Best Of

Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer

@sunshine99 and @intolight, thinking of you both and hoping for better and sunnier days ahead. It is perfectly natural to get upset - let it all out as it is better out than in. Gentle hugs to you both and in your pockets with support.

malleemiss251

3

Re: Double Mastectomy 10 Years Later

Hello Mary. Sorry you are having an emotional time considering your mastectomy. Let's face it, surgery is always scary. I understand your feelings since I had a single mastectomy 3 years ago. At the time I wanted a double mastectomy but my oncology team advised against it since I had IBC. Anyway, I have one "DD" breast and it is aggravating every single day. I consider going back for the prophylactic mastectomy to be flat (NO reconstruction for me) but I'm also afraid of having a poor outcome.

I have lymphedema in my surgical side and worry that an additional surgery will cause lymphedema on the other side, too. I really don't think I could stand that so the fear keeps me from moving forward with additional surgery. So many "what ifs" to consider.

All this to say, I totally understand your mixed emotions! I'm sending positive thoughts and a cyber hug to you. Is your surgery scheduled yet? Take care of yourself.

lw422

1

Re: Abemaciclib Verzenio for Stage IV

@intolight - phew! That sounds like a big relief. It's nice to know it's already been reviewed by a tumor board, too - multiple sets of eyes and minds on it.

@hopeful4all - welcome. I've been on Verzenio for 4 years. I found the first 3-4 months at 150mg to be the worst, then my body adjusted to it somewhat. At about 8 mos, I reduced to 100mg, and I'm still at that dosage. There are three CDK 4/6 inhibitors and they each have their own (lovely) set of SEs. If the Verzenio is too hard on you, maybe one of the other ones will be easier.

seeq

1

Re: MRI Anxiety

The “blanket” is a shape coil (flexible radiofrequency coil) which they wrap around the part of your anatomy they are focusing on. It’s moderately heavy and is comfortable. They sometimes use velcro straps to hold you in a certain position; that makes it easier to stay still.

My local hospital gives you both ear plugs and headphones with music. The big hospital I travel to just gives earplugs. I don’t mind the tube but you can ask your doctor to prescribe something in advance if you are anxious or claustrophobic. They generally won’t give you meds at the facility. I hope you have an easy MRI.

maggie15

2

Re: So...whats for dinner?

Maggie - I skipped the 'Beenie Weenies" and actually had one of my favorite meals - maccaroni & butter.

minustwo

1

Re: So...whats for dinner?

Carole, A rudimentary kitchen is probably worth escaping the LA heat and humidity but it will be nice to return to a large kitchen with all your cookware and appliances.

Wally, Fishing in beautiful weather like that is wonderful even if you don't catch anything.

Minus, I think the prospect of "Beenie Weenies" would send me grocery shopping. They are fine during a power outage but you have had more than your fair share of emergency eating already this year.

Reader, Stick to easy until the weather cools down.

Dinner tonight was scrambled eggs for me. DH also had them but got bacon and home fries as well.

maggie15

1

Re: Calling all TNs

@pinkone501 ok - early stage tnb , and only 12 weeks of chemo . I remember the carbo/tax combo I also had it once a week for 12 weeks. It was not too bad, I had some fatigue each week but manageable. I did not loose my hair until later on, but that too is manageable. What helped me enormously and still does is a mostly plant based diet and excercise routine. I really recommend it, if you are up for some lifestyle changes. There is a great site Maple Tree Cancer Alliance has free downloads of exercises, videos, and recipes and meal plans. Though every body reacts differently, see how you feel. Curious that your MO said new primary though it’s tnb and in the same breast. Probably does not matter. And yeah ..you get to go on your trip. Enjoy.

@justsnapd8 congrats on making it to the end of round one chemo tx. Agreed the premeds are a heaven sent. I also had prescriptions for home, and needed them at times during the A/C regimen with Keytruda , but not too often maybe once a week. I did loose my hair by the time i finished that round and had surgery, but it grew back. I found with the A/C I lost some appetite and making a (vegans bone broth super helpful for the times I couldn’t eat, soups were nourishing and handy. Also peanut butter and crackers … go figure! Most of my SE were 2 days a week, infusion on a Thursday and Sat and sun felt fatigued and a little nausea but then ok for the rest of the time. I also did a lot of mindfulness meditation, focusing in the inbreath and out breath was the most helpful during that time. Again, everybody is different, we find what helps and share it. ❤️

@dawn68 so good surgery is done, and you have a treatment plan you like and time to ponder. Xeloda side effects were not terrible for me, my MO lowered my dose when my hands and feet reacted. I loved Udderly Smooth ! And I’m an active Walker, it was manageable . I know what you mean by feeling normal during a break in treatment. I actually feel normal most of the time on this targeted therapy I’m on, even though it’s a treatment - it’s much milder than the first round chemos.

@cookie54 so glad to read that Xeloda works so well for you. Wow 2 years, that’s fabulous. Cheers to being relatively stable. I’m in the same boat, but with Trodelvy.

Wishing everyone a lovely evening, and all the best as you / we carry on . Hugs to all.