MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish
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From the Johns Hopkins breast cancer site:
The grade of a breast cancer is representative of the "aggressive
potential" of the tumor; in a broad generalization, "low grade" cancers
tend to be less aggressive than "high grade" cancers. Determining the
grade is thus very important, and the clinicians use this information to
help guide the treatment options for patients.There are different "scoring systems" available for determining
the grade of a breast cancer. One of these systems is the Nottingham
Histologic Score system (the Elston-Ellis modification of
Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grading system). In this scoring system, there
are three factors that the pathologists take into consideration:- the amount of gland formation ("differentiation" or how well the tumor cells try to recreate normal glands)
- the nuclear features ("pleomorphism" or how "ugly" the tumor cells look)
- the mitotic activity (how much the tumor cells are dividing)
Each of these features is scored from 1-3, and then each score
is added to give a final total score ranging from 3-9. The final total
score is used to determine the grade in the following way:- Grade 1 tumors have a score of 3-5
- Grade 2 tumors have a score of 6-7
- Grade 3 tumors have a score of 8-9
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What really upsets me is that Marybe's chemo will be considered successful because she didn't die of breast cancer. Sort of like the operation was a success but the patient died.
My Dad's chemotherapy for stomach cancer was "successful" because he lived 2 months longer than predicted when he was diagnosed.
What a horrible definition of success.
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Hello All!
Nice to be back! I've caught up on the thread and enjoyed laughing about beavers and a few other things! Sorry that I haven’t posted for awhile! I can’t believe how fast the time has flown over the past 2 weeks! So here is my update - Sat April 12th my DH and I left by train from Toronto to Montreal - my birthplace. I traveled there for business quite often but haven’t been back for personal reasons in over 25 years!! We went to a hockey game Saturday night - my New York Rangers vs Montreal (boo!!). The game didn’t mean anything to either team - last game before the playoffs but it was nice to be there and feel the energy! Of course, my team lost but it went to overtime so it was exciting!! Sunday we walked the downtown core, visit Old Montreal which used to be my stomping grounds growing up - had dinner with a good friend and her husband - very nice!!
Monday we traveled by train from Montreal to NYC. AWESOME! So relaxing! We haven’t been on the train in close to 25 years as well and we just loved it! Comfy seats - no rushing - nice scenery!
In NYC we walked, got a tour of Madison Square Gardens, saw the firs playoff game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers - my Rangers won! Woo-hoo! Saw a Yankees game - went to BB Kings Bar and Grill for a Beatles Brunch and saw a Beatles Tribute band - very good! Had dinner with my cousin and her husband - saw the Captain America in 3D which was awesome! Then last Sunday, we took the train home.
The only downside was that we both got colds! ARGH! I still have a few sniffles but can’t complain! We really needed the getaway! It was lovely but of course went by so fast! Hardly thought about the cancer stuff although we did talk about it every so often. At the Ranger game I cried a bit because I felt like I would never be back there and that I was the only one dealing with a challenge. Silly I know - just an emotion!!
Since being home, I’ve had appointments - slept because of my cold, studied my chemo regimen, went grocery shopping, cleaned the house - huh - I NEVER do this!!
Last Tuesday, I had my SYMA (or MUGA) scan. Very bizarre. The tech explained that there would be an IV so I asked where he would put it since my right arm has no veins that you can find and the left should not be used due to the lymph nodes being removed. He asked how my other tests have been done. I responded that I have not had any since surgery. He then asked me what I wanted him to do. What? Really? So for some stupid reason I started to cry. He then changed completely and became very empathetic. He went off to speak with a Dr. who said that he could use my left arm. I wondered later how they do this test for people with no arms - where do they put the IV then?
Anyhow - things proceeded well after that.
On Wednesday I met with my Surgeon who is happy with my healing process. He made it clear that he does not want me to lift any weights until after my treatment is over. We shall see about that!! I miss my weights and want to atleast try to do some light weights after 8 weeks of recovery. I plan to speak with my MO next week.
