Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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I do think my BC was at least partly brought on by stress. Of course, I have the 2 gene mutations which cause BC, but I think something must have cause them to activate cancer. Lord knows, I've had my share of stress. I have a fully handicapped 21yo son, my DH is disabled with lung & heart disease--he has brushed with death 4 times in the last 10 years, including open heart surgery--, my DD has an autoimmune disorder, my 30yo DS who lives with us has untreated bipolar, and I have an autoimmune disorder and bipolar as well (well treated.) Heck, when I look at all that, it's a wonder I didn't have BS before now!
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Peggy, I know what you mean about not wanting to change your handle. I haven't had a poodle since 2011, when my lovely royal standard poodle passed away. I have a little Bichon now--NOT a poodle, LOL (inside Bichon joke.) My handle on other boards is Minkydog, my standard's name. No reason to change it to Tiki-bird, my current dog's name.
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Hey Peggy...welcome to WASHINGTON!!
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Elaine, thanks for the suggestions.Our house is about 1500sf with a 1/3 acre backyard, perfect entry level home. We do live in a fairly hot market. Our neighborhood and the surrounding area is stable, very little crime. Very few rentals, very few flips. The house across the street is being flipped, only because it was in really bad disrepair, I mean falling down around itself. Just getting that fixed up has raised our property values. I have noticed on Realtor.com that there aren't a lot of houses under $175,000 in our zip code and many of them are condos. Most of the detached homes are snapped up fairly quickly.
Honestly, if we could afford it, I would retire right now. I am just chomping at the bit to move out to western WA. Of course, it's 95 degrees and 70% humidity this week, so that's a factor, LOL. My sister lives out there in Poulsbo, WA, and she is my best friend in the whole world. I don't get to see her much, unless she comes down to see my mom 400 miles from me. Then, I drive down to be with her for a week. Or I fly out to see her about every 2 years. Gotta save up my FF miles to do that. But I really can't retire just yet, not until I get my SS and pay off the credit cards.
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So I have a question for all of you. Yesterday, after my elation at the post lumpectomy pathology report news, I sat down and really read every word in the report. While the primary report and diagnosis is excellent, it does mention that in addition to the IDC that was removed, DCIS is present. Estimated size is up to 1cm and the nuclear grade is 3 (high). I remember the doctor mentioning that there is frequently "a lot of debris" that is also found, and I also know the treatment for DCIS is radiation and estrogen blockers, but I"m wondering if I should be additionally concerned about this new information and diagnosis of DCIS. I haven't met with my MO yet, and probably won't for a couple of weeks until my oncotype results come back. I'm questioning my decision for a lumpectomy. Am I just being overly paranoid? Anyone else get this type of info in a path report? Thanks, I really appreciate this site and all of your expertise! Thanks, Dara
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Depends on where the DCIS is, Dara. And while your DCIS is grade 3 and therefore highly active, grade 3 DCIS cells also have a tendency to self-destruct fairly often as they try to proliferate--hence, so much DCIS showing “comedo necrosis”--dead cells which nuclei look like blackheads, or “comedones.” But it was contained inside your IDC tumor--which probably means that your IDC began as DCIS rather than invasive right off the bat, not elsewhere in the breast; so more extensive surgery isn’t necessary except as a matter of personal preference. (And though most IDC starts as DCIS, DCIS doesn’t always acquire the ability to invade). Know that masttectomy may not exempt you from radiation, either, and isn’t always a guarantee against recurrence. Then there’s the question of reconstruction (even more surgery) vs. going flat. Remember, though, that after lumpectomy & radiation and with hormone-blockers (with or without chemo), the recurrence rate for stage IA Luminal A cancers is pretty low. The vast majority (>70%) don’t recur for 20-30 years or more, assuming ordinary diseases of very old age don’t get you first. And even progression to stage IV isn’t necessarily a death sentence.
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Hello Ladies -
It's been AGES since I've been online!! Before/after surgery, I followed this very prolific forum and another, but I must admit that I just haven't been able to since starting chemo - apologies. I do truly hope everyone is doing well! And, for all those that helped me in my early days of diagnosis and after surgery - I couldn't have gotten this far without you. For those new to the forum - if you've not figured it out - these ladies have you!!! (And once I can recover a bit more - I hope to add myself more to the I've got you list than I can right now.)
Today I'd like to give a brief update for myself and ask a couple of questions again. I appreciate all feedback cause I know you ladies that are ahead of me in this are true champs!! Those that are behind me . . . I'm wishing you a much easier time than I've had (and hopefully a few bits I put in here might be of some help)!!!
