Calling all triple negative breast cancer patients in the UK
Comments
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Hello Gill and Sue,
It was nice to see the two of you corresponding. I have nothing much to add.
I am busy here in the complex doing various thing as we go towards the end of the year.
During the weekend I shall post some information about breast cancer that I found in the Proffesional magazine that Raymond receives from his Proffesional Association as Charterd Engineer. It is entitled Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Technologies - AI has been hailed as a silver bullet to beat breast cancer for decades - so what is stopping it? by Victoria Woolaston. Potential Unfulfilled.
It does say on the first page that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among all people worldwide.
By the way, Gill, what did you teach when you were a teacher?
Sue, do not overdo things. Take it easy.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill and Sue,
It was nice to see the two of you corresponding. I have nothing much to add.
I am busy here in the complex doing various thing as we go towards the end of the year.
During the weekend I shall post some information about breast cancer that I found in the Proffesional magazine that Raymond receives from his Proffesional Association as Charterd Engineer. It is entitled Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Technologies - AI has been hailed as a silver bullet to beat breast cancer for decades - so what is stopping it? by Victoria Woolaston. Potential Unfulfilled.
It does say on the first page that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among all people worldwide.
By the way, Gill, what did you teach when you were a teacher?
Sue, do not overdo things. Take it easy.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hi Sue,
I'd be surprised if you weren't washed out by mid evening. Teaching is fairly exhausting even without the side effects of chemotherapy. I'm not sure if immunotherapy is also a contributing factor as it wasn't offered here for either triple negative b/c or metaplastic cancers like mine. Your stamina has actually surprised me, I thought you'd find going back to work a bit more of a hurdle than you actually did.
You have an excellent report from your oncologist which must be a relief. I'd never heard of portals until American commentators mentioned them. I never heard from my oncologist again after treatment had ended! Very little aftercare here.
This rise in upper respiratory infections is worrying. My grandchildren have dreadful coughs at the moment. If a virus is doing the rounds then teachers are often the first to be hit. Please take care, though there's a limit to what you can do to protect yourself and the children. You sound as though you're doing your very best.
Remember to rest whenever you have the opportunity, though teaching is not a profession that lends itself to quick breaks during the day.
Take care,
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hi Sue,
I'd be surprised if you weren't washed out by mid evening. Teaching is fairly exhausting even without the side effects of chemotherapy. I'm not sure if immunotherapy is also a contributing factor as it wasn't offered here for either triple negative b/c or metaplastic cancers like mine. Your stamina has actually surprised me, I thought you'd find going back to work a bit more of a hurdle than you actually did.
You have an excellent report from your oncologist which must be a relief. I'd never heard of portals until American commentators mentioned them. I never heard from my oncologist again after treatment had ended! Very little aftercare here.
This rise in upper respiratory infections is worrying. My grandchildren have dreadful coughs at the moment. If a virus is doing the rounds then teachers are often the first to be hit. Please take care, though there's a limit to what you can do to protect yourself and the children. You sound as though you're doing your very best.
Remember to rest whenever you have the opportunity, though teaching is not a profession that lends itself to quick breaks during the day.
Take care,
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Sylvia,
I'll look forward to reading the information you're discovered.
I used to teach religious education, but Michael was with the Ministry of Defence and we were regularly posted, so I did supply teaching for a while. I quickly gave up teaching altogether as i disliked secondary schools so much. Too big, too many children. I've never regretted leaving.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Sylvia,
I'll look forward to reading the information you're discovered.
I used to teach religious education, but Michael was with the Ministry of Defence and we were regularly posted, so I did supply teaching for a while. I quickly gave up teaching altogether as i disliked secondary schools so much. Too big, too many children. I've never regretted leaving.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Gill,
I am using quotes from the article I mentioned.
"Foe decades, experts have been exploring how artificial intelligence can help detect breast cancer. Yet cases continue to rise. Deaths continue to devastate, and all of AI's promise is yet to materialise. We look at what is hindering progress in this space, and what needs to be done for AI's true, life-saving potential to be realised.
"Four women are diagnosed with breast cancer every minute across the globe, a third of whom die from the disease. As of 2020 – the last year for which we have full and verified figures – breast cancer is the most prevalent form of the disease and it affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.