Thursday afternoon I too got a pixie cut. I also got in touch with Wellspring and registered for a few sessions in May - Breast Cancer support group, Nutrition for Breast Cancer and a Look Good Feel Better class. The first class is on May 8 - the day I get my head shaved and have my wig fitted. I hope that I will feel well enough to go!!
My nephew’s wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday shortly after 4pm named Aaron Michael Sandow - 10lbs 3 oz - can you say OUCH? Wife had a C section - baby, Mom and Dad are doing fine!!
Today my hubby has arranged a pre chemo party so we are expecting approx 30 people tonight. Should be very nice!!
Tuesday April 29th is when the fun starts! My port will be inserted at 8am, then I plan to eat, then I have blood work then meet with my MO to talk cancer - ugh!!!!
Wednesday April 30th at Noon is my first chemo infusion. I am scared to death!! I read the chats about chemo with great interest. This is really NOT something that I want to do and am thinking that once the port is in, I am tied to this until the MO decides that I am free! Having said that, my MO is the Head of Oncology at Credit Valley Hospital and actually led the development and building of the cancer centre at the hospital. The details of my tumour and treatment are in my bio - I do know that my cancer was aggressive at stage 3 and that the two nodes which were impacted with macro. I know two people who have gone through similar treatment and they are fine today; one is 5 years out, the other close to 8. Right now, I am very healthy with the exception of the cancer which tried to kill me so hoping that I will be okay as I work through this. I know that I will be monitored very closely. I too was told that the chemo is precautionary as my margins were clear as were my Bone and CT scans.I sometimes think - what if I did nothing? I suspect that the truth is - no-one truly knows!! My thoughts are that I could possible have microscopic cancer cells floating around just waiting to wake up. If I do, chemo should wipe these out and prevent any new ones from growing. But it can also increase the risk of other cancers or health issues. So - it's only 6 rounds - FEC-D also known as FEC-T. 3 rounds of FEC followed by 3 rounds of Taxtotere. Then the herceton and Tamoxifen. So - do I walk away and say forget it - whatever happens happens? I don't want to end up like a good friend of mine who had a rare form of skin cancer - ignored it - then by the time it started to grow and ooze it was too late! So, I'll give it a go I guess.
Funny - I have reflux - very minor - and while we were i n NYC, my chest began to hurt while we were walking. This is the 2nd of 3rd time that this has happened since feeling the lump in my armpit on Jan 27. So, I started taking my Prevacid a few days ago. This morning I can still feel the pressure a bit - funny - my hubby told me - don't even say that this is lung cancer!! He reminded me that I have experienced this for years especially when I am stressed! I find it off that I now feel somewhat relaxed - more so than when this started.
I've missed all of you and am glad to be back!!:-)
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F-nut, Your travels sounded like great fun! About a year ago, knowing that my summer was going to be marred by surgery and chemo (different cancer,) I had to bump up my summer and go on a cruise before all the badness went down, so I am a firm believer to squeeze in the fun whenever you can. It IS kind of disgusting to have to take these harsh chemo treatments "just in case," and really inhumane, but what is the likelihood that they come up with methods to figure out who actually needs it when so many paychecks depend on us buying into the chemo "just in case." Disgusting!
You will probably have to forego the weights a little longer. When you get the port in, that side is not going to want to be moving and lifting for some days, at least. As far as getting thru' everything...you are a step ahead already if your health is very good going in. Do try to stay active throughout treatment, but never to the point of wearing yourself out; and please know that there will be some days in the chemo cycle that are better than others.
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Football, welcome back! Forget the weights as e said, you do not want to rip open any internal stitches!!! I did that with some laparascopic ovarian surgery years ago and paid for it with scar tissue. You are grade 3. That is an active growing cancer. It`s a no brainer at this point to get chemo. I think any of us would.
As for stray cells, don`t know if you were around when I was saying that I tested for ITCs (Isolated Tumour Cells) in my breast tissue or blood which are random cells just bopping along looking for somewhere to land. They are in my system. I didn`t get chemo and every once in a while I wonder.........
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No, Barbe and I aren't saying two different things. We are both saying chemo works very well on Grade 3, fast growing cancer; and because of that (almost) any of us would say yes to getting chemo just in case some BC remains in there somewhere. I'm saying no one knows whether it is all out or not, and that is the shame. Currently chemo regimens are devised based on group statistics but one day, in the utopia I dream of, it will be based solely on whether the individual needs it or not.
