SusieSwan

I'm a Stage 1 and not offended at the question!  I guess I'm over here because I have made some friends before they were metsters and I just want to keep supporting them.  Through them, I've come to love so many people on this forum and even though I don't post, I always check in.  Heck, I feel I know so many of you and you haven't a clue about me.

Oh, and I am a complete control freak and planner so I guess reading all the inspiring stories gives me some confidence I can handle a mets diagnosis should I ever have to face this potential reality.  Unfortuntately one of my early stage friends was just diagnosed with mets and from what I've learned here, I feel I was so prepared to help.

I take my treatments at a large cancer care center and my onc wanted benedryl, tylenol and dex before every treatment.  Because I drive 2 hours, I talked him out of the benedryl so I can drive myself home and not have to worry about falling asleep but I still get the dex & tylenol.  The nurses said he's about the only onc that follows this prototcol, the rest do this for loading dose and first treatment only and then nothing.

susan

Ugh, Deb!  I hate that word "inconclusive".....Hopefully the review of the slides will get you something conclusive so you can take care of what's going on and move on.  I'm thinking about you and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  I'm hoping you are feeling better soon and can get back home.  I also have daughters and know how scared they must be as well.

Hugs,

susan

Kathy,

Vent away!  I understand completely about being nervous about the biopsy, especially when you've never had one.  It will be okay.  It will be a long weekend but try to just put it out of your mind and not dwell on the results..what will be will be.

I'm not sure how old you are but I was 41 at diagnosis last year.  I still consider that young!  The internet can be your friend and foe....younger women are not usually diagnosed until later stages as they don't undergo routine screening due to being a  young age.  There are many young & younger bc sisters on this board that are thriving and have kicked cancer's butt.  Try to focus on all the success stories. 

Being in limbo is a very difficult, stressful time....we've all been there.  IF you are diagnosed, we'll be here for you to hold your hand and help in any way. 

Hugs,

Susan

Hi Kathy,

I had both the sterotactic and a u/s guided core biopsy.  I also had some anti-anxiety meds as the table freaked me out.  The stereotactic was no problem, I felt more discomfort with the core biopsy but it was only during the procedure, which was over pretty quickly.  You'll do fine. 

Hi Deb,

Nice to hear from you!  I think of you every day :-)  You were one of the first ones to welcome me when I was diagnosed and you've always made me laugh.

OMG, a bear, there's no way I could sleep at night...I'd be so freaked out that it could get in the house...especially since they are hungry and I always have a lot of tasty food around, ha,ha...

Glad your tx is working and hey, I'd handle the skin stuff compared to feeling like )**^#.

Hugs,

Susan

Hi Kwoodson,

Spiculated terminology is a bit concerning....it means the lump has the star shape that a malignant tumor usually has.  But, it's not 100% and that's why they do a biopsy before anything else to make a definite diagnosis.  You don't want to have lymph nodes removed (which they would do at time of lumpectomy) if you have a benign lump.  I've had both steriotactic and u/s guided biopsies and you will do just fine.

In my experience, after my confirmation of bc, I had the sentinel lymph node removed (the one that is most likely to contain cancer) and this saves you from a full lymph node disection.  I went on to have my treatments (still in treatment) and it's been a year already.

This is the most difficult time...the waiting, the biopsy, the waiting again.  On the bright side, 9mm is tiny, tiny and that is a very good thing should you end up being diagnosed.

If you have any questions, let us know...there's a wealth of support & knowledge on these boards.

Hugs,

susan

I was diagnosed last year, 41 yrs, triple +, Stage I.

Ended up with 4 A/C, followed by Herceptin every three weeks and Tamoxifen.  2nd onc also advised Taxol but first Onc said would be too toxic but said, absolutely Herceptin.

Susan

Angela,

I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this...It breaks my heart constantly with all the struggles we all face.

God Bless you and I'm thinking of you.

Hugs,

Susan

Play,

I'm 90% ER and 90% PR positive...my material grandmother also died at the age of 31 with cervical cancer (this was back in the early 1960's so who knows if she was even diagnosed correctly).  I understand tamoxifen only blocks the estrogen from attaching to tumors and I've heard A.I's are better..but must be post menopause to take an A.I.  so, I think it's the best decision for me.  My med onc wants Lupon for supression, my rad onc said I should do the ooph (removal of ovaries only) but my gut is saying take it all.  so, I'm going back to see my gyn and see what he says.  Majority rules!