"Almost 50 years since researchers first began exploring the relationship between image processing, artificial intelligence and breast cancer diagnosis, relatively poor process has been made.
"The reason? Little has changed in how we approach the technology, how we measure its success, and how willing health care systems are to use it. We have reached an impasse – one that is potentially costing millions of lives, but it is one that the next generation of AI pioneers are hoping ro break."
I have managed to make a start on this article and I shall endeavour to do more as time allows.
That is all for now.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill,
I am using quotes from the article I mentioned.
"Foe decades, experts have been exploring how artificial intelligence can help detect breast cancer. Yet cases continue to rise. Deaths continue to devastate, and all of AI's promise is yet to materialise. We look at what is hindering progress in this space, and what needs to be done for AI's true, life-saving potential to be realised.
"Four women are diagnosed with breast cancer every minute across the globe, a third of whom die from the disease. As of 2020 – the last year for which we have full and verified figures – breast cancer is the most prevalent form of the disease and it affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.
"Almost 50 years since researchers first began exploring the relationship between image processing, artificial intelligence and breast cancer diagnosis, relatively poor process has been made.
"The reason? Little has changed in how we approach the technology, how we measure its success, and how willing health care systems are to use it. We have reached an impasse – one that is potentially costing millions of lives, but it is one that the next generation of AI pioneers are hoping ro break."
I have managed to make a start on this article and I shall endeavour to do more as time allows.
That is all for now.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill,
I was interested to read about your teaching experience. I can understand what you mean about secondary schools. They are definitely too big. In Exmouth there is just one big secondary school, supposedly one of the biggest in Europe. I have never taught there but I have been inside it and I cannot believe the size of it. It is now called an Academy, before that I think was a Community College. I have taught French as a second language as well as English as second language and taught in France and Morocco for the French Ministry of Education and taught French here in the UK. I found everything much more disciplined abroad, but I do not think it is the same now.
How strange that all three of us, you, Sue and I have done teaching. Over the years this thread has attracted teachers!
I have been reading some of the Active Topics and read the Metaplastic thread. The other two that I found interesting are the two threads for older women, one is for the over sixties and the other for the over seventies. They seem to have good groups there.
I wish you and Michael a relaxing weekend.
I do find this time of year so depressing.
Love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill,
I was interested to read about your teaching experience. I can understand what you mean about secondary schools. They are definitely too big. In Exmouth there is just one big secondary school, supposedly one of the biggest in Europe. I have never taught there but I have been inside it and I cannot believe the size of it. It is now called an Academy, before that I think was a Community College. I have taught French as a second language as well as English as second language and taught in France and Morocco for the French Ministry of Education and taught French here in the UK. I found everything much more disciplined abroad, but I do not think it is the same now.
How strange that all three of us, you, Sue and I have done teaching. Over the years this thread has attracted teachers!
I have been reading some of the Active Topics and read the Metaplastic thread. The other two that I found interesting are the two threads for older women, one is for the over sixties and the other for the over seventies. They seem to have good groups there.
I wish you and Michael a relaxing weekend.
I do find this time of year so depressing.
Love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Thank you for taking the time to work your way through this article and pass it on to the rest of us. I keep reading articles about the use of AI in cancer diagnosis and wonder why nothing happens. I had assumed that there were plenty of assessments by cancer centres, perhaps health professionals are a stumbling block? I knew that breast cancer was at number one, with lung cancer second. I read earlier in the year that breast cancer affected 1 in 7 women, 1 in 8 is only marginally better, especially as the numbers are still rising. Metaplastic cancer research is minimal, but as far as I can tell, the numbers aren't increasing.
This website seems to attract professionals, teachers, nurses etc. I found many of the UK breast cancer forums to be patronising and unscientific. They're still relevant and it can be comforting to be in touch with other women with similar cancers. Just not for me. I was very keen on the hard facts. One of the reasons for my seeking a second opinion at the London Cancer Centre was to ask about my prognosis. Dr Google said 'poor', the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 'didn't know' and London said '50 - 50'. It was a relief to be told.