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Ok you all - I ended up over in the "vain" thread just reading along and getting a smirk and laugh and then they started talking about Beaver Butts - you all had to infect another thread didn't you?? Just when I thought it was safe to venture back into the forum
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FBN, sounds like you had a wonderful time (despite the cold thing). I agree about the chemo, that until we know better, I preferred the added insurance. Was told I'd have about a 95% chance of that cancer not coming back, so far so good. Too bad we all don't have a trusty crystal ball! In answer to the IV question when neither arm can be used: the foot is used. That's what they had to do for one of my sx's (think it was mx/recon, can't remember, the Xanax and other meds did their job to keep me from remembering.
Please listen to PS about the lifting, so much internal work is done you don't want to mess that up. (I overdid while recovering by downsizing my parents' home, I believe that's why it took me longer to heal). Remember the mantra "just before you can, doesn't mean you should." Have fun with friends!
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FootBall - RE: Blood draws or IV's - whether for testing or anesthesia for surgery - once your port is in, they can use that for everything if it's a power port. Otherwise, they always start IV's in my ankle or foot. That means they always need to call the head nurse since most don't know how to do it.
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Ok, so here's a chuckle, I see a friend I haven't seen in 10 years this weekend (we moved) she doesn't know I had cancer, anyway, she tells how great I look and haven't changed a bit! If she only knew!!!!
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Mstrouble, that's the best compliment! You looking like nothing major happened, so the stress and all hasn't changed you. I think that's great, how about you?
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round one of FEC. home and peeing red!! Lol. I was done in 90 minutes. The nurse told me that I might get a head rush or feel something in my sinuses. Well I do feel something in my head. It's weird. Feels a bit like pressure but not too bad
They gave me a med for nausea before they started treatment and I have to take pills tonight and for the next few days. Neulasta shot tomorrow.
As far as the port area is concerned yup it is sore. They gave me percocets for the pain but It will knock me out and I want to watch the hockey game tonight. I just called my nurse about the head stuff. She said that I should take a perc. Lol
I'll try extra strength Tylenol first. If it doesn't work I'll take a perc before bed. Let the SEs begin!! Lol
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Football - your beautiful smile certainly hides any anxiety that you may be feeling. Glad that you have #1 under your belt. Hoping that any SEs are minimal and that the Tylenol does the trick for you.
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started to feel nauseous at 4:30. I took a pill and ate some Melba toast. So scared of throwing up!!!! I'm disappointed that I'm having this SE so early. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come
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feel like shit now
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fbn...did you take your anti nausea pill yet? it is important to try and drink and eat a little something if you can....water will flush out your system. if you can't take cold water try room temp water. hang in there sweetie.
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F-nut, Make sure to tell them all about the nausea tomorrow
when you go in for the Neulasta. They have tons of anti-nausea drugs,
and they don't seem to mind double- and triple-teaming you with them.
For example, before my infusion, they dosed me with Aloxi. (That worked
great, and I had the fluorouracil chemo component just like you are
getting, but I had two others not like yours also.) Then, I had Zofran
and Compazine for at home. Now I rarely took that, but it made me feel a
little more secure that I could take that if I did need it. Really,
with all the drugs out there, they should be able to get your upset
under control.You probably threw up by now, didn't you?
I'm glad you shared your smile with us. Looks like you GOT GAME, girl! You can do it!
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Football, my doc had me on a rotation of nausea drugs throughout the day. I took them on a schedule, NOT when I felt something.
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ahhh -footballnut my friend - I hope today is much better for you!!
Had my first treatment on Tuesday - have my shot today as I didn't finish treatment until after 5 pm and they want 24 hours before the shot.
So far so good on SE - just some tingly fingers and toes - ever so slight - comes and goes - I did ice them during chemo but also diabetic so I have a double whammy on possible neuropathy.
