I’ve decided that my brain is too badly wired to           understand more than one pain at a time.  Actually it’s           been a good trade off for me so far: the arthritic pain           [that *I've* been having] is in no way as depressing as           the headaches were…and noone was able to diagnose           those–not migraine nor eye problems nor hormonal           imbalances–they never showed up on any objective tests.                                   –thelma               : http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/9300

Response:

It was all over my head but also TMJ was acting up and swollen today too.  Arthur (or whatever) is not acting up on me now of course except for that.  I’m not really fatigued as much as before, just a little stiff.  Like all the energy from the Arthur is now going to the sinus infection.  Does anyone else find this with an infection?

Glad you’re getting better Several people here have posted that their RA gets better when they have colds, and your mentioning it just reminded me of something. Last week, I was saying, "Gee, the plaquenil is starting to work, I’m feeling much better!" but I also started developing a major cold sore, my first in 5 years. I used to get them once or twice a year. So I rushed off to my doctor, because last time I had one, it was so bad my doc at the time told me, "Come in as soon as you have a sign of it, and we’ll give you Acyclovir." So I did. My doc patted my head, thanked me for coming in right away (it doesn’t work more than 48 hours after onset), I got the Acyclovir, and my cold sore was more or less gone within 3 days, rather than 2 weeks. And the pain and stiffness are back with a *vengeance.* I didn’t notice the correlation until your post. My lustpumpkin asked (when I showed him this post) "I wonder if anyone with AIDS has RA?" Their immune systems *don’t* work as well, and ours work too hard. Mary http://www.prado.com/~iris

Response:

Question:

My little baby is at the vets getting spayed. It’s just not the same without her here, my lap is cold. oddlystrange (who called and checked up on her and she was sleeping) — sharing violation: http://www.obscure.org/~perky online garage sale: http://www.obscure.org/~perky/garagesale/

Response:

My little baby is at the vets getting spayed. It’s just not the same without her here, my lap is cold. oddlystrange

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day. =^..^= See my cats:   http://photos.yahoo.com/mickey4paws2000

Response:

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day.

Oh you’re lucky. No, Kaoru has to stay overnight. Poor thing. Hopefully the puppy that she came in with this morning is with her to keep her company. It was kind of funny, there was a guy this morning hanging out with his little 5 month old beagle in front of the vets. Kaoru and the Beagle I think immediately bonded with that whole "what are you in for?" thing. No hissing, no barking, nothing. Just kinda little kitty and puppy "hey! you’re a kid like me too!" I can’t wait to get her tomorrow. oddlystrange (who doesn’t know how I’m going to shower tonight without her sitting on the bathroom counter singing for me) — sharing violation: http://www.obscure.org/~perky online garage sale: http://www.obscure.org/~perky/garagesale/

Response:

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day. Oh you’re lucky. No, Kaoru has to stay overnight. Poor thing. Hopefully the puppy that she came in with this morning is with her to keep her company. It was kind of funny, there was a guy this morning hanging out with his little 5 month old beagle in front of the vets. Kaoru and the Beagle I think immediately bonded with that whole "what are you in for?" thing. No hissing, no barking, nothing. Just kinda little kitty and puppy "hey! you’re a kid like me too!"

That is really cute about the beagle.  I hope by now you have your Kaoru home with you and she is doing fine.  She’ll probably be a bit sore for a couple of days, but I think they bounce back fairly quickly.  

Response:

My little baby is at the vets getting spayed. It’s just not the same without her here, my lap is cold. oddlystrange (who called and checked up on her and she was sleeping) — sharing violation: http://www.obscure.org/~perky online garage sale: http://www.obscure.org/~perky/garagesale/

Response:

My little baby is at the vets getting spayed. It’s just not the same without her here, my lap is cold. oddlystrange

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day. =^..^= See my cats:   http://photos.yahoo.com/mickey4paws2000

Response:

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day.

Oh you’re lucky. No, Kaoru has to stay overnight. Poor thing. Hopefully the puppy that she came in with this morning is with her to keep her company. It was kind of funny, there was a guy this morning hanging out with his little 5 month old beagle in front of the vets. Kaoru and the Beagle I think immediately bonded with that whole "what are you in for?" thing. No hissing, no barking, nothing. Just kinda little kitty and puppy "hey! you’re a kid like me too!" I can’t wait to get her tomorrow. oddlystrange (who doesn’t know how I’m going to shower tonight without her sitting on the bathroom counter singing for me) — sharing violation: http://www.obscure.org/~perky online garage sale: http://www.obscure.org/~perky/garagesale/

Response:

Aw, I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I do know how you feel.  Are they keeping her overnight?  Our girl Meesha got to go home the same day. Oh you’re lucky. No, Kaoru has to stay overnight. Poor thing. Hopefully the puppy that she came in with this morning is with her to keep her company. It was kind of funny, there was a guy this morning hanging out with his little 5 month old beagle in front of the vets. Kaoru and the Beagle I think immediately bonded with that whole "what are you in for?" thing. No hissing, no barking, nothing. Just kinda little kitty and puppy "hey! you’re a kid like me too!"

