Stage II w/Lymph Node Involvement
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2timer... Everyone reacts differently to chemo, but I handled it fine. What helped was reading about the side effects and trying to abate the problems by being proactive... Like putting frozen bags of peas on my nails during chemo to avoid losing the nail, which is possible with Taxotere. Or using a gel to prevent brow and lash loss. Or rinsing with Biotene to avoid mouth sores. Perhaps just read up on the side effects of ACT and you can prevent some SE, which helps. I worked full time through chemo and traveled to St John for 10 days between my 3rd and 4th treatment. Its normal to be scared and tentative, but it will all work out. Many have gone before you and many (unfortunately) will follow... stay strong and be optimistic! And go kill some cancer cells.0 -
Hello Sisters, I'm joining the party as I sit here with some wicked hot flashes at work! The whole staging thing was a bit weird for me. My Hematology Oncologist said she staged me as IIa because only 30% of my 4.5 cm tumor was invasive, the rest was DCIS. I went into my mastectomy thinking I was stage 0 and came out IIa. The cancer center I go to says I'm IIb because they don't look at the tumor composition in staging. When I use the PREDICT tool I've put in my tumor size both ways but I like the 14 mm (30% if 45) better than the 45 mm so I'm going with that one! I was depressed all weekend thinking recurrence is imminent and why think about the future if there will be none. I'm absolutely obsessing about my dental problems and my mercury fillings and what to do and I'm worrying my constipation and low energy are signs of cancer - but they are more likely after effects of a long bout of infection after radiation, followed by reconstruction failure, followed by two more surgeries and months of antibiotics. Today is the most I have weighed I believe in all of 2013. I weigh myself daily. Lying around depressed over stuff that isn't happening right now all weekend while eating...probably not the best choice for my waistline.
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Maria... Sorry for your issues. I hate to say, but I believe when they do staging it is the whole tumor. That is how it was for me even though 20% of my 1.9 tumor was DCIS. But either way, mine was under 2cm. The difference between a 1.4cm and 4.5 cm isn't as huge as you might think. Recurrance is much more likely with lots of nodes (which you don't have) and dirty margins, or vascular invasion (which you didn't have). You have had a BMX (GOOD) and ACT (STRONG and GOOD), Herceptin (NECESSARY FOR YOU), radiation (maybe overkill)... so I think you have covered your bases. I know you can't forget about the cancer, but I seriously doubt that your fatigue and other ailments are a sign of cancer. But you can indeed make yourself feel sick if you worry. So, go put your feet up, have a glass of wine, close your eyes and relax. You have done all that you can do... Now its time to enjoy life.0 -
I was just bumped up from stage 1, grade 1 to stage 11a, grade 2. Wasn't expecting the lymph node involvement as they didn't spark on pet scan and were not enlarged. Kinda has me freaked out now with the higher score. Port placement tomorrow morning and then meeting with our cancer doctor. Results from the BRCA test not back yet, so that adds to the anxiety. Will learn tomorrow what chemo I will be having. Surgeon is thinking 3 months chemo and then Rads for six weeks. Have to work through it all so I can keep paying that insurance premium every 2 weeks. Still kinda numb from it all, 4weeks ago life was fine and then Bam! Hello cancer.............0 -
Hi Northwinds - Welcome! I too had no idea that my lymph nodes were involved until after my surgery....sucks doesn't it?? Nothing palpated, nothing on ultrasound, MRI, nothing on PET scan.....I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, so because of that, I had an axillary dissection after my two sentinels were positive for a total of 20 nodes removed. Fortunately, it didn't go any further then those two nodes. You're fortunate you only had those two nodes removed. All the best to you!0 -
Hi Ladies I'm new to posting but have been reading this forum for a few months now because it makes me feel better when I find myself worrying about the unknown. Diagnosed/ surgery March 2013-Stage 2b, 2 small tumors, 2/11 nodes, clear margins but lymphovascular invasion (the scariest part!). Ultrasounds, CT scans and bone scan found no spread but we all know how that goes. Had 8 rounds of chemo over the summer, 28/7 radiation treatments in early fall, now on Tamoxifen. I'm just waiting now the 4-5 months for the radiated skin to be cleared for second stage of reconstruction, tissue expander is all filled and ready (looks like a baseball is sitting on my chest!) I just wanted you all to know that for the most part I have really been comforted by the fact that there are other people in this like me. Thank you for sharing personal stories and fears on this board, it has to be hard to write some of this but I am grateful that you all have. Bless you all!0 -
Hello Wildrumara and Alice!
