-
Completed 8 years on Letrozole - trying to control hormones/hot flashes/weight gain
It's been nearly 10 years since my diagnosis of Stage 2 Breast Cancer at age 48. After surgery & treatment, I was on letrozole for nearly 8 years. It was a challenge to tolerate it - joint pain, hair loss, exhaustion etc., but I did for almost 8 years hoping the benefits would outweigh the risks. Unfortunately my blood…
-
So scared and spiraling and need help
I had my six month check up today. Ironically for the first time ever, everything is in the normal range. However, my ALP is going up like gangbusters. It was 110 today and it's been creeping up since diagnosed although this was the biggest jump. I was 76 last time. My NCI oncologist (or her PA more specifically) is not a…
-
Redness / swelling 4 weeks after lumpectomy
Hi all, I’m just curious if anyone developed sudden redness and swelling and increased tenderness several weeks after their surgery? My lumpectomy seemed to be healing very well until day 28, when I suddenly woke up with more pain/swelling and developed redness in the breast. I saw my surgeon that day, who aspirated some…
-
4mm irregular mass
Hi, I had a 3D mammo and they found a 4mm irregular mass in the middle lower base. They said because of insurance reasons I have to wait for a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound. I am losing my mind. She said try not to worry because the mass didn’t show up on one view and she said that’s common with dense breast tissue. Does…
-
NEW TO STAGE IV……WHAT ABOUT THESE TREATMENT DRUGS?
BONE METS AFTER 13 YEARS NED SUDDENLY IN TREATMENT AGAIN So in January 2023 My Oncologist sent me for scans following a high CANCER ANTIGEN 27.29 blood test, which I’ve gotten every 6 months with followups with him. Since 2009 until recently my CA 27.29 blood test was always Low ranging from 22 to 26, 27. It’s been like…
-
I am so mad
I hate being here but here I am. Diagnosed stage IV to liver (20+ lesions), lung, spine, pelvis, skull (so I am not long for this world). I have no symptoms. It was caught during a routine MRI for my ongoing bulging disk issues. I have had other radiology over the past 7 months and there was nothing in these places. I had…
-
Daughter just diagnosed stage II
Hello , I am new to this site. My youngest daughter just found out she has stage 2 grade 3 Cancer. We saw her surgepn for the firs time yesterday and next week we see her oncologist. I am not new to Cancer, my mother had breast cancer 33 years ago and fought it for 8 1/2 years. I remember being so angry at God because I…
-
Watch: Beyond Treatment: How to Get the Follow-Up Care You Need
Follow-up care after breast cancer is essential. Getting good follow-up care can make a big difference in your long-term health and quality of life. In this Breastcancer.org webinar, you’ll find out how often you should see your oncologist after your treatment ends and get other practical advice from our expert panelists…
-
Magnesium spray
I stopped taking the magnesium pills and have been using this. I have been sleeping better than ever! It's amazing! Magnesium spray: Magnesium flakes (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084HLHHWJref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_9T5Q2WQRCAR5PWW56ZZB) Distilled water Lavender essential oil Boil 1 part distilled water and add it to 1 part…
-
Waiting for results of Biopsy for Melanoma
I finished tx for HR- Her2+ BC in November 2022. I just had a dark, very small mole biopsied. Im waiting for results. Im also at the one year mark to do scans. I was doing so well but now Im terrified again. I have so much anxiety. I feel like Im worse now than 2 years ago. I cant get past the fear that cancer is going to…
-
My stereotactic biopsy experience
ok ladies, just home from this procedure and thought I would share in hope of helping someone in the future facing the anxiety and worry. History: I am 49, mom had bc that presented as a lump she discovered on her own at exactly same age as I am currently, but she avoided medical attention to it for 9 years. Yes 9 years.…
-
Lets do a Sh*t People say to Metastatic BC Patients
Give me your best lines!! I want to make a fun video.
-
Axillary region soft tissue
Left lumpectomy 2/23 and the radiation Months later, and I’m dealing with a chronic bronchitis cough. I had a Chest CT with contrast this past weekend. They ruled out a pulmonary embolism- due to other symptoms I have with the cough. The radiologist reported: “Soft tissue density that has increased size compared with the…
-
Indent
So I have had a mammogram and ultrasound in September that came back fibrocystic breast I have also lost 70 pounds in a year now I have a indent one my breast I have seen multiple doctors and oncologist said it’s from weight loss I am so scared
-
Mixed Messages from the Medical Community
Maybe it is just me, but I feel there are so many mixed messages from the medical community that it is no wonder patients are confused. Example: After having breast cancer three times, I am now experiencing bone pain. I finally was convinced by many here, including the moderators, to see my MO sooner than scheduled. I have…
-
Buckle up ladies, Puketober is upon us
Fall is my favorite season.. but I absolutely hate the pink washing that happens every October. And the anniversary of my 1st diagnosis is never a “fun” day. Ugh...31 days.. we can do this!
