Calling all TNs
Comments
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Ally I forgot to say that mine is worse when driving and/or sitting in different positions. I hope it's just some scar tissue or something simple. While Lymphadema is better than cancer, it's a pain to deal with too!
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I don't have any swelling whatsoever so I'm not sure about lymphedema but I'll definitely bring that up at my appointment. I don't feel any lumps or bumps either. I'm really going to push for an MRI so they can see everything at once...the implants, chest wall, rib bone there, etc. I feel like that would be a one and done thing while the mammo, then sono, then possible MRI is such a long drawn out process. My reasoning is going to be the MRI emits no radiation and, since I had so many scans last year, I want to go that route. Hopefully they oblige. I'm seeing my onc's NP and she can be a bit of a pill.
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Allydp it's just the opposite with my wife's NP. She'll do anything you ask her to do! LOL! It's the Doc who will poo-poo things. We've learned to always ask her for things we want! I don't think the Doc is as willing to tell her no as he is to tell my wife!
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Ally, I agree with you that the MRI is the way to go. I would push for that too. Since an MRI was what diagnosed my TN at stage 1, I have a lot of confidence in them. I had my first follow up mammo & ultrasound post treatment in Nov. 2014 - all clear. Six months after that had a follow up ultrasound in April 2015, which showed something that had to be biopsied. So stressful, but thank goodness it was benign (scar tissue). Next mammo scheduled six months later in Oct. 2015. I wanted another MRI in Oct, but my BS said because of the recent biopsy MRI results could be skewed, so just a mammo. Assuming all is well at the Oct mammo, next scheduled for an MRI in April 2016. I really like the idea of getting an MRI - especially in the first 3 years post diagnosis.
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hello everyone
missed many months' of conversations here.. but now i am back.
simple: happy to hear that its fat necrosis
slv: how r u dear. last time i was online, u mentioned u just got diagnosed with a recurrence.
cocker..there u are ..happy and cheerful as usual.
so good to see familiar names ..chatting as usual and sorry to see some newbies too! am sure by now u have found out that this is an amazing group for support.
my daughter started grade 2 from today!! we had a very busy summer..
will be regular this time
love and hugs!
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My name is Jenna. I was JUST diagnosed July 30th 2015, so I'm a noob. I'm 31 years old. bilateral mastectomy August 11 w/ expanders. Tumor was stage one. I will be starting chemo September 25, 4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds taxol. Genetics were negative. I have a one year old and I want to see her whole life. I'm hoping the chemo will knock out any wayward cancer cells and help prevent recurrence. I'm doing my homework, and trying to do what i can do to aide symptoms, and what i can do to prevent recurrence. Thanks for having me!
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Jenna welcome to the club that no one wants to belong to as they say. You will find lots of support, good advice , tips , encouragement on this site. So always take advantage of that when you feel like it . Sorry you are having to deal with this at such a young age. You will have lots of folks pulling for you along the way. Sounds like you have your treatment plan lined up and once you get going with that there is a great sense of relief to be taking a proactive stance against the cancer. Things do start to look better so hang in there
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Hi Jenna
I am sorry you have to deal with this, but I also welcome you to a group that has been so supportive and helpful. Be sure to be in touch with a September Chemo thread, you will learn so many tips to get you through and minimize side effects.
I hope you are healing well...sending you hugs and strength! Don't hesitate to question, vent, laugh and cry with all the wonderful people on here who have gotten me through treatment.
Arlene
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Hi Jenna,
Sorry to see another young woman here... I can totally relate! I will be 31 next month... I have a 10 month old baby girl! I feel all the feeling you feel... Wanting to see her grow up is the biggest! Treatment is hard but doable... Tnbc is scary but look at all the survivors on this thread! I have to believe I'm going to be one of the lucky ones!
I had pretty much the same treatment as you.. Just did chemo first! I had a BMX on 8/12 without recon and I'm healing okay. These ladies (and men) are amazing and give me strength, support, and information everyday! Feel free to PM if you have any questions or need to vent.
Good luck!
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Yes welcome Jenna! I second what the above ladies said!
and good to see you again BanR
Ally, I too hope you get an MRI, But I wouldnt be surprised if the PA wants to put you off, particularly if she can be a pill. She may just want to watch and see. But they have treated you aggressively in the past so hopefully they will continue to do so for your peace of mind. I dislike that when a PA makes a call different than the Onc might...I think the Onc has so much more knowledge and I take being told no from him much better than from the PA. I just do!
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Hi Jenna. I'm sorry that we are meeting this way.
So I have been feeling really anxious about starting back to work but all that changed today. I went to take my son lunch at school today and a group of kids surrounded me and begged me to come back. I teach middle school math and my son is in 8th grade. I told them I needed to have one more surgery and get my strength back so I could teach again. They said they would be okay with me sitting down to teach because they missed me so much. Now I feel like counting the days until I can teach again. Cancer may have taken my breasts but I'm not going to let it take my love of teaching.
