CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
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Hugs for you too Cindy. (((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
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Ladyblue....Welcome and big hugs. We are here for you during this difficult time.
I hope your next Chemo treatment will be kinder to you with less SE.
Are you on A/C (the red chemo)?
Sheila
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Welcome, new BC Sisters. Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.
I remember the Adriamycin (red chemo, slowly infusued) HInt: Suck on a popsical while the nurse in adding the Adriamycin, it will help minimize mouth sores. I still hate to drink red koolaid.
I missed a lot on these boards by leaving town for 2 1/2 days for my Cancerversary. We went wine tasting and fine dining. The weather was gorgeous Saturday and today, Friday was pretty and cloudy.
Well, I have been off since the 18th for recon surgery, and go back to work in the morning. I am not looking forward to it. I did way too much yesterday and regretted it.
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend. Bye for now.
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My doctors disagree as to whether I need an MRI. Radiologist says yes; she says yes since LCIS tends to show up in other breast, but she can't self-prescribe an MRI. My oncologist says no to an MRI. He says there are false positives, and it's likely we'd do a biopsy for no reason.
I was diagnosed in 2007 with LCIS, DCIS and ductal invasive. Had lumpectomy and radiation. I'm eager to hear opinions about MRI.
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Welcome AZ77,
My Oncologist is pro-MRI.
My previous Radiologist (an MD) ordered my first, but forgot to write "with and without contrast" on the orders. I got to the MRI location and they startd my IV, then the nurse came out to the waiting area and said it wasn't on the orders and took it out. The MRI tech said that it would have added an hourf to the time. Two of my doctors who reviewed the results said it was useless not to have the section with contract.
That being said, I had another one when I started with my current oncologist, with and without contrast. It took close to an hour an a half lying on my stomach, arms over my head, very still, with my breasts hanging through the table. It was difficult, and uncomfortable, but the Dr. was happy with the images. It took several weeks to get my insurance on board. They would only approve it for my post cancer breast. Once they finally approved both sides, t was done.
I had another MRI in January, and the women's imaging center has come a long way. I was still belly down, but the table is shaped (or moves into a position) so that my arms were bent slighly hanging down but more to my sides and my head and chest were raised so my back wasn't flat. Doesn't sound comfortable, but compared to the old way, this was great. That, and the time it takes has shortened to less than 45 minutes. The tech played my choice of music, and would tell me that "the next section of the test will take two songs. It made the time pass better.
My opinion: MRI seems to be a good diagnostic, and monitoring tool. Make sure you get insurance approval for both breasts before the test. Check to see how up-to-date the imaging machine is at the place you are going. A women's imaging center is more likely to have the more comfortable table than a general iaing center.
If you are not happy with your doctor's "No". get a second opinion.
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Hiya, guys!
In a couple days, I have my first 3-month visit with the onc and my first mammo after the surgery and treatment. I'm not worried, but maybe I will be that day. I am more worried about my stupid UTI/kidney thing...It STILL hasnt gone away. My kidneys still hurt. So...I'm still trying not to flip out about it.
My MIL just booked her flights to come up and take care of my 4 kiddies while I go through the DIEP surgery in February. A little closer. I must be crazy for doing this! I wish I could lose weight faster too for this surgery!
My friend's mom went in today for a breast biopsy. I texted her and emailed her and no response which makes me worried...I HOPE she doesnt have cancer!!!!!
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Oh my goodness, I just had a chance to get caught up, and I just want to say ((((((hugs)))))) to all of you. I am amazed at how much this thread helps all of us. Those with questions and those with answers. It is great to see all of the sharing that goes on here.
I went back to work today after being off since the 12th, which was the date of my final chemo treatment. I see ladies on here that are just starting chemo, and know that it will come to an end, and you will feel better as you get through it. We are all here to talk to as you go through it too. It was hard to be back at work, and I am not sure how long it will take to find my "new" normal. I have faith though that I will reach that point. I am still anxious at times, but I know that I have done everything that I can to this point, now it is just healthy living that will make a difference for me.
