Calling all TNs
Comments
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I am coming up on my one-year anniversary of diagnosis, August 21. On the one hand I can't believe how bad this year has been and am still quite afraid. On the other hand I can't believe how much better things are than six months ago, when I was in the middle of treatment.
I went to the gym for the second time yesterday. It's good to be back to doing normal things, but I don't feel normal. I guess confusion is to be expected.0 -
Oh Placid, I can relate to your emotions! I'm 19 months out from my diagnosis, and it does just take time. The 1 year anniversary does bring a lot of achievement with it, and also a time of reflection. My biggest jump forward was actually when I was able to lose the wig and color my hair for the firstime. I had waited so long, that this did not happen until mid-June (14 months post-chemo), in preparation for my July quarterly check-up appointment. Once I lost the wig, and threw out everything related to this bc, I was really able to propel myself forward even more, and even to a resemblance to my former self. The main changes that are still challenging is the timing of my 90 minute workouts each day. I find if I don't get those done first thing in the AM, the shower doesn't get taken early and the whole day becomes a catch up in late afternoon, with a shower coming in at 5pm after the workout. So it is a change in our life, but hopefully we can integrate all the new wonderful things we have learned and really change the quality of our life moving forward.
It's likely in a few more months you will feel even better. At 1 year out for me, I was 8 months done with treatment. You are about 4 months out from final treatment, so your feelings are very appropriate considering that your end of treatment was pretty recent.
Know that each month will get better, and as you mentioned, things are so much better now than 6 months ago, and that's the way you will feel in 6 more months. It's a gradual healing process, but you seem to be building a great foundation for a very healthy recovery and lifestyle. You've already started back up at the gym. Good for you!
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It's strange what a year can bring. This summer, as DH and i have been doing the usual things, he sometimes asks, "Did we do this last year?", and I answer "No". DH, "I wonder why not...". I reply, "I wasn't feeling up to it." DH, "Oh, yeah...right."
He forgets what we went through. I'll NEVER forget how the chemo affected me.
I'm sorry that some of this group is still going through that hell.
Nat
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Hey everyone! I'm doing okay. I've been pretending to be normal after being all done with treatment and being declared NED. Kinda freaked out right now. Found out my Father in laws lung cancer is back. We went throughout chemo during the same time period. He's trying to decide what to do. Whatever he does is just buying time. And, since I was freaked out I did a breast exam and found a lump...is it breast tissue scar tissue? Or worse? Was it there before and I just never felt it before? It's very deep and in the incision line. I'm very scared. I see the onco on Friday to get felt up. Tee heeee. It makes me feel better to crack jokes. I don't want to tell my DH. I think he's got enough going on right now. I'd normally go to his mom next, but, well, she's got enough going on too. So, I came to you guys. I'm not good at keeping secrets at all. Am I right not to tell him until the onco says I need a biopsy or something? Thanks for listening. You know I'm bothered when this sleepoholic is up this late. Thanks.
Welcome to all the newbies. Sorry you have to be here.0 -
bexH - it is good to get the lump checked. However, since your surgery is just over a year ago, it could possibly be scar tissue. My tumour bed has several lumps and bumps - I do a check every couple of days to see if anything is changed - some days it is hard to tell. Try not to worry!
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bexH – I think I would hold out until I went to the MO unless you want him to go with you to the appointment. That’s a tough decision to make. I’m not good at keeping secrets either so he may call you out on what’s wrong before you can get to the MO. You’re always welcome to come here for comfort and to share your secrets. Much love.
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Hi Bex,
Definitely probably just scar tissue. I had several places like that and had an MRI done. The MRI showed it as non cancerous, but because I still was worried, I had the PS remove them to confirm. He cleaned up like 6 areas that I could feel. I can now feel one along the right side of the breast, along the scar line (not near tumor site) and my PS has felt it and said that it was just scar tissue. It hasn't changed at all. I think since I was cut open twice on the same line and (had to have original implants replaced at 9 months, as one of them rotated backwards), it's probably just a thickening of that area from the additional surgery. My implants are saline which make them slipper little things.
Try not to worry, but I really feel 100% that's it's scar tissue.
