Best Of
Re: Stage 3A
Hi,
This is actually the first time I've been back for years, and I felt compelled to respond to this because I was stage 3A, also.
I had bilateral breast cancer, 2.5 cm tumor in the right breast, 6.5 cm tumor in the left breast with 9 positive lymph nodes. I was on the dose dense regimen for AC and Taxol. I did 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. I'm still alive 14 years later.
I started knitting when I started chemotherapy, because I needed something to distract me and stop me from obsessing about everything. For me, it was the perfect thing. I could do it for hours if need be. And, I made friends with a woman I saw every time I was in for chemotherapy, and we'd always sit and talk while knitting. Think of something you love doing and do more of it right now. It helps.
All the best,
Elizabeth
Re: CT and Lung Nodules
CMRE- sorry haven’t been around for awhile but I did all that you did with my lung nodule. My pet scan showed 2.7 and I wanted it biopsy and it was benign lung tissue. I had another ct a year later and nothing changed. So now onco doesn’t want to scan it again but I think I will bring it up again in a year. Hope your biopsy goes well mine was hard but glad I did it.
marge
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Chris I love the dollies. I have a couple from my grandmother.
petite1
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Mara yes, watch some Youtube vids. You need to start with some store yogurt that has live culture. I use Oikos brand. They will tell you you can't make yogurt with flavoured yogurt. Pffft. That's nonsense. I wouldn't use stuff that has hunks of blueberry floating in it or fruit on the bottom. But I use a single serving cup of vanilla Oikos to start 4 cups of whole milk = tall container of yogurt. If you strain it to make it thick you will lose some of the volume to whey. You can keep the whey to bake with, add to smoothies, feed it to your chickens or pigs or dump it. But straining makes the yogurt thicker. Sometimes the yogurt turns out nicely thick. Other times more runny and gloopy. I think this is related to how old the starter yogurt is. If all the little yogurt cooties are still alive or starting to keel over from old age. Also has to do with temperature. It's all about the science! And one last tidbit before I sign off on my yogurt lecture, my secret weapon is …. a tea light candle! Unscented, obviously. I heat the milk, cool the milk to correct temp, stir in my gently warmed store yogurt then set the whole pot in the oven and also set in, beside (not under!) a lit tea light candle. This provides about 4 hours of gentle, warming heat. I make the yogurt at 7 or 8 at night and when I check the oven 7 or 8 next morning - it's good to go! Unless it's not. Cause sometimes it just doesn't work. But the little tea light set on a small plate so it doesn't fall through the oven rack, was the game changer for me.
Hi to all!
runor
Re: is there something to take to raise low blood test numbers
laracody, is your low blood count with red blood cells or white blood cells? Mine was low RBC counts after second infusion. I added more red meat (organ meat is the best if you can tolerate it), all types of leafy greens, egg yolks, almonds, walnuts. I ate a lot of tabuli salad, kale salad, spinach salad, beet greens. Does your oncology department have a nutritionist on staff-that might be a good place to start. Good luck going forward.
l8blmr
🌟 February 2026 Radiation Roll Call—You’re Not Walking This Alone 🌟
If radiation is part of your plan this February, you’ve found a place to land. This thread is for everyone on the radiation road—whether you’re still waiting on your start date, in the middle of daily sessions, or already looking back on the experience.
This is a space for connection, honesty, encouragement, and the kind of support that only comes from people who truly understand what these weeks can feel like.
We invite you to share whatever feels helpful, including:
• Your diagnosis and treatments you’ve already had
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If radiation is already behind you—or you’re further along—your insight is invaluable here. The things you wish you’d known, what helped you get through, and what surprised you can make this road feel far less daunting for someone just starting out.
As you get ready, don’t miss our List of What to Do / Get / Pack to Prep for Radiation Therapy. You’ll also find clear, practical guidance in our Radiation Therapy section, including:
• Types of radiation
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And if you’re craving deeper connection, our Virtual Support Groups are here for you during treatment and beyond.
We’re really glad you’re here. This community is ready to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
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Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
All my life, I have been a positive thinker... I have always been able to survive by telling myself that no matter how bad things are, they will one day be better. And that out of every event - no matter how tragic - one can always find a way to survive and even, perhaps, to be a little bit happy.
betrayal
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Thanks for the photos. I'm in awe of creating all those dolls. There's a vender at the farmers market in MN that sells crocheted toy animals. They're really cute and seem to sell because I see children walking around and holding one. The price is $20.
It's in the 40's this morning but will warm up to 70 by afternoon.
Re: Has anyone stopped Prolia without taking another med?
I did stop Prolia after 6 years with no Reclast infusion that followed. I was stopping letrozole after 7.5 years for a dental surgery, and the recommendation for at least one Reclast infusion had not yet come to be a common occurrence. Are you looking for just one infusion of Reclast to bridge you to stopping any bone building meds? Even though I was osteopenic prior to breast cancer - likely due to an oopherectomy at 45 - my rapid bone loss was directly linked to taking an AI. I did not experience any issues or loss of bone after stopping Prolia. I was an "exceptional responder" to Prolia and had gained more bone density than any of the other patients my oncologist had prescribed it for. At the time I stopped I was in a normal range and have remained at the crossroad between normal and osteopenia since then and it has been about 8 years since I stopped. I have had several DEXA scans at the regular two-year intervals, showing I am maintaining. I have several thoughts - is it possible to use a pharmacy discount program? Does your oncology office have any grants available? Could you take a short course of oral bisphosphanate to bridge you - that is likely less expensive. Also, DEXA scans at the cash price are not prohibitively expensive - average between $100-$300 depending on where you live and where you go to get one. If you go that route you can shop around if there are multiple places to get one nearby. I have a friend who needed one before age 60 and her insurance wouldn't cover, she paid $125.
specialk