I had an MRI for ILC because my drs were concerned that both breasts might be effected. In fact the MRI did find a second tumor in the effected breast. I also had extensive pleomorphic LCIS in the other breast. I didn't have a choice about MX in the effected breast, and opted for BMX and immediate reconstruction. I think that MRI is an excellent tool, and was told by my drs that it is the "gold standard" in terms of bc dx. I would personally really push for it. Meece's description is very much like my experience. It wasn't the most comfortable test, but not horrible either. Like Meece said, be sure your insurance approves it and that they do it with and without contrast. Have you had any ultra sounds? They are also a valuable diagnostic tool. I hope all goes well for you.
You are all my heroes! Thank you for being there.
Love and Hugs,
Susan
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My Stage 1 surgery was Oct. 30, 2009, had mastectomy of the right breast and am cancer free. I thank God for this, not needing any chemo or radiation. I had the tissue expander placed and had one fill last Tuesday and the next one is Dec. 15, and then PS said to wait a few months till the breast implant goes in and to adjust the other breast.
I start Arimidex tomorrow, Dec. 1. The oncologist told me the side effects. I am going through the threads of reading about everyone's experiences. I cannot give enough credit to my "sister survivors".
I am a little nervous about this medication, but what will be will be. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Toay is Dec. 2, I found out my stats IDC, Upper Outer Quadrant of the Right Breast,
ER + PR + HER-2 93%&ER, 71% PR+ HER2-
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Don't be nervous about arimidex, I have been on it for 28 months. Yes you will have muscle and joint and hip pain but nothing that advil or an asprin will take care of. It takes awhile for your body to get used to it. My hips aches once in a while but hey I'm 58 could be old age also. LOL
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I had the genetic test today. I think it is best for me. I want to know the answer. I have already been dx twice so maybe this will help me with my decisions. If it comes back negative I have to do a heart to heart talk with myself. I see the breast care counselor tomorrow night. I have a lot of questions for her.
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Hi az77....Cant really help you with MRI but welcome to our group.
rongt1......welcome, I'm on Femara, but lot of sisters are on Arimidex here
Good Night To All My Sisters!
♥Sheila♥
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I am taking my first Tamoxifen pill tomorrow...a little scared but hopeful that as extensive metabolizer I will have minimal SE's...right?
Good night all!!!
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O2bhealthy, Love your name! Tamoxifen is no biggie, I have been on it for 10 months, other than a bit of weight gain, I am good!
Best of luck!
Melanie
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Hello everyone!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I did not get a chance to post before I left on the 22nd & just got home this Monday late afternoon. I had a wonderful time with my DD, Son-in-law & 2 grandkids!! I am truly blessed.
I also use the pill boxes & love them: a round one for my Aromasin & a long, AM-PM one for my multitude of supplements.
Not sure of the time of my biopsy this coming Thurs, will be notified Wed. Will be glad when that is over. Holding good thoughts for all who have a biopsy/surgery this month. December already~hard to believe.
A special Thank You to all who responded to my post before I left for the holiday. Your thoughtfullness means so much.
Welcome to everyone new!
{{hugs}}
Valerie
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Deborye, Thank you so much for responding to my question regarding Arimidex. I am 60 years of age and have had arthritic problems with my knees previously. I read your bio and mine is pretty similar. As soon as I finish with this message I will have breakfast and take my pill. Is there any weight gain involved. After what I have conquered, believe it or not I am worried about stupid weight gain.
To any gals first going through surgery, try to stay in hospital for at least 3 nights. Mine wanted me out after 2 but I stayed for 3.
Another solution which I would like to share is that when I initially came home from the hospital, I had the drain for a week. Of course I no longer have that but I had problems sleeping with my sports bra that Ii wear during the day. My husband and I went to a specialty bra shop and purchased a sleeping bra (Glamorise), which has .made sleeping more comfortable.
I am counting the days until the TE is out of me. Thank you sister survivor.