That is really cute about the beagle.  I hope by now you have your Kaoru home with you and she is doing fine.  She’ll probably be a bit sore for a couple of days, but I think they bounce back fairly quickly.  

Response:

It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

Barb, Is it possible to go on at least short term sick leave/disability until you can get to feeling better and than make a more rational decision about your job? Praying that you get to feeling better real soon!  Please do be careful with that breathing stuff as it can get so out of hand so quickly!!! Been there, done that, and it is no fun!  Let your doctor know that you are still having such a difficult time.  If you need to go in the hospital, do it!!!  Also talk to your doctor about what he thinks as far as disability goes—it may be time, but only he and you can determine that! God bless, and good luck to you!!! Donna G

Response:

Hi Barb,  Believe me when I say that, I have been where you are.  There are times when honesty is not the best policy with a boss but what is said and done can not be changed.  Flu, asthma, and arthritis can really take the punch out of a person.       Its time to do the best you can to think about the good things in your day.  The people you like.  The responsibility of your job and do the best you can.  It may take months for your bosses to get off your case and worry about thing else.  You can help them in this way by making constructive suggestions that would cause changes to be made to improve problems.  Most bosses do not like changes even when they are improvements.  The way to get around this is too send your suggestions to more than one boss IN WRITING.  That cc is very powerful and it proves that you are part of the solution and something else is the problem.    I know its easy to think about disability but the cost of it sometimes cannot be felt until a person realizes how important their work really was to themselves.    Be strong, Barb.  Gather up your strengths and power to meet the day.  We have some ground to make up at work and you can do it. in my prayers Harv – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

Barb-Start that disability process.  It sounds, not like the job has gotten too big so much as your health has deteriorated so much that you can no longer keep up.  And besides that, if the work has more than doubled, then they need to find somebody to help you with the job.  I bet that if they cut you lose, they will have to hire 2 people to fill your position.   And dont beat yourself up over this.  If you are doing the best job you can, then they can ask no more of you. I hope things start looking up for you very soon. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

Barb-Start that disability process.  It sounds, not like the job has gotten too big so much as your health has deteriorated so much that you can no longer keep up.

That’s exactly when I left work when I did. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do the work at all, it was that I couldn’t *depend* on my energy, whether I could drive to work, how long I could last, or my mental acuity — and they needed someone they could depend on. I’m on temporary disability now, and will work full time again when I’m able. I’m a fair bit better on Pred. But I want to know that I can *depend* on it, first. ` Mary – http://www.prado.com/~iris "We will not last and we know we will not — and we still write, carve, build, paint, and plant to last. We are, it seems to me, very, very brave." – Linda Ellerbee

Response:

{{{{{Barb}}}}}  I know what you are feeling.  Sometimes the world gets a little overwhelming in and of itself, add illness and job stress to that and it just doesn’t end. Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

It will NOT stop and it MIGHT slow down. You did it before, and you can do it now. I have full belief that you will prevail, and that you will not lose that salary that you so deserve. It sounds like your boss gave you another chance. TAKE IT and RUN with it. You have not put your job on the line… You are full time and as such you have certain rights that cannot be taken from you. If your boss decides to put your job in jeopardy because of a physical ailment, then HIS job is in jeopardy. That is against federal law, at least in the US. You can handle the database, you know you can. You didn’t tell him what your physical limitations are, you just told him that your head was so full you thought it would explode. Well, your boss needs to know what the doctor’s orders are, so that he can avoid putting his own head on the chopping block. If they decide to let you go in spite of a doctor’s statement, then so be it. Sue their asses for back salary and wrongful termination. I mean it. candeh

Response:

It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

Barb, Is it possible to go on at least short term sick leave/disability until you can get to feeling better and than make a more rational decision about your job? Praying that you get to feeling better real soon!  Please do be careful with that breathing stuff as it can get so out of hand so quickly!!! Been there, done that, and it is no fun!  Let your doctor know that you are still having such a difficult time.  If you need to go in the hospital, do it!!!  Also talk to your doctor about what he thinks as far as disability goes—it may be time, but only he and you can determine that! God bless, and good luck to you!!! Donna G

Response:

