All Topics → Forum: Stage I and II Breast Cancer → Topic: Calling all Stage II Sisters!!!
Posted on: Apr 19, 2011 09:59 AM
sanbar8771 wrote:
I just wanted to sent a shout out. I don't see many forums for stage II. Finished treatment almost 6 months ago and I am going crazy. I want to re-arrange my house....buy a new car, even replace all my furniture. Does anyone else feel this way? I feel like I have no control what is going on inside my body so I just eat right (vegan) and excercise daily. Help, I am going nuts. My onco does not need to see me until my 6 month time period. Do I get a scan? As you can see in my sig, I am super duper high risk. Yay...me! But I know not to stress...just be thankful for everyday god has given me.
Julie
Posts 61 - 90 (383 total)
May 13, 2011 05:10 PM lago wrote:
Neecee sounds like you have a good plan in place. What cocktail did your onc recommend? How many treatments? Keep us posted.May 13, 2011 05:14 PM christine47 wrote:
neecee,
Glad for you that you have some answers and a treatment plan. What chemo will you be getting? I am also a IIa, but had a positive node and strongly er/pr+. I finished chemo 2 weeks ago, no fun, but doable. I will be starting my tamox in a couple of weeks.
We will be rooting for you!
May 13, 2011 05:34 PM, edited May 13, 2011 05:38 PM by neecee
lago and christine - I am on information overload right now, and don't remember the combo. We debated two, one that was a standard treatment, and one that was more toxic. The more toxic one only gave me an additional 4% reduction in recurrence, and I decided to pass. The risk/reward was not there for me. I think it is CT. I'll report back when the fog lifts! Whatever it is, it will be x4.
Thanks for the encouragement!
May 13, 2011 05:55 PM libraylil wrote:
NeecEe sounds like your doc is covering all bases. The chemo is not fun but you will Get through it. The percentages are mind boggling aren t they? The sooner you get started the sooner you start kicking cancers sorry azz.
May 13, 2011 05:55 PM katsOK wrote:
HI Heartnsoul76, we have almost exactly the same stats.... my tumor was 2.5, grade 3, do not know the KI67 but my oncotype was 27. My oncologist left it up to me and I chose chemo due to the grade 3 and size... I did TCx4 almost two years ago. Later I learned that in the Taylor study I would have automatically been given chemo (anything over 25 gets chemo) but did not know that when making the decision. Another part of the decision was I am ER and PR positive but not extremely so; especially the PR portion is on the lower side. It is hard to pull it all together especially when the oncologist does not offer an opinion. I have had a few side effects that have been bothersome but still glad I did chemo. I think I would be even more worried than I am if I had not.
May 13, 2011 05:57 PM Faithroad wrote:
Just stopping by to say hi to stage 2 sisters! I'm new to this thread though I've wondered around other threads here and there. My onco type test came back low, so I was fortunate to not have to do chemo. My heart goes out to those of you who have had to do chemo and rads. I had BC in both breasts at the same time and had a double MX and a hysterectomy for prevention purposes. I WAS premenapausal, but not anymore. Instant menapause! Hot Flash City! LOL! I've just started Tamoxifen to take for the next five years.
Sendng hugs and well wishes to you all.
May 13, 2011 10:42 PM Jalsmama55 wrote:
Welcome Faithroad! It's unfortunate that you have to be here but so glad you found us. This place is amazing for support and reassurance. Also, when you need to vent :) Best wishes! Xoxo
May 14, 2011 02:27 PM Faithroad wrote:
Thank you Jalsmama55 !
I'm so glad I found this website. It has helped me soooooooooo much! 
May 16, 2011 12:07 AM yizbieta wrote:
I have heard of young women harvesting eggs before treatment-- have you heard of that??
May 16, 2011 12:12 AM yizbieta wrote:
HI- what is a Ki67 or ONCO type?? I have not heard of either of those....
Also, anyone out there who went through treatment whose CA1-25 (I think it is) number went up during chemo?? Mine is ten points higher- went from 39 (normal is under 32, I think), before surgery to 49 now after three chemo treatments. The nurse on my last treatment, Friday the 13th, was freaking me out with reasons why it was going up- such as my diet (I have gained weight- about five or seven pounds). She told me I have to be in charge of myself and not contribute to the cancer returning! YIKES scared me!
May 16, 2011 03:54 AM neecee wrote:
yizbieta, I don't know about the Ki67, but the oncotype is Oncotype Dx, a test that is run on women with early stage cancer that is hormone positive to determine the benefits of chemo. I noticed you are ER and PR negative, so your MO would not have recommended the test.
I begin chemo is two weeks, so I don't have an answer on the ca125. Someone on this board probably does. There is a lot of experience and information here!
Good luck!