The metaplastic site may as well not be there anymore. Someone posted that if people wanted to know more, they might like the Facebook 'Global Alliance' page! I do get the occasional PM from women newly diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer or, more commonly, a concerned relative. I have to hope that I'm of some use, but can only talk about my own treatment.
Did Mary or adagio reply to your message?
Have a peaceful weekend and try not to let your work at the apartment complex take up too much of your time.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Thank you for taking the time to work your way through this article and pass it on to the rest of us. I keep reading articles about the use of AI in cancer diagnosis and wonder why nothing happens. I had assumed that there were plenty of assessments by cancer centres, perhaps health professionals are a stumbling block? I knew that breast cancer was at number one, with lung cancer second. I read earlier in the year that breast cancer affected 1 in 7 women, 1 in 8 is only marginally better, especially as the numbers are still rising. Metaplastic cancer research is minimal, but as far as I can tell, the numbers aren't increasing.
This website seems to attract professionals, teachers, nurses etc. I found many of the UK breast cancer forums to be patronising and unscientific. They're still relevant and it can be comforting to be in touch with other women with similar cancers. Just not for me. I was very keen on the hard facts. One of the reasons for my seeking a second opinion at the London Cancer Centre was to ask about my prognosis. Dr Google said 'poor', the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 'didn't know' and London said '50 - 50'. It was a relief to be told.
The metaplastic site may as well not be there anymore. Someone posted that if people wanted to know more, they might like the Facebook 'Global Alliance' page! I do get the occasional PM from women newly diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer or, more commonly, a concerned relative. I have to hope that I'm of some use, but can only talk about my own treatment.
Did Mary or adagio reply to your message?
Have a peaceful weekend and try not to let your work at the apartment complex take up too much of your time.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Gill and anyone else looking.
I am continuing with the article about AI and breast cancer diagnosis.
The next part is entitled The AI Stalemate.
"In one of the earliest papers on the use of image processing for breast cancer diagnosis, from 1976, researchers praised the potential of the early form of AI, while highlighting several key challenges. The potential discussed in that paper – to use technology to make mammography screening more accurate, more efficient, and more impactful – is the same potential being touted today. The challenges listed – those surrounding how best to apply the technology, how it performs compared with humans and the reluctance of clinicians to adopt AI in medical settings – are the same challenges being faced today."
This is, in part, because the sector has been historically slow moving.
Mammography technologies that are today considered the gold standard of breast cancer screening, took more than 50 years - between the 1910s and 1960s – to reach widespread acceptance and adoption. Once mammography technologies became the norm, computer-assisted detection systems of the 1980s rose in popularity.
It seems, in my view, that everything was too slow.
"More recently, however, the rise of modern AI and deep machine learning, coupled with an influx of capital into helth care and the advent of Covid, has invigorated things. It is estimated that the trends surrounding healthcare have accelerated digital adoption by 7 years.
In summary for this part, seems to say that breast cancer survival rates have improved, even though the number of cases is rising – caused by a general growth in population, and a growth in the number women reaching high risk ages – the number of breast cancer deaths have not risen at the same rate. This is thanks to the advances in screening that help radiologists catch cancer early."
That is about all for today.
Best wishes to all.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill and anyone else looking.
I am continuing with the article about AI and breast cancer diagnosis.
The next part is entitled The AI Stalemate.
"In one of the earliest papers on the use of image processing for breast cancer diagnosis, from 1976, researchers praised the potential of the early form of AI, while highlighting several key challenges. The potential discussed in that paper – to use technology to make mammography screening more accurate, more efficient, and more impactful – is the same potential being touted today. The challenges listed – those surrounding how best to apply the technology, how it performs compared with humans and the reluctance of clinicians to adopt AI in medical settings – are the same challenges being faced today."
This is, in part, because the sector has been historically slow moving.
Mammography technologies that are today considered the gold standard of breast cancer screening, took more than 50 years - between the 1910s and 1960s – to reach widespread acceptance and adoption. Once mammography technologies became the norm, computer-assisted detection systems of the 1980s rose in popularity.
It seems, in my view, that everything was too slow.
"More recently, however, the rise of modern AI and deep machine learning, coupled with an influx of capital into helth care and the advent of Covid, has invigorated things. It is estimated that the trends surrounding healthcare have accelerated digital adoption by 7 years.
