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Ductal Carcinoma and Mastectomy
Hi all I’ve been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma. Met with the surgeon yesterday and he would like to do a mastectomy on one side with lymph node removal. The CT scan has shown enlarged lymph nodes but he thinks that could be because there are obvious signs of inflammation on my breast. I feel removing the lymph is a bit…
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Please help me understand my pathology report-newly diagnosed
Hi all, I was given the diagnosis last Friday (invasive ductal carcinoma - about 1 cm in size) and I meet with a surgeon on Thursday. I just received my full pathology report and I was hoping to get a better understanding of staging to guide my questions during my appointment. Can any of you determine my stage from this…
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Brain Mets Sisters
Starting this for a friend. Edited to explain that the friend was imbell who was feeling overwhelmed by wbr. She helped us all by starting this. Shes in peace now. See you in the clouds, imbell.
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Goldilocks surgery after radiation
Hello, Did anyone get Goldilock breast surgery after getting radiation treatment? I am wondering the risks of this surgery for patients who already get radiation. Also, I am a 38C bra person. After this surgery, what is the change that I have a breast-like apperance. Thank you
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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 Zoom Meetups for MBC! Anyone with MBC, register here: Mondays 2-3:30 pm ET Tuesdays 8:30 pm ET Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm ET Younger With MBC, register here: Thursdays, bi-weekly at 1:00 PM ET…
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How long did your discomfort last?
I am a little over two weeks out from lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. At the same time I had an oncoplastic breast reduction on both sides. I'm wondering if others have continuing irritation/pain on the biopsy side and how long I can expect it to last. I sort of expected the annoying irritation to be gone by…
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Start Chemo (doxorubicin) Thursday
Anyone have any experience with doxorubicin? When do symptoms start to come on? Were you able to work while in treatment? How sick did you get? Just looking for any info available. I have been diagnosed since 5/19. Had a lumpectomy and anixilarry dissection. Start Chemo this Thursday, 7/25. Scared and nervous.
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Please help Biopsy Report
My biopsy report was just posted to the portal. I know the dr will call later, but please can someone give me an interpretation of these results. Thank you so much. AP results Final SURGICAL PATHOLOGY REPORT Case Number: S-24-24293 ------------------------------------------------------------ SPECIMEN: (A) Breast Core…
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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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Focal asymmetry in both breasts
Hello! Just received my results asking me to return for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I had a previous mammo in 2018 because there was a discharge coming from my left breast. It turned out to be a blocked duct that cleared up. For this mammo since I have new insurance they were going to request imaging from my…
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Cold cap photos pre and post
There was a great thread of photos going through and after cold cap from 2018 showing results and how everyone managed afterwards. Would love to see this brought back and know more about how people are getting on with styling, growth, tips and when shedding stopped?
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Internal breast pain after radiation
Hi all. I had 16 whole breast treatments. My symptoms were itcy, red skin, tenderness, with mild / moderate internal sharp pains. I finished my 5 boosts 2 days ago and the internal pain has increased considerably. Continuous sharp nerve pain and even my lumpectomy and node incisions seem annoyed after being completely…
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Tips for Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Tissue Expander AND Implant Exchange
My Breast Cancer Journey from the perspective of a physician/patient/wife/mom of 3 boys and 1 pup: Dec 2022- First screening mammogram (Age 45, no risk factors) found over a 5 cm area of microcalcifications of left breast near nipple, which then led to 4 additional mammograms and ultrasound biopsy. Biopsy showed DCIS, high…
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Survivor of 4 separate cancers
Hi, all. I have had 4 separate cancers over 26 years. My "journey" began in 1997 when breast cancer (Stage 1 ER -) was found on my 2nd annual mammogram at the age of 42. I went through a lumpectomy that left me with an infection that lasted for 2+ years. I then had radiation and my 1st chemo. Five years later, I was…
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Financial planning after diagnosis at 40
I was recently diagnosed at 40 with IDC, Stage IA, ER+/PR+/HER2-, Grade 2, and completed a bilateral mastectomy. I met with my MO this week and started tamoxifen, and I have a pleural effusion I’m still getting checked out (aware that that has revealed lung mets for other women, so I may not be out of the woods just yet).…