Meadow: I just noticed you are in Missouri. My husband and I are flying up there next week for my son's graduation from Boot Camp. He is at Fort Leonard Wood. I'm looking forward to a little cooler weather.
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Hello everyone! I only come here generally once a year now, on or near my anniversary of diagnosis. Today, or well, yesterday I suppose now, marks my 5th year out from triple negative. I'm BRCA 2+, and I underwent bilat mx, 4 rounds of Chemo (Taxotere / Cytoxin), and had bilat ooph. I wanted to encourage those who are just starting the journey that it can be done. I've had zero recurrences. Since chemo, my main complaints have been my vision, which is definitely worse than it was 5 years ago, my concentration, and my back. I cannot read smaller print without glasses now. Also my concentration is definitely hurting. Thoughts seem difficult to keep straight, and if there is any background confusion, it generally is irritating because I can't keep my mind on what I'm trying to do. I constantly am running back into a room I just left, because I forgot to get something! Some days, my mind feels clear, while other days I stumble on the simplest of words. Finally, my back began hurting last November, which was a bit frightening because it didn't go away. I've recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 48, likely because of having no ovaries. I've taken D3, Calcium, and a handful of other vitamins ever since before being diagnosed, and I still have osteoporosis. I recently had Reclast infusion (it's very similar to having chemo, only for a much shorter time). Ironically, the side effects are also similar to Chemo. I felt very sick for several days after. Either way, I'm considered cured of this particular cancer now. All of my doctors are releasing me, which is kind of scary actually. I feel good truthfully. There are so many survivors out there, ladies, so keep that in mind. Most of us don't come to the boards because we are living our lives, which is what I highly recommend you do as well. Prayers for all of you. See you next year...
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Hi Jenna,
The other members who responded have said it all. Sorry you are here but glad you have found this board. Welcome. I'm glad you talked about chemo. One question: are you scheduled to get weekly or biweekly taxol?
I got biweekly dose-dense and have a lasting side effect--neuropathy in my feet--and now I've read some research that lower dose weekly taxol has less side effects (i read this on this board--moderators breaking research news). I have a few friends who had weekly taxp; and have not had my side effect. The article said weekly just as effective in killing cancer cells as biweekly. Ask your oncologist. It's no fun losing you balance due to neuropathy.
Sounds like your surgery went reallly well and being young, your chemo may should go well too!
Hugs,
Peggy
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Me too! I was diagnosed in September 2010, so I'm now 5 years out too. Hopefully everyone else on this thread, especially the new girls, can take some comfort in seeing this. I plan to enjoy my labor day weekend, as that is when I got the call 5 years ago. Life is good and I'm so grateful to be at this miletstone. Sending positive vibes to all of you currently battling!
Kathy
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I hate the fact that you visit the Onc's office and only see a NP, but, then insurance gets billed for an "office visit" just as if you had a visit with the Onc. To me that's kinda like eating a hamburger at a restaurant and getting billed for a Filet Mignon.
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I have been reading, but not posting much lately.
Welcome to the newbies, and hugs to everyone!
Shari, - I am so glad that your treatments are done and that you are getting your strength back!
Ally, - I bet it is scar tissue that you are feeling, - but i hope you get the mri so that you have peace of mind!
Luv, - It has to be a relief to know that you have a place that will allow you to bring your dogs, and also still get to your volunteer work and drs!
Msmath, - How wonderful to be so loved by your students! My husband and I are retired teachers and it just makes our day when a former student runs up to us with a hug and smiles!
Arlene, Cocker, Meadow and my other sweet friends here, - you are in my thoughts and heart!
Thank you to those posting after years of good health! It sure helps to hear from you!
Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day weekend!
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congrats to all of you 5 year ladies!! Such a breath of fresh air to hear
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Okay, y'all ~ I need your help and advice. First, let me say that I know that no advice here supersedes that of my doctor but before I go running to her, I want to make sure I'm not being paranoid (God knows, we're never paranoid...).
The last couple of months, there have been instances where the lower part of my right ribcage will ache, almost as if I should have a bruise there. It would come and go, depending on the day, but wouldn't be intrusive to the point that it slowed me down at all.
That all changed last night. Through the afternoon, this ache be an to evolve into full-on constant pain, though not sharp in mature. It didn't "tense and release" but was steady and unrelenting. It almost felt like I had something trying to make its way out of me via the right ribcage and if I pressed on my upper right abdomen, under the lowest rib, it was very tender. I first though maybe my gallbladder, though I'd never had issues with it before and I called a friend of mine who's had chronic GB issues. After that call, it became clear that I'm not exhibiting any other signs of it being that. I took a muscle relaxer and some prescription ibuprofen and willed myself to sleep, hoping it would be gone this morning.
Aside from these bouts of pain, my energy level has dropped and I'm wiped-out every day by mid-day. There are days where I feel so incredibly bloated and its GROSS!!! I look pregnant! I just hit 4 years from diagnosis on 8/26 and 3 years from the end of my treatment in April. I do NOT want to think it is the evolution of the TNBC, but this was uncomfortable and very unsettling.
