Stage II w/Lymph Node Involvement
Comments
-
I had a oopherectomy last summer. GYN recommended it.
0 -
Hi all! I am getting the lapascopic oopherectomy end of spring due to being estrogen + and mom had ovarian cancer. Any suggestions for side effects? I have heard black cohosh helps with hot flashes.
0 -
Lauren...so, did you shut down your ovaries?? Did you go into full menopause then? What are the side effects you have noticed?? ie hot flashes..weight gain etc?
0 -
Hi everyone. I think this thread is great. I started treatment on Halloween Day. Let me tell you how freaky it was to have your first chemo treatment administered by a very ugly witch.
When I was first diagnosed, my surgeon biopsied one lymph node that was about 1.5 cm. Tested positive. My breast tumour was large, so we did chemo before surgery. Finished 4 rounds of AC and my breast tumour has been shrinking so they put in a clip yesterday to mark it for surgery. While they were doing the u/s for the clip, they found another cancerous node. I suppose it doesn't really matter because I'm having lymph node dissection with the lumpectomy anyway, but I can't help but feel disappointed. Just makes me wonder how many more they'll find when they get those bad boys under the microscope. I think I need a pick-me-up.
0 -
Mouse6, hope things go well for you. When I had my lumpectomy with SNB (Dec 09) I was SO disappointed that both my sentinel nodes were positive. The surgeon told me she had to remove more nodes and I had no idea how many more were going to be involved. The result came back 1 out of 7, so I had a total of 3 out of 9. Had to go with chemo, but that 1/7 kind of calmed me down a bit since it was not a huge number. Best of luck!! You'll come through this strong!
0 -
I guess I'm in full menopause (???) as I haven't had a period since the end of September. I have hotflashes and I'm gaining weight even though I'm working out every day (which I didn't do before) and eating better. I really hope it tapers off SOON!!!!!!!
0 -
Thanks faithful. Glad you didn't have many nodes.
Lauren - know how ya feel. In fact, in my chemo follow up today, I asked my onc about menopause because I haven't had my period since my second AC treatment, and I also get hot flashes like a hundred times a day. (My poor mother...now I get it.) Anyway, he said in 35% of cases, it's the real deal. In the remaining 65% everything goes back to normal. So heads up. There's likely a light at the end of the sweaty tunnel!
More bad news today. Had a clip put in yesterday where my shrinking tumour is so when they do the lumpectomy after i'm done chemo, they will be sure where the centre of the mass is (was in case it disappears). Well, after they placed the clip, they wanted to see me back for mammo & u/s to make sure clip was placed properly. When I went back for the u/s, the doc said they saw something suspicious on the mri i had 2 days ago. Sure enough, another mass along the chest wall that they hadn't seen before. Now, either it is an old one that was never caught, or it's a new one. Had a biopsy today so now i wait. Again. If it's positive, I'll have to have a mastectomy rather than lumpectomy. I agonized over that decision and felt so good when I finally decided. Now I feel like someone went and threw me onto the Zipper. I don't know what to think. They also found another node that looks cancerous yesterday when they put the clip in. So, not a great week I would have to say. Need some encouragement big time.
0 -
Lauren... I hope you get good news on the baby front, next week. Children are wonderful and you sound like a great, concerned mother.
I should have mentioned above that I am older than you. I was 40 at diagnosis and am also blessed to have 4 great kids.
0 -
Hugs Mouse, please keep us posted on your results!!!
Thanks Mamaq, 4 children sounds wonderful (you must be busy)! Truly, I don't know if I would risk it having another baby... with being ER+ but it would be nice to have the option. 5 years from now when I'm done with tamox. I'll only be 38 and will time for #2. And who knows what medical breakthroughs will come about by then. I guess we shall see!
0 -
Re: Chemopause (which I've heard it called)... I also haven't had a period since August (I started chemo August 3)... so eked one more out before AC shut me down. Had hot flashes in September/October which, thankfully, have stopped. But still no resumption of my period. I saw my Onc last week and she said that because I am 49 my ovaries probably will not get it up to resume their function... so it's menopause for me. Ask your doctor, but my understanding is that younger women (around 40 or younger, I presume) do have a better chance of ovaries starting up again.
Cheers,
Lilah
0 -
I was 39 at dx and was in chemopause for a year but then my periods came back almost a year to the day. Cycles seem lighter but heavier.