Here I am at first infusion
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l-505, I went into chemo with pre-existing fibromyalgia so was also very wary about getting neuropthy. Before each infusion, I listed (at langth) any and all neuropathic symptoms. In a few instances they dialed my dose down a little bit, so keep the communication coming to your chemo team because neuropathy is one of those dread souvenirs you can be stuck with when it is all over. (As you can tell by the various threads out there about it.) I did not have your drugs; had another platinum one but no taxane. Eight mos. later, I have persistent neuropathy; feet that are s.l.o.w.l.y. coming back to life. Just hope they make it all the way back. Glad your SEs are not bad and you are avoiding the nausea of our poor F-nut. I like your "chemo alien" hat!
Those two pictures are giving me chemo flashback. Never thought to have my pic taken! My center had ginormous Lay-Z-Boy recliners in ALL the colors.
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Hang in there, FBN!! You do have the smarts and will to get the help you need and feel as well as possible thru this. I had more symptoms after my first infusion than the next three. Don,t overdo your activity, sleep lots and allow for this huge medicine to do its thing. Big hugs, Mame
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thanks all!
I threw up twice last night. Fun! Couldn't even watch my hockey game! I lay on the couch with a blanket over my head which had a compress on it. Cried and moaned!! I took all of my anti nausea meds last night and again this morning.
I the morning and night I have to take ondansetron or zofran and dexamethasone or decadron. I also have prochloperazine to take just in case. So I took that this morning too when I felt light headedness kicking in
Dry mouth is starting and I'm starting to feel tired
I will get my neulasta shot today so hoping for the best as I hate needles!!!!!
Argh!!!! Lol
Thanks for your friendship!!
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Fooftballnut - I'm so glad you got advice from those having had chemo. You were in my thoughts. I was hoping you were in a quiet, dark room with soft music. Is it possible to catch the hockey game in replay, though not as exciting live? I know I saw replays listed for the Stars on my selected search guide but not sure what channels they were.
I did look up the Neulasta shot. Very tiny needle very short. The shot itself should not be a problem. Know many have bone aches from it. Check with your nurse/doc about taking Claritin (not the decongestant kind); comes generic Loratadine. Any pharm/grocery would have it. I read about many that take it anecdotally for aches. I take one every morning for allergies. I know you will talk to them about your nausea and see if they have any other tricks up their sleeves.
Bet someone will jump on about the Neulasta.
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luvmygoats I've left a message with my pharmacist about Claritin and will also discuss with the nurse. I just want to have medical advice before taking it. Seeing as I already have bone pain I suspect that it'll hit me if I don't take Claritin
I did manage to see the rangers celebrate so hopefully I'll be okay to watch game 1 tomorrow with the pens! Live king HENRY!!
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At least your team is still in the playoffs. The Stars went down in flames. Well, I'll guess I'll have to watch the Texas Rangers but they lost last night 12-1. Ugg. There's always NASCAR. Mavs doing OK but just not a basketball fan.
Hoping you have a better day today.
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thanks! NASCAR !!! Jeff Gordon is my guy!!!!
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Football - I understand you want to confirm meds w/someone, but lots of the wealth of info on this site consists of things that work for someone. Ask the nurses at your infusion center or your MO. I don't think that regular pharmacists are usually "up" on esoteric cancer things. There's no proof of why the Claretin works - but listen to your sisters here - it REALLY does. I took it the day of chemo (the day before the neulasta) and for 6 days afterwards. I learned that after TX # 1 when I only took it on the Neulasta day.
Hope you got a positive answer before you head to the shot tomorrow.
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thinking of you both, footb and linda5!!!
look all you really have to do is eat watermelon!!!
Did anyone else watch the National news tonight. There was a segment on about how women have such a hard time getting back to work and a regular life after tx. They were talking about early stagers. I know if I didn't own my business I wouldn't have a job. I had to hire someone else to do the work. Everybody who comes in my shop says how great it is that "I'm back", but really I am finding ways to rearrange my life. They were talking about how no one talks about how the se can last so long. They meant no one in the medical world, I'm sure.
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macatacmv, which network? Would be interesting what slant they put on it.
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let's see, it was Brian Williams and Dr Nancy Synderman. so is that NBC? I think so.
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