I'm not feeling quite as well

Susan - When I got sick the first time (1973 Hodgkins) I was calling the doctor with every little ache or cough. 44 years later when I was hit with BC I ignored some symptoms for a few months trying to tough it out. Since then I call or email all the time. I've decided that checking things out as soon they raise the first bit of anxiety (you know that weird feeling in your gut that it may be psychosomatic but then again it might be real)I call the doctor or email my symptoms and concerns. Reassurance goes along way to reserving our energy for the worries that deserve action. When that doesn't work I'll take 2.5 mg of xanax . Keep talking with your family. I tried to shut them out at first because I didn't want them to worry or treat me like I was sick. Part of that macho independence thing I guess. They warmly reminded me that I was sick and they were there to help me get better.

Hang in there.

Dan

And, going along with Julie's advice, consider that if cheomtherapy has affected your immune system, even a simple cold could lead to complications that require antibiotics. Side pain and cough could be a pneumonia. Cancer isn't the only thing that has to be taken care of, so check it out.

Susan, I'm sorry to hear you are under the weather. I think it is difficult to sort out what might be caused by the cancer and what is something that is going around. What I've learned this year is to get everything checked out. We may feel foolish when we get sent home but sometimes we let things go on too long before being seen previously. I am thinking of you. Julie

Susan,
You are such an inspiration to me. Your strength is amazing. I am so sorry to hear that you have been feeling bad. As you know, those of us looking in don't know what to do or say really. Thanks for being patient with me about that. Just know that I'm thinking about you.

Susan,

Your cough will stop within minutes. It really is amazing...

Karen

Thanks, Karen and Leigh, for your positive suggestions. It is good to know about
the medicine you mention, Karen. Leigh, it never occurred to me, it might be
muscle aches -- though, now that I think of it, I described it to the nurse as like
a muscle ache.

I think a plan is developing for me to get blood work done this week locally and shared with Houston -- Thanks for high quality caring -- Susan