Can any of you offer any input as to whether or not you've dealt with this and what your symptoms of liver mets were, if you have had to deal with that?
Love and blessings ~
Michelle
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Hello Another!
cc thanks for popping in! and congrats to all the long term anniversaries!
Msmath, Yes Im a Missouri girl, and thank you for your son's service. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL. How sweet of the kids to lift you up like that!
Peggy, I had dose dense taxol every 2 weeks, and I had/have moderate neuropathy in my toes. But I am happy to report after a yearand ahalf out from finishing chemo my neuropathy is better. May be temporary but I will take it.
Lady Miz....do you have your appendix? Sounds very suspicious, please go to the doctor to rule that out, and please update us when you know.
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Meadow,
I do have my appendix but I'm negative for the "press test" and the pain is nowhere near that low and hasn't worsened steadily. I've decided to start in the middle and made an appointment with my GP this afternoon. I figure that just looks responsible as opposed to paranoid. 😉
I'll definitely keep you posted!
M.
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Love, love, love seeing all the 5 year anniversary posts!!!
Miz - I can't comment on the newer, consistent pain except to say I'm glad you've got an appointment with someone to get it checked out! However...the rib pain...let me tell you. You can scroll back through here and find many posts from me about my random and still present unexplained rib, sternum and spine pain. And it's exactly as you describe. It feels like there should be a bruise there...comes and goes throughout the day as an intermittent ache...worse when you press, etc. I had numerous clear scans, but it took me a very long time to finally realize it wasn't mets. To this day I still have rib pain. Mostly on my back rib, right below my shoulder blade. My theory is it's some weird form of neuropathic pain caused by chemo, but that's just totally my own personal theory. Please keep us posted how your appointment goes this afternoon!
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Okay, so she doesn't think it's my appendix and we're going to go ahead and get a couple of scans scheduled...CT and bone scan. I'm staying positive but prayers are always a good thing (hint, hint...). 🎀
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Lady Miz= In my prayers!!!!!! I'm keeping positive thoughts for you.
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Hello my friends!
Checking in and sending Big Congrats to all of you 5 year ladies!
Lady Miz, prayers for you, and good news from the scans.
I hope all who are finishing txs and sxs are feeling better!
I am back to work full time next tuesday. Feeling nervous, still battling some neuropathy, but ready, I think, for some "normal."
Thank you all for the encouragement and support. The past 9 months were made easier by all of you! TN can Kiss My Butt!!!
Hugs!
Arlene
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Praying for you Lady Miz!
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Sending you prayers, Miz. We're in your pocket.
Yay for returning to some normalcy, Arlene!
So I couldn't hold out any longer and called to get an earlier appointment about this pressure. I saw the NP today who agreed an MRI was the best way to go...but low and behold insurance denied it. I sat right there while the nurse implored them, explaining I had silicone implants, hx of BC, BRCA2+, new symptoms, and it was the only way to rule out a chest wall mets...but still denied. So my onc has to do a peer to peer review with them. It's scheduled for the 15th, so hopefully they can get it approved by then. So frustrating!
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Ally, I'm so sorry you have to go through this beaurocrasy and have to wait. Try and keep busy and not worry. Hugs!
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Insurance! Gotta love it, frustrating!
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Not to be political because this is the wrong forum for that. But I will say that the Affordable Care Act (Non political title) has completely made a MESS out of health insurance and most of it needs to go! My sister's doctor said it best when she said, "I have a PhD in Pharmacology AND an MD Degree. I have been practicing my specialty for over 20 years. BUT, a 21 year old, non-degreed in anything, $12.00/hour clerk who's never even seen so much as a medical book can determine what I can and can't do with my patients."
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Arlene- we will be celebrating with you on Tuesday as you return to your job after all this cancer gunk. 😊
Ally- in agreement with the group. Insurance can be a huge nightmare. You are warranted an MRI. Mine was denied as well they wouldn't budge. Praying yours will go through with flying colors. 😊
Lady Miz- continued prayers for you.
Shari- how are you feeling? Been thinking about you.
Congrats Kathy, Angelisa & Teka on 5 years. So so happy to see that for you all 😊
Tom- right on as always!!!! Insurance system is seriously flawed.
Teka- thank you for always posting such lovely cards for everyone.
Luv- been thinking about you a lot with all the moving/hubby stuff. Sending you extra love, prayers & hugs.
Little blue- good to hear from you. My family said the weather has been a bit colder this year with summer in the mtns. How are you doing?
Cocker/Meadow/Eileen/Jenna/Msmath/. Peggy & anyone else I'm forgetting great to hear from you. It's so important that we keep communicating with our symptoms and treatments. Dr Google is a negative doom and gloom place. Here we receive insight that helps us discern before we bring things to our Dr's attention. You all are the best.
Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone. I'm heading to the drive in movie theatre with the children.Can't wait. 😊
Xoxo
G
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