Best Of
Re: Summer/Fall 2024 Radiation Support thread
Sounds about right. Supposedly symptoms peak two weeks after the last radiation treatment. Hang in there! You’ll be feeling better before you know it 🥰
Re: Scared
Hi there. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had the same thing and my treatment was the same. I won't lie, chemo is rough. My advice don't be hard on yourself. However you handle it, it is the right way. People will try and tell you how you should feel. You will have some good days and bad. My biggest issue with the chemo was the fatigue. Give yourself opportunities to rest, schedule some pamper time and let people help you.
Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call
I've been on a couple of other threads, but just didn't have a connection the way I do with this group! @djschmidt1 I'm the same about recovery. It is taking way longer than I'd like for some of the SE's to leave! I'm just now feeling less tired, just in time to start radiation haha! Leg edema improving, but not gone. I have my second stand alone Phesgo shot Thursday and thankfully had no SE's from the 1st that was noticeable.
Yesterday I had my pre radiation scan and markings. Scheduled start date is Nov 4th, but she asked if they got the mapping (or whatever they do) done this week would I want to start next week. I was like YES! I want to get this over! She did say that after the RO reviewed the scans, it could alter treatment length. Praying it doesn't get longer than the 16 treatments! Three weeks and one day. I'm really dreading that drive every weekday!
I possibly have a seroma in the breast and RO is sending me to PT for evaluation. That is scheduled Friday. Also on Thursday, I see my surgeon for the seroma. RO thought it would be a good idea for her to take a look as well.
Anyone else in the radiation stage? I think a couple of you have finished that. @bailey.boo are you getting ready to start?
Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call
Hi all, been following along dealing with hurricane stuff and now back to work for the time being until they release me in March. I feel for the ladies going through treatment, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done BUT it was a success in the end, I pray the same for you. While I’m still having immunotherapy, I fully expected to magically feel better but recovery is a long road, I’m finding. Thanks for posting about the scar tissue as my breast is still tender 5 months post surgery. It’s certainly a journey and I’m deeply grateful for this group of warriors because most people just don’t understand. ❤️
Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call
I love all of you on this thread so much. Reading the exchange of tips like how to make a homemade version of Magic Mouthwash and sharing the La Roche Posay skin care product names warms my heart. It’s these seemingly little things which are actually very very big things that are a huge help to us all get through this tough process. Here’s to the power of connection and friendship. Love to you all! 🥰
Re: Scared and Confused
Hi @jenna1220x, There are two types of staging, anatomic (TMN) and prognostic which takes grade and hormone receptors into account. If you plug your stats into calculators your anatomic stage is 2B and your prognostic stage is 1B. Since the 2B anatomic classification includes someone like you with a tumor size of 2.4 cm and one node with micromets as well as a person with a 4.9 cm tumor and 3 positive nodes your surgeon and RO are probably saying stage 2A since you are barely node positive and have favorable tumor biology. However, the numbers just indicate how likely it is you might have a recurrence and can’t predict what will happen to you since statistics deal with large populations rather than individuals. If the #1 ranked team plays the #4 ranked team there is no guarantee the #1 ranked team will win.
Are you regretting that you didn’t do the chemo even though you had a valid reason not to (mitotic rate 1)? If so go back to your MO and discuss whether it is still an option or if he has something else to recommend in addition to the AIs. Are you looking for reassurance that you will never have a recurrence? Unfortunately that can’t be given since someone who is stage 1A with a low Oncotype could become stage 4 even though it happens infrequently. Do you need help dealing with the uncertainties any cancer diagnosis brings? Seek counseling to help you move forward with your life. Googling and stressing about probabilities cannot predict what will happen to you and are keeping you stuck in a rut. I wish there were a magic wand I could wave for you and everybody else on this site but that’s not the way life works. Hugs for you.