In summary for this part, seems to say that breast cancer survival rates have improved, even though the number of cases is rising – caused by a general growth in population, and a growth in the number women reaching high risk ages – the number of breast cancer deaths have not risen at the same rate. This is thanks to the advances in screening that help radiologists catch cancer early."
That is about all for today.
Best wishes to all.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill,
Thank you for your latest post.
I have posted a bit more about breast cancer and AI. The article is quite long and detailed but I shall persevere and do it as I can. There is a chart in the article about the ten most common cancers. Looking at it I can see that breast cancer is way out in front as for the incidence of it. Prostate cancer is second in incidence and the survival rates for both are similar. Lung cancer is third in incidence and has a very high death rate.
I was very concerned and disappointed that I did not receive any response from adagio or Mary. I hope they are alright and just wonder if they are having trouble posting. They have been so much a part of the thread.
It would be good to hear from people with triple negative receptors and the different breast cancers.
It has been a very cold, dull day here in Exmouth.
Sending you love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill,
Thank you for your latest post.
I have posted a bit more about breast cancer and AI. The article is quite long and detailed but I shall persevere and do it as I can. There is a chart in the article about the ten most common cancers. Looking at it I can see that breast cancer is way out in front as for the incidence of it. Prostate cancer is second in incidence and the survival rates for both are similar. Lung cancer is third in incidence and has a very high death rate.
I was very concerned and disappointed that I did not receive any response from adagio or Mary. I hope they are alright and just wonder if they are having trouble posting. They have been so much a part of the thread.
It would be good to hear from people with triple negative receptors and the different breast cancers.
It has been a very cold, dull day here in Exmouth.
Sending you love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Interesting reading. Yes, everything is too slow. As far as the NHS is concerned, AI wouldn't make much difference. Not enough staff, insufficient beds, hospital buildings in a dangerous state and growing waiting lists. My mammogram in late 2017 did show something. Someone decided it looked like a small cyst. I was not informed. AI won't solve the problems in England. More accurate AI diagnoses will terrify the Health Secretary. It will probably be available to the wealthy. If it's not already.
Cancer NHS has the most common cancers listed as breast, lung prostate and bowel. Cancer Research UK has prostate cancer at 14% of all cancers and lung cancer on 13%. Lung cancer is far too high, especially as none of my friends, neighbours or anyone I know smoke cigarettes. I assumed that they'd be a huge fall by now. I can, perhaps understand why there's more women with oestrogen+ breast cancer.
I disagree with the final paragraph of your comment before last - I know it's not actually your comment. Women are living to a greater age now, but cancer is increasing in younger women. I'd like to see more research. The published Metaplastic research has made me deeply suspicious of accepting the science at face value. Statistics!!!
Mary wouldn't normally ignore a PM. It's concerning. Adagio might just have given up doing battle with the site.
Keep warm.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Interesting reading. Yes, everything is too slow. As far as the NHS is concerned, AI wouldn't make much difference. Not enough staff, insufficient beds, hospital buildings in a dangerous state and growing waiting lists. My mammogram in late 2017 did show something. Someone decided it looked like a small cyst. I was not informed. AI won't solve the problems in England. More accurate AI diagnoses will terrify the Health Secretary. It will probably be available to the wealthy. If it's not already.
Cancer NHS has the most common cancers listed as breast, lung prostate and bowel. Cancer Research UK has prostate cancer at 14% of all cancers and lung cancer on 13%. Lung cancer is far too high, especially as none of my friends, neighbours or anyone I know smoke cigarettes. I assumed that they'd be a huge fall by now. I can, perhaps understand why there's more women with oestrogen+ breast cancer.
I disagree with the final paragraph of your comment before last - I know it's not actually your comment. Women are living to a greater age now, but cancer is increasing in younger women. I'd like to see more research. The published Metaplastic research has made me deeply suspicious of accepting the science at face value. Statistics!!!
Mary wouldn't normally ignore a PM. It's concerning. Adagio might just have given up doing battle with the site.
Keep warm.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Gill,
Thank you for your comments on that article.
