Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
Discussion List
-
In Treatment? Join us on Zoom, Tues & Thurs weekly!
Hi Everyone, We have created a weekly virtual support group for all who are planning or going through active treatment. If you've just been diagnosed and are planning surgery, chemo, or radiation, join our weekly Zoom Meetups. We have two meetings for you to register for: Register here: Tuesdays at 1:00 PM…
-
Important Links for Newbies to Help Get Through Treatment
Some helpful information for all types of treatment for breast cancer on the main Breastcancer.org site: Treatment & Side Effects features extensive information on all types of breast cancer treatment, and what to expect with those treatments, including Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Hormonal Therapy, Targeted…
-
VIrtual Menopause Talk on managing the sexual, physical and emotional effects of BC
Hi All, Let's Talk Menopause, a national nonprofit organization, is hosting this free virtual event this Friday 6/9 at 12:00pm EST. There will be a Q and A period as well as information on how to treat the sexual side effects (vaginal dryness, painful sex, etc.). Please join if you can and spread to your networks! Thanks,…
-
Starting Tamoxifen: What are the Side Effects
Hello, I will be starting Tamoxifen in about a month's time. My doctor advised to take aspirin everyday as there is a risk of developing blood clots. Have you been taking aspirin with Tamoxifen? What are the usual side effects that you've experienced?
-
Letrozole side effects (DRY EYE, Fatigue)
I had no side effects for the first 6 months on Letrozole. I have now been on it for 16 months and feel terrible. My first side effect was joint pain. That is now better that I am taking Glucosamine Chondroiton and omega 3 fish oil. I had some symptoms of dry eye disease previously and have been using over the counter eye…
-
Full Body Cramping and Muscle Spasms
I finished treatment a little over a year ago and recently I've been having terrible muscle cramping. The cramps are all over my body... jaw, chest, back, thighs, etc. If I yawn I get a horrible cramp in my neck and jaw and it's making me nuts. I've tried all the usual remedies but this is miserable. I had muscle cramps…
-
Abemaciclib Verzenio for All Stages
I've noticed there is a Verzenio discussion in the Stage IV only section, and another in the Stage III forum. I'm starting this thread because I think there could be a benefit from sharing between all the stages - especially when, and if, Verzenio becomes a more common standard of treatment. I started Verzenio 14 months…
-
In Treatment Zoom Meet-Ups: Place to keep chatting
This is a space held for our In Treatment Zoom Meetup members to gather in between meetings for updates and support. Join our Virtual Meet-ups! Tuesdays at 1pm ET, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc-uurzgvHNyvhpw-l0KPkwjlKN_KbOeC#/registrationThursdays at 6pm ET, register here:…
-
Rib cage pain after chemo
Hello, I noticed lower rib pain on my right side after chemo - same side I had surgery/lumpectomy. I only notice it when I touch/press it. It is minor, tolerable but just wanted to know if this is common. I also feel it is getting better now. It lasted about 3-5 days. I started exercising recently so not sure if it is…
-
Cold Caps Users Past and Present, to Save Hair
Hi all, I wanted to start a forum for all us that are using the cold caps to try to save our hair. I am on FEC100 X3 followed by Taxotere X3. My dosage unfortunately is not a guaranteed success. I am 40 days out from my first treatment and will have my third June 17. So far I have thinned but have not required a wig. I…
-
Leg pains after Chemotherapy
Hello, I have been having leg pains since the last dose of chemo. Never had it during the chemo, it only started during the 3rd week after completing chemo. Not sure if it is muscle pain or bone pain? Anyone had similar experience?
-
Body aches after Chemo
Hello, I have been having leg pains since the last dose of chemo. Never had it during the chemo, it only started during the 3rd week after completing chemo. Not sure if it is muscle pain or bone pain? Anyone had similar experience?
-
Onco always disregards side effects
My Onco causing me so much extra stress.She is always blaming anxiety or other things.I have triple positive bc.Had lumpectomy and currently on week 11 of taxol with a side of herceptin.I have started bringing hubby to all meeting with onco as a witness to what she tells me.I complained of severe joint pain after first…
-
Open Letter
I am a husband/ caregiver... I didn't know where this should be posted---and since my wife is going through treatment now, I just picked here. I have lurked since my wife's diagnosis and have been posting only for a few days. I can recognize a sisterhood when I see one. An army of kind souls. I am humbled by your humanity.…
-
Unexplained Adverse Effects
I was diagnosed 2/28/22 with IDC & DCIS. I subsequently had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I received 12 weekly infusions of Taxol & Kanjinti completing in August 2022. Some of the side effects I experienced included chills, fatigue and body aches. I have since been receiving Kanjinti infusions every 3 weeks…
-
Treatment Zoom Meetup (Tuesdays) place to keep chatting
Update: Hi all! We apologize -- in thinking about creating these threads, we actually thought it might be more practical to have all groups (Tuesday and Thursday) to post on the same thread. This way, if you attend more than one meeting, you won't have to submit any updates to more than one thread to reach all of your…
-
Treatment Zoom Meetup (Thursdays) place to keep chatting
Hi all! We apologize -- in thinking about creating these threads, we actually thought it might be more practical to have all groups (Tuesday and Thursday) to post on the same thread. This way, if you attend more than one meeting, you won't have to submit any updates to more than one thread to reach all of your friends.…
-
New Guidelines: Treating High Calcium Levels in People W/ Cancer
New Guidelines on Treating High Calcium Levels in People With Cancer Jan 4, 2023 The Endocrine Society has released the first guidelines on treating high calcium levels in people diagnosed with cancer. Read more...
