Best Of
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Darn. Just lost a post. At least it wasn't very long.
Lifewell2, as Betrayal said, the women participating in this forum are mostly older than 50's. I will be 83 in March and have been a part of the Oldies thread since 2009. I'm not a techie, but am comfortable using a computer. I pay almost all our bills online, subscribe to newspapers, look up recipes, work puzzles, etc. In short I spend/waste a lot of time on my laptop or phone. You're welcome to join us.
As I was laying out pieces of the 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle I'm starting, I remembered that Connie, our bird watcher who passed last year was a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast. She posted pictures of puzzles she'd put together. I miss her and also continue to miss Jackie, Illinois Lady. I hope Jackie's dh, daughter and SIL are doing well as they go on without her.
It's 28 degrees here this morning and sunny. Thank goodness, the blustery wind has died down. I'll go out and hang my chimes that I took down yesterday. Something odd happened last night. This is a quiet neighborhood, the houses spaced far apart. Someone was playing loud music. I could hear the bass. It went on until past 1 am. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I saw that lights in a neighboring house that is currently uninhabited were on. DH wasn't bothered since his hearing is bad and he doesn't wear hearing aids in bed.
I'd better post before I hit a wrong key and this post disappears. LOL. Happy Sunday to all.
Re: Letrozole and Tendonitis?
Hi Jill, I’m sorry you are having such a tough time on anastrozole. Many of your side effects could be caused by lowered estrogen levels from the AI. Estrogen blockers can cause hypercalcemia which can mimic hyperparathyroidism or aggravate it if the HPT has another cause. Going from 14 years on HRT to estrogen deficit is probably making things harder on your body.
The lack of estrogen can destroy cartilage which can’t be cured by orthopedic surgeons. Surgery can relieve the pain of trigger finger or carpal tunnel but it won’t remove the root cause. Exercise, NSAIDS and other drugs can help with SEs but are not effective for everyone. Have you had an endocrinologist (as opposed to a thyroid surgeon) evaluate your HPT to figure out whether it is primary or secondary? If estrogen deprivation is driving the HPT surgery might not solve your problems.
While AIs reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by 50% sometimes the severity of the SEs may not be worth the benefit. Have you asked your MO about your statistical risk of recurrence with and without taking AIs? It is ultimately your choice about what you are comfortable with. Also, taking AIs does not guarantee that you won’t have a recurrence since the statistical data applies to large populations rather than individuals.
Tamoxifen works in a different way and while it has its own set of side effects and is slightly less effective (40% reduction in risk of recurrence) it might be a better option. Some people have fewer SEs taking a different AI. Oncologists promote estrogen blockers since preventing cancer recurrence is their job. I turned down AIs with the backing of my endo, gastro and ortho doctors because of the high risk of making my other medical issues worse. My risk of recurrence has been doubled but I can live with that. Other people might decide differently. If I did have a recurrence I would take AIs since the situation would be changed.
There are some current clinical trials investigating whether other SERDs or different dosing regimens would cause fewer SEs for those with early stage bc but there are no results yet. You need to decide whether your side effects outweigh the benefit of estrogen blockers and whether you would regret the decision to stop them if the cancer came back as mets. All the best.
maggie15
Re: TN grade 3 newly diagnosed and needing hope
I was not TN, but just wanted to say hang in there. The initial days are scary and very, very emotional.
meeting with my care team and getting those next steps greatly helped me with coping and all the uncertainty. It told me what to expect moving forward and it made me feel better having a plan.
hearing you have breast cancer is scary and emotional. It takes time to process those emotions.
This board is an amazing source of information and support. I’m glad you found it.
I’m sure some people diagnosed with TN will respond with some helpful information.
ann5631
Re: Thinking About Skipping Radiation – Anyone Else?
The last time I checked, radiation reduced the chances of cancer coming back by about 30%, which is a huge effect, as these things go…
Re: BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Hi there Whippetmom (and all!)
