Best Of
12 years new recurrence/ILC
I was diagnosed and treated for ILC Stage 2b 12 years ago. Had BMX and took Tamox and AI for about 6 years. I was told 1-2% chance of recurrence in chest wall, etc. Low and behold, a lump under my arm on original BC side. Biopsy confirmed not a lymph node but ILC tumor. Surgeon planning to remove tumor and potentially do axillary disection if any suspicious nodes. Awaiting PET on 7/21 to determine if spread elsewhere then no surgery. I haven’t found many stories of this type of recurrence and am wondering if anyone has feedback. Thank you.
Re: Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy
I opted for lumpectomy and radiation in 2008 - DCIS. No chemo. I took tamoxifen for 3 years, until the fatigue was too much. All was well until this year - 16 years later. I just had a BIRAD 5 ultrasound 1.2 cm spiculated mass. I will have a biopsy on Dec 17. I also have a MOHS surgery for basal skin cancer on my nose on December 19 - that is also a recurrence. I am 68 and will opt for a single mastectomy at this point. I think…….I will put off the decision on reconstruction as the nose issue may required more than one surgery. Im a bit of a mess…..but pushing forward!
Re: I’m on hospice - anyone else?
Good morning, all. I am going to talk to my nurse and ask for a doctor visit this week. My digestion is pretty much coming to a standstill, but I still want to eat. That’s a huge problem. I’m suffering and need to figure out how to balance. I would assume soon the hunger pains will stop, but they haven’t yet. It’s hard to discern if it’s my system shutting down or the cancer blocking the way.
@exbrnxgrl Are you having any digestion issues? Hoping your pain is still under control.
kbl
Re: So...whats for dinner?
Thanks Maggie. I'll have to try that.
I grew up where flash floods were on the "watch for" list. Their speed and also how quickly the wash would dry out was amazing.
Still no word from the blogger friend. They're a physical therapist that makes the rounds of the nursing homes in the area, so I'm hoping, as 'mae suggested, they are busy.
eric95us
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@shanagirl Happy to see you and that you got some much needed relief from spine pain. Ugh sorry that your dealing with jaw issue now, always something! Fingers crossed and prayers up that it's something that can be easily rectified . Hugs.
@mara51506 Glad your apartment is nice and cool being a sweaty mess while doing housework is certainly not pleasant. Hope you're having a productive day cooking and getting wash done. I'm currently making meatballs which I like to have in the freezer when it's pasta night here. Becomes such an easy meal when short on time or don't feel like cooking.
@mkestrel Absolutely beautiful pictures you're surrounded by beauty!
In everyone's pockets this week for appointments and everyday struggles.
cookie54
Re: "Tamoxifen Road" - Support and Encouragement
I’ve been on Tamoxifen for nearly 8 years. At 48, I was diagnosed with early-onset osteoporosis and recently suffered a compression fracture in my spine. Throughout my treatment, bone health was never once discussed and now it seems clear that Tamoxifen played a role. I’m struggling to understand why there are still no clinical guidelines around bone health for premenopausal women on Tamoxifen. Years ago, I even asked for a DEXA scan, but my oncologist dismissed it.
At this point, I’m seriously considering stopping Tamoxifen. It feels like the risks are starting to outweigh the benefits. :(
Re: So...whats for dinner?
The 4th of July happened here in the campground. We had the potluck before the rain poured down and the wind blew. The next day those who were interested participated in a corn holes contest. And now, always a good part of a holiday in MN, the weekenders went home to resume their lives and we full-timers are here with a peaceful campground. This summer there are four retired couples living in campers. The owners have a beautiful house and their grown daughter lives in her own nice quarters in a building that was supposed to be available to the occupants of the campground but became a guest cottage for the owners.
Dinner last night was roasted chicken thighs and fresh green beans from the farmers market cooked with tiny potatoes.
My two sisters both have husbands in the hospital, one with heart issues and the other with blood clots. I'm very concerned for the four of them.
With the passage of the BBB and the tragic flash flooding in Texas and family illnesses, this hasn't been the most joyful 4th holiday.
Re: I’m on hospice - anyone else?
I was never a snack food eater so chips and that kind of thing never held any appeal, even before bc.
Chicagoan,
I hate to burst your bubble but hospice is not about making you feel “normal “ so that you can indulge in whatever you want until you pass away. It’s main goal is to make you as comfortable as possible, within the limitations of your disease, rather than dealing with the side effects of treatment, which become increasingly unpleasant for most. It’s definitely about eating whatever you want but as your disease progresses many find it difficult to digest and process foods in the same way we used to. I look at it as a gentle option for speeding up the inevitable as peacefully as possible. My extreme reaction to a modified dose of chemo convinced me that continuing tx was not how I wanted to spend my remaining time. I’m ok with not “fighting”, i.e. continuing tx, until the end. I didn’t choose my disease but I can choose how the end goes.
Re: Triple Negative Stage IV
Thanks ladies , appreciate the well wishes for her. I hate that you both have to deal with pesky skin mets but so glad you have each other to lean on. Hugs to you both💕
cookie54
Re: Triple Negative Stage IV
@rlschaller May I borrow that line, "This is my life, and it's okay." That covers a lot of ground.
My skin mets don't seem to be improving all that much. They are also a bit sore sometimes. I've had three cycles of Trodelvy now. I don't know if it's too soon to judge its effectiveness. I'm seeing my MO this Thursday so we'll discuss. She has taken pictures of the mets for comparison's sake. The things that we have to subject ourselves to …
Would that your skin mets would stop, and leave off the 'going'! Are they painful at this point?
Nice that there were new gals to meet on the 2nd. I hope to attend the next one.
Your Broadway show and dinner plans sound like fun! Any big names in the cast?
@cookie54 The low-folate approach would be difficult for those who like their leafy greens. I heard about it while on capecitabine but didn't try it. Hope that it continues to work for you. Pick your poison indeed.
I'm sending you and your family good wishes in dealing with your MIL's troubles.
Have a good week all.
scgal08