Best Of
Re: Faslodex Girls Thread
Because I got Triple negative breast cancer and addressed them both with chemotherapy. When that was done went back to anastrozole but it interferes with falling asleep. Lifelong insomnia is greatly worse. More aches and pains too.
gailmary
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@cookie54 and @intolight - Thank you both so very much for the dosage info when I was about to see my oncologist. It was really helpful.
Again, I am just too fatigued from this new Xeloda routine, that I can't post as quickly, often, or as fully as I would like, but I do appreciate all of the thoughts and comments I've received from so many. Additionally, I have to do all of this on my phone these days (long story), and I don't type well at all on my phone.
I saw the onc last Wednesday and felt like things went well. He said that since that spot that appeared on my chest in December is now mostly gone, it is a good sign that the Xeloda is likely working, and it's only been about a month. He says he'd like to give it about 3 months and then do scans before deciding on a dose change. He says that if the response seems "robust" at that time, we could consider lowering the dose. In the meantime he will watch tumor markers.
And speaking of tumor markers, I got the lab results that same evening and could see improvement in just about everything. The tumor markers took a dive, but still aren't quite back into the normal range, but it's something. My oncologist messaged me the next morning saying that, "Tumor markers are falling briskly! This is great news." That made my day. Keeping my fingers crossed for continued "success". Will have another tumor marker check in March and scans in early April .
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, especially if you have a Valentine. We're supposed to have some more sun here, so I'm looking forward to some walking. Saw some lavender crocus the day before yesterday.
New Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, two large masses in my left breast. HER negative, estrogen/progesterone positive. My radiologist told me she was pretty positive it was cancer before official results, which was really helpful for me to process. I’m meeting with the oncologist and surgeon next week. I’ve been scared, sad, angry. I keep thinking this isn’t fair, but logically I know that doesn’t make sense to think. I’m struggling with who to tell when. Sometimes I feel like telling everyone I’m around at work, other times I don’t want to tell anyone, but it’s constantly on my mind. I hope I feel like I have a better understanding of next steps after next week appointments. What is the usual timing between diagnosis and treatment starting? My kids are in high school/college and I’m trying to be as honest with them as possible but I know it’s scary.
Re: 💗 February 2026 Surgery Roll Call—Let’s Do This Together 💗
Hello, I'm due for surgery coming up Thursday feb 19 (Korea time) for a unilateral mastectomy for HER2 positive on my left breast and a possible auxiliary lymph node. I am based in Seoul S. Korea and feel the need to connect with women in English as that's not easy to find here for support. I am glad to find this portal, and to know I'm not alone on this journey. Thank you for being here.
kathy108
Re: how about drinking?
I am new to the community but so glad I stopped around to read the comments. I can hear each of your voices, almost 20 year later, and it's POWERFUL. I pray you all are happy. I have been scared to drink- I love wine and the occasionally beer with my nachos during college football season but I was/am scared to drink after doing all the research. Like someone said, I have no clear why I was chosen for this pathway and drinking wine was not a daily thing, just my special moments and Friday wine down after a cray work work. I am thankful for your words and the message of living life out loud! I am going to have a drink this Valentine 2026 weekend, I am single after my BF left me because "he was scared" so life must go on. I am going to enjoy it more than I have since the surgery in Jan2025 Thank you all for sharing your voices where ever you may be! I toast you!
msaly007
Re: how about drinking?
Thanks, ladies. Hospice came out today for all the paper signing. Monday, the assigned nurse will show up. WA is an assisted suicide state, so if it should come to that, DH has options now. And we wait……
wallycat
Re: Bone Mets Thread
Reaching the doctor or nurse is somewhat difficult. I don’t get a response by phone or WhatsApp, and going without an appointment means I have to wait for hours before seeing the doctor and I’m far too exhausted to wait that long.
So, in many cases, I prefer to wait for my scheduled appointment.
I’m seriously thinking about changing doctors, but I’m hesitant. I’ve just started a new treatment, and I don’t know whether a new doctor would continue the same treatment or enroll me in a new protocol.
Thank you for your kind feelings 🧡
Re: BCO In Memoriam thread, Part 2
We've retroactively added Beckie C. (from In Treatment and Bonded virtual groups), Patty D. and Stephine C. from our MBC virtual groups. Sending lots of love and light to all who knew these incredible women, who brought so much love, support, and wisdom to our meetups. 💔
Re: So...whats for dinner?
Hospice sign-up done this morning. Assigned nurse will arrive on Monday. WA is an assisted suicide state should DH need it. Now we wait.
I think I will make brown rice, spinach and black cod for tonight.
wallycat
Re: So...whats for dinner?
Thank you, ladies. I called hospice last night, again and hope I hear something today. We did go to the onco yesterday and they drew labs. Not good. Kidneys are starting to decline and PSA is going up; slowly, but up, even on the 13K/month pills.
I'm making a frozen pizza tonight.
wallycat