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Immediate Reconstruction or Wait?
Hi, I am new here and was diagnosed with IDC about 3 weeks ago. I am stage 2, but my tumor is aggressive, so Surgery is scheduled for 4/22. I have a strong family history as well. As of now, they say my lymph nodes are clear and are recommending immediate reconstruction with implants ( I am not a candidate for DIEP flap).…
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Help! Scanxiety & stress over watching my sister in pain.
My sister has MBC, stage IV, mets to the lungs & bones. Originally diagnosed Stage 2-A, IDC, underwent radical right breast mastectomy in 2020. In 2022, metastasis to the bones & lungs. Her 2nd line of treatments, Capecitabine & Lapatinib, poisoned her system resulting in stomach issues (diarrhea, gastritis, etc. She has…
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DCIS
I’m 1 week post mastectomy and just received results of focal duct carcinoma in situ, intermediate nuclear grade without necrosis. I’m low key freaking out right now and would like any information that someone could provide. I opted for the mastectomy after I had a lumpectomy and mammogram that stated I have benign…
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Phesgo
Diagnosed July 2024, started treatment Aug 24 with 7 cycles of chemotherapy with EC x3 Docetaxol x4 , completed December 24 Surgery in the form of therapeutic mammoplasty with removal of tumour bed Managed 16 out of 18 cycles of phesgo for HER2 positive BC ( last injection 18.8.24) Radiotherapy x10 with boost for the last…
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Pain
Hello, I am going on 7 years cancer free. I had a mastectomy with reconstruction and nipple sparing. I have been having pain/pressure in the area where the cancer was. The pain has been some time now. I have an upcoming appointment at Mayo soon but I'm concerned. The pain/pressure also radiates to my back behind my armpit…
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Important Stage IV Topics and Links for Stage IV Newbies
Here are some helpful resources if you've just been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic or MBC. Join our free Virtual Support Groups for MBC! All with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC; also called stage IV) Register: Mondays at 2:00 PM EST, Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM EST…
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Have had mammo, ultrasound and awaiting biopsy
my mammo was Birads 0 (needed additional tests), ultrasound was Birads 4. That radiologist ordered US guided biopsy. However, the radiologist I was referred to decided a Sterotactic biopsy was more appropriate. I have an initial appointment this week with the Cancer specialist and then the following week I am scheduled for…
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Implant exchange 10+ years later
Hello fellow survivors. I’m now 10 years out from my reconstructive implant surgery and it’s time for implant exchange. Since surgery, I’ve moved more than 4 hours from my plastic surgeon and am considering seeing a surgeon nearby. So, I’m wondering do I need to look for someone who specializes in breast reconstruction…
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Lymphedema self massage
Hi ladies! I wanted to share a link to a self lymphodema massage treatment that has helped me and my neighbor who also had breast cancer. Please ok it with your doctors before trying it, because our situations are all unique. I had a lumpectomy with node removal Mar 2021. I was able to see a lymphodema therapist soon after…
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SGAP-15 years out
Hello, I am curious how many of you have had SGAP procedure and your results after at least 10 years. I am 17 years out and about 4 years ago, my left leg has gone numb somewhat and had to go to physical therapy. I am not sure if this was related to any nerve damage that may have been due to the flap taken from my butt. I…
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Starting Chemo in February 2016?
I didn't see a thread starting for *my* month, so I figured I'd start one... Anyone else getting ready to start their chemo in February? I start my first tx on Feb 16th. I'm doing 4 cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (also called TC, I think?). I've been doing tons of reading about whether I need to ice my fingers…
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Long-term LCIS?
Hello, Has anyone been diagnosed with LCIS and not developed invasive cancer after 10, 15 years? I've been diagnosed with LCIS and elected to take anastrozole and nothing else. But I'm nervous. Thanks
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Should I stop HRT
I started HRT at the beginning of December. I have an Estradiol patch and which I change every 4 days abd 200mg Utrogestan daily. I went for a mammogram and the results were “Small apparent non-specific density” I have to go back for more imaging and potentially a biopsy. Should I stop the HRT?
