Member Since: April 1, 2008
Last Login: May 30, 2008
Location: Traverse City, MI
Occupation: retired
| Diagnosis: | Dx 3/27/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
| Diagnosed: | March 27, 2008 |
| Type: | Invasive or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma |
| Recurrent? | No recurrence |
| Metastatic? | No |
| Stage: | Stage I |
| Lymph Nodes Removed: | 1 |
| Positive Lymph Nodes: | 0 |
| Tumor Size: | Less than 1cm |
| Tumor Grade: | Grade 3 or high grade |
| Hormone Receptor Status: | Tumor has both estrogen and progesterone receptors |
| HER2/neu Status: | Tumor does not have an excess of HER2/neu receptors or genes |
Posted in:
Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: May 30, 2008 10:40 am
Widowed, newly dxLeftyNancy, I started this same very confusing process in late February when I was sent for a diagnostic mammogram (& ultrasouncd if needed) after the tumor was found on my annual mammogram. Waiting seems to be the norm -- there was a delay of at least 10 days for every step for me. I am 75 and living alone, but fortunately I have lived in my home for 27 years and have a daughter not far away, plus good friends. I also have a family doc, an internist, that I've established a good relationship and trust over about 10 years. When I was back in the hospital after staph got into both sides of my bilateral mastectomy, he dropped in. I was so glad to see him -- a friendly, trusted face. All the other specialist docs are "temporary", and you see them for a short time. The idea of finding a "navigator" program is great. Here our Breast Cancer Center has a "coordinator of services" who is a friendly information source for patients, and if she doesn't know the answer to a question, always has another person or resource. Like our Navigator program, or individuals who can provide help. My navigator has been very helpful! Hugs to you, and keep that great "I'll get through this" attitude. Love, June Dx 3/27/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: May 28, 2008 05:38 pm
Going back for re-excision next weekHi Kim, My situation was different than yours -- but yet similar enough to be worth adding. I had bilateral mastectomy on a Thursday, and on Sunday, 10 days later, the surgeon on call for my own surgeon's practice (weekend duty) reopened about the outer third of each incision to drain & clean out a staph infection. Had a four night stay in the hospital so they could treat the staph with IV antibiotic. The incisions healed fairly comfortably both times. But then, I didn't have time to really become nervous about having it reopened. Knew about noon that it needed to be done, and the hour of surgery was over by 6pm. And soon after I was fortunate enough to be enjoying dinner. The best of good wishes to you! June Dx 3/27/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Hormonal Therapy - Before, During and After, Created: May 26, 2008 10:37 pm
Arimidex Serious Side Effect (Osteoporosis)..kc5 -- Thanks for your comments. I have just started Arimidex -- tonight will be my second pill. I'm hoping not to have your experience with pain for nearly two years. But the courage of your resolve, and the things you are doing to combat the bone loss are inspiring. I love to backpack and hike in the woods, and am searching for every additional way to strengthen my bones. Good luck to all of us! |
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Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Hormonal Therapy - Before, During and After, Created: May 23, 2008 01:10 pm
Arimidex Serious Side Effect (Osteoporosis)..Pam, I'm think that I did improve my bone density by greatly increased weight bearing exercise, consistent taking of calcium +D, and much better attention to the food I'm eating. My first DEXA was 2002 (at age 70) and my primary doc warned that I need to really do the above things, or he'd have to recommend a drug. He knew I wouldn't like that. In 2004, the bones were "better", and in 2006, "great". Now in 2008, there has been a decrease in one hip, particularly. They also changed the machine they're using at the clinic -- so it may be more accurate (or at least different). So starting Arimidex means I will try even harder to find as many "natural" ways to enhance bone density as I can, and hope for the best. I also started backpacking in 2003, and credit carrying the weight of a pack for nearly 800 miles up & down Appalachian mountains for much of these good results. |
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Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Hormonal Therapy - Before, During and After, Created: May 23, 2008 12:49 pm
Anyone started Arimidex in 2008?Hi all, This is my first post, though I've read many topics since my biopsy, diagnosis, surgery, and now adjunctive treatment: Arimidex. I've really appreciate everyone's generous comments on their experiences and choices. Though my tumor was small, it was invasive. I'm 75, and not wanting to waste more time on another breast cancer, I chose bilateral mastectomies rather than a lumpectomy and radiation. The pathologists found two additional minute cancers with lymph nodes in the removed breast tissue. I wasn't sure how to reflect that in my "diagnosis" below. Anyway, I figure that I did make the right choice. I love to hike, and have logged nearly 800 miles backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the past 6 years. So the SE of joint problems and thinning bones gives me great pause. But reoccurence is worse, obviously. So my current objective is to maximize walking, nutrition, calcium & vitamins to enhance bone density. Thanks for listening/reading. I will start the Arimidex "soon". My onch gave me some sample. Guess I'll start it at the beginning of the next week -- day after tomorrow.
Dx 3/27/2008, IDC, .9 cm, Stage 1, Grade 3, 0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2=0 |
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