Jenniferz

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with DCIS and IDC on the left side.  I had a mastectomy with clear nodes and margins. My tumors were 0.2mm, and 0.3mm, with the IDC 95% still contained in the duct.  My surgeon and onc both said that I was very early, and the onc. said that I didn't need anything other than an AI.   I am triple postive also.  When I asked about Herceptin, he told me that that was given only to stages III & IV. That was two years ago. Now it seems that Herceptin and chemo are given even to some of the very early breast tumors. I did ask another onc., and she said the same thing....basically that my treatment was aggressive enough. 

I'm just hoping I didn't fall through the crack somewhere, and that these doctors are correct.  I will say that I am older than you, and that could have had some bearing.  Not sure.

Jennifer

Agreeing with everyone here, Tender!  You are one special person, and I appreciate all you do.

 Jennifer

Many prayers and hugs to John, Deb, and family.

Jennifer

Another triple positive here.  My tumors (DCIS and IDC) together measured < than 1 cm. My onc. said because of the very tiny nature, and because I had a mastectomy, I had treated the cancer aggressively enough, and said that chemo wouldn't benefit my survival chances that much at all.  I  really wanted Herceptin, but without chemo, I couldn't get it.  So, I have been on Femara only for the past 2 years, and so far have been cancer free.  Hopes this helps.

Jennifer

I get it now.  I do know an acquaintance that was diagnosed last year, and her onc. wanted to give her chemo.  She argued against it, and she won.  She did have rads (had lump.) I don't know what her pr/er or Her2 status was though, as she and I don't get to talk to much anymore (I've moved, then quit working in the town where she lives). I do know that she did have to have a PET and MRI to make sure that no cancer was found anywhere else.  Evidently, those came back clear, because her daughter told me that she didn't have to have chemo.

Maybe your onc. will back off a little if you ask for those scans?  I don't know....things are changing so fast in the cancer world, yet I can see that they STILL don't have a clue as to what to do with us "mml's" !

Here's to your continued good health.

Jennifer

Had something liket his happen when my youngest was in hs. No, it wasn't cancer, but the councelor's interference was not warranted. Seems that this "well meaning" person pulled my daughter out of class, told her she wanted to talk to her, then pumped her for personal information.  I was working on that  campus at the time, and needless to say at lunchtime, I got more than just an earful....I had one angry daughter to contend with.  I did speak to the superintendent and principal, and the woman was verbally repremanded and told not to speak to Rachael (or me for that matter) unless I asked her too. 

Well meaning or not, I think your councelor was way out of line, and I also think a letter in the councelor's file, and an apology is in line here.

Jennifer

I am fighting the same thing, and honestly, this is exhausting.  I did speak with the "head booker" at the hospital where my bill got screwed up royally (incorrect coding....oh, what a shock!), and asked her to FAX it to the insurance company with the correct coding on there.  I was so angry this morning, that the phrase "legal council" slipped out.  I spoke with my doctor's office (bless their hearts, they are soooooooooo calm), and they said that they did see where it has been faxed to the insurance and corrections FINALLY made.

The only thing I can suggest is talking to the "head guy" at your hospital's billing office, and see if they can fax any corrections.  In my case, if I can't get results, I will be contacting the HR office.

Hopefully, someone else can give you sites that you the information that you need.

JEnnifer

Ok, so what would you do?  I don't know which came first....high cholesterol or bc.  I am taking Vitorin. I am going to be going to my dr. in Oct., and even if she says, "oh, don' worry", would you take this drug? 

 Jennifer

What's small to you is large to me!  You are an inspiration to us all.  Congratulations!

Jennifer

I lost my father when I was 45.  Not to cancer. The hard truth of this is you really never get past the loss, but you will get through it.  I do understand the "anger" aspect, but after awhile, I found that I had "adopted" my father-in-law, and he had "adopted" me!!  (I think dh got a little jealous--his dad ALWAYS sided with me!!) We lost him 7 short years later, so old wounds opened up again. 

5 months sounds like alot of time, but really isn't. There really isn't any time limit in the grieving process. As Dejaboo says, time, time and more time.   If you don't think you're moving on as you should, please take Pansy's advise and seek counciling. There you will find more of the answers you need.

I am so sorry for your loss, and am sending many prayers to you as you move through this troubling time.

Jennifer