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Tamoxifen Side Effects
How long were you on Tamoxifen before you started to notice any side effects? Also, what was your age when you started Tamoxifen
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Reconstruction options
My wife has finished six months of chemo and immunotherapy and scheduled for a mastectomy at the end of the month, to be followed by up to six weeks radiation. We have discussed reconstruction with both the primary surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Quite frankly, these have been good discussions, but we still feel confused as…
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Switching from AI to Tamoxifen - Bone loss
Hi, I just met with a new oncologist after the retirement of my previous one. I have been on an Aromatase Inhibitor for six years with worsening bone loss. Taking Fosamax. The new oncologist suggests switching to Tamoxifen. Total treatment time would be 8 years vs. target of 7 if I stay on AI. Has anyone had or considered…
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Blood draws with arm/foot lymphedema
Hi I'm back. I was here many years ago. I used to talk to Benny and others and I did some modeling for lymphedema's sleeves. I'm in huge trouble now. I have terrible osteoporosis and I need blood drives desperately yet I have injuries on my feet and bilateral lymphedema and I'm in a wheelchair. Where else can we get a…
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Whether to take the drugs that take away the estrogen
I found out in August of 2024 I had ductal carcinoma in situ, 1.1 cm. There was no evidence of invasive carcinoma. No cancer found in the lymph node on the left side. I had a lumpectomy and did not require radiation or chemo. My cancer is positive estrogen receptor status. I have a decision to make regarding taking…
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Tumor Markers with Different Results
I just got back results on 3 tests. The Ca 15-3 test and the CEA test were both normal. However the CA 27-29 test came back as high (57). Anyone have any experience like this? Of course being Saturday, I will have to wait until Monday to talk with my oncologist. I am 2.5 years out from surgery. This is the first time he…
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Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....
OK, I admit it, I am a compulsive planner. I have had some great suggestions and tips not only regarding what to bring to the hospital, but also on how to prepare the house to make the recovery as easy as possible. I am travelling for surgery so, for me, "packing" includes the first 10 days of post-op care. I thought I…
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Prophylactic Mastectomy
Looking for anyone with shared experience. From my 1st mammogram 15 years ago at 40, I have had issues. Multiple biopsies and lumpectomies, tons of scar tissue as a result. I have extremely dense breast tissue, complex cysts, breast disease, multiple bilateral papillomas and just recently diagnosed with LCIS. I do not have…
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Ringworm drug for dogs (Fenbendazole) might also cure cancer
This sounds kind of crazy but I'm tempted to try it, especially if standard treatments stop working: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6965325/Oklahoma-grandfather-claims-drug-DOGS-cured-cancer-tumor-free.html Mods adding this link to a podcast from BCO: Podcast: What My Patients Are Asking: Can Dog Deworming…
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Anastrozole
Hi. looking for opinions. I was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of breast the breast. My tumor was 4mm. I was HER negative. Estrogen Receptor 60%, Progesterone Receptor 40%, KI67 proliferation no longer marker 3%. I had a lumpectomy. When they did the surgery the tumor was already gone from the biopsy. Nothing spread to…
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Xeloda (Capecitabine)
Has anyone with Triple Negative Breast Cancer taken Xeloda that went through chemotherapy and then had a double mastectomy and lymph nodes removed? I am going to have radiation but, my oncologist wants me to take Xeloda but, I want to hear some feed back.
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Phesgo - post pCR
Would love to connect with folks who are doing stand alone Phesgo after pCR. I have a hard time finding info on SE's and the journey post chemo and surgery that's not connected to receiving chemo at the same time. For instance, hair regrowth. Does Phesgo slow the process? Anyone experiencing swelling? ETC. My hair is…
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Was your stereotactic core needle biopsy upright or lying down?
Hi, I have an upcoming stereotactic core needle biopsy done with tomosynthesis and I don't know if it will be upright or lying down. Very anxious about this upcoming procedure. Would like to hear people's experiences with both. Thanks!
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Side effects of coming off Tamoxifen?
I finished my course of Tamoxifen and few weeks ago (yay!) and just ended my first post-Tamoxifen period. Now I'm having some abnormal discharge, and also there's what looks like a pimple in my healthy breast. I have a doctor appointment to get it checked out, but while I'm waiting has anyone had weird stuff happen while…
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Why am i still smoking?
Two years out of stage 2 er+ pr+ Gave up drinking dont miss it but can not shake the cigs although only one a day... maybe two. Anyone have any help/ words anything?
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4 Things That Breast Cancer Experts Are Watching in the New Administration
Read our exclusive take on what the changes in the White House mean for you:
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Wanting to decline titanium markers during stereotactic biopsy pros and cons?
Hello, I went in for a routine mammogram (my 10th one) and for the first time I had an abnormal mammogram, and a small mass was found that was given the BIRADS 4 rating. I am now waiting for a stereotactic core needle biopsy. I learned about the titanium marker that will be put in during the biopsy and after talking to my…