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Arthritics and Bone Mets
Has anyone developed arthritis after developing bone mets? I have a theory that the anti-hormone treatment has caused arthritics to develop earlier than it should. Arthritis and joint pain are affecting my quality of life much more than the cancer at the moment. It seems to be very hard to get on top of it, along with the…
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Not Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results? Start Here
Often, the hardest part of screening and testing isn't undergoing the tests themselves, but WAITING for results to come back. If you're like most people, you will want your test results as soon as possible. Read here for steps you can take to feel more in control of the process: * Test Results and Medical Records,…
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Oncotype test
So I was diagnosed 6 years ago.. it was stage 1 grade 1 IDC no lymph node involvement.. my doctors did not give me an oncotype test.. I had a lumpectomy radiation and an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years.. is there any reason that they don't give that test?.. I wouldn't mind knowing what my recurrence risk is I don't…
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IBC lounge: roll call, support and just a good place to hang out
Hey all, I am starting this thread to give us a place to meet up and check in. We all know this "ain't Facebook" and since some of us have left the boards recently let's have a roll call and start fresh here. Some of the "IBC ladies" and other threads have gone a bit untended so let's see who we are: I'll go first: dx June…
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Over it already!
At just 33 years old, this feels like a nightmare that won’t end. It’s been over a month since I first discovered the lump, and I’m completely drained, mentally and emotionally. The endless waiting, appointments, needle sticks. it’s all just so overwhelming. I shared more details in another post, but to sum it up: there’s…
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Keeping up health and immune system
I’m so frustrated… my onc defers to the onc pharmacist, who reviewed my list of supplements that I’d like to take. Most were discouraged because of interference with the meds (anastrazole and Verzenio). I’ve been continuing to try and research - mostly finding conflicting info. Since verzenio can cause your white blood…
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Post biopsy hematoma delaying surgery
I am newly diagnosed in May 2025 with preliminary stage 1 IDC. I developed a large hematoma post biopsy and it’s been 6 weeks and the hematoma is still large 3 to 4 cm with bruising still evolving. My surgeon advised to wait another month for the hematoma to resolve more to have the lumpectomy and SNLB. It will then be 9…
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Small breasts and lumpectomy
I have recently been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I have a 2.7 cm mass at 12:30 on my right breast. When discussing lumpectomy vs mastectomy with my surgeon she said I may not be able to get by with a lumpectomy because my breasts are too small (I'm probably a large A to small B). Has any one had a lumpectomy…
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TN- Surgery first or chemo first and Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?
Hi all, I was diagnosed last week with clinical stage 1 grade 3 ki 67 90% er-, pr-, and waiting on FISH results to find out if I'm also HER2-. Tumor size is 14mm. My care team is recommending a lumpectomy first since my tumor is small even though it is very aggressive followed by 4-6 months of chemo then choosing either…
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To Give: 2 Wedges, 2 Body Pillows & Drain Props to Help With Surgery Recovery (NYC Area)
Hello everyone, I am thankfully six weeks past a delayed TRAM flap surgery, and would be honored to give away these wonderful wedges and body pillows that helped me have a more comfortable recovery. I also have some drain management props that were great. I'm in the NYC area, so the only caveat is you'd need to come pick…
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No ovaries, on letrozole, but estrogen increases
Right after I started ovarian suppression and letrozole they checked my estrodial levels and they were not detectable. A few months later they checked them again and they still weren't detectable. Last year I had my ovaries removed and we all assumed with that we no longer needed to worry about estrogen so I discontinued…
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Wild yam cream ...
Hi everyone, I know this is controversial but I was just wondering has anyone tried using wild yam cream after finishing treatment? I am perimenopausal and have lots of symptoms. I declined tamoxifen as my personal benefit was small and overall outcome would be the same regardless of it i took it or not. So I'm not on any…
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Should I consider DELAYING pedicled TRAM flap surgery if it means I can have a DIEP flap instead?
