CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
Comments
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granny, prayers going up for your GS. Is he here in NJ?
Glisteningpearl, do let your brain rest from all the info and then listen to the tape, several times if necessary. I didn't have chemo (onco score was 13) so can't help there. All I can offer is the fact that 6 months will pass and you will have done one or the other so don't let the time factor decide for you. That 6 months is gonna pass no matter what. JMHO
HUGS.
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Gpearl...It is a difficult decision when the DR says its up to you.
You feel good that you don't have too but on the other end you think if I should...
I think Doctors should make that decision.
I was HER2+ so I had to have chemo. That was not a choice for me.
I wish you good luck.
♥
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Betty ~ The doctor can only recommend ~ it is YOUR body, YOUR life that this is happening to. It is YOUR decision. Best wishes for minimal SE's. You will make it to the other side.
(((((grannyD & Eddie Jr.)))))
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In my case, the doctors did make the decision. I guess I felt good about it because hey were pretty confident. I was TN so had chemo (ACT) and rads. I have made it to nearly 7 years (just a few more weeks) with NED, so I guess they made the right decision.
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I was just signing off then I saw new posts.
VAL...Is your appointment Thursday or Friday?
Meece....We keep missing each other.
patoo....I missed your posts.
I was on FB edited some information. I guess Im still learning.
Good Night Sisters
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Hi,
Mimi and Patoo-The fact that your teams are great for you is so good to hear. I am sensing all the appointments that you are already whipping through are a challenge. It is nice to hear your teams tailor to their patients individual needs which is the way it should be. I will keep it in mind as I get to where you are.
Michelle-Again, you were one of the first posts I read and your words were so helpful. I am encouraged to hear Happymom's info about your news. I am praying, praying, praying with good strong, healing thoughts.
Don and Happymom-Thanks for the posts yesterday. I will pm soon, tomorrow. I just woke up for a glass of water. 3 am, ugh!
Deborye-How sweet is that little praying girl?
Grannydukes-Prayers are happening right now for your dear grandson.
Glistening Pearl-I feel like this diagnosis that we all have is unique in that there are all these choices. I guess I would rather have choices than not, but it can be overwhelming at times to say the least. It is great you taped the visit. My mother has always said when you can't decide on something important, take it all and put it on the back burner for awhile, go to sleep and carry on, the right decision will come forward in a day or two. Your decision will be the right one.
Prayers are with you all. Take care. Good night.
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Hi Erin, I do think it's the best thing that your team is great. I also feel that Valjean's words are so full of impact when she says, Everyone is in charge of their own body and the decision is yours and yours alone. It is not easy, but your decision will be the right one. We both have similar receptors with the Her2+. I think that is going to be a piece that I have to take into serious consideration as I decide what to do next. I am speaking to my oncologist this week and will keep you posted if you'd like.
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Glisteningpearl - the aromatase inhibitors are oral chemo prevention drugs that work by stopping the production of estrogen in our bodies. If large numbers of your cancer cells use estrogen or progesterone as fuel to grow then these drugs can be as effective or more effective than IV chemo in preventing recurrance as cells starved of the hormone they need to grow should shrivel and die in the 5 years we take the drug. The ER/PR percentages on your path report show how many of your cancer cells used estrogen or progesterone as fuel to grow ie if the ER is 90% then 90% of the cancer cells used estrogen to grow. Your percentages must be high if the onc dropped your chance of recurrance by 11% if you took an AI. When he talked about 'the efficacy of the aromatase inhibitors' he meant they would work well in preventing recurrance for you because your cancer was strongly driven by estrogen. You will probably be advised to take an AI following chemo anyway. My onc said I would get a 1% positive benefit from IV chemo but that I would have a 3% negative benefit from possible SEs of chemo so I didn't do it. I chose Hormone therapy though (Femara in my case) because my cancer was very strongly hormone driven and it would give me an absolute 3% benefit over 5 years and the SE profile appeared much less damaging long term although that is another story all together...
