Best Of
Re: Advice for caregiver
My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer (fungating tumor, HER2-) a year ago. Verzenio was working well for her, but increased her liver enzymes, so she had to stop. Everything has gone downhill since then. Other medications weren't working. Today she had her second chemo. Her back has been painful with muscle spasms so she had an MRI. We were told today that the cancer has metastasized to her spine. I'm having a hard time keeping hope alive. What have others done to help keep a positive outlook?
lyria67
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Marti, information brings a certain level of relief from uncertainty. I have no hints but lots of moral support.
We're in the 30's this morning. Winter weather but the sun is shining. The forecast is for rain tomorrow, and dh has a surgical procedure scheduled that will require us to travel to a city about 45 minutes away. He learned yesterday that the soreness in the roof of his mouth is caused by a cyst. He will have it removed under anesthetic, so I have to accompany him to drive home. We're hoping the rain won't be as heavy as forecast.
Yesterday hit hard on the bank account since we have no dental insurance. My cleaning and his trip to the dentist specialist amounted to almost $600. The surgery will be $1700. We're hoping that insurance will cover it. Older people without savings are "up the creek without a paddle."
Cindy, I know you are enjoying your trip. Thanks for sharing with photos.
Happy Wednesday to all.
Re: Just diagnosed - big drinker, hard job, feeling depressed
My diagnosis and work up sounds pretty similar to yours. I was diagnosed on 10/31 and just this week found out that my second round of biopsies are not malignant. I’m back to my original plan of lumpectomy and radiation. Hopefully, I’ll get a surgery date soon. This week it’s 4 months since my initial mammogram so I’m getting pretty frustrated with the waiting. I’m very relieved but just ready to move on.
cosun10
Re: CT and Lung Nodules
Hi Ladies! I have been MIA the last couple of months, but I hope you all are doing well and had a good Thanksgiving with family if possible. Looking forward to a nice Christmas as well.
Maggie15,
The changes of the insurance this year is unreal! The Medicare advantage plans in my area are also very limited, and they have once again cancelled the type of plan I am on so I have to evaluate the options. It is a big old mess right now.
I wish everyone a blessed holiday season with as much love, laughter, and family as possible.
Mourning the person I was
Watching Physical: Asia which is a competition show about people at the peak of their physical ability. It's a great show and I love it. But I found myself crying watching them realizing that I am past my peak physical self. The joint pain I have from Lupron stops me from going to the gym most days. Today included. I was a professional dancer and a marathon runner. I am so lucky to be alive right now and am so grateful. This just hurts.
Re: CT and Lung Nodules
Hi @kks_11, It's hard to know who is actually going to follow you. My hospital works on the team approach and from what I've seen they divide the workload without any real pattern, My surgeon's NP schedules my mammograms and sees me afterwards. I had been seeing a medical oncology NP until a tumor showed up in my hip and I was transferred to my MO. I've seen my RO by default a few times (he sent me to the ED when he saw my right arm.) If whomever you are seeing can't answer your questions make sure they bring in someone who can.
The lumbar puncture is part of the neuro workup. Within the past couple of months my left fingers and all toes have gone numb and my calf muscles have pins and needles. My PCP is picking the differential diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome (an autoimmune reaction to cancer cells.) I have gone along with the hope that the indeterminate tumor is probably benign since there is a high chance a biopsy would break break my hip but I might have to re-evaluate. Two diagnoses have been shot down so who knows what is going on.
Health insurance for next year seems to be problematical for almost everyone. My Medicare part D plan company has exited the state along with several other insurance companies. None of the seven plans left have all my meds on their formulary. Hopefully my resourceful pulmo can help with my inhaler since the $7000 it costs won't count toward my out-of-pocket limit. I hope you can get as much as possible done before the end of the year and you end up seeing a helpful provider.
maggie15
Re: Capecitabine - Side Effects
@tazzy24 Hi Michele it's nice to meet you and I'm sorry you dealing with the finger issues. I have been on Xeloda for a couple years now and it's keeping my MTNBC quiet! I am so thankful to still be on it but my hands and feet have been through it! But as I tell my MO I'm willing to"suffer" for stable! I have used many many creams you will have to find what works for you. I also limit folic acid foods.
Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream, Udderly Smooth, , Diclofenac topical Gel, Bag Balm. I also at times lube up my hands and feet and wear gloves and socks to let it soak in. Anyhow as Mods said check out their page and also the All about Xeloda thread. It's a great informative group who also know how to manage side effects well.
Best wishes,Andrea
cookie54
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
I am presently making up some air fryed lentils, shaking every couple minutes. Once those are crispy, cracking a couple eggs as well. Lentils and the eggs should taste good. I put white cheddar seasoning, sour cream and onion and lots of taco seasoning, lentils came out pretty crispy but not burned. Got eggs in there as well now that lentils in a bowl. Will add a binder at some point as well, still have a lot to choose from.
EDIT The lentils with the seasonings from the air fryer were really very good. Eggs were good as well, nothing burned. It was all enjoyable to me. Got it soaking now for use either later today or in days ahead.
Got laundry on the go right now, agitating in colour shield oxi for 15 mins for total hour or so soak, wiped up window sills and spots on floor and cloths were pretty soiled. After the wash/soak, will drain and do a normal wash with detergent.
Nothing else to say, quiet weekend besides Welcome to Derry and Stranger Things, binged that show. More episodes coming later December.
Still have not heard about consult appointment yet, will cancel the next RO appointment if it means to focus on a non existent consult. If I am honest, not going to lose sleep, if it was super urgent to be seen, someone would have phoned. For now just putting along as usual. I did phone my RO and let them know no consult seems to be on the books. I was polite but just said that since there is something in my brain that should not be there, would prefer the consult sooner before brain swelling and seizures start. The RO office person said they will call tomorrow. Oh well, I am more annoyed and have little sympathy about the neurosurgeon being busy. Just figured something growing in the brain would be a little more urgent than the it all seems to be. The MRI was in Sept that showed the blood flowing cyst. I am also leaving RO office to deal with the neurosurgeon consult.
Hope everyone has a good day and in pockets for all.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@irishlove Strep is going around Chicago now too so I agree with @betrayal that it might be better to do one more doctor visit to treat it (Sigh).
So sorry you had to cancel your planned Christmas trip but at least you will get your money back.
@cookie54 It must be so challenging for both you and your husband to have such serious health issues. Hopefully you can lean on each other and get through this.
Had a couple of fun nights-pizza party with co-workers, dinner and farkle with pickleball friends. Staying in today and making some soup from my rotisserie chicken carcass. I may try to get to the gym to do upper body. My new hip is getting better and better which is a relief. In a holding pattern to see what my next cancer treatment might be. Still taking Ibrance as we wait for tissue biopsy and Guardant results, along with new scans at the beginning of January. I feel good so I'm not worrying about anything.
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
marticcrn, sorry to read about your news. I hope once you have a plan in place, we can offer comfort, support and assistance. The nurse navigator should be able to assist you with getting the appointments you need for follow-up. ((HUGS))
betrayal