Please let us know when you get your update from the office visit!
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Bex h, been reading on here for ages and just wanted to reassure you. Had exactly the same isues a fortnight ago. Lump near original tumour
didnt tell DH for two weeks until nearer appointment date.
That was two days ago.
After thorough examination, mammogram and ultrasound, it was caused by rads. Relief incredible and sure you will be the same.
Thinking of you.0 -
I had a call from my cancer center this morning. I have the antigen needed to get into the drug trial (Xtandi). I still have more screening to be done. I'll keep you posted.
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Great news so far OBXK! Praying hard that screening continues to go in your favor!
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OK. As a male and a husband, I feel left out when it comes to the secret "lingo" you ladies use on here. I MUST know what the heck a DH is? I suspect, from the context in which it is usually used, that it refers to us husbands. Dumb Husband? Dear Husband? Dirty Hands? Dastardly Hog? Dull Hatchet? Damned Heartbreaker? What is it ladies? Fess up!
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DH is Dear Husband! You are too funny Alhusband! Although sometimes some of the others you came up with fit my husband!!
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Obxk...smiling from your news..
Alhusband...rofl
Mags0 -
Karen, that's wonderful news! Fingers crossed that all the rest of the criteria you will meet and be able to get into this trial!
Also, ladies, I want to make sure you all know to be aggressive with getting appointments when you feel something is questionable or concering to you, such as finding a lump. When the doctors' offices schedule you for 2 weeks out for a look at a possible recurrence, you might consider saying to them "this can be potentially serious, I had a particularly aggressive type of bc, and I need an immediate appointment." Even though the majority of these will not be cancerous, because of the nature of TNBC, you don't want to wait around for two weeks just to be seen, as that is only the first step. What if it needed more observation, than those extra appointments must be scheduled, and then what if the slim chance it is something and you have to go into surgery? By then, this could become a larger issue because of all the days in between waiting on appointments.
So this suggestion isn't because I think it will be something wrong. I really think the majority of these turn out not to be a recurrence, but in the very unlikely event it was something, time is of the essence. I feel that there is something the offices can do to accomdate you. You might have to negotiate, beg and plea, but it's really to your benefit.
I've been able to get doctor's to come in ahead of their start day to see me, once I told the receptionist "I can be his very first appointment", or "I can wait in the lobby to be worked in during the day." Once they hear this, they will really try to squeenze you in. I just feel that some of these long waits which some of you have had to be a part of, are super long.
I remember, when I was first diagnosed, my BS originally said "he can get me into surgery in a couple of weeks" and he wasn't concerned. Biopsy also did not show this as TNBC either. I immediately said that wouldn't do for me, and his scheduler was able to move things around and get me into surgery within 5 days plus coordinated with a PS. I had to hustle on my end to get my prereqs done for the surgery, but still ... that could have potentially kept things from being a different story. My Onc said that sometimes just 1 week or 2 weeks makes a big difference in the diagnosis that someone will have. So he was also on board with getting me into surgery fast.
Please, if any of you are seeking appointments for something about a possible recurrence, have this be the one time that you turn into a pushy patient.
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Thanks friends.
Debra - great advice.0 -
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/131/topic/773727
AL Husband, if you go to the above link, it takes you to the Discussion Board Abbreviation Key for this site.
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I was diagnosed on a wed..had surgery on Friday....my surgeon's nurse told me that my surgeon NEVER schedules surgery on friday..but he did..for me..and yes he knew I was tn....course i waited way to long to have my lump checked out...like 6weeks....
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Hello all, haven't been on for a while, but I need my sisters right now. I just had a PET/CT scan done yesterday and a few hours later I got a call from my breast surgeon who gave me some devastating news. I might have lung cancer with possible cancer elsewhere including my bones or I could have pneumonia, if I could choose, I'd like the 2nd choice please.
