Debi Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Well, I wasn't going to post since this isn't actually earth shattering, but when I saw there hasn't been a post since Monday on this forum, I decided why not? I'm trying not to stress too much but here it is 4 am and I can't sleep. i had to leave work early the last 2 days because I was so exhausted I could hardly sit at my desk. Thought it might just be stress at work combined with it being only a bit over 3 months since surgery. Well, woke up tonight and I feel all congested in my throat and ears. YIKES...this is going to be my first illness since my surgery and of course I'm expecting the worse...pneumonia...what have you!! I have been working hard against becoming a damn hypochondriac but its not working ! Of course, this comes at the worse possible time...one of the initiatives that I run at work is based in the hurricanes path and the last few days have been filled with preparing for the event the hurricane does hit the company in Virginia and we have to take up the slack here. I NEED to be there especially since my boss is out of town and I'm it as far as this is concerned. It was bad enough that I was originally working this weekend but now I have to come in on my days off (Thursday & Friday). And of course now, I'm getting sick. Normally I would just suck it up and do my job. In fact, sometimes I think I actually ENJOY those high stressful times at work. Now I'm sitting here thinking..okay...do I need to get this run down right now?? I'm trying to figure out if I'm being a wimp over a cold or if the fact that I'm missing 2/3 of a lung factors in here. I guess in a way it does, or at least the surgery does, since I have gotten so tired this week. Anyway, just wanted to vent..I guess in a way I'm glad to find that I'm getting ill.. the fatigue the last couple days was worrisome..now it has an explanation. I think tomorrow I will try to manage from home and just go in if I need to so that at least I can get some rest. I hope I'm not the only wimp out here and other people stress about colds!! Debi 47 years old Stage 1a- nsclc Surgery June 16, 2003 - upper and mid lobe removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 You are NOT a wimp!! Anytime I get 'something' like a cold I do call the Dr-I do not want pneumonia!! Call the Dr and let him/her know, sometimes they want you on antibiotics to prevent any further problems. Keep the tissues handy aahhchoooo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Who knows it also could be allergies , he can check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Debi, Going through my first cold here, as well. Saw my GP since I had a sore throat and had worries of a strep infection (this is how it all began last year when I ended up with pneumonia)... She put me on an antiobiotic immediately, did a strep culture and sent me home. Preventative, due to history. I had to call back on Monday, stuffed up ears...I'm currently taking TWO antibiotics, feel like a worn out rag and can't sleep at night (although I'm plenty tired during the day). Call your doctor - when I did, she wanted to see me in the office to get a better idea of what was going on. Yep, I think hypochondria is yet ANOTHER side effect of this critter! Err on the side of caution and keep up with the vitamins. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Hi Deb, Forget about the venting, your post is an excellent one and very timely. I just finished taking a course of antibotics because of a cold myself. I've learned after almost 2 & 1/2 years as a 1-lunger not to take chances. My doc has also chewed me out a couple of times for trying to "tuff it out" so to speak. He's a good doc. Little things including allergies can become serious for us and we need to learn to recognize the signs and get help as soon as possible. It really isn't being a hypochondriac, it's taking responsibility for your own health. It took me a couple of colds and as my doc put it some unnecessary suffering to get it. And I'm still learning. Deb - see the doc If no one told you, You also should be getting a flu shot- ( every year and early), also a pneumonia shot ( 1 time every 5 yr.'s ) Check it out,- this advice from someone who used to pass out when they did a blood test, How far we've come! God bless and get well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 My dearest Debi, Take two aspirin, a good video, three shots of whatever, and go to bed..... What you really need to do is call you dr. Don't try and go it without them knowing. I remember that they always tell me if buddy comes down with anything to call call call.....they also gave me some antibiotic meds to have on hand just in case. So please call them... Sorry you are still awake at 4 am. You need all the rest you can get with this cold... YOur health comes before work.....so only do what is necessary and take care of you first..