It does really suck big time! I have been so positive until we found this out, trying to move on but the disappointment is still hanging on. I was anticipating having more lymph nodes removed after the Sentinel one showed positive however my surgeon and Oncologist agreed that since I am having chemo I would not need to. Some new study called Z11 that they feel warrents not taking anymore. Our cancer doctor is the regional director for Breast Cancer and I have a lot of confidence him and our surgeon. However still leaves me feeling anxious that we are taking the right path. I had a Pet scan and Cat scan of my head. Clear, but worries me now as it didn't show the lymph node involvement. Every time I get a pain in my leg I think the cancer has spread to the bone.......hope to overcome this fear soon as it doesn't help with sleep or positive attitude in any way.
I also take comfort in sharing my story and loading up on info from other "Pink Ladies". As hard as my family and friends try I sometimes find more comfort from others going through the same trials I am. So glad to have found this site!
Port was placed today, chemo to start next week, AC/T. Every two weeks to start and after 4 treatments with the AC I switch to weekly treatments with T for six weeks.0 -
north winds,
Sounds like you and I are on the same treatment as well as schedule. I too, was disappointed that it spread to my lymph nodes. It is tough to digest after the initial DX. I am like you, anxious and I take comfort in the communications we have on these boards. I also read the October and November, 2013 chemotherapy threads. They are helpful to know what to expect in chemo. Hang in there.0 -
bdavis. Thanks for your thoughts.0 -
@Northwinds - If you notice in my last post, I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and STILL had a little cancer in those two sentinel nodes; therefore, that was the reason I had ALND. And yes, I have read about the Z-11 study. It does make sense that you did not have any further nodes removed! I know its hard, but you have to trust in your team. Are you having radiation?? I did not, despite having two positive sentinel nodes. You will find that some women do have post mastetomy radiation when they have 1-2 positive nodes depending on other prognostic indicators. I anguished over the decision to NOT have radiation for weeks.....had two opinions and researched like crazy, etc....but in the end, I trusted what my team felt was best for me and my particular case, so I know how you feel!! Before you know it, thinking about breast cancer 24/7 will be a thing of the past for you.....believe me! ((HUGS))
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Northwinds - I'm on the WI board, too. I'm in Madison. I had a similar experience. When I was diagnosed, after clinical exam, after MRI, I was believed to be Stage I. After lumpectomy and SNB, all 3 nodes were positive, I was bumped up to Stage II. I was so distressed! It was good news/bad news...good news in that my margins were clear, 1mm from my chest wall, bad news that all 3 nodes were positive. That meant ALND in 2 wks, chemo to follow and then radiation. After ALND, all next 14 nodes were negative. Just yesterday, I was wondering about Z-11 study. I wished I hadn't had to have ALND but I had to trust my team and work with the information we had at that time. I wish they had taken 6 in SNB but I can't obsess about it now. I had 4 DD AC and 4 DD Taxol. I did OK. I was able to work full time throughout chemo & radiation and manage the side effects. It wasn't fun but I had a lot of husband and family support. Watch the WI board, sometimes we're able to arrange get togethers. You will get lots of good information and caring support on BCO. Take care, Gina0 -
Will be getting Radiation when the chemo is finished. Starting to panic as I start Chemo next week. Just hate the thought of putting poison in me however all the cancer Doctors and also my surgeon agree I need this so that helps make the choice easier.
