ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call

Yes, I was sooooo happy to have achieved a complete tumor response! but honestly, I think my doctor somewhat expected it. I first went through 4 cycles of AC chemo due to the risk of already having circulating cancer cells in my blood. AC is extremely aggressive and comes with the risk of causing leukemia down the road (hopefully, I won't have that kind of bad luck!). That’s why they’re now trying to avoid using it and reserve it for the more complicated cases. But well, there’s the upside of it being more aggressive in attacking the tumor 😊

From what I’ve gathered from talking to other women, even a tumor reduction of around 50% is considered great. What really matters is that the pathology results after surgery show clean margins.

As for my surgery, during my brief meeting with the surgeon, he told me I’ll be having a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy), where they’ll only remove the area where the tumor used to be. We know the exact location because they placed two markers when I started chemo—one at each end. He also mentioned that he’ll at least remove the two lymph nodes that were affected, but he’ll probably take out some more. He said he’ll decide during the surgery, though I’m not entirely sure how he determines on the spot whether a lymph node needs to be removed or not.

I’ve already bought the post-op bras with front closures, as the nurses recommended, so now it’s just a matter of waiting for the surgery. I’m a bit nervous, but at the same time, I just want to get it over with quickly.

@bailey.boo I am so happy for you! 😊 When is your reconstruction scheduled? Do you already have a date? You finished chemo three months before me, and now your lashes and brows are starting to come back, so I’m not expecting a miracle for myself before then. With this cold weather, it’s so hard being without eyelashes! Every time I go outside, tears keep streaming down my face 😭

@snm my toe doesn’t hurt anymore. During chemo, the nail got infected and was painful at the time. Then it started separating from the toe and eventually fell off completely. I’m using a little protective cover that slips over the toe to keep my shoes from hurting it. At home, I don’t wear anything and just try to avoid bumping it into things.

Keep me updated, ladies! Wishing you all a smooth recovery and hoping the tough days fly by quickly. Sending hugs! 🌸

@beekaycro24 so glad you are so close! I have three more immunotherapy infusions and two fall into 2025 as does a followup mammo Jan 2 so I am in the same deductible boat as you are..but at least I will be completely done in February.

I am so looking forward to being done with these phases and going into monitor mode. I hope your side effects are few this time.

@aborayis so sorry to hear about your aunt. Hope all are holding up ok. Life is wonky for sure- one day everything is great and the next all can change in an instant..but we somehow come through in the end stronger.

Hi girls! How is everyone doing? I hope all is well.

@aborayis this disease is terrible and incredibly unfair... I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending you a big hug.

@grammie2 that darkening of the skin is normal... Do you feel pain when you touch it, or is it just the skin issues you’re noticing?

As for me, I’ve been a bit absent because these past few weeks have been pretty "strange." On one hand, I’m getting admitted to the hospital tomorrow for surgery on Friday (please keep me in your thoughts!), so I’ve been busy getting things ready. On the other hand, my last treatment left me with muscle pain (that showed up later) that I’ve never experienced before. It feels like extreme muscle fatigue combined with overall tiredness. It hasn’t been easy to go on walks, but I’ve been trying to get out a little every day.

The heart exam came back fine—my cardiac function dropped about 15% after the four cycles of AC (there’s a reason they call it the red devil), but I repeated the exam after finishing chemo, and my heart has recovered a bit, even with the Phesgo. Everything is within normal parameters, so I believe what I’m feeling is normal. Now I just have to see how the surgery recovery goes, and I’m hoping for good results from pathology 🙏

Sending big hugs to you all! I hope I can come back to wish you a Merry Christmas. A special hug to those in the final stretch of chemo—it’s almost over! Stay strong, everyone!

@catarina_fm I'm not having any pain or anything other than the coloring. I was just surprised that 3 weeks post last treatment it is still changing color. The only issue I had was intense itching (not really skin surface itching, like deep inside itching which lasted about 4-5 days. That was really awful! And I know you will be so glad to have surgery done!! Praying for an easy surgery, recovery and PCR! Please keep us posted on how it goes!! You mentioned cardiac function dropping. Is that based on the ejection fraction number from the ECHO? My onc just said that mine had not changed very much since the first one and there were no concerns. I still have another 4 months of Phesgo/HP to go and it does worry me some.

@djschmidt1 so exciting you are almost done with the infusions! Mine go on through April, so I'm in the same insurance boat as yall. We have a large deductible but praying we have enough left in our HSA to cover it. With the cost of the immunotherapy, it sure won't take long to meet that deductible.

Everyone take care!!!

@catarina_fm good luck friend on upcoming surgery! Guided imagery helped me during my BMX. Do whatever keeps you relaxed.

Hello all! Hope you are putting treatments behind you one day at a time! I wanted to share a helpful podcast on breastcancer.org

Transitioning to a Different Normal After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis - posted this October.

I've been feeling sort of blah and anxious..sort of in this weird middle of not having chemo (treated w surgery) but worrying about recurrence. I found this podcast helpful in validating my feelings in that I'm not alone.

hi all! @catarina_fm I am glad you are home and on the way to recovery. I am hoping for great pathology report. @snm I will be sure to check out that podcast, it seems like a perfect fit.

These past few weeks have put a crimp in my holiday preparations with my Dad being hospitalized and then coming down with a nasty flu bug, but I am on the mend. Last Christmas I was dealing with a new cancer diagnosis, I just thought this year would be better than last but chaos remains. Life.

I wish you all a peaceful holiday time with family and friends and look forward to 2024 being in the rear view mirror.

@catarina_fm thank you. I reread my post and I wrote it poorly, he had heart issues among other things it’s me with the flu. I will get better tho. I am already headed in the right direction… this was a brutal flu.

Forgot to say @grammie2, I had the most discomfort longer than I would have thought AFTER radiation completed. It will get better though for you, I swear.