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{{{GD AND EDDIE JR}}} Prayers for you both.
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Granny - you are in my thoughts and prayers today.
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Glisteningpearl- we have about the same diag. My tumor was 1.6cm. Our oncotype score were the same. My doctor did not recommend chemo for me. He was very matter of fact that the side effects would be worse than the good that it would do me. What raeinnz explained in her post is essentally the same as my onco explained to me. I will be using hormone therapy and radiation for treatment. I go Friday for a PET scan and Monday to get results an find out what hormone bocker I will be taking and Tuesday get my markup done for rads. I would let my mind clear a bit and then relisten to the tape that you have. It is your body and your decision but it does help to hear what other doctors have suggested as well. Will be praying for you.0
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Hello All -
I'm a bit late to the party, but ready to fully participate none the less! I had a lumpectomy on June 18th, with 6 wks radiation. I'm also on Arimedex. I just had my 3 mo follow-up mamo. Still very tender, but the tech was very gentle. She said that she still saw cals on the film, but not to worry and to follow-up again in 6 mos. I'm so confused! Will these turn to cancer eventually too?
I see my oncologist tomorrow and have a list of questions to ask her; but thought I would reach out to you gals for moral support! 2010 has not been my year - in addition to being diagnosed with cancer, I was laid off in February, and have not been able to find full time work yet. I have cobra insurance that will run out in April of 2011. But my unemployment benefits run out at the end of 2010! I'm a nervous wreck worrying about how I'm going to support myself and afford my meds! It seems that you cannot get assistance until you are homeless.
Not sure if it's the meds or everything else piling on that is making my anxiety almost unbearable these past 2 weeks. Thanks for letting me vent a bit and any advice will be greatly appreciated.
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Stopping pass and updating...
Back at work and things are settling down for the most part which is a blessing.
My activity level is up again. I can't explain it but I felt better after the surgery. Most think I should be sickly, but I feel better. I am chalking it up to taking better care of myself and the benefits are showing.
My second Chemo treatment is next Thursday. I am ready!
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GD still pray for your grandson.
Glisteningpearl, I also had a score like yours. My Dr. left it up to me. I will be going on the AL's. My ER is 99% so they will work well for me. I sure understand how hard the decision is for you.
ibabie, I sure understand your stress. Wish I had some advice, but I will keep you in my thoughts.
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((((GrannyD)))) Prayers going up for your GS right now!
(((ibabie))) I was laid off two months before my dx and can fully understand your stress and frustrations. I wish I had answers for you but my DH & I just muddled through. I did find a job a two weeks before my BMX and they were extremely flexible and willing to wait until I recovered from surgery and completed chemo - there is hope! You are in my prayers.
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thanks for the prayers my sistas
im workin up the courage to go to see him.
the drs put his nose and tongue back on so he is quite a mess
please continue the prayers.He does not live in NJ.he lives in my hometown of Brooklyn.Im there now.God bless all of you.
hugggggggs
K
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Granny, continuing to pray for his healing.
ibabie, I know funds are tight but can you get a script for an anti-depressant? The tech said she saw cells on the film but the onc is the expert so talk to him (rad onc or med onc?) about your fears. Can unemployment benefits be extended? These are indeed tough times but hang in there, you will get through them and come out victorious! Please continue to come and let us know how you are doing.
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GD still praying for your grandson, and the strength you will need when you see him.
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ibabie - I have sent you a Private Message. To read it, go to the top of this page and click on the Private Messages tab.0
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Valjean:
I feel the anxiety too, when I get a mammo on my remaining breast. And an MRI for both yearly.
What I do, is go kind of nuts. I turn my cell phone off and let my husband get the call. Then I go to Target and shop knowing I am "safe" for a small space of time.
Then, when I feel ready, I drive home. He usually meets me and I hope will continue to with a big smile and I know all is well.....
last year, my friend from the rads dept. was calling with good news as we got in the door! Was I shocked at that speed! It used to take a few days.....