In early April, I started chemo (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and ended up in the hospital with neutropenia the very, very first session. Once released five days later, I requested an extra week before the next session (mentally - and physically for me - my husband and I were just not ready to repeat at the 2 week mark). When I went in for the next session, my oncologist also lowered my dosage of each drug by 25%. The next two sessions were okay. During session 2, I had a bad fall (note - never bend head below knees and stand up in a shower during AC - stools are good beyond surgery) and went to ER with a fever, but my counts were okay. Third session somehow I just made it through without an issue. Fourth session - back in the hospital with neutropenia again - both white and red blood cells depleted; hemoglobin at a low 6 . . . blood transfusion (I was not really for this, but was truly helpful when I finally conceded). To say that I'm thrilled to be done with this protocol and all its side effects is putting it mildly. So far echos not showing any really significant change in heart. Part of a trial, so will be monitored for a while yet.
Last week had my first dose of Taxol. Was very, very anxious after all I've been through with the AC, but this has been better (first timers beware that the Benadryl premed dosage is high and may give you a really bad headache, nausea, and tingly feet, not to mention make you sleepy so have a driver). Have had some bone pain with Taxol, which I understand is normal. Have also had fluctuation in body temp without a fever, which I believe is also normal. I am experiencing some periods of nausea, which my nurses indicated would not be part of this protocol. Soooo, wondering if any of you other ladies have experienced nausea with Taxol? If so, have you equated it to anything particular? I'm a milk drinker and I'm sort of beginning to think my nausea is coming on when I have milk products. Anyone else experience this?
Also, after being hospitalized right out the gate with the AC protocol, I've been on short-term disability and have essentially been a hermit in my house (mostly only seeing my husband and occasionally seeing my kids the day or so before I was due my next round). Whenever I felt good, I worked on wedding things for my youngest or condo stuff for my MIL (in preps for her move to be near us). Generally I only felt "good" a couple of days each session. Anyway, my STD is currently set to expire early July. My nurses have all told me that most women work while on Taxol. So, I'm currently not planning to extend my STD. However, after being a hermit for so long, I'm a little nervous about being around folks again cause while Taxol does not lower WBC like AC, it does still lower it. Sooooo, I'm hoping maybe you ladies can help ease my anxieties. Those on Taxol . . . have you had any issues with getting sick or having to be hospitalized because your system couldn't fight off whatever you may've caught from co-workers? Is there anything I've not mentioned experiencing yet that I should be aware of with Taxol. I do know about neuropathy coming on somewhere between I believe the 7th and 9th cycles. Oh, yippee!!
Another thing - Other than my upper level supervisor (and I asked him not to say anything) and HR, I've not told anyone at work that I've been diagnosed with cancer and am undergoing chemo (plan to wear my wig when I go back). Besides using lots of hand sanitizer, any tips for me as I head back to work?
In advance - thanks soooo much for your help and again . . . wishing all of you the very best! PiNK
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Poodles, it is a wonder you are sane with all that is going on in your life. That is a huge burden for one person. I can't imagine that stress DIDN'T play a role in your BC. Thanks for the input on handles. Think I'll keep mine!
PiNK, I'm sorry I can't help you but I can say good luck and hope these treatments are less troublesome than the previous ones.
Dara, Listen to Sandy - she knows what she's talking about!
HUGS!
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Katzpjays, Thanks! So far I'm loving it. Furniture is still in Michigan
HUGS!
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Pinkidc51 - there are some really good April and June threads for those of us who started receiving chemo. Many of the women have received a regime similar to yours. If you haven't already I would ask your MO about neulasta injections. They help to increase your WBC count. Get lots of rest put yourself first and if you're not ready for work yet, wait.
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PinkiDC51, I'm just so sorry that you've had/are having such a difficult time. I'm one of the newbies here, but went through all this with my sister 4 years ago. Her cancer was stage IIIb at the time of diagnosis, however, and went through chemo prior to surgery and radiation, then another round about a year later. I know she had a very hard time with all dairy products and switched to almond milk and did much better. She also had quite intense neuropathy in her feet, and wound up getting those gel soled slippers to wear around the house which helped a bit.
Sandy, thanks so much for your insights. It makes complete sense to see that the DCIS was within the tumor as it did start IS and then branched out of the duct and became invasive. I'll double check with the MO, and will relax just a bit until then. I think I saw that you were an attorney, but you are such a wealth of information, did you just research and educate yourself with bc? The report did mention that necrosis is present which supports your comment about the cells dying quicker. It does also say associated high-grade DCIS, yet the surgeon still stood by the Grade 2 Stage 1A diagnosis. It's all such a learning curve! PinkiDC51, you are so right about this forum being a support and help!
