Jan 31, 2011 11:04PM pejkug3 wrote:

I'm trying to learn all I can about triple +.

I was diagnosed with IDC on 1/13.  I had my lumpectomy and axillary node dissection on 1/27.  I should receive final pathology on that tomorrow.  My surgeon believes he got clear margins and my initial SNB was clear.  My tumor was <1cm so I was very, very blessed to find it so early. 

I'm morbidly obese.  I could easily lose 100lbs.  I crigne everytime someone comes down hard on a fat girl with BC.  I've always struggled with weight but it really got out of control after my daughter's drowning death in 2003.  Having PCOS and hypothyroid has added to the mess.

I was walking EVERYDAY for 35 minutes before my diagnosis.  I'm getting back to walking tomorrow.  I guess I'm a wimp because I still feel a little weak after my surgery (4 days ago)

I'm not even sure what tripe + means.  My surgeon keeps telling me how positive all my news is and how my final pathology will determine the need for chemo.  But triple + pretty much guarantees chemo, right?

Jan 31, 2011 11:29PM mmm5 wrote:

Hi Triple Positive here too.

Just getting ready to celebrate my 3 year mark in 2 months. I have hated this bc ride but have learned much and know you all can do it too. The outlook for Her2 gals is very bright! 

Feb 1, 2011 07:11AM sunflower71 wrote:

Just a quick tip for those suffering from hot flashes: Flaxseed!  I have been researching alleviating menopausal symptoms lately, specifically hot flashes and lack of mojo.  Typically, symptoms are alleviated with hormone therapys, aka estrogen, which is now our number one no-no.  I started eating ground flax seed on everything after reading that it would help with hot flashes (and it's good for you).  I do feel it is working, I am still getting them, but not as severe. 

Feb 1, 2011 07:21AM saralmom wrote:

Add me to the triple positive list!  I was diagnosed almost exactly a year ago, and had 2 lumpectomies - first one didn't have clear margins.  Due to 2 sentinel nodes positive (none after that) and the need for Herceptin, did ACx4 every 2 weeks, then Taxol every week and Herceptin every 3 weeks.  Will finish Herceptin in June.  Also had radiation Sept - Oct. Have been taking Tamoxifen since finishing rads, and also had a hysterectomy (laparoscopic) last week - I'm 44 and haven't had a period since May during chemo, but my onc wants me to stay menopausal and also decrease estrogen production, not to mention I have a history of uterine polyps, and Tamoxifen can have uterine cancer as a SE.  My onc says that she prefers to keep me on Tam for now rather than switch to an AI - so I'm interested to hear what others experience is with this.

I'm so happy to read about all of you out there diagnosed 2, 3, 4, 5 years and beyond.  You are my inspiration.  I am also keeping up with info about most likely recurrences for Her2 being in the first 2-3 years - I am a bit obsessed with recurrence fears at times.

I haven't had scans at all.  Just my diagnostic mammos, and MRI before surgery.  My onc insists that symptom monitoring and blood work are enough at my stage.  She says that if anything hurts for more that 2 weeks, we will look at it.  Of course I have aches and pains all the time and am constantly assuming its mets.  Even had a liver scare with blood work - but ultrasound showed nothing there - all normal.  So now I am starting a program at my cancer center focusing on relaxation and meditation as a way to cope and handle fears, moving forward etc.

For those of you who are just starting on treatment - you can do it!  I was so anxious about chemo and it was very manageable, and even seems so long ago at this point. I love hearing about how Her2 outlooks are so bright these days.  And feel very lucky about having Herceptin for my early stage BC.

Sara 

Feb 1, 2011 08:51AM nora_az wrote:

Hi there!

Add me to your triple positive list!

I am just past number 4 of TCH

Had DIEP done and now looking at needing a hernia repair when I am done with chemo but still happy I did it.