I have decided that the rest of the article is too technical, so I am just posting the chart with the statistics for the ten most common cancers. You can see from it that lung and liver cancer have the highest mortality rates.
I can just quote the final paragraph of the article.
"While the idea of AI sweeping in to save the day when it comes to breast cancer screening sounds hugely exciting, the reality is more boring – and rightly so. AI's real promise lies in picking up the slack for radiologists in the routine heavy lifting and the everyday admin. This is the most realistic, most feasible and most likely way in which the technology will ever make it beyond the lab and into clinics and finally get ahead of the bureaucracy. In the name of saving lives."
My own opinion is that only time will tell.
As for breast cancer, I am still positive about having been diagnosed with IDC with triple negative receptors. I am thankful that after standard treatment, I could look after myself with no drugs. I would have hated to be on anti-hormonal medication of all sorts with all sorts of nasty side effects.
I do wonder what has happened to Mary and adagio. I cannot understand why adagio's user name was changed and I would have thought the moderators would have sorted it out.
That is all for today. I am not looking forward to the nasty cold spell that they say we are in for.
Take care.
Love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Thank you for posting the cancer chart. Sad to learn that cervical/uterine cancers are still very high. With the vaccine, we may see a drop in cervical cancer before too many years.
Woke up to a cold and frosty morning in Norfolk. Sunny now, but still very cold. Dread to think what's happening in the many households where people are on low wages.
Matthew Hancock, erstwhile Health Secretary has decided not to stand at the next General Election. It appears that the decision wasn't his own. His constituency Party had decided for him, and wouldn't endorse him as their candidate. Not to worry, we have another slow learner in charge of Health now. Apparently striking nurses will be helping Putin to win his battle for Ukraine! Drugs test in the House of Commons desperately needed.
Keep warm indoors during this cold spell.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hi Sylvia and Gill,
I've been trying to read about AI and wrap my head around this information.
I've been hearing a lot about different types of imaging. I may have mentioned that I was a bit unhappy with my radiologist. His bedside manner was awful. I have other options, but that imaging center is so close to home. I'll have to rethink what I do next.
However, I had a hard time understanding why an ultrasound wouldn't be used more in diagnosis. I've also been hearing about 3D mammography. Why wouldn't that be used as a matter of course. I've read that they only tend to use it for patients who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. That doesn't make sense to me. I'm guessing that it has to be a cost factor that precludes that test in all women. If 3D shows a clear picture layer by layer. why not use that imaging? Again--cost, I suppose.
Have either of you done or heard of the use of 3D mammography? I'm interested to see if/how it is being used in the UK.
Stay warm!
Love, Sue
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Hello Gill,
I agree with all that you say in your last post.
It is very cold here in Devon and just seems to add to the misery and stresses of life! Will it ever end? We need to get rid of this government and I think Sunak and Hunt should be kicked out. We urgently need that general election.
I see that Sue is asking about 3D mammography. I do not know anything about this. Do you?
Raymond and I are trying to have a quiet Saturday, but so far it has not happened. Two phone calls and an early morning buzz at our door have upset the quiet routine. We are now waiting for a delivery from our local Co-op.
We tried to listen to Any Questions but gave up after getting a phone call. It also seems that whenever we make a hot drink the phone rings or there is a buzz at the door!
I am still feeling concerned about not hearing from Mary, adagio, HelenLouise and Kath.
I do think there is a lot of useful information in the forum in the captions that seem to be on all the pages.
It would be interesting to know statistics about what tumour statuses match up with the different breast cancers.
That is about all for now. I have just been interrupted by our delivery. That is one thing that seems to work. Good old Co-op!
Keep warm and take care.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hi Sue,
I don't know of anyone with breast cancer who has been offered 3D imaging. According to the Government website in the UK, 3D imaging comprises a low dose x-ray system. It's used after a cancer or tissue abnormality has already been detected by mammogram. Just an extra assessment tool which isn't usually needed, but sometimes useful. 3D imaging isn't used routinely. Many years ago, at the age of 24, I had an open biopsy on an immobile, hard breast lump, which my surgeon believed to be a tumour. It wasn't, so I had a GA plus a day in hospital and a lot of worry and a scar for nothing. Had 3D imaging been available all those years ago I would have been spared that particular nightmare.