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Generally, with a mixed DCIS/IDC diagnosis, the properties of the more invasive tumor are those on which your treatment would be based. I did self-educated here over the past few months, as well as from all the printed materials i was given and EMMI videos I was assigned to watch.
Peggy, how about “PNWPeggy” or “PacNWPeggy?”
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Sandy, good thoughts. Right now I'll stay "me."
HUGS!
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Peggy so glad to hear you made it to your new home! Congrats. Stay PontiacPeggy....I always thought of the car when I read your handle...
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Nash, Pontiac cars WERE made in Pontiac until the last decade or so. I proudly drove many Pontiacs, too. Thanks!
HUGS!
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DaraB: yes my lumpectomy report was similar, the invasive tumor, which was less than 2 cm was surrounded by Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ, which means its still encased in the ducts. they took out 7cm by 6cm by 3cm, which is a good size chunk. My surgeon says that's pretty typical to find, but my margins were all clear. I am having chemo and radiation to be sure to get all the stray bits that may be lurking wherever they floated thru my lymphatic system.
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Hi, LabScientistMom! Glad you're here with us.
HUGS!
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Thanks LabScientistMom, thanks for the confirmation. I expect to only have the radiation and hormone therapy, at least at this point, as I had no node involvement and was er+, pr+ and her2-. We'll see how it all shapes up when remaining tests come back. Thanks again though for the info!
BTW, I chuckled when my surgeon explained that the oncologist she was referring me to specializes in geriatric oncology (anyone 60+ yrs old) I'm 64 but never thought of myself as geriatric quite yet! lol He's very qualified although he looks like he's 18, went to Cornell med school (magna cum laude), fellowship at Sloan Kettering, etc. Just wish he'd drop the "geriatric" title :-)
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Pegg and Dara: I have been posting more on the Chemo in June board and the Triple negative board, but reading here. It feels good to help out someone else with info. I get so much good information and encouragement from others here! blessings to all, A
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And the same to you, LabScientistMom!
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Hi, Pink, sorry you had such a right time. Hope this next round is easier on you.
I'm day 9/21 on rads. Getting redder every day, sore & tender.. Glad tomorrow is Friday. Go to rads early morning, then see MO for monthly check up late morning. So I took whole day off. Going to try to rest some this weekend, haven't been sleeping good because of work, brain won't shut off at night, add rads to that & I'm feeling tired. Problem is, I have a hard time sitting still. We'll see.
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Pink- sounds like we have the same protocol, but I last week was #9 of 12. This week and next are off as my mo is in China for vacation.
I had two minor bouts of nausea, both times the day following chemo. Once, I took Zofran, the other I didn't bother, both times I was better the next day (nausea hit in the evening).
I never needed to go to the hospital at all. My numbers got quite low on AC, came up some at the start of Taxol. They plateaued until a couple weeks ago when they started to increase again.
I work in a small vet clinic, so there was no way my coworkers wouldn't find out, especially when my boss removed me from tech duties. I just had my coworkers call me if they were coming in sick, so I could stay home. We don't have personal desk space, phones or computers, so it wasn't worth the risk. If I worked in a typical office setting, I would probably stock up on hand sanitizer and Lysol spray or wipes. Good hygiene is key, and what my mo stressed to me while telling me I could continue with normal activity.
Outside of that, my lymphedema seems to be worse during Taxol, and the past 2-3 weeks, my nails have begun to pull back from the nail bed and discolor. Keeping them as short as possible helps, and I don't do things that cause discomfort to my fingers or nails. I've also kept them polished, but I'm staying away from gels and glitter colors. I've had a touch of neuropathy, but nothing that has me concerned at this point, not even the whole first joint is effected, just the very tips. My mo asks every week about neuropathy. His nurse also suggested B complex, but check the ingredients if you try this. Most of them included Vit C, which is no-no.
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Here's what my nails look like pulling away from the nail bed the pinky is normal, with each nail pulling away more than the one before.
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1step: thats a bummer about your nails. I am on taxol too, (this week round 5 of 12) and my nails and fingers hurt but not doing that thankfully. I do have one big toenail that's turning black. I got some Avoplex oil from OPI and have been putting it on my cuticles every day, maybe that would help your nails too? I don't like the finger pain or numbness. I am having A/C after my weekly taxol is done, not looking forward to it. Blessings, A
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Heathet - Thanks for the tip on the other forums. I will take a look at those tomorrow.