I had a very stressful situation during radiation and most recently in July, yes last month. Been taking better care of myself I thought, but I think the stress didn't help. Will tell u about that later too long. I lost a lot of weight, been exercising and eating better, I thought, but I really think stress is a big factor for me for both breast cancer and this one. Still crossing my fingers. Have to get a chest x-ray, possible biopsy to know for sure, so please pray for me my sisters! I don't need this right now and I don't want my young daughters 10&7yrs old to go through this again! So angry, can't believe this is happening to me again. Needed to rant and rave, thanks for listening!0 -
Julie- Hoping it is not cancer and that you feel better soon. Have you thougt about doing some deep breathing exercises when you are stressed? That has helped me a bunch.
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Naan1004 - Anyone who hasn't gone through FC would be shocked to read this but: Here's hoping it's pneumonia! (if it has to be anything) Will keep my fingers crossed that you get the all clear on the FC diagnosis. Once is more than enough. Feel free to rant and rave as much as you need to but try not to stress over it too much, if you can. Good luck!
Doreen
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Julia - I am so sorry your results were not more conclusive, leaving you in waiting hell. I hope you get your answers soon. Inhale, release, repeat. Enjoy the weekend with your young ladies.
Bake a cake!0 -
Bad news just became worse, I'm hospitalized right now. It is lung cancer with mets to my brain and other places. I just had blood test done in June 2013 at MO, guess they weren't right. My new MO sent me to ER to get a head MRI, which confirmed mets. Guess it really sucks to be me right now. Ladies u must demand PET/CT scans fight for your right to never go through this again! If u have any changes that don't add up, mine were a cough for over a month, which antibiotics didn't cure, new lumps not in breasts, 1. Left neck, 2. Left shoulder, 3. On back of head, mind u I had right breast cancer, not even same side!
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naan I'm so sorry to hear your news. You will be in my thoughts as you go through this. Thank you for taking the time to give us your good advice. It's too easy to go along with whatever the doc says, and assume he or she knows best. They don't always, as you pointed out. Nat
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Julie,
So very, very sorry to hear your news. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this. Don't know what else to say right now except Good Luck.
Doreen
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I'm in the hospital cause I have a neck tumor biopsy tomorrow afternoon after which I'm finally going home. My new Onc wants me to start radiation first thing Mon, so here I go again. Finally going to find out where this damn thing started from, what cancer I have and stage, but onc says definitely mets.
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Julie..my heart is aching for you and your family...I am so sorry to hear your news.
Mags
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Julie-I am really sorry that you received this news. I just had my mastectomies on Aug 5...and will probably start chemo in the next 4 or 5 weeks. I'm terrified of the chemo and terrified that I'll never be well again. I feel that I've just boarded a moving train and that I can't ever get off. My mom is here helping me past the surgery and is now beginning every morning with 'do you know where you'll spend eternity???'....ugh...
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Julie: So sorry you are dealing with this horror. Fervently hoping the rads -- and other treatments I'm sure your onc will consider -- will stop this FC in its tracks. Big hug to you, my dear.
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I've been trying to keep up with the posts, although I haven't posted anything. I am praying for all of us and so so so sorry to hear about those with recurrences. I pray every day that it won't reappear it's ugly head, but I'm fully aware it can come back at any time. I also pray that all the promising research going on will lend itself to help all of us.
I'm coming to you to ask for help. I have these nagging questions that I am hoping you can help with.
1. I never really looked at the stats, but does anyone know the stats for recurrences? 2. for those of you who have had recurrences, how long after your last chemo did it occur? 3. how did you detect it and what were your symptoms.
I have two new issues that I haven't told my MO about yet and don't know if I'm just being nutso. I have a bloated/distended belly for about a month. I look 7 mos pregnant - also my lower back has been killing me, and just yesterday it feels like I bruised my rib in my side/back. It hurts when I breathe or move.
Thanks so much and G-d bless all of you! Lauren
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Julie, thank-you for sharing with us your news. I know courage seems to be used freely, but the fact that you gave caring advice while getting devasting news, tells me you are one hell of a strong woman. Am sending you lots of hugs....
Relocated- it's amazing what we can get through...tomorrow I will get my very last chemo. It is hard to believe six months have gone by, it's been a damn rollar coaster, but my sisters and kids were so helpful. I feel good physically, my hair is growing back, and I gained some weight.( I was really thin) Now it's a matter of living life the best I can....Lori
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