Post-treatment problems-help!!

Hi Ladies-
I completed chemo a little over a year ago for BC, and had in that year also radiation and 5 operations, including a hysterectomy. I'm so bloated lately. My stomach is really distended and I have a lot of gas and it hurts. Please excuse the details. I'm dizzy and tired all of the time. My doctor did a MRI for my head, said everything looked fine and gave me a relaxation CD. i was told it was stress from returning to work after a long sick leave. I gave it back and went home. I spend sufficient time with friends (which my ex-gyno asked. apparently my symptoms come from too much time to focus on it.) and i know that it's not mood related. It's not in my head. I basically eat plain rice because it's easy on my tummy. last abdominal Ultrasound show just a new small cyst on ovary and some minor changes in remaining breast tissue that we're monitoring. i don't know what to do. its not all in my head but i can't convince anyone of this. im tired of self medicating with over-the-counter medicines that I'm not even sure are appropriate for my situation.

It always annoys me when doctors tell women it's all in your head. Yes, stress and emotional problems can cause physical symptoms but sometimes I think they're too quick to dismiss it that way.

If you don't feel confident in your doctor's diagnosis, you could go for a second opinion. Is the doctor who did your MRI the oncologist who treated your BC?

I'm not a doctor but I think if you're having digestive problems and eating mostly plain rice, that might explain the dizziness and fatigue. So maybe focus on looking for a cause/treatment for the abdominal symptoms? Maybe a gastroenterologist (if you're not already seeing one).

I had chemo and rad and 2 surgeries last year. I still have some fatigue along with joint pain. It's possible this is all a side effect from your treatment but you deserve some answers and a solution.

I would see a gastroenterologist. It could be some thing very easy like a diverticulitus that is inflamed. That can be treated with an antibiotic. It is a place to start. If you know it is not in your head keep pushing until you get an answer. I have heard for years that my jaw pain is all in my head and I finally did the MRI and I have stage 4 TMJ and a displaced jaw.