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted September 19, 2003 Author Share Posted September 19, 2003 Thanks Cindy and all for your posts...and Bob & Becky...I hope you are feeling better now! I did call the doctor, of course he is off till Monday! Norme.. I do have antibiodics here..these strong ones that the Onc had given me because my son was sick when I saw him back in August, so I started taking them just in case. I'm actually feeling a little better today..ended up going into work for what turned into 8 hours...and am no worse for wear. Am wondering, Donna, if it is allergies...I always had them when I was younger and we currently have a new puppy in the house! Thanks for the reminder Bob about the flu and pneumonia shots...someone else on the board had told me about them and I forgot. Of course, none of my doctors here had bothered suggesting them, that would be too cutting edge!!! Talk about graveside humour...I always tell my friends that I'm going to have them put "I should have moved!" on my tombstone. Hope all is well out there!! Debi 47 years old Stage 1A-nsclc Surgery June 16, 2003 - upper & mid lobe removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I asked my oncologist about the pneumonia shot at my last appointment - he advised against it. His take was that it only covers one strain of pneumonia, not all of them, and not the strain that I had at the beginning of the year. Every case is different.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 Debi, are you feeling any better today, - - sure hope so..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted September 20, 2003 Author Share Posted September 20, 2003 I am Norme..thanks for asking!!! I'm thinking that it might be allergies for real but am still taking those antibiodics I had laying around. Turns out I managed to get this weekend off after all since I went in Thursday and Friday to cover the hurricane problem. ONe of the other managers had called in sick those 2 days and was more than happy to take my weekend so that they don't have to worry about the sick time. So at least I can rest a bit. The company picnic was today so I brought my son there for about 3 1/2 hours. Was supposed to go grocery shopping afterwards but I can't.. I am exhausted. IT is when I do different stuff like that that I realize that I must still be recovering. The fatigue scares me but its not the same fatigue that I had before my surgery..that overwhelming exhaustion that brought me to the doctor in the first place. This is a tired...maybe I over exerted fatigue. At least I hope its normal!!! Sometimes it scares me and I'm not sure HOW I'm supposed to be feeling at this point...should I be back to normal? I still get tired easy, have my pains and sometimes gasp for breath if I am talking and walking too much at the same time. Reminds me of that old saying...can you chew gum and walk at the same time. Answer is NO. I am still numb on my right side but not as numb as I was, and constantly feel like a rib or something is poking me under my right breast. I wouldn't say that its painful but rather it is just uncomfortable, all of the time. I still have that novacaine feeling over my body..some days it is worse than others. My Oncologist said that it is most probably nerve damage from the epidural pump and that it could last up to a year. My problems are trivial compared to some of what people on the board have gone through. However, everything is relevant and I have never been sick in my life so to me, all of this is so new and I still have problems some days adjusting to it. I don't want to run out of steam after 3 hours, you know? I want to stop second guessing every pain and poke and just accept it for what it is (hopefully)..healing. Instead, on the bad days, I'm convinced the pains I have are the cancer resurfacing somewhere else and the fatigue is the cancer eating away at my body and it is never going to get better. I know from reading this board that I'm not alone, and others have gone through the same thoughts! Oh well, by now Norme must be sorry she asked! I honestly am okay...just having an off day!! Debi 47 years old Stage 1a-nsclc Surgery June 16, 2003 - upper & mid lobe removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 21, 2003 Share Posted September 21, 2003 Debi, I am glad I asked because you can get on here and get whatever on your mind out...That is what this forum is all about. Actually hearing one tell of their problems helps others as strange as that might sound. I can only imagine how one feels inside with what all you cancer survivors have been through. I should think though that when one has a lung or parts of a lung removed that the lung being a vital part of the body will take the body a long time to recup without that part. It will also take a long time to learn to breath better. None of this will only be a month or 6 months but 1 year to 2 years I should guess to recup...and that is also after all the chemo and radiation some have gone through too. Sure hope you have a better day today. Hug that child of yours tight for he can give you strenght that you didn't know you had... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rinksgal Posted September 21, 2003 Share Posted September 21, 2003 My s/o is also getting a cold, he has a runny nose, sore throat and a small cough..he just finished a chemo regime on sept 15... 