first chemo done

jill323

OK, Ladies -

Now that Salwa has given me my little research "fix", I want to see how the rest of you are doing.  I am really behind here. 

Shannon - Good news about your Mom - but also a good idea to keep her away from little kids, as much as it might pain her.   No use of risking getting a cold or the like.    As far as soy goes... I would definitely ask your Mom's doc about it.  Soy products can contain things called "'phyto estrogens".    Basically, they are substances that have similar chemical structures to estrogen and can mimic its effect in the body.  In fact, if you go to the stores and look at natural products that advertise to relieve menopausal symptoms, you will see most of them contain high levels of soy.    So... for a highly ER positive tumor, I suggest you ask your doc about this.  I suspect most docs would not want her taking phyto estrogens.   (I used to work on a women's health product - so this one did not need "reasearch" - I knew it from my past).   I hope she is doing better now.  I know this is tough. 

Deb/Cindy - I have known some other ladies that had to be demanding in regard to their ports too !  (I will still have mine for about another year due to herceptin).   If they think you are "high risk" for recurrence, they may ask you to leave it in.  But, usually that is for folks that are triple negative or have other factors - which neither of you are.    So... demand away and get the darn thing out !   I won't consider myself "done" until that happens.

Cindy - I am so mad at your insurance carrier I can hardly see straight.  Isn't it enough to have to deal with cancer and chemo than have to put up with that too ?   I literally have never heard of a case where someone had to "justify" disability while on chemotherapy.   Tells you how far we have come (not).  I strongly suspect they started squeaking when your FMLA ran out - which means they have to cover the whole thing.   Heaven forbid they might actually have to provide the service for which you signed up.   

As far as working and radiation - well.. I found that to be easier than working while on chemo.  The big issue is that you have to have radiation at the same time every day, and as mine was at the end of the day, I had a firm set point to leave, which really limited my flexibility at work.  Basically had to have my secretary block off every day after 4:00 so I could get to my appointment on time.   It caused some scheduling issues, but other than that, was OK.  The only other downside was that toward the end of treatment, I could not wear a bra (due to my doc wanting air flow to the site).  So, that drove some interesting wardrobe choices for work.  But, I was able to get through that too with a little creativity.  The fatigue was annoying, but I dealt with that by going to bed earlier every night. 

I hope you are doing a bit better today.   Stay next to that puppy and DON'T OVERDO !  There will be plenty of time for gardening.

Deb - Now I know this is difficult.  But... you can see the end.   Just a little more.  You can do this.   I expect a big yell from you when this is done !

Orcha - Welcome to the thread !   Let us know how things go for you in regard to hormone therapy.  As you are ahead of most of us, we can certainly learn from you in this regard !

My friend, Kristi -  As usual, nice to hear from you - especially when things are going well.   You are right in that you are one person I don't worry about when we don't hear from you.  Your pattern was pretty clear in that you needed people when things were bad (and that is perfectly fine - a sign of a true extrovert - you get your energy from others).  So, not hearing from you usually meant the opposite - that things were pretty good.   There are others I worry about when they go dark because it means things kind of suck.   But, it was really nice of you to check in on folks.   I hope thing continue to look up for you !   As far as hair goes - mine started really coming back in about 3-4 weeks post chemo.   My head hair took off first but was quickly overtaken by my eyebrows and eyelashes - both of which are fully back now.   The head on my hair is still really short (less than 1/4