May 16, 2011 06:17 AM libraylil wrote:
Yizbieta. I think because it was fri 13 the nurse had lost her freaking mind. The last thing you need is someone nagging you about your weight. Almost everyone gained weight during tx. Lucky you can eat and not be hospitalized. Sorry but as someone who has always struggled with weight this makes me ill. Since my tx ended I have lost 20 lbs and am exercising, no sugar, etc. You just get through your treatments. We have a choice of what/whose chair we sit in at tx. Since I did not have a port and am finishing up my herceptin I always wait and opt for the nurse I call the vein whisperer. Libraylil
May 16, 2011 10:42 AM NHsmiles wrote:
Hi fellow Stage II Sister's!!!!
I tend to be an odd one as I am greatful that:
My DX was Stage II and not Stage IV
I didn't gain weight from TX
A/C was extremely managable
Had my exchange surgery last week and feel absolutely beautiful!
I don't think about cancer or longevity as I could easily get run over by a Mack truck tomorrow as no one is guaranteed another tomorrow.
Life is good and that is what I focus on is LIVING!
Heather
May 16, 2011 12:39 PM lago wrote:
yizbieta My onc told me I would gain about 8lbs on chemo. I did. Granted I had just lost 8lbs so I only have to lose 8 now that chemo is over to be at my ideal weight.
I know I put on the weight because my activity and exercise level dropped. I started and stopped (current reason is I'm still recovering from shingles) but I know I will lose it again.
What is CA1-25?
May 17, 2011 04:38 PM neecee wrote:
Today has been a busy day! I am scheduled to have my port implanted tomorrow, and my first chemo treatment (TC) will be next Monday. This may sound weird, but I am excited. Not to be having surgery or chemo, but to be getting on with it. The sooner I start, the sooner this will all be behind me.
May 17, 2011 05:28 PM Claire_in_Seattle wrote:
I felt that way too Neecee. Once you know the path, then just go down it. Good luck Monday.
I was energized to have a game plan in place, and then just execute. I will tell you that I think my decision to exercise thoughout treatment, and I did this every day, made a major difference in how I felt, and in my recovery.
Good luck. I found the port very helpful. - Claire
May 17, 2011 07:58 PM neecee wrote:
Thanks Claire! I will take the excercise recommendation. I have been talking about doing it for months, and this should be just the thing to kick me into action.
May 18, 2011 06:20 PM Faithroad wrote:
NHSmiles, I am grateful as well. Things could have been so much worse for me. I was stage 2 in one breast and stage1 in the other breast. The stage 1 breast was a surprise. I'm thankful I decided to do a double MX or it would have been more serious down the road had it gone on untreated.
Focusing on living is good!! Somedays that's easy to do, other days it's harder, but its a great focus to have! A good attitude!! Thanks for joining us here!
May 18, 2011 06:36 PM edwards750 wrote:
I am Stage II too. I started out as Stage l but was elevated to Stage II when a micromet was found in the SN. I had a lumpectomy and just started rads. I had the Oncotype test too and since my score was 11 and the tumor was determined to be non aggressive(Grade 1) my ONC recommended rads not chemo. Just wondering why do you gain weight from chemo? Is it because you exercise less or is it some drug in the chemo? Obviously that is the least of our worries. A friend told me during rads they weigh you every time just like you are on weight watchers....yikes...diane
May 18, 2011 06:43 PM lago wrote:
My onc said I would gain about 8lbs chemo. Not sure why. I did. Granted I had just lost 8lbs several months before so it wasn't that bad. Still need to lose it though. My exercise hasn't been regular yet. Still keep getting side tracked with other issues (this month it's been shingles). I'll lose it though.
Some women do gain more. I personally think it's from lack of activity and diet. In some cases it's instant chemopause. When on chemo you tend to physically do less because you're just tired. You taste buds can go wonky so you eat what tastes good.
I was lucky that my taste buds didn't get to weird but I did physically do less. I did go into chemopause but I had already been peri so I already gained my middle aged 8lb spread. Now I need to take it off again. I will do it.
May 18, 2011 07:00 PM, edited May 18, 2011 07:07 PM by LeapFrog39
It will take some time but you'll be able to relax more and more as time goes by.
March was my 2 year mark. I bought a new car in December , took up gardening and I think I'm going to try my hand at photography. I think one of the best things that came out of this experience for me, is finally being able to let go of regrets about the past and instead learning to enjoy right now...there is still beauty to see and adventures to have....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diagnosed 3/13/2009 from FNA, 39 years old. BMX with full axillary dissection on right side.Final pathology report: 4cm+ high grade DCIS tumor with micro-invasive idc, 2/32 lymph nodes. ER/PR-, Her2+++, Stage IIa
May 31, 2011 08:32 AM, edited May 31, 2011 08:35 AM by Amy80
Hi all, I'm new here and it's been great reading all your stories. Just knowing that there are others out there who are going through what I am. My mum had BC but passed away 12 years ago and noone else I know has any association with it, so it can be a bit hard to talk about.