Every little ache or pain I get now leads me to think the cancer has spread. Before my diagnose I had leg pain, switches from right to left leg. Now when they ache I think the worst right away. My PET scan was clean except for the right breast where the cancer is. However the lymph node with cancer in it didn't show up on PET scan so then I think maybe there is more that isn't showing up on the scan.......
Sorry for venting......trying to stay positive! Thanks you for all the replies and encouragement.0 -
hello dear ladies!
I had my third treatment and I am feeling ok. We will see what happens in the next days. I now have a prescription for Ativan and my nausea medicine was changed to one that wont be giving me headaches.
My counts, without the neulasta were great! I am eating and gaining weight, but it is all nutrients. Yesterday I had three bananas, three cups of garbanzo beans and two protein shakes with L Glutamine, one Blood builder a day. The other days I had brussel sprouts.
WBC 7.3
RBC 4.44
Platelet 332
Neutrophils 83
Neutrophils absolute 6
About the 4 vs 6 TCs, the MO told me my questions were valid and although there are no trials that compare them, we will see how I go until the 4th treatment and then we will both decide. He said no to Oncotype or MammaPrint. That their purpose is to decide if chemo treatment or not.0 -
Headeast- here is a study regarding 4 vs 6. http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/30/33/4071.full My 1st visit with my MO, 4 was suggested. My second visit, 6 was suggested. I hope your 4th treatment goes well.0 -
Northwinds, I am with you in starting chemo next week. Looks like we are almost exactly the same except I had 2 nodes. This whole thing is really scary and I have the same exact thoughts and fears as you. Some days are better than others for me. Every pain I worry too. I really don't know how to stop thinking this way except that I know so many women who are long term survivors and each one says these feelings get better over time. We are just not there yet because this is still new to us. I still can't believe how my life has changed since that day.
Have you read the October and November 2013 chemo threads? These ladies offer great advice on SEs and how to deal with them. I have found these threads enormously helpful. I will also have 6.5 weeks of rads after chemo. That too is scary, but that will be the final push and the end will be in sight. I am focusing on dealing with chemo now. They say to take this one step at a time. I know it's hard.0 -
Coraleliz, I just read the trial but it is hard to say for TC, this one is for other treatments. Each treatment is different.
Why did they went from 4 to 6? What were the analytics to change decison of treatment?0 -
I had 6tx of TC, and my MO explained that had I not had nodal involvement that 4 would have sufficed, but my micromet got me two more tx. It was fine. I had very SE and abated those that I might have had. I had one day (about three days post infusion) when I felt like I had the flu. One day out of three weeks ain't bad.
SMRLVR...In the end, I seem to have no lasting SE, all my hair came back and I am better than ever. The phase you are in is hard, but it DOES get easier and easier.0 -
Thanks Smrlvr,
Nice to hear from somebody with the same diagnosis. Not that I would wish this on anybody. I have gone back and read the Sept and October threads. I take comfort in seeing how many are not having bad side effects and are coping well with their Chemo treatments. I think once we get the first one complete we will be able to take a deep breath and rest a little easier at night.0 -
hi everyone,thought i would join the stage 11 club as that what i was diagnosed with this past august. 2 tumors 2.5 and 2.4 cm each same breast, 1 lymph node positive er/pr positive and her negative. Anyway just finished AC yesterday yahooo, had 4rounds ugh! Side effects awful so glad im not the only one with weird side effects After reading some stories on this site. I start taxol on dec 3 first of 12 weekly treatments.anyone starting taxol? My surgery will scheduled after treatment0 -
Hi Mecedes,
I too will start Taxol in December around the same time frame as you. 3 lymph nodes positive. Congrats on finishing up with AC!!! I have one more to go and have so much anx that MO gave me a script for Ativan. I am going to try it this weekend to see how I feel. I heard it makes you very tired. Is this true for most? I have had a icky queazy feeling in my stomach every day during my infusion week. The non infusion week I feel better.