Much Love,
Ronna
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Good Morning All,
I was wondering, from those of you that have completed the chemo, what happens next? My doc is being kind of vague. What tests do they perform to determine whether or not the cancer has come back? How often do they perform these tests? I will go on some kind of aromatase inhibitor, to be determined. My onc says she won't really need to see me unless I am having pains in certain areas.....I'm so confused again! Maybe she is just waiting until this last round is over to focus on the next step. Anyway, any advice or experience would be helpful.
Thanks.
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Hi Deb....Please try not to confuse yourself.
Are you getting radiation? In my experience oncologist saw me every 3 months the first 2 years and every 4 months now. He does Blood work and examines my breast and he calls me back with the results. Some women they go every 6 months. I'm sure she will put you on some kind of schedule.
Maybe she meant we don't do any kind of scan unless you have symptoms.
Ask questions. Good luck to you!
Sheila
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Just joined and finding my way around. Isn't this a forum for stage 1 and 2????
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Hi joyceva....There is a thread called Stage II Forum by rumoret, I will bump it for you.
Go to Active Topics. Good Luck to you. Meanwhile if you have a question please post it here.
Sheila
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Deb without any chemo or radiation, my oncologist still wants to see me on Jan. 13, which will have been my 2 visit with him since surgery on Oct. 30. I have been to bs also. I am quite embarassed that I do not have the particular stats that everyone else has filled in with my bio. I do not know if this somehow answers your question regarding oncologist visits.
Thank you Sheila for welcoming me. I am so thankful I found this site. I have not stopped crying since surgery, I have all to be thankful for. I just want to share my experience with others who are there.
Ronna
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(((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) Ronna. The tears will stop, it just takes time. I'm glad you found us too.
You should be able to get your stats from your pathology report. If you don't have a copy, call your doctor and ask for one. Once you get it, if you can't understand it, we can help!
Linda
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Hi All,
I hope all is well with everyone.
Deb, I finished chemo 21/2 weeks ago. My onc was very vague too before I finished, but at my last visit she did give me more specifics. I asked her about scans, and tests and she feels that for stage one cancers that scans aren't necessary unless there are symptoms. I will see her every six months and will have blood tests before each visit. She told me that bc reoccurances and metastises are usually dramatic, you feel it and know you are sick, and that she rarely catches anything with testing before the patient knows something is wrong. Not the greatest for making one feel confident, but really I am okay with it. Tests are expensive and cause so much anxiety. I "knew" the first time, so I am sure I will "know" if anything is wrong in the future. I think that things vary a lot from area to area. I hope all goes well for you.
Joyceva, this is a thread in the stage 1 and 2 forum. There are probably other threads that have more stage two folks posting, this thread is mostly stage oners. But we are very friendly and we welcome you, feel free to post here anytime.
Shelia, I love your new avatar, it is so seasonal. I am really in the holiday spirit this year, I think that this year has given me a completely new perspective on what matters in my life. I got my Advent decorations out this weekend and we had a special family dinner and lit the first candle. It was really nice.
Best Wishes to All!
Hugs,
Susan
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To my sisters ranqt1 and o2bhealthy
for their first day of starting
Arimidex & Tamoxifen.
December 1st, 2009
Sheila
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Look at all the DEB's, love it♥
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ronqt1, I have to admit, when your getting the estrogen sucked out of you it is hard to loose weight. I have lost weight when I diet. But right now I am on a seefood diet. LOL
I'll be good next year. I have to because with a 4' 11" frame and carrying around 150 lbs is getting to my feet. They get sore when I stand for a while.
HI Christmas Tree Shelia♥
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To Linda,(Makraz) I will stop crying and I am going to get my stats asap. I will call oncologist's office tomorrow.
Thank you.
Have a good evening.
Ronna
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Good for you Ronna! BTW, I still cry sometimes too! I bet we all do!! Let us know what your onc says. Hugs sistah!!
Linda
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Sweet Dreams all of you lovely stage 1 ladies!
Susan
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Dec 1-unbelievable! Tomorrow will be 8 months since I was given my diagnosis....can't believe everything that's happened in that 8 months and here I am - on the other side, taking Femara for the next 4 yrs, 11 months & 15 days, after surviving chemo & rads! But who's counting! Nighty-night!
Joni-
Hey Michelle, good to see you!
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