6 days in a row.. He felt great for a week and then this past thrusday I think it must have got up with him, he so weak and no energy and no appetite... and now hes getting a cold..We are calling the doctor first thing Monday morning.. Debi I'm glad your feeling better... We panic over everything, I think that goes with the territory!! Good Luck and keep us post to how you are feeling.. Christy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 Deb, What you have been through, and what you are living with now is not trivial. I can't tell you now many people I have known over the past 4 years who have had lung cancer who died as a result of a secondary bacterial infection in the lung(s) after having caught an intitial viral infection. We (those of us who have diminished pulmonary function) have to be vigilant about our health. We don't have the luxury of having the same "...wait and see..." mindset of those who have two, fully functional lungs. I'm glad you started the antibiotics, but you might consider going to see your doc anyway... Glad you're feeling better. Just remember that if it's allergy related it STILL puts you at higher risk for the development of secondary bacterial infections. Fay A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 Thank you, Debi! My surgery was in February ('03), I had two lobes removed.... The feeling of a "loose rib" carried on for some time, I thought maybe it was floating around in there and felt like the doctor took a melon baller to the inside of my right breast to give some other woman "natural looking" implants! OWIE! The sharp pains have gone away for the most part, but STAIRS still take my breath away. I am still experiencing some pain in my chest, but not like the stabbing of a few months ago... Fatigue is something horrible, feel like I need to take a nap in the afternoons! STILL have days that a 3-hour nap sounds really good... Hang in there, gets better...BUT, if there is ANYTHING that just doesn't "feel right", call your doctor! That's what they're there for! Take care, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellen Lilja Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 Hello Deb - Yes, get a pnuemonia shot for Heaven's sakes...my doctor wasn't the one who told me about it, though...I was told by another lung cancer patient! You said your doctor said the shot is only good for one kind of pnuemonia...weeeeelllllll....so, that's one you won't have to worry about! But, each year, get the flu shot, too. I had entire left lung removed July 9, 2001. I still pant going up the stairs, and my legs get very tired by the time I am at top...I think because of low oxygen supply to them. I have days when I need a nap, period! So, I take it. Just listen to what your body is telling you to do. I'm 63, and am a playwrite, so I have the blessing of being able to work from my home, and nap when I need to. But, in my younger days, we used to own and were the CEOs of of a large employment service which we owned, and at that time, I remember one of our management employees had a heart condition...so, we saw no reason why that person shouldn't take a nap when needed...we had a couch put in his office, and when he napped, he put a motel sign, "Do no disturb" on his door, and the receptionist turned off his phone. He was a great asset to our corporation and stayed with us until we sold. Ask your boss if you can nap when needed....it'll give you a "second breath" to continue on with your day. When I get over stressed, tired, worn-out, etc, I do a fantastic impersonation of Darth Vadar....also find it hard to breath in hot weather, over 85 degrees, and in airplaines, and in the Denver airport! Altitude is as big problem..at about 2,500 feet I start getting winded. But you know, with all these things plus more, I would still take the treatment, surgery and cure...I love life! ONWARD! Ellen Lilja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 Wahoo, Ellen! Ya know, climbing Mt. Everest/Denali/Mt. Kilimanjaro/Mt. Fuji was NEVER on my "To Do List"! Amen, it ain't there now, either! Over the summer, we went on a "Mental Health Holiday"... I came home from work on a Friday, said if I didn't take some time off SOMEBODY was gonna die and it sure as hell wasn't going to be me... SO, my wonderful spouse took off a week, as well, we loaded the car and headed north. My son wanted to go to Castle Rock, a touristy place in the upper penninsula of Michigan that consists of a statue of Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox and about 222 steps! Ya climb up all these steps to look at a panorama of Lake Huron and Michigan along with the Mackinaw Bridge that connects the straits... My challenge? To make it even halfway up...BUT, with coaching from the boy and the man, I CLIMBED THE WHOLE DAMN THING!! Nope, not Denali, but a BIG plus in my mental recovery. Aim high, take it a step at a time....and oh boy, were my thighs SCREAMING when I got to the top! Never, EVER give up! Dammit, I don't WANT to get a flu nor pneumonia shot, I HATE needles! Had I known about the tattoos, I may have backed out of radiation... IVs for surgery had me panicked! Hate 'em, hate 'em, HATE 'EM! (and if I need to get the flippin' shots, I'll get 'em...as long as the big guy is there to carry me home after I pass out...) Hey, we all pick our battles....I have to get past the needles....PEOPLE don't scare me & doctors are just people, after all... You don't stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop laughing. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Estrea Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 I agree with everyone -- we have to be vigilant about our health. Even if people don't understand it! I had a big scare last month -- a lump in my neck. Needless to say, my oncologist was away, my primary md was booked solid and I was scared to death. The good news was I had a bad COLD. So, I consoled myself that it was probably just a gland but until I found out that it was nothing, I was a mess. And, having a cold that lasted a month -- with laringitis, coughing and headaches, didn't help. That said, Debi, vent all you want, whenever you want. And, to everyone...get those shots! My doctors -- some of the best in the world say "It can't hurt!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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