What have you heard about the SE's of Taxol? All the best to you!0 -
hi furfriend! I too was anxious for my last 2 ac to the point where i too had quesy stomach, however, i did not take any ativan or my fav xanax which i still carry in my purse just in case as i use to suffer from panic attacks a few years back, on my treatments what i did do is calm myself down. Make sure u havefood in ur stomach before ur treatment even if its bland like rice, bring some ez read mags like people to keep ur mind off the red dragon they infuse in you lol, drink plenty of water. And say to uourself as i did last one, last one. And furfriend if u try ativan this weekend, try taking 1/2 the pill tosee how u react ok, it will take the edge off but i find u do get tired when it starts to wear off about 6 hrs later. I was happy to finishAC but my this is my first week Fter and the sides are usually the worse so far so good tnough, little weird but normal lol. The se from tacol seem to be better, from what i gathered, hope that awful taste in my mouth disappears, and overall bad feeling, well see. Talk to u later im here for u0 -
I am stage 2 with only lymph node involvement. I found it in that axillary node. I had about 4 mammos, 4 US, PET,MRI Just the 2 nodes showed up. They did a lymph node dissection ,took out 31 nodes. Just 2 positive. 1 node was 3 cm. There is no primary. I started A/C on Nov 8.
So far so good. 4 treatments A/C, 12 treatments taxol, then radiation and tamoxifen. I am not looking forward to tamoxifen.0 -
hi cs13
Welcome to the site no one planned on joining ..... I am sorry you had to be here
Wow 3cm node that's interesting .... I thought mine would have been fit to burst at 10mm I always wondered how big they could stretch ...anyone know ??
Try not to worry about the T. I have only been on tamoxifen for a month and have noticed nothing bad at all, yet ??
( except maybe weightloss of about 1kg a week) hopefully I won't see any ever - but I try to view it as my new best friend
Good luck with your chemo
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hi cs13. Looks like were on the same treatment plan, i finished my 4 rounds of AC last one was last weel still feeling like crap, sides are awful, hang in there, the side effects lessened about a week before ur next round.i start taxol dec 3 apparently the sides are not bad, anyway this site us good. So welcome0 -
tomorrow I start my AC. Don't know how to feel about that.0 -
Hi little Warriors! Its me, Kathy....the one who started this thread once upon a time. I have been wanting to write for so long because many of you, especially the newbies, need to know that normalcy does return. It will be SIX years in January that I got diagnosed. I am doing VERY WELL!! Yes, it's a long hard journey but if you surround yourself around people and friends that can support you, it will make it all doable. There were times during cancer treatment, that I had to ground myself from the computer. There can be some negativity out there and some love to blog and blog about it. Those that have got to the other side of treatment, have resumed their life and you will not always find them here. It doesn't mean that I am not here for you. I am. Even if you want to talk, u can inbox me. Just know this journey is doable and we all got your back!!! Much love and inner peace!!! Xoxoxo0 -
Warrior,
thank you for your lovely post. It is refreshing to see ladies on the other side of treatment doing so well. I know we all hope for that!
Hi Cs and everyone! Hang tough & be stong. We are all making in through some way shape or form.
Tomorrow is my last AC treatment then on to Taxol. I have high anx right now. We will get through this!0 -
Hi mercedes60,
It's soo strange, but I haven't had any side effects?? Everyone told me A/C would kick my butt, but so far I'm doing great. I had a really brief memory lapse where I did not recognize my own phone number? very weird. I guess that's what I get to look forward to if I live to be old. It's such a long process, though.0 -
Warrior,
Thank you for reminding us that this too shall end. I really enjoy hearing from those who are finished with treatment and have positive stories. It helps me feel I can be there too. Tomorrow is AC day and I don't know what I am in for this week.0 -
2ndtimer - similar case. I had 15 nodes taken 0 positive but I did have a positive intramammary node. My MO says a Nodes a Node and my BS disagrees and says it's better if it's in breast. I am of the opinion a node is a node and they perform the same function.0