Sending good vibes that the 9th is a lucky date for you and no reason it shouldn't be. No nodes, stage 1, all good.
xoxo
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I've been off for a few days and see all the new posts. Amazing how many of us there are...such similar stories unfolding around the world.
Praying for your grandson, GrannyDukes.
I learned after my lumpectomy last week that pathology showed a micromet of .04mm in the sentinel lymph node. I have requested an oncotype, in the hopes that will help guide treatment, but haven't received it yet. One onc has vicariously opined that the micromet does not change my node status from negative to positive. I have my first appointment with my oncologist next Friday, then a second - I was advised to get a second opinion as well by my surgeon - on November 30. The waiting is driving me crazier than the choices. Of all my stats, only the node finding would suggest chemo, I think - and perhaps my age, which is 47. I hope both oncs agree, that the oncotype comes back low, that waiting isn't a bad choice in and of itself, and that I don't go nuts before treatment can even begin!
Julie
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Good thoughts to your grandson Granny.....
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Hi Everyone:
I am brand new to this site and enjoyed reading the posts both old and new. I am Stage1 and have gotten through (almost) 2 years of BC . Although my life has changed, I can honestly say my day to day has gotten back to almost normal. But I have not gotten used to any of the waiting! I don't like waiting for the results. It's something I just can't handle. It is always better knowing that not, but I think I could die of a heart attack in the meantime.
Thanks for being here, girls. I always need you all.0 -
For those of you sturggling with the decision to do chemo or not do chemo - boy, it is a tough one. I met with the oncologist a week before we got the Oncotype results. He said no chemo, just radiation and an AI. A week later after we got the results (20) he said he cannot tell me what to do - he will support either decision - and if I cannot decide maybe I can join the Tailor X Trial. I decided to do chemo after much research, stress and a second opinion (which was also neutral but more informative). My decision was based on the fact that they changed the scale in the Tailor X Trial and my gut. Did four rounds of TC.
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My Onc did not do the oncotype test on me. He said with my family history, at age 50, and almost 2cm (1.8cm), he said chemo --- 4 rounds 2 weeks apart. I was not a happy camper at the time, but in retrospect, I'm glad he was aggressive with this horrible disease. I personally feel more secure, that we did the best we could with the treatment available. I'm now 6 months past my last chemo treatment and am on tamoxifen for a few years.
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Char2010: Can you share anything more about how the scale changed in the TailorX study? My hospital/clinic was involved in the study but my oncologist said it would be a bit before any results would be available. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
For someone new to all this, you cannot know how valuable your insights are. I really value the piece about it being my body - but it's hard when your daughter says you are rushing into something that you may not really need. She just doesn't understand that I'm worried about recurrence and I want to be around for a really long time. While my family doesn't have a history of BC, it does with a bunch of others. I just don't want to mess around with this and take any changes.
Thanks for all your help and support.
Erin
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I will be thinking of your GS Grannydukes, Hugs and Prayers all around.
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granny.....Im thinking of you and your grandson.
Hugs and more hugs.
♥
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Erin - Currently when you get the Oncotype DX results, they consider a score of 18-30 to be Intermediate. In the TailorX Trial they define Intermediate as 11-25. The results of the trial will not be published until 2014 (I think) but my oncologist claims that 11-25 will be the new standard for Intermediate.
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thanks for all the prayers.wow and hugggggggs to everyone.i didnt go to the hospital.my son said NO and im glad.he is comin home tomorrow.he is one lucky young man.he laid on a very active hwy.(BQE) for over 2 hrs.he is just sooo lucky.no lost limbs,all tests came back negative.GOD is sooo good to my family.this is the 2nd.grandchild that had a accident in 2 mos.someone up there is watchin over my family.PRAYERS DO WORK. thanks again.
for all my sistas that i havnt had the time to read the posts i wish all of you pain free days forever.
AND dont forget friday is world cancer day.lets remember all we have last to this giant monster and how lucky we are to still be here to pray for them...God give us the strength to fight,fight and win...b9 days for everyone.xoxoxo hugggggggggs
K
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