-
Cachexia / extreme weight loss
Wanted to share this recipe/article for anyone having trouble keeping their weight up. I found this for a friend recently who is struggling w stage 4 Lung Cancer and cachexia http://www.anticancerbook.com/post/The-best-way-to... This smoothie is designed to provide nutrition AND address reducing inflammation in the system…
-
AIs and blood pressure
Hello, I am taking exemestane for 2.5 years now. And noticed that have elevated blood pressure often: 140/90. Do you, dear all, have this issue? I am not sure it is a side effect at all, but would like to know from others? Also if you do, how it is controlled? thank you!
-
Anyone want to commiserate about scar tissue?
For three and a half years after my lumpectomy and radiation I felt like I'd gotten off really easy. My surgeon concealed the scar so well that in certain positions it wasn't obvious anything had happened. Then in May I noticed a small patch of reddened skin at the end of the scar, kind of like a lollipop on a stick. The…
-
Liver damage with Tamoxifen?
Hey, peeps. Context: A little over a year ago, shortly before my BC diagnosis, I had skyrocketing ALT and AST levels and was sent for a liver biopsy. I was diagnosed with liver damage of unknown origin (they theorized I'd been exposed to something chemical somehow), NASH and NAFLD. I had mild scarring on my liver and lots…
-
Anyone try acupuncture for neuropathy?
I’m about at my wits end with this neuropathy. It is throughout my leg; hip to toes. I’ve had scrambler therapy, that worked, just didn’t last. I could do it again but it a bit of a hassle as it is everyday and is not exactly close by where I live. I’ve read acupuncture helps, but wanted to see what your experience was. I…
-
Bisphosonates - strange side effects
hello Has anyone suffered strange side effects? I've been on Actonel/ Riseondrate for a couple if months. Suddenly I have irregular heart rate and strange back and hip pains (all to be investigated of course). Angie
-
anyone have cherry angiomas??
I've been getting these red dots on my skin..they look like blood moles. I looked them up and found out they can be a sign of "estrogen dominance" and be related to breast or ovarian cancer....they're mostly on my torso. Does anyone else have these?
-
Erythema Nodosum
Has anyone experienced erythema nodosum? I developed 2 red tender lumps on my shin then added 2 more this week. It took a couple of doctors to figure it out but they have no idea why I got it. They have advised it will go away in 4 to 6 weeks. It's making me anxious as they have no explanation why I got it. Two weeks into…
-
Exemestane (Aromasin)
My MO recommended I leave letrozole because of SE and start exemestane. Can you please share your experience with this medication? Tips? Good news: Exemestane, a synthetic steroid drug widely prescribed to fight breast cancers that thrive on estrogens, not only inhibits the production of the hormone, but also appears to…
-
Podcast: Fezolinetant: A Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flashes
Fezolinetant: A Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flashes July 22, 2022 Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, discusses her research on fezolinetant as a treatment for hot flashes. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause, some of your treatments, including chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, can bring on…
-
Fatigue- Tamoxifen?
I have pretty decent energy until around 3 every afternoon. Meaningful interactions with people after 7 pm seems impossible. I'm skipping social activities scheduled in the evening because of it. Copious amounts of strong coffee helps some, but then I wake up all night. To me, checking out of humanity at 6 is better than…
-
Letrozole side effects: numb hands?
I started Letrozole (after 5 yr on Tamoxifen) last Fall, almost a year ago. First few months side effects were much like on Tamoxifen, hot flashes, tiredness, nothing too bad. Then, in March, about 6 months in, hand joints started acting up, and progressively now my fingers are stiff and painful, also feet and knees are…
-
Cancer Survivors Have Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Cancer Survivors Have Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease July 11, 2022 Cancer survivors have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke, than people with no history of cancer. Read more...
-
I would love your input!!
I am a former cancer caregiver for my mom and going through the breast cancer care journey with her gave me a passion to work with the breast cancer care community! I am finishing my doctoral degree in occupational therapy, and I have committed my final project to address the unmet needs of women with breast cancer to…