Hi All, I'm scheduled for a delayed pedicled TRAM flap right breast reconstructive surgery on March 7, 2025. Should I consider DELAYING pedicled TRAM flap surgery if it means I can have a DIEP flap instead? Here's the thing: everything is TOTALLY LINED UP for my current schedule TRAM flap for 3/7/25. But if we try for a…
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Over 70 and wondering
I recently had a lumpectomy in my left breast. My pathology showed a very early stage 1A cancer with negative margins and no nodal involvement. I met with the radiologist the other day and I'm scheduled to meet with the endocrinologist in early July. I am seriously considering not doing either. I am going to be 77 in…
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Reconstruction Decisions
I was just diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Two masses in my left breast. One being less than a centimeter from my left nipple. I can accept that I will need a mastectomy in my left breast, but I'm having a hard time accepting that I will lose the nipple. Does anyone have experience with reconstruction of their…
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Struggling
I was diagnosed in 8/2022. Not 100% sure of Stage, 1) because the whole Stage thing causes me additional anxiety and 2) I had Neoadjuvant chemo so I think the “official stage” is the one after chemotherapy. I think my final staging was IIA but not sure. Anyway, in left breast I had intermediate IDC ER/PR +; HER 2 negative…
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I am not grateful to my oncologist and care team
I am facing my last treatment for triple positive breast cancer next Thursday. I had heard that ending treatment can be difficult and I have been trying to prepare myself by building other support outside my care team. However, I find that the biggest problem is the reckoning with what has happened to me. There have been 5…
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Fasting during Chemo?
I recently came across an article about fasting 2 days before and 1 day after chemo. It's suppose to minimize side effects and make treatment more manageable. I have just started treatment and looking for helpful advice for coping with side effects. I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this
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Diagnosed with IBC
HI everyone- I just recently got diagnosed with IBC stage III on 12/17/15. I stumbled across this site in 12/12/15 and looked up the symptoms I was having. Had it not been for this site I would have just taken my PCP's word and antibiotics. I am glad I found this site. Ready to start this journey!
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Wife is starting Xeloda soon
Hi all, My wife was diagnosed with mBC in 2023. She has been through 4-ish lines of treatment, the latest Enhertu. She has felt great with no side effects but it has stopped working after a year. This is next and I’m terrified of the side effects and what living with them will be like for us and our relationship. Can…
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Neuropathy getting worse years after treatment?
Hi, I am new here so I hope I am doing this correctly. I had cancer and treatment in 2013 and had taxol. I had bad neuropathy for a few years after, took gabapentin which helped reduce pain and went off the medication because I was ok. I have had the neuropathy- mostly pain-sometimes since then like once a month. The last…
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HHS Prioritization for MBC
Below are two emails sent by myself and my awesome wife to the HHS team. If you arent aware, HHS has introduced a new program called the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) which includes a number of terminal illnesses but not MBC at this time. Please send them a message and urge everyone to make MBC a national…
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Wife starting Xeloda
Hi. Hope it’s okay to post as a family member/caregiver. We found out yesterday that there has been new tumor growth in my wife’s bones. Very lucky that mets are confined there. Have been reading about Xeloda side effects and now I’m scared. She’s been on Enhertu for a year and had no side effects so this feels like a…
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Hylecta/Herceptin effect on blood pressure/hemoglobin
6 months into treatment, and my blood pressure is careening up and down. It will be very high in the morning, sometimes go down to below 90/60 during mid-day, and then up again.My cardiologist keeps trying different combinations of meds. Has anyone had this side effect and got it under control? how? Also, at my last…
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Keto? Mediterranean? No sugar? No fat? No processed foods?
I have been reading studies about how diet affects breast cancer growth and have been bouncing between them in my head and daily life. Some studies, such as keto diet, seem to contradict each other, with fierce advocates on all sides.I thought it might be helpful for us to share the type of diet (not for weight loss, but…
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Should I take the drug?
At age 86, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 1. I had two surgeries to get it all out. After, I completed five days of radiation. The oncologist now wants me to start anastrozole every day for five years. I have moderate to severe osteopenia in my hips and am concerned that I may have severe bone loss and end up in…
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What part of your story are you most proud of right now?
A breast cancer diagnosis can come with many ups and downs throughout the experience and beyond. We'd like you to share with us your proudest accomplishment you've realized through your transition - what part of your story are you most proud of right now? Please select the most appropriate response for you below, and…
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What’s the hardest part about saying “no” when you need rest ?
Slowing down is tough for most of us! What’s the hardest part about saying “no” when you need rest — and how do you remind yourself it’s okay? Have you ever canceled plans and felt better for it? Share your insights !!!
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Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
I am newly diagnosed and really don't have a clue of which option to choose. I don't have a lump, but one choice is lumpectomy with radiation (I only have calcifications that where biopsied after an abnormal screening). Masectomy only or Masectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am having an MRI this week to see how…
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Ringing of the bell. A perspective from someone with MBC. Please share yours!
Thanks to Jaimee for sharing her perspective! Please share yours below! Does your treatment center do this? If so, how does it make you feel? Share your thoughts. https://youtu.be/OMcEQ_lBg58