DaraB - Thanks for the tip about the almond milk. Oh, and while I'm sorry you got a diagnosis that brought you here, glad to know you are finding the forum helpful. I initially started out on a different forum, but I just think all the women at this site, regardless of forum have just been so helpful. I know it was a Godsend to me to have people to talk to that understood my emotions and everything. And, while I share with my family - sometimes it's just nice to have others to talk to - to ask those questions you didn't think about when you were at the docs or to just express things you don't want to put on your family. (Side note; My stage is wrong below. My stage kept changing and just realized while I did the mid-level update, I did not after the surgery. After surgery, I ended up being Stage IIIC for the left. Not that that matters with regards to my earlier questions, but thought I'd just mention that I'm not currently current on my stats below since you mentioned your sister's DX.)
1Step - Thanks for the info and pic. Do you feel like your nail issue is noticeable to others or just you? Also, sorry to hear that you feel the Taxol is affecting your lymphodema. I haven't currently developed lymphodema (knock on wood I'll escape that) . . . but it's good to know there's an increased possibility of Taxol affecting the arm like that. Hopefully I can do some extra therapy to maybe offset whatever Taxol may do. Also, why is Vit C a no-no? I don't think I've heard or read that before. Does that mean I shouldn't drink orange juice? I actually really enjoyed a glass the other day when I was taking a break from milk to see if I drank something different for breakfast if I could perhaps not experience the nausea I've been experiencing.
It's really weird how with Taxol one moment I feel good and have some energy and the next I feel yucky and nauseated. And, on the occasions I wasn't hospitalized with AC, I felt good the day before chemo. Right now . . . the night before my next round of Taxol, I do NOT feel good - low energy and feeling nauseated again. The nausea seems to come and go. I've not been regularly taking the nausea meds, but if this keeps up I'm going to have to do so. Maybe it's just the change over from one chemo drug to another . . . not sure. Seems like a minor thing to be not liking after all the stuff with AC, but feeling nauseated is just not pleasant.
Well, headed to bed . . . nite to all and wishing everyone a good day tomorrow!!
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I saw the MOs NP today, following up to the iron infusions. So far, not any significant increase and she's not sure why. I also told her about the increased dizziness I'm having every day, to the point that a have nearly fallen several times. Oh, and my hands are falling asleep on a daily basis. She's not sure what that is, either. So now she's sending me to a neurologist and a GI doctor. Colonoscopy, here i come.
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Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants mop up free radicals and prevent cell damage. Unfortunately, just as chemo drugs can’t tell the difference between a cancer cell and a rapidly-dividing normal cell (like stomach lining, bone marrow, hair follicles, etc.) and therefore mow all of them down, antioxidants can’t tell the difference between a normal cell that needs protecting and a cancer cell that needs killing, and thus protect them all. Cell damage is the goal of both chemotherapy and radiation, and antioxidants interfere with both. But in the amounts present in food sources, the effect is insignificant. Go ahead and drink that OJ--just don’t pop Vitamin C tablets.
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Pink- nobody else would notice the nails unless I show them just like in the picture. Vitamin C from food is just fine, they say not to supplement with Vit C during treatment. The same goes for antioxidants. Getting them from food sources is excellent, supplementing is discouraged. They say that they can decrease the effect of chemo. No sense in dealing with these se's and not getting full benefit against those cancer cells!
Good night and best wishes for you all.
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Dara, I had radiation after mastectomy. I had a lot of DCIS both mixed in with the tumor, throughout my vascular system in the breast and behind the nipple. Once my BS saw she was not going to get clean margins mx was a given. Add the positive nodes and I had to have radiation too. Thankfully my oncotype Dx was 13 so no chemo.
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Dear Poodles: I would be stressed too with all that you have going on in your life. I also believe that stress may bring on bc. I truly feel that stress exacerbated my bc. Good luck finding out what is causing your symptoms and for your colonoscopy.
Dear Peggy: I am glad that you have finally moved. Good luck for a speedy closing on your house in MI. I saw that there were terrible storms and tornadoes in Pontiac. I'm glad that you were not there for the bad weather.
Dear 1Step, PiNKi, and LabScientistMom: I am sending all of you prayers, hugs, and wishes for an end to SE's. I did not have chemo so I can only give you support. However, I have heard that icing your hands and feet while getting the chemo infusions, especially taxotere and taxol, may help to ward off neuropathy.
Dear Dara: Listen to Sandy. She's awesome. Write down all of your questions and bring the list with you to your MO and BS to ask at your followup appointments. Bring someone with you to the appointments because 2 sets of ears are better than one. I am sorry about the "geriatric" comment/MO. At 64, you are definitely NOT geriatric. However, if the MO is a good doctor, who cares about his title. Good luck.
Dear Balding: I hope that you feel well for the rest of your rads.
Dear Ejmann: I wish you luck with rads.
I am enjoying learning about real estate sales. Good luck selling.
Hello to everyone else.
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