I was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago and still a bit scared by the whole thing. Never thought I would have BC at just 31 with 2 little kids. I hope that I can get to where some of you are in your thinking.
Have had a lumpectomy and SNB, where they found an 8mm cancer and 1 node with 2 deposits. I will be starting chemo in about 2 weeks but like one of you said, am kind of looking forward to this as it's the start to fighting this thing and being on my way to getting better.
May 31, 2011 08:52 AM lago wrote:
Amy you sound like you're doing great. If you haven't found the June 2011 thread here it is: linky Also try to find a thread listed of folks doing the same chemo cocktail. You might get some great tips on how to deal with some of the SE. Just remember that even if you are doing the same cocktail it doesn't mean you will get the same SE. BTW I never had any nausea nor did I get that extreme flu fatigue. The chemo nurse says I only got the more rare SE (although nothing serious). Everyone is different.
Oh and I did go through chemo-pause. Wasn't bad for me at all but you might want tips on hot flashes. I never got them really badly but I'm older than you, was in peri and my mom never got them that badly either. Funny but my sister has been having really bad ones for years. Mine are now gone. Go figure. (I'm the 1st in my family to have breast cancer so I know about the "no family to talk to" issue).
Jun 1, 2011 06:39 PM Amy80 wrote:
Thanks Iago,
Don't know what drugs I will be given yet. The Dr is going to go through all that a few days before I start treatment. I'm guessing that depends on Stage and grade of cancer as to what drugs they will give me. Is that right? Oh and thanks for the link, I will check out the thread.
Jun 1, 2011 06:53 PM lago wrote:
Amy it depends on the biology, node status, you age, your general health, etc. Lots of things to consider. They don't like to over treat but do like to treat early stage aggressively if they do chemo.Jun 1, 2011 07:03 PM wendy72 wrote:
I was diagnosed on 4/13,had a left breast mastectomy on 5/16, and met with an oncologist today. I just recently graduated from an MBA program and received a job offer today. The onco said that I will have 4 treatments of doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide every other week then tax(?)something once a week for twelve weeks and after that tamoxifen. If I accept the job I will start July 11th. When I told the onco this, it seemed that he did not like it but I did ask him if I could start chemo Aug 5th instead of immediately at the same time.
I don't know what to do. Should I put off chemo? will this hurt me? Should I ask the potential employer for a later start date and start after the four rounds of the bad stuff? I would like to add that this is the job I have wanted. I would work 4 days a week and could receive my chemo on fridays.
If this is supposed to be adjuvant therapy, why do they treat it so aggressively?
Jun 1, 2011 07:11 PM pejkug3 wrote:
I would personally get the chemo behind me. I believe they like it started within a certain time after surgery...can anyone verify that?
Jun 1, 2011 07:31 PM mccrimmon324 wrote:
Wendy72 & pejkug3-from what I've been told you have up until 12 weeks to start chemo. I was under the impression that it had to start at 4 weeks post surgery. My oncologist assured me that this is not the case, he even said that clinical trials don't take you until 6 weeks and you have up until 12. I had a lumpectomy 4/19 and it was healing good until the 3 week when I developed a seroma & infection and have been getting that healed up since. I'm hoping to start next week but I think you have some time. Personally I want this started ASAP but I understand your situation.
Jun 1, 2011 08:22 PM lago wrote:
I thought most people start chemo about 6 weeks after surgery. I started 5 weeks. Granted I think it might depend on the surgery. After my BMX I was not ready at 3 weeks post surgery.
Yes there is a window. The job decision is tough one. Hard to start a new job and prove yourself when you are going through treatment and might feel like crap. At the same time I don't think you should put off treatment. Treatment is a big deal.
Jun 1, 2011 09:11 PM Claire_in_Seattle wrote:
Wendy....I am so sorry. What absolutely rotten luck!!!
You need to know that AC + T is one kick-butt protocol. Putting off chemo won't help with the issue that this takes a long recovery period. I came through this "like no other patient"....major outlier on the positive side.....and I still don't think I could have managed a new job plus this protocol.
Granted, I had more AC than you will be getting, but still would say this is true.
I could have done a job I already knew backwards and forwards, but I couldn't come up a learning curve. So I continued consulting during treatment, but had to say "no" to a couple of job leads.
Important as your career is, your health has to come first.
So good luck. I am wondering if you can negotiate anything with your employer. Or, you may need to pass on this opportunity. There is also the whole insurance question, but this is a pre-existing condition. No way to hide the surgery.
What about moving your start date back to radiation? That is, negotiate a November 1 start?
Good luck. Again, my take is this one time you can't reasonably expect to do it all. Surgery and radiation, yes, but not surgery + chemo + radiation.
Please be well. - Claire