teamkatie

Hi Susan- I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis....sounds like youve had a long road.  The oncologist still thinks radiation is an option after chemo, however my surgeon would prefer operating, as its a "safer" bet.  Less risks than radiation (will radiation work, the dangers of it killing other "good" cells in my body and not just the bad ones, etc)...however they did say the chemo could shrink the small part of the cancer that is left in me, and they could find nothing (I'm hopeful for this) once they do go back in. Personally I agree with the surgeon, as I would rather have them operate after chemo than chance anything with radiation.  I feel that the doctors do know whats best for each patient, and maybe you have been highly responsive to radiation in the past.  This is my first go with everything and I want to do the most radical, agressive actions possible to lessen my risk of it coming back.  Lets do please keep in touch.  Give that daughter of yours a hug!!  I know my daughter is a huge source of strength for me, I am so thankful for all of my family in these trying times.   

I AGREE!!!  Mast. is not that painful, the lymph nodes are the WORSE!  I don't wanna scare anyone out there, but lymph nodes are my biggest area of pain now, and my surgery was on 9/19. (double mast and lymph node removal on left side only).  Nanaparth- the exercises are funny huh? My daughter is a ballerina so we laugh so hard when I do that one lol :)  I'm finally bathing alone and doing light housework.  My bone, CT and PET scans came backnegative which is relieving.  I start chemo the end of October- 8 intense treatments over 16 wks.  I'm anxious yet want to "live" a few weeks before I get sick from chemo- maybe I wont be sick, but my doc says I will be for sure.  What's your chemo plan?  I will know more (doses, meds, etc) soon.

Im so anxious to begin testing and then find out results. What treatments are you now currently doing?  Did you ever consider opting for the double mast. like myself?  My right side has suspicious tissue, but tests came back negative.  I opted for the double regardless as Im hoping for no more surgery. So many variables I'm thankful for our similarities even though they are unfortunate.  Sorry to invade this discussion- enjys :( 

nanaparth- what size was your tumor?  what stage have they diagnosed you?  I;m scheduled to meet with my oncologist to schedule testing for scans throughout my body on Tuesday.  I need to rest my mind it has not traveled anywhere else.  I also had 98% of my lymph nodes infected.  My doc is also predicting radiation after chemo too. 

I was recently diagnosed with lobular carcinoma.  During surgery found and removed a 9cm tumor and all of my 19 lymph nodes on the left side, 17 of which came back positive.  Stage IIIB.  Prior to surgery I had opted for the bi-lateral mast. Lobular is rare as it is and Im looking for all the information I can gather.  I am 48 yrs old and a healthy woman- I still can't believe I didn't, my doctor didnt during my annual 6mths ago, the mammogram didn't 6mths ago, or now even find this sooner.  Ultrasound and breast MRI are the way to go- I do believe they show more. My family and I are very positive and ready for each hurdle as it comes.  I am going to be a pink survivor and kick this cancer in the butt!!  We must do this together!! Prayer is power. 

I was recently diagnosed with lobular carcinoma.  During surgery found and removed a 9cm tumor and all of my 19 lymph nodes on the left side, 17 of which came back positive.  Stage IIIB.  Prior to surgery I had opted for the bi-lateral mast. Lobular is rare as it is and Im looking for all the information I can gather.  I am 48 yrs old and a healthy woman- I still can't believe I didn't, my doctor didnt during my annual 6mths ago, the mammogram didn't 6mths ago, or now even find this sooner.  Ultrasound and breast MRI are the way to go- I do believe they show more. My family and I are very positive and ready for each hurdle as it comes.  I am going to be a pink survivor and kick this cancer in the butt!!  We must do this together!! Prayer is power.