Best Of
Re: Looking to connect with others for support and guidance
Thank you for the supportive comment. To complicate matters, 3 oncologists are in disagreement over whether my cancer this year is a local recurrence vs a new ipsalateral primary. And the treatment plan is different in each scenario. I want the more aggressive treatment since 2/3 oncologists say it's more likely local recurrence. But ironically, these same oncologists refuse to offer me the more aggressive treatment (verzenio); they say the size and grade of this year's cancer do not warrant the toxicity of verzenio. The 3rd oncologist (who only treats me virtually since I moved away from her city in 2022) suspects it is a new ipsalateral primary but says that if there is convincing evidence it's a local recurrence (which she feels there is not—in fact, she says my pathology report points more towards new primary), then I should definitely advocate for a ckd4/6 inhibitor. It's frustrating when oncologists do not concur. Also frustrating when one wants to "throw everything" at the disease yet the oncologist says doing so would be too toxic.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@irishlove Oh love, you don't need to apologize. We all understand how this disease and treatments have affected our brains. It is just good to hear that you are with us knowing how tough things have been for you.
@shanagirl All those appointments are exhausting in themselves. I pray that they are helping with all your back pain.
Thinking of others here especially KBLs family and friends, Mel and Gabby.
Re: Life on aromasin
I was on Femara off and on for the past 4 months. This was on top of major complications with my reconstruction, which had to be completely redone on the non-cancer side using a lattisimus flap procedure and a fungal iinfection on top of that. Needless to say I was an emotional mess, not at all helped by the Femara. My onc just had me switch to Aromasin. Scared to get started but I know it's time to start. Parying for minimal side effects! Thanks for everyone's input here!
Likely to be diagnosed with bone mets and need some advice in the interim
Nearly 14 years after my initial diagnosis, I'm back at the rodeo. My tumor markers are up, and some pain in my leg that I thought was due to gait issues or sciatica is likely bone pain. I saw my MO today, and she said that the description of the pain is consistent with bone mets. Tomorrow, I will get called about when my PET scan will be. I'm in Europe, and I don't know how long the wait will be during August, the month of universal vacation.
I was wondering how to handle a couple of things while waiting. I was being treated for sciatica with physical therapy. Should I continue that? Is there any value or help if it's bone mets? I am scheduled to see a neurosurgeon. Again, any value in that?
Regarding exercise (specifically, walking or weights), do those of you with bone mets find it helpful or does it cause pain? I think it's causing me pain several hours later, but I'm tired of being so inactive.
Thanks for your help!
mary625
Struggling
How do you handle the constant loss of hope? I have only been dx a year and a few months. A lot of drs missed the lymph nodes and said it was related to an autoimmune disorder. I am still angry but just cannot believe my time is going so quickly. I have not responded to the traditional treatments for less than a few months or so. I am getting upset as it goes: I was positive at the beginning.
brandie1
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
So proud of you all for keeping at it. I am failing with no excuse. Treadmill and bike in nice cool basement. Nope. Dh even clamped on a surface for books or whatever. I get large print books second hand where I can. I guess I could enjoy some alone time down there.
gailmary
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Cindy, Thanks for sharing those pictures. I can see myself sitting with an Ale. LOL
My little cabin was a good price, since my budget was peanut size. It doesn't need repairs. Or at least there isn't anything that I have found. It is small 596 sq ft. 2 bedroom 1 bath, small kitchen and living area. It has a big deck, bigger than the house. I have 5 cabins near by. Everyone I have met has been pleasant and one lady even helped me get a futon into the house. I did put it together by myself. I have the bruises to prove it.
petite1
Re: I’m on hospice - anyone else?
Thinking of kbl and her family. She will be dearly missed.
harrow
Re: Cats, cats, cats
Poor Midnight Louie had a tooth pulled. He had an IV and now looks like he is wearing a boot.
petite1
Re: Were you diagnosed young (under 45) with breast cancer? We'd love to hear from you!
I was 46 when I was diagnosed Stage IV de novo HR- HER2+++ right out of the gate. Not younger but not older either, so not sure where I fit. I have two teenagers which is the most heartbreaking part for me. I want to see them grow up and live their own lives.
I think regardless of the stage of diagnosis, it will turn your world upside down. The uncertainty of everything is hard to accept. I still struggle with it most days. Starting treatment is scary. Not knowing what to expect, how it will make you feel, if you will have a good response, etc. Let yourself feel all the emotions. And know that you are stronger than you ever thought capable. You can do this even when it feels impossible. I keep a running note on my phone of positive, long term survivor stories who have a similar diagnosis to me. I read some every day. It helps me not feel so hopeless all the time.
One thing I wish I had known is that breast MRIs are recommended for those with dense, lumpy breasts. Had I known that, I would have absolutely pushed for it and then maybe I wouldn’t be in this mess. If this applies to you, I strongly encourage you add this to your plan for ongoing monitoring. I would also pay out of pocket for annual CT or PET scans for peace of mind, if I was an earlier stage and not scanned on a regular basis. For those with HER2+, they don’t typically recommend brain MRIs until you are experiencing symptoms. That’s not meant to scare you, but rather for awareness as HER2+ patients tend to have a higher incidence of brain metastases. If you feel something isn’t quite right, tell your doctor.
My advice is to stay genuinely aware that this can occur (or reoccur) at any age, and to take any changes seriously enough to seek further testing.
Thinking of you all.
harrow