Calm my cancerhead?

Hey ladies, I'm about to freak out here!

I know that cancerhead strikes around check-up times and anniversaries...I need help calming my mind. I was doing ok until today. Since my friend is here I didn't use my dialator yesterday. Because I was told to use it daily, I figured I better do it today.

There was some bleeding. This happened when I first used them back in Oct. but not since then. I was wondering if bleeding could happen from being in a different position? I don't think it was from just 1 day going by without using it because I have done that before...But for the past few weeks using it has been a bit comfy to use it...I figured that could wait until the exam to be adressed...

My mind just freaked when I saw the blood...it wasn't a lot, but it was more than just a drop or two. It has since stopped. I have my 3 month exam this Thurs so I don't want to call the doc if it's no reason for concern. I just need some reassurance that it's nothing to worry about at the moment. (or should I put a call in to the doc?)

Hi- I have those dialators, but don't use them.(married) Are you on vaginal estrogen cream? Before I got the cream, I would tear alittle and cause bleeding. I only need to use the cream once a week and it works wonders. Are you lubricating? I know how our cancer head can make our lives crazy, this has been a bad week for sure. Seems like my lower back is so achy. Take care-tina

Here are some hugs back at ya! I don't have any experience with dialators, and I don't have me a partner (and haven't had one for a very, very long time), so I am good for nothin' at relaying any experience or advice as to what is making you bleed. So sorry you are going thru this at this date. You know a wealth of information is headed your way via the ladies here. Just try to keep telling yourself good believable thoughts (like the kind of suggestions you yourself have given to others).

Good (convenient) thing your followup appointment is sooner rather than later. If there is any arrogance on the doc's part ...then keep voicing yourself and MAKE THEM LISTEN to your concerns. It is all too easy to walk away from an appt wishing you had been heard, after the fact. Go ahead and be aggressive if need be! (Now if I could only follow this, my own advice.)

Good luck to you this week.

Hi,

About two weeks ago, I woke up with a trace of blood on the sheets where I sat before getting up, then some in the toilet bowl. I called my gyn and she had me come in...it was a polyp that she removed and sealed with silver nitrate. She said it was "normal" after surgery (I have had three surgeries since Sept.), but this was the first where I bled after so long...I haven't bled since and I have my first three months' checkup on April 19...I feel fine and although I'm scared, too, I know that I am doing all I can do to stay healthy, etc., and you are, too, I'm sure...It's probably just a "blip" in the road of life, as my grown kids call small occurrences...Good luck and post after your checkup...Hugs and keep your head up! Jane

Hi Vega

So sorry to hear you are feeling like that. I know how you feel, i worry about every ache and pain now which i certainly didn't before.

I was told to use my dilators 3 times a week and i still get some blood, (a small amount) but i thought that was from pushing the adhesions away, which is why we use them? I don't think you not using them for one day would make a difference.

Tell your onc when you go for your appointment it's so important to make sure they know how you are feeling. I know you know that.

I wish i could stop you from worrying but i know how difficult it is. I would have thought your appointment would be okay to wait for, they usually give you an examination so IF theres anything, which i doubt, it will be seen.

No one can tell us not to worry because, as we all know, once you've had cancer it becomes a lifelong problem. I thought i would have my operation and get on with my life, Wrong! I am still worrying nearly a year out, and having tests for urology, bone scans, kidney scans etc. Sorry i am digressing.

All i can say is we are here for you and will always listen to any problems you have.

Rosemary

I never had a dilator so I can't address that directly. While still on my first round of chemo post surgery I had bleeding one day and went to urgent care. A very nice woman doctor did an exam and found out that my vagimal tissue had thinned out. She gave me some cream and i never had more bleeding. I know you'll let the doctor know. Chances are good s/he will find some logical cause that's not cancer.

As I recall you're about a year out of your surgery and radiation. I still had drops of blood on my dialator at that time when I removed it. Takes time for the radiated tissue to heal. I'm over 2 years out and I STILL hold my breath when I remove the dialator. anna

Since I'm still new to this I don't have much to help , but I am watching ,and waiting with you in earnest. All I have to offer is and to help ease your worried mind, knowing you'll let us know the outcome. Sorry you have to go through this Vega but we're here for you.

Vega,

When I used the dilator, I would get some blood on it from time to time. The first time I called my gyn-onc's office in a panic thinking that this was indicative of a recurrence, since one thing they tell you to watch for after completing treatment is bleeding.

However, my gyn-onc wasn't worried about it in the least. Even now, eight years after diagnosis, I sometimes experience a small amount of bleeding after he does a pap test.

I would be willing to bet that your gyn-onc will say the same thing as mine. Let us know what the doctor has to say after examining you.

Take care,

MoeKay

Hey Vega!

I don't have any info re: your specific concerns. But this has been an extraordinarily difficult week on our boards (at least to me), and I think we are all a little on edge. I definitely think the old cancerhead is making the rounds.

I just wanted to send some hugs your way. I'm glad you have an appointment this week -- I know you won't leave the doc's without getting the info you need. Not our Vega!!!!

We're hanging with you!!!
monami