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Anyone been taking Verzenio?
Hi, I found out today that I will start on an AI drug along with Verzenio after I finish my radiation in about 6 weeks. I am reading about Verzenio and it is pretty daunting reading about all the possible side effects. Anyone taking it now that could share their experience? Also, how did you get it paid for since it is…
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Allergy due to Tamoxifen?
I have developed a few allergies symptoms since last year. I really believe it's due to taking tamoxifen (for 3 years) that changed my body (gut health maybe). I want to see if anyone experiences something similar…. In the beginning of few months when i started to take the tamoxifen, i had night sweats but that was gone…
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Mondor’s & Cording
I was diagnosed with DCIS February 2023 and had a lumpectomy last April and a re-excision in June followed by 21 sessions of radiation. I had a weird rope like cord stretch under my breast into the side of my stomach I noticed February 2024. My breast surgeon put me on a high dose of advil for a week and it did nothing. I…
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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…
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Tissue Expanders- I hate them!!
I had surgery on Monday and they put in tissue expanders and down the road plan to do the DEIP flap. I’m really starting to regret my decision on the TE’s. Do they ever get more comfortable? The one on the right feels like it’s over too far and affecting my right arm mobility. And have constant aches and pains associated…
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Changes in body shape after double mastectomy and taking aromatase inhibitor
I'm pretty old (age 74), and had my double mastectomy in August 2022 and did not have any reconstruction. I have followed-up with anastrazole daily medication. And even though my body has changed a lot over the years, I have noticed recently that my stomach/abdomen seems much larger. My weight is the same now as before the…
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Heart Issues and Breast Cancer: What's Your Experience?
February is American Heart Month All people — especially women — are encouraged to focus on cardiovascular health this month. Heart disease can be affected by cancer itself and sometimes can be a complication of breast cancer treatments. A MUGA scan or an echocardiogram (echo) may be performed before a person starts cancer…
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Pain after Biozorb marker implantation and radiation treatment
I was diagnosed with DCIS, had a "partial mastectomy" in August 2016, and the surgeon implanted a Biozorb marker during the operation. The Biozorb is/was supposed to be reabsorbed by my body in a year, but that didn't happen, and it will take longer. In December of 2016, I had radiation therapy on my breast. Now, almost a…
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Hair regrowth
My hair regrowth after chemo has been slow and the hair is very very thin and fragile. What have others found really helps increase their hair strength and growth? Are there over the counter products that work?
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New Jersey/NYC/CT/Eastern Pennsylvania ladies
I've seen a lot of postings from women who live not so far from where I live in Central New Jersey. Since I know that many women travel for treatment, I've been thinking it might be helpful to have a thread of our own to share resources - not only doctors but support groups, locations for Reach to Recovery, retail sources…
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Poll: Experiencing sex and intimacy issues after a diagnosis?
Sex and intimacy can be challenging and long-standing after a breast cancer diagnosis for a variety of reasons — both physical and emotional. Please select the most significant issue you’ve experienced, and share as many details you would like in the topic below.
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Lymph Node Removal, Excess Weight Linked to Long-Term Arm Problems After Breast Cancer Treatment
Lymph Node Removal, Excess Weight Linked to Long-Term Arm Problems After Breast Cancer Treatment Jan 11, 2024 Having underarm lymph nodes removed and having obesity seem to be the top two risk factors for arm issues that can last for years after breast cancer treatment is completed. Read more…
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What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and how to manage it?
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Dec 22, 2023 Dr. Kristin Rojas explains the collection of symptoms that genitourinary syndrome of menopause encompasses, as well as treatments. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is the preferred term for many of the symptoms that menopause can cause, including vaginal dryness and…
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Poll: How do you manage brain fog?
Many people who are receiving breast cancer treatment say they have issues remembering, thinking, and concentrating during and after treatment. People commonly call these issues chemo brain or chemo fog, while doctors call these issues cognitive impairment or cognitive problems. It’s important to note that people who…
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Anyone have an anaphylaxis issue
Hey all, I wasn't sure where to put this, but I am two years out from chemo this month and this past Friday night landed me in the ER with a reaction to shrimp and potatoes. For reference, I've had issues with an intolerance to potatoes before treatment. Upset tummy, etc. During chemo, I craved bland foods and tried them…
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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?
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Now diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but Im not convinced.
I've been having severe joint pain and assumed it was from the Femara. I had switched PCPs, and the new PCP did lots of blood work. My rheumatoid factor was very high, so she went me to a rheumatologist. He also did blood work; again, my rheumatoid factor was very high. He did x-rays on my hands and hip. Now he has…
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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…
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Long term survivors with node positive disease ?
i want to hear some positive stories please.I am 44 years old with 3 small children. I am doing everything possible to reduce my risk of this horrible disease returning, but I am so worried that because of the lymph involvement it’s too late. I am currently on 3 of 4 AC. In September I will start 12 weekly taxol. I had a…
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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…
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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?
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NAMS Releases Statement on Non-Hormone Therapy for Hot Flashes, Night Sweats
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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?
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…