Your radiologist sounds like someone who should never have considered medicine as a career. There are a lot of them about!
Hope you're not doing too much.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Yes, good old Co-op, we now have one just three miles away which we use when we need a few extra things. The Co-op also sells stamps which is an important service now that all the Post Offices in the surrounding villages have closed.
It really is a bit much that you're weekends and evenings are being disrupted so regularly. I'm sure that residents could deal with most problems themselves. I know how good people are about piling everything that goes wrong on the one person who's volunteered to be available. It's very much the same here. Michael is still Chair of the Parish Council after over 10 years and is pestered over the slightest thing.
I agree with you about breast cancer statistics. To be accurate, researchers need to define status. People commenting on this website understand that breast tumours are not equal. The media certainly does not. It's a major concern that the annual pink ribbon fest never bothers to make the difference clear. Oestrogen driven cancers are the most common by a very long way. As you know, approximately 75% of breast cancers in the UK are oestrogen positive. Obesity raises the risk as it's linked to higher levels of oestrogen. HRT is also a risk. These two issues alone may account for the rise in breast cancer. I think triple negative B/C stands at between 15% - 20%. Do you know if the incidence of TN is rising? Metaplastic is between 1% - 5% and seems to be stable.
Very cold and icy here again and it looks as though we have a few more days to go before it warms up.
Take care.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Gill,
Thank you for your latest post.
When I was diagnosed in June 2005 triple negative was not mentioned to me as such. I was told that I was not hormonal, so tamoxifen would be of no use to me and that the prognosis was not good. I was then told that I was oestrogen negative, only 5% progesterone, so that did not count, and that I was HER2-. At that time those with these three negative statuses were said to represent about 10% of breast cancers and were found mainly in younger women. I was told that I should not have breast cancer. I certainly was slim and very healthy-looking and I did not look ill at all or feel ill.
I think the statistics for triple negative are probably higher now but are about 20%.
I was told my breast cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) which is the most common one.
It would be good if we could get hold of a complete and accurate chart listing the statistics for the different breast cancers and their hormonal status.
It is still cold and dreary here.
I have just received the winter issue of Vita magazine for breast cancer. It is stated that it is issue 43 and Winter 2022. Written on the cover is Breast Cancer Now – The research & support charity, the web address is breastcancernow.org.
I do not know how I came to join up to this magazine, but it has been around a long time and is free. It is an excellent magazine, easy to understand and interesting articles.
That is all for today.
Love and best wishes.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello everyone,
I am posting the outline of the subjects in the latest issue of Vita magazine.
In this issue: Real Lives.
Page 4 People thought I should skydive or climb mountains.
Page 10 Writing a book was my therapy.
Page 11 Being told I had breast cancer was mind blowing.
(I was interested in this personal story because it was about a man being diagnosed with breast cancer.)
Page 18 Enduring love.
Features.
Page 6 Caring for your skin this winter.
Page 8 Dietary supplements and breast cancer.
Page 14 Six simple exercises to build strength.
I found all these features very interesting and easy to follow because they were all nicely illustrated.
Regulars.
Page 12 Your questions answered.
Page 16 Breast cancer research.
I do hope you will all take the time to look at this magazine. It is very worthwhile and informative.
To subscribe visit breastcancernow.org/vita
Best wishes to everyone.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Sylvia,
Many breast surgeons still don't routinely mention cancer type. Mine just said that my tumour had tested negative for oestrogen and a week later that it was was negative for her2. I remember being greatly relieved that I didn't have her2 cancer. I knew about triple negative, having worked with many breast cancer patients over 22 years - only as a volunteer. It was only on asking for my pathology report that I read the word 'metaplastic' and asked if was unusual. My surgeon told me very little about it because so little was known. I did my own research. There uses to be an excellent thread here, but then along came the Facebook groups and our thread ceased to exist. I did my best to rekindle interest, but Facebook won.
I never cease to be amazed that so many breast cancer patients are content to just go along with whatever treatment they're offered without questioning. One very intelligent friend didn't know that her cancer was triple negative until I called it that. Her treatment was the norm, so all good. However, I would always want to know exactly what I was dealing with. Not all treatments are equal and not all breast surgeons and oncologists get it right. In this era of austerity and cut backs in the NHS, age may well become a factor, if it isn't already. I recommend that women know their cancer type and ask questions.