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Paget's or something else
About this time last year I was having pain in my left nipple. I Googled it and it said incorrect bra size can cause that. So I changed bras. The pain has come and gone over time but it got much more intense a couple months ago. Then I noticed a hard spot on the tip of my nipple. I put Aquaphor on it and it softened the…
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MY MOTHER INLAW HAS STAGE 2 HORMONAL BREAST CANCER
Good evening everyone; I live in Turkiye and my mother inlove has stage 2 hormonal breast cancer. She took chemo, surgical operation then radiotherapy but after all of this, cancer cells again reveal at the same breast (left). By the way she has an implant after surgical operation. Currently she begins to take 2'nd chemo…
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verzenio for stage 1 cancer
Hi everyone. Has anyone taken Verzenio for stage 1 cancer and if so when did you start it? I have been on letrozole for 7 months now and my oncologist just today asked if I wanted to start Verzenio too due to my high Ki67 and 1 positive micromet in my sentinel node. I thought you had to start Verzenio at the same time as…
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First Mammogram After BC Treatment
Hi friends! I'm slated for a mammogram soon, and I'm worried about how painful it might be. I have very dense breasts, and I got diagnosed with BC last July after an ultrasound detected the cancer. I was expecting to get an ultrasound with the mammogram, but the imaging center said they'll only do the ultrasound 6 months…
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How to Find LGBTQ-Friendly Healthcare Providers
How to Find LGBTQ-Friendly Healthcare Providers Having a provider who's competent in caring for LGBTQ+ people can make a huge difference — to your safety, mental health, and treatment outcomes. Read more…
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Rib pain
I have had the worse left side rib pain where if I sneeze or cough it’s a sharp pain. I have a hard time moving never the rib pain is constant. Closer to 1 yr double mastectomy and 6 months post reconstruction. Bone scan good. Ct scan good. Do I need a chest x ray. Not sure what is causing it and I’m so sad 😞
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Just diagnosed
I have just been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I’ve had breast cancer before, but that was diagnosed at stage 2 and I was able to get surgery, chemo and radiation. How does everyone handle knowing that cancer is just staying in their body? It’s scary knowing that I can’t do anything about it.
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Needing Guidance for Getting a Second Opinion on Breast Cancer Treatment
I have a dear, bright young friend from Thailand, who speaks some English and lives in Texas. Her efforts to get medical follow-up — let alone a 2nd opinion — are undermined and shamed. She is asking me (someone unfamiliar with all of this) for help. Her recent 2nd bout with (Stage 1) breast cancer resulted in a double…
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The tests seem neverending
Hi all. I've been on a breast "journey" for almost 2 years. I've had more mammograms and ultrasounds than I can count and it seems like they find something(s) new every time. I just had an MRI and it found even more areas that they want looked at again. It feels like I'm swimming in a sea of tests with no answers. Does…
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Breast lump, firm. Hope!
Last 2 nights my hands found a lump in my left breast. It's large, smooth, but firm and doesn't seem to move. It's doesn't hurt much. Like all the others, I panicked. I am 4 months postpartum, with a history of cystic breast bilateral. I recall to have a 1.5cm cysts on the same side I felt the lump. But I didn't think much…
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Zoladex side effects
I haven’t been sleeping at night for over 6 months from terrible hot flashes and insomnia. My lower back hurts but didn’t before. I’ve gained nearly 15 lbs and feel quite depressed by it. Not eating any different. Just feel so down. When will the weight go back down and I sleep at night?
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Anyone from Md?
Anyone in Md. ?
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Arimidex brand vs generic
I want to share my experience to hopefully help others decide. I tried the generic anastrozole and stopped after day one. Side effects were unbearable. I informed my oncologist that I decided not to do the hormonal treatment because of side effects and asked if she would monitor me instead. Thankfully she agreed to. But I…
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ADHD and Tamoxifen
I've seen a lot of women report that their ADHD meds don't work as well at certain times in their menstrual cycles. Wondering if anyone has noticed if their tamoxifen affected the effectiveness of their medication for ADHD? I got my ADHD diagnosis at 40, and haven't had a "normal" life or schedule since then so it's hard…
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Word Ladder - Part Two
Since the original word ladder has some technical difficulties, Sharon50 has asked that I start it up again. (Could it be a ploy to get around a six-letter word from scarabs? ) Here's a new old game, ladies I will try to guide you if it gets off track 1. Start with a 3 letter word. 2. The next person adds a letter to make…