Mouse-((((((((HUGS))))))))))) I truly understand how you feel. It seems just as you figure out your diagnosis, something else happens. I was told that my lymph nodes looked great at surgery, lo and behold, I had 2 lymph nodes with macro (1cm in each), not just micromets. So, I know how that feels. They thought I was just ER positive then bam..another call to say..I am HER2 positive also. My pathology showed a smaller tumor (just under 2cm) yet it did spread quickly. I did a dbl mx and I am grateful I did because they found two additional smaller tumors. And the best part of all of this....I had a breast reduction at 35..lol Go ahead and smirk, I do! If I would of known then, I would of said, save me some trouble and take em all now! lol I am glad you found us. We have all been there. Come here to vent, laugh, cry...whatever you need. If you want to chat, please PM me and I will be glad to give you my cell!! PS You look young...how old are you? Do you have kids too?? Good luck, Warrior..we all have your back!! PS Where i Komoka near??
0 -
Oh Mouse, I'm sorry to hear that you are facing more than you expected. If it is any comfort you can be glad that they found it now and NOT after you have gone thru the lumpectomy, chemo and rads. Even if this is additional cancer, they can treat it and you stand excellent chances, My thoughts will be with you. The waiting is the pitts.
0 -
(((Mouse))) You will survive... it's unfortunate that detection isn't a perfect science. I was told I had DCIS at first but then they found it was invasive when they did the first lumpectomy. Keep your eyes on the treatment and doing what you can to take care of what needs taking care of... so much of what is being done today is powerful and effective.
Warrior -- did you really mean "lighter but heavier"?
Maybe shorter but heavier? Are you done with your treatment at this point or still getting Herceptin? How are you doing?Lilah
0 -
Oh Mouse, I'm so sorry your having to go through all this. Thank goodness, we have a Warrior, on our side, who seems to always have comforting words, and experience to back them up. Good luck, girlfriend, my prayers are with you.
0 -
My periods didn't stop until right before my last chemo. "Strong ovaries" as my oncologist put it. So I suspect they would have returned pretty quickly if I wasn't getting the Trelstar shots. Just a theory.
I understand about getting blindsided also. As if the cancer diagnosis out of the blue isn't enough of a blindside. My docs seemed so confident there was no node involvement... so to have four was just so upsetting. Hang in there ladies!
Love this thread, so happy to have a place to call home!
0 -
Thinking about you Mouse & everybody...it is a daily battle
0 -
Dogsaver....ask your onco before you take black cohosh. I think I read somewhere that it was a no no.
Hang in there Mouse.
0 -
(((((((((((Mouse))))))))))) Boy, I have to agree with balsie...it is a daily battle, both mentally and physically!
I go for my first onocology appointment since finishing treatments today. I have a list of questions for him. One is the fatigue! Yikes! I had my grandkidlets all day yesterday and enjoyed them so much! (Trent-4 and Lilah-2) After they left I ached sooooooooo bad and felt dizzy. Went to bed really early. I just get worn out sooooo easily.
Anyway, you brave and courageous women, I hope you all have a blessed day today. One day one step at a time!
0 -
Goodmorning All~
Let's make it a good one! Ok I am jumping on my tread mill right now!
Warmly,
Balsie~
0 -
Thank you all so much for the encouraging words. Last night was feeling totally dumpy, but today's a new day and chemo #5, so I'm starting off with a decidedly fresh attitude. I don't know why but it really surprises me that so many people's tests are not accurate. Actually, that's why I asked for the mri to begin with - because I didn't trust the mammo. Best decision I've made all month I'd say. I guess you have all had your own personal experiences with this - thanks for the perspective.
Lauren - I was actually thinking about you last night while I was pulling blankets on and off!
Warrior - I just turned 33. I have 2 kids (boy, 7 & girl, 6). Komoka is a teeny town about 15 km west of London, Ontario, Canada.
Arnie - kids at that age will make you dizzy regardless of your health!!! At least you can send them home after you "enjoy" them!
Wow - Balsie you go girl! I'm still in my pjs. Maybe I'll wear them to chemo!
