Best Of
Re: Newly diagnosed and scared
Hi @cosun10 . I had to do a double take on your process as it mirrors mine, I too was discussing lumpectomy and radiation with my surgeon but needed additional testing. The MRI showed an additional suspicious 1 cm mass in my left breast and clumped non mass enhancement, and a mass in my right breast with slightly irregular margins. The MRI also noticed a nodule in my right lung, like your's and I have already had the chest CT. The CT said the nodule was nothing to worry about, scaring from prior infection. I pray yours is the same.
The ultrasound to confirm MRI finding did not see the mass on the right side. I am scheduled for an MRI guided biopsy on both right and left breast tomorrow.
My cancer was diagnosed Sept 19 and I'm hoping to make a decision at an appointment with my surgeon on Dec 3. It is a slow growing cancer, but it seems to be taking forever to get to the resolution (the mammo that found the original mass was Aug 6). I am ER/PR+, HER2-, no node involved, IDC, ILC, and LCIS.
My research has told me that cancer in both breasts at the same time is very unusual. I told myself that I would not go down the rabbit hole, but I have done many internet searches and used chapgpt also. It's hard to know the questions to ask because we have never been through this.
Like you, I'm torn with emotion and scared too.
I'll let you know my outcome and I will follow you too, and I will pay for you.
sastip
Re: November 2025 Chemo thread - let's support one another!
Good luck with your infusion @joiningtheclub - I have finished 2 infusions of TC. The first went smoothly and aside from the hair loss after 2 weeks post infusion#1, had a smooth experience. I used the ice packs on my hands and feet but no cooling caps. I did get loss of taste and some bone pains. The second infusion went smoothly and recovery was good until I got hives. 😳 The doctors have said regardless if it was due to chemo, the treatment is the same (tons of antihistamines). I hope all goes smoothly for you! Try and get as much rest as you can.
Re: November 2025 Chemo thread - let's support one another!
Just started chemo last Friday. Will be doing 6 cycles of TCHP. Just sending good energy to everyone going through this, as well as their support team.
jae925
Re: Making that Final Surgery Decision
Hi Sanchez22. My situation is almost identical to yours. I'm also 51 with stage 2, grade 3 IDC her2+, ER & PR-, and 2 impacted lymph nodes. No family history, in excellent health, and was totally blindsided by my diagnosis in early June. I had my last round of tchp chemotherapy mid Oct, and was fortunate to have a complete response. I had decided from the beginning that I wanted just a unilateral mastectomy. I felt a lot of grief about losing even one breast. When trying to decide what to do, especially regarding reconstruction, which sounds like it will be more challenging after unilateral mastectomy, I talked to several women and multiple Dr's and got different opinions from all of them. The best advice I received was to go with what felt right to me and my values. For what it's worth, only one member of my oncology team suggested a double mastectomy was a good choice for me, and that was only for the purpose of improved symmetry with reconstruction, not to reduce recurrence. All the others recommended the unilateral.
I had my surgery 10 days ago. I was fortunate to be a candidate for a nipple sparing mastectomy. They placed a tissue expander during the surgery, and it was so nice to wake up with part of my own breast still there, and my own left breast unimproved. Still have radiation and reconstruction to face. But I'm happy with my surgery decision. Hope this helps.
mwolhuck
Re: Making that Final Surgery Decision
Hi Sanchez22 , first of all, I want to acknowledge how overwhelming this decision must feel. It’s completely normal to second-guess yourself when it comes to choosing between a single or double mastectomy. From what you’ve described—HER2 positive and ER/PR negative, with no family history—the risk of cancer developing in the other breast is generally lower, but it’s understandable to worry about future recurrence. Many women in your situation consider factors like peace of mind, recovery time, and long-term quality of life when deciding. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal, and it’s okay to take your time, seek multiple opinions, and even discuss with a genetic counselor if that helps. Wishing you strength and clarity as you make the choice that feels right for you.
Capecitabine
Hello , My name is Jill and I will be starting Xeloda next week. I was on Ibrance/Letrozole for 16 months and it has stopped working. I am curious about the new meds and wanted to talk to you ladies about a few things. I have not met with the Onc Pharmacy yet to discuss the drug and ask various questions so I figured I would come to the experts 😁
- Can I take it with food or do I have to wait the 30 minutes after eating, just asking for convenience sake.
- I checked the list of food that has Folic Acid and it seems like everything except Sugar and Fat are pretty much my options 🤣 so really what are the big things to avoid, I would love to get recommendations on cabs that you have found tolerable like Bread & Pasta etc.. is there a brand out there that isn't enhanced or fortified with folate?
- I am an avid Pickleball player and hope to be able to continue playing but if I manage to develop Hand & Foot syndrome do you have any suggestions for creams or things to help with friction?
- I enjoy a few glasses of wine and wanted to know if it makes the symptoms worse or if it is tolerable to deal with on occasion.
Thank you from a Newbie to the Drug, I have been on this Rodeo for 30 years and still doing great overall so I am hoping to tolerate this drug like all the rest in my past.
Jill 😍
bigred62
Re: So...whats for dinner?
Carole, Those cookies sound delicious. I don't bake much anymore since I'd end up eating more than I should. Are you going to make the trip to FL in one day?
Rhonda, You can do everything in the oven but with different temperatures and one oven you can reheat the turkey in the oven and the mashed potatoes/stuffing on the stove top.
Turkey: Let the turkey come to room temp and preheat oven to 325. For a whole turkey (or breast) put in a roasting pan with a cup of chicken broth and cover tightly with foil. Cook 5 - 7 min per lb, 165 on meat thermometer. For slices or small pieces put in a glass/ceramic baking dish in a single layer and sprinkle with chicken broth. Cover with foil and bake 20 - 30 min or 10 - 13 min per pound for larger pieces (165 on meat thermometer.)
Mashed potatoes: Use a double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add a bit of milk/cream and a pat of butter to keep them moist. Stir a few times but not too often.
Stuffing: Add a little oil or butter to a frying pan. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes until heated thoroughly. You can add a bit of broth and heat it on medium in the microwave for short bursts stirring it each time. It won’t be crispy but that’s actually how I prefer mine.
We used to pack up the car and transport Thanksgiving dinner two hours to my mother’s house. It seemed inconvenient at the time but I’d love to be able to do it again. I hope you have a wonderful time with your guests.
Dinner tonight was meatballs in my own sauce on bucatini.
maggie15
Just diagnosed IDC Bilateral - upcoming oncoplastic lumpectomy
IDC bilateral ER+/PR+, HER2-. Caught very early on and very small. Each side is less than 0.7 and 0.4 cm on the other. Diagnosed on 11/2/25. Surgery date 12/11/25. Oncoplasty- lumpectomy bilateral with reduction and lift. I’m a size 36 C/D currently. Concerned about lymph nodes. Ultrasound didn’t show any lymph node flags. How common is it to find additional cancer during surgery? I would love to hear from others in this same type and how treatment and recovery was. Thank you. Hugs to all
Re: Planning surgery for November 2025? Join the waiting room for support.
Had very large lumpectomy with ancillary lymph node removed for very aggressive(8 out of 9 Nottingham scale)lobular carcinoma. Before surgery, my emotions were so out of control that I fought with my plastic surgeon and he quit on me. After surgery, now realizing that my battle over breast appearance was just part of me bargaining with G-d about my life.
Re: Anyone else have spinal compression fractures?
Thank you @maggie15; wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
peggy_m