-
Aromatase Inhibitors
Hi guys How are you dealing with the pain in your joinths and muscles while on anastrazole. I am alergic on pain killers and anyway wouldn't be ideal to use them all the time. I am an Aromatherapist and I am using essential oils to help me out with pains in my back, arms and legs. I am using Aloe gel and adding essential…
-
Weight gain on treatment
I am currently on letrozole, zoladex, and verzinio with stage 4 bone mets with a hip replacement, kyphoplasty and spinal injury. It is hard to be active because of pain but I try to work out 3 days a week...I have gained 20 lbs in 6 months and am only eating 1500 calories a day. Looking for advice- I am 5"2 and never been…
-
Awaiting MRI for Bone Mets
Hi! Probably a common situation… finished BC treatment a year ago this week. Two months ago hip started aching on and off. Now a little more consistent especially at night. Went to GP thinking he would send me with referral to PT. Instead X-ray ordered and result is “patchy areas of sclerosis with two largest 3.1 cm on…
-
What Helps Women Stick to Hormonal Therapy Treatment Plans After Surgery?
What Helps Women Stick to Hormonal Therapy Treatment Plans After Surgery? August 25, 2023 Lowering medicine prices seems to be one of the best ways to help women stick to their hormonal therapy treatment plans after breast cancer surgery. Read more…
-
Parathyroid disease and breast cancer
I keep on seeing posts that people have had these dual diagnoses; sometimes the parathyroid disease pre-dated the bc and sometimes the other way round. I am becoming convinced that the two are causally related, so am interested to see just how many of you have been affected. Many of us are getting osteoporotic and blaming…
-
Increase In Tumor Markers but Pet/Scans show stable
The doctor just called and said that since my markers have increased they want another scan in 3 months instead of 6 months. She told me that it was just a precaution since the scan has been stable and the markers increased, they just wanted to triple-check that the meds are working. Diagnosis in 11/22, two recent scans…
-
High Blood Calcium Levels
Hi, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast cancer 5 years ago - completed lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Been on Tamoxifen for almost 5 years because I am still pre-menopausal as measured by my estradiol count. I went to my primary care physician for my annual physical, and she called me back to say that my calcium level…
-
Burning and itching near old incision site after recent injury.
I had a skin sparing bmx about 4 years ago, and had pre pec silicone implants placed shortly thereafter. I have not had any issues with pain in the region since the removal of my port, a few months after the exchage surgery for the implants. Only the occasional unscratchable internal itch and some aching from cold. The bmx…
-
Just diagnosed, trying to make surgical decisions
Hi. I was just diagnosed with IDC, ILC, E+, P+, HER2-, 1.3cm & 1.7cm tumors (left breast only), 7% growth rate, Grade 2, staging to be done with surgery. Was initially considering lumpectomy with radiation, but am concerned that I have had ILC for a while and it hasn't shown up on imaging. I have had multiple mammograms,…
-
Thoughts about going flat after single side Mastectomy
Hi, I am 37 years old, diagnosed with DCIS stage 0. Planning to do Mastectomy but wanted to go flat without reconstruction. my bra size is 34D and need suggestions about the prostheses and bras to use.
-
implant exchange
Hello. I had a bilateral skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy with a tissue expander on 9/19/23. My PS and I decided not to expand further as the size works for me. This means I have not done any expansion since the surgery, which he placed 200cc at that time. The next step is the implant exchange, and I decided to go with…
-
Trust your gut re: Pneumonitis
All, This is a warning to all of you who are having symptoms of pneumonitis. In the past two years, I have had severe adverse reactions to Ibrance and Piqray. The Piqray episode sent me to the ER and the hospital for five days. This was in late March. My oncologist (former) gave me this drug when I had progression on…
-
Pain in entire body
Hi Friends, I am 45 and I was diagnosed in 2019 on right side, mastectomy was one and then implant was placed. I have been taking Tamoxifen since 2019. My Dr explained lot of side effect of Tamoxifen and I am aware of them. After surgery I was going to lymphoma clinic to drain and then Physio Therapy because I started…
-
Review of Early Symptoms
Hello, I am 46, Ashkenazi Jewish, with two nodules in left breast. One only .2 cm and the other 1cm. Blood tests came back with mild anemia and possible infection. Symptoms include pain on left side. Not where I feel the nodule, but my breast feels heavy almost like something is pulling it when lying down. My left underarm…