I didn't watch all of 'Question Time', but did see the bit where Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the NHS had received the £350 million each week as promised if we left the EU. Unbelievable!
Thank you for the details of Vita magazine's content. I haven't subscribed, simply because I'd never find time to read it. It does look interesting though.
I wonder if some who have commented here in the past will drop in before Christmas? It would be lovely to hear from them and know that they're happy and just getting on with life.
A scattering of snow again last night. It's frozen hard and the roads are very icy and unsafe. Should warm up next week though.
Take good care of yourself and Raymond.
Love,
Gill xxx
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Hello Gill,
Thank you for your post. I do not really have anything to add. Whatever the Tory lot say they have messed up the NHS and cannot blame anyone else. I think the NHS when it started was made for a much simpler society and for a much smaller population. It is now on its knees and is unlikely to recover. I think there is a lot waste of our hard-earned cash and too many bureaucrats within the NHS earning too much money and the frontline staff are desperately underpaid. When the NHS started we did not have all the high tech equipment which is very costly and some of it may be doing harm.
As for Vita magazine, it is quick and easy to read and is only twenty pages long.
The two pages about skin care were very interesting and the separate notes within these pages were worth reading.
One was entitled Skincare during or after radiotherapy.
"Radiotherapy can cause skin to feel sore, dry, itchy or flaky. Your radiotherapy team will give skincare instructions but it may help to:
- Wash the treated area gently with warm water and pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
- Speak to your therapeutic radiographer if you want to use any products on the skin in the treatment area.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to very hot or cold temperatures during treatment, such as hot water bottles, heat pads, saunas, or ice packs.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun while having radiotherapy and until any skin reaction as settled down.
- Be aware that skin changes from radiotherapy can be irritated by chlorine or other chemicals in swimming pools."
Another snippet of the two pages has the following:
"You will find more skin care tips in our booklet Radiotherapy for primary breast cancer. Order at breastcancernow.org/publications or call the Helpline on 0808 800 6000."
Another part about skincare is about keeping your skin in good condition in general through the colder months.
"Seasonal changes and cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin, causing it to feel dry, tight or itchy. Many women also notice increased dryness of their skin following the menopause and radiotherapy can cause dry skin too."
There are different products mentioned and I shall try to mention them another time.
As for my personal routine for skin, I always buy fragrance-free products and keep as natural as possible and with as few different ingredients as possible.
When I was going through treatment for chemotherapy I used to use plain avocado oil on my scalp and skin when washing. I probably did the same for radiotherapy.
For general use on the hands I use Aveeno hand cream made with colloidal oatmeal. It is fast absorbing, non-greasy and unscented. I also use Aveeno skin cream with the same colloidal oatmeal for general skin moisturising.
That is all for now. I do hope others will take the trouble to read.
It is so sad not to hear from our friends.
Life is challenging at the moment and it is so difficult to feel optimistic.
Love and best wishes to you and all our viewers.
Sylvia xxxx
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Hello Gill and everyone else,
I thought I would just finish the pages about skin.
"Top tips for dry skin:
- Try not to shower or bathe in very hot water, as this can increase dryness.
- Avoid soaps or shower gels that contain fragrances or SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), as these can strip the skin of natural oils.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and caffeine-free drinks at regular intervals.
- Wear clothes made from natural fibres – such as cotton or silk – that do not irritate the skin."
These are the products named in the articles but you may have some ideas of your own and you may like to share them with us.
In brief, these are the ones on the two pages.
Face: Nivea nourishing day cream with natural almond oil.
Lips: Body Shop Hemp heavy duty lip care with hemp seed oil.
Hands: As mentioned, Aveeno.
Body: CeraVe moisturising cream – fragrance free effective for very dry skin, contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock moisture into the skin.
All over: Weleda skin food – has multiple uses and contains rosemary, calendula, and camomile extracts.
To Gill,
What are you doing on this awful Sunday? It is wet and murky here in Exmouth today.
I do wonder what has happened to Mary.
Take care.
Love.
Sylvia xxxx
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