I'm scheduled to have my exchange surgery on Friday, and I'm feeling a bit nervous about whether or not I've thought enough about the implant size and projection.
I'm 35 years old, bilateral mastectomy in March. I'm 5'4 and 150lbs. My rib circumference is 32in. Current expanders are allergan 133SV-T; 350cc fill; I think 12.5 diameter.
I used to be about a 34F or 36E (in the european brands) and at time of mastectomy (after chemo) they took about 500 cc of tissue from each side. I'm a size 8-10 in most dresses (sometimes 12 in pants).
My surgeon prefers to use Natrelle Inspira, and has suggested SRF-450 or SRF-485 (to be decided in the OR). I asked about SRX (more projection) and he said it would potentially be too 'Newport Beach'....
I just don't want my implants to feel flat, especially since I'm a little curvy. Do you think the SRF will be okay?
Thank you so much in advance for your help. After everything, I just want to feel at home in my body again.
xo
Dawn
Dawn1982
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Chris, the implant isn’t as scary as my mind made it out to be. Granted I took a Xanax prior to going, I get ridiculously nervous prior to any major dental work. But by Friday I was past feeling uncomfortable from it. I’m taking the antibiotic, rinsing with the prescription mouth wash before bed, and not needing any pain meds. I’ve been chewing food on the other side for so long now, eating hasn’t been a problem. I go back 2/11 for follow-up, and 4/28 for the abutment placement. Then back in NY I’ll see my regular dentist on 5/18 to start whatever process is next for a crown. The whole thing is pretty drawn out over time.
We’re chilly today from rain. I think the house is about 70-71 without the heat being on. Later today winds are supposed to kick up, and temperatures plunge.
Yesterday before the sun set we wrapped the bananas on the tree in clear plastic. Zip tied to the “bunch” and open on the bottom. Today I had to go back out and fix the wrap. First I put on duct tape, but then used a regular desk stapler to staple spots closed. Will they survive? Anyone’s guess.
I steamed all the tile floor yesterday. They needed it. I had been spot cleaning with a wet Swiffer, which really doesn’t get it all. Visually I’m not sure anyone can tell, but I’m glad I did it.
Betrayal, your DS account getting hacked is scary. I hope he gets sone assistance to making it right.
Carole , we’re not gamblers either. I’ll bring what I’m willing to lose for the entertainment. It sounds like you & dh did just fine.
The giant snow storm appears it will miss my area of NY. Severe cold (-21 w windchill) without snow. I recall sometimes it would warm up as it snowed, or before snow, so that’s not happening.
But Petite - they’re talking flurries along the coast of FL! Oh me, oh my, not exactly where I am but not too far north of us. I hope no snow on you
Sandy, not sure of your opinion on the Chicago mayor, but a recent Q&A with him - someone questioned why he’d walk with protestors… his response was phenomenal. Very well spoken. Mind you I only saw a clip on threads, but he was impressive.
Laundry going - Oxy clean trying to whiten the new white washcloths that look yellow already. Not sure if it’s our crappy water here or what. Dishwasher is going too - it wasn’t full but a lot of silverware and small plates.
That’s it. I reread and apologize it’s so long. Stay warm & enjoy the day. It’s good reading weather.
cindyny
Re: I say YES. YOU say NO....Numero Tre! Enjoy!
We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.
betrayal
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Teka - today is Jackie Robinson’s birthday which may or may not have been why this particular quote was posted. Since Mr. Robinson died in 1972, his comments were not directed at today’s political climate.
harley07
Re: Abemaciclib Verzenio for Stage IV
@thos805 - Hi. Seeq is correct. The Verzenio does effect you Creatinine and thus the eGFR since the eGFR is caculated using your Creatinine level. When I was take off the Verzenio my Creatinine level went back to normal. The nephrologist said I had Kidney disease but my MO said that was not the case.
Good luck. Hope you get a long time on the Verznio.