You girls rock ((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))0 -
Mouse~ #5 almost done ....I remember that feeling....light at the end of the tunnel. You are still in your PJ's well that is exactly what I do the tread mill in......why change into workout clothes when I have to take a shower anyway..right? I am a big believer in wearing PJ's for a lot of activities....PJ's make the whole world a better place!
up and on with my day! Everyone right now take a deep breath and suck in a positive thought~
Balsie~
0 -
Mouse, I'm 33 also! I have a 2 and a half year old son. And I love Canada
Good luck with chemo today. Hope you're feeling as well as can be expected!Speaking of test results being wrong. When I got my MRI they told me my tumor was between 4 and 5 centimeters. When the pathology came back after surgery, it was 1.8 centimeters. My excitement helped ease the blow of the 4 nodes.
And speaking of the treadmill, I think my son is finally down for his nap so that's exactly where I'm going right now. But I'm not in my pjs! (I probably would be if I hadn't gone out to the store earlier though LOL)
0 -
Warrior,
Just wanted to pop in on this thread and let you know that I hope your DH is doing better.
Everyone,
Black cohosh is controversial for anyone ER+,please check with your Oncologist before starting it.
Marcia
0 -
hi, i am stage 2b and wants to say hi to all. am glad to have found this forum, a place where i can relate to. will be starting my chemo 2 weeks later from now and be visiting this forum more often to find support
to warrior517, i love your poem!
0 -
I haven't been here for a while but wanted to check in to see how you're doing, Warrior. It's good to come home!
I hope you get some good news, Mouse. You and Lauren are just a year older than my daughter! Sooooooo young.
About tests, my onc. says only when I present with changes. I have had to go in for a few, once when she felt something different under my arm and once when my PCP was worried about a persistent cough. Both times led to the terrible testing wheel they put you on when a test is either inconclusive or shows something that can't be easily explained. In the first instance it ended up being some scar tissue, in the second it was acid reflux. Both times were terrifying though, one led to an ultrasound guided needle biopsy and the other led to CT scans with and without contrast. I to wish I could get an occasional "all's clear," but I am trying to learn to live without because tests never seem to give me that.
0 -
Hi All,
I have been lurking on this thread for awhile so I thought I would say hi. I was diagnosed IIa last January at 37 years old. I have and 8 year old son. I had a bilateral with no reconstruction. I went in 2 1/2 weeks ago to begin the reconstruction. I developed a horrible infection in my right expander and had to have it removed. Now I have to wait another 3 - 4 months to try again.
Balsie- I am with you on the PJ's. They are my favorite outfit. Wish I could wear them to work today because I feel like a train hit me.
My last chemo was August 13th, and I just lost my eyelashes again!
Take Care!
0 -
Welcome me2 and Crystal. This is a great thread to be a part of!
Mouse, how are you doing? What about everyone else? I'm hanging in there. I have my annual OB appointment tomorrow so I'm really dreading that. Not only do I have to go back to the office where I got "the news" but I have to sit in the waiting room with all the preggers. Hopefully it goes quickly!
0 -
Welcome me2 and Crystal!
Hope everyone is having a good day.
Lilah
0 -
me2u...hello & welcome. I know you will find the support you need here.
My biopsy results ended up being positive. So, it looks like mastectomy after all. My big dilemma right now is whether or not to go with bilateral. Call me paranoid, but I just feel like it's going to happen on the other side. Such a hard decision. The reconstructive options are really confusing too, especially with the radiation factor. I wish someone had a flow chart for this whole process. I don't want to cut another part of my body to create breasts, but I don't like the idea of having healing troubles with implants, and having to replace them 15 yrs down the road. I've been looking into this procedure called micro fat grafting. Apparently there's a doc in Toronto who can create whole breasts from fat harvested from other parts of your body. Anyone had any experience with this?
Thanks for listening guys.
0 -
cdean~ I had my last chemo on Oct. 23 and I swear my eyelashes came back and today I looked in the mirror and some are falling out...what is going on?! Are you on Arimidex? I think someone said you can lose eyebrows and eyelashes when you are on that...I hope I am just seeing things. I want my hair back.......
PJ'S yeah for them.....we have pj day at school once in awhile. The students love it!
Sorry to hear about your infection. I had a bilateral with TE put in right away and have had very few problems..when I had the exchange from TE to silicone I did have a little infection but antibiotics took care of that rather quickly...heres hoping it stays away.
mouse I have heard of the fat harvested from other parts....but don't know much about it. I understand your fears of "it" coming back on the other side...I did go with a bilat for that reason but many others too.
warmly,
Balsie
0