Hi Barb,  Believe me when I say that, I have been where you are.  There are times when honesty is not the best policy with a boss but what is said and done can not be changed.  Flu, asthma, and arthritis can really take the punch out of a person.       Its time to do the best you can to think about the good things in your day.  The people you like.  The responsibility of your job and do the best you can.  It may take months for your bosses to get off your case and worry about thing else.  You can help them in this way by making constructive suggestions that would cause changes to be made to improve problems.  Most bosses do not like changes even when they are improvements.  The way to get around this is too send your suggestions to more than one boss IN WRITING.  That cc is very powerful and it proves that you are part of the solution and something else is the problem.    I know its easy to think about disability but the cost of it sometimes cannot be felt until a person realizes how important their work really was to themselves.    Be strong, Barb.  Gather up your strengths and power to meet the day.  We have some ground to make up at work and you can do it. in my prayers Harv – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

Response:

Barb-Start that disability process.  It sounds, not like the job has gotten too big so much as your health has deteriorated so much that you can no longer keep up.  And besides that, if the work has more than doubled, then they need to find somebody to help you with the job.  I bet that if they cut you lose, they will have to hire 2 people to fill your position.   And dont beat yourself up over this.  If you are doing the best job you can, then they can ask no more of you. I hope things start looking up for you very soon. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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Barb-Start that disability process.  It sounds, not like the job has gotten too big so much as your health has deteriorated so much that you can no longer keep up.

That’s exactly when I left work when I did. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do the work at all, it was that I couldn’t *depend* on my energy, whether I could drive to work, how long I could last, or my mental acuity — and they needed someone they could depend on. I’m on temporary disability now, and will work full time again when I’m able. I’m a fair bit better on Pred. But I want to know that I can *depend* on it, first. ` Mary – http://www.prado.com/~iris "We will not last and we know we will not — and we still write, carve, build, paint, and plant to last. We are, it seems to me, very, very brave." – Linda Ellerbee

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{{{{{Barb}}}}}  I know what you are feeling.  Sometimes the world gets a little overwhelming in and of itself, add illness and job stress to that and it just doesn’t end. Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It’s been a loooong week.  I caught the flu about 2 weeks ago and when I get sick, my asthma starts to act up.  At first it wasn’t too bad but now I am having a real tough time catching my breath and all the coughing has my ribcage so sore that it’s just another pain to add to the litany.  I’m limping like anything not only because of the arthritis but also because my toes are now becoming badly deformed enough that the nails are becoming ingrown.  The doctor finally trimmed them for me and put me on anti-biotics because of it.  He also thinks I have bronchitis to add to the asthma.  I’ve boosted my prednisone to try and help with the flare and with the asthma but it hasn’t helped.  I am supposed to make an appointment with the podiatrist to have the nailbeds killed but I can’t seem to find the will to go. I’ve had it done before on with a couple of other nails and the healing took about 6 months.  I just don’t feel able to face that right now. I am completely physically drained and am so exhausted that I hardly know which end is up.  I work full time at a job that is high pressure and fast paced and I am starting to crumble at work.  I was called into the bosses office on Friday and got read the riot act.  I was told that my performance of late has not been up to the standards expected by the company and that although I would not be written up now, next time I would be.  He complained about how bad my memory has gotten and asked me if I thought maybe my job had grown too big for me and that maybe I just couldn’t handle it anymore. He caught me so off guard that I was honest and told him that I felt like my head was so full that it was going to explode.  That there was so much coming at me now that I didn’t think I would ever be able to remember it all and that I often wondered as of late if maybe the job had outgrown me.  Now I truly regret my honesty because I feel that I have probably just put my job on the line.  When I started there, I was responsible for a database of 4500 customers.  It has grown to over 8000.  I now work a minimum of 50 hours a week and sometimes as much as 60 or even more.  I am trying to find another job but will never be able to replace the salary I make now.  I sometimes wish I could just go on disability and quit this fight.  It is never ending and fight now it feels like more than I can take. When is this ever going to stop…or even just slow down. Barb

It will NOT stop and it MIGHT slow down. You did it before, and you can do it now. I have full belief that you will prevail, and that you will not lose that salary that you so deserve. It sounds like your boss gave you another chance. TAKE IT and RUN with it. You have not put your job on the line… You are full time and as such you have certain rights that cannot be taken from you. If your boss decides to put your job in jeopardy because of a physical ailment, then HIS job is in jeopardy. That is against federal law, at least in the US. You can handle the database, you know you can. You didn’t tell him what your physical limitations are, you just told him that your head was so full you thought it would explode. Well, your boss needs to know what the doctor’s orders are, so that he can avoid putting his own head on the chopping block. If they decide to let you go in spite of a doctor’s statement, then so be it. Sue their asses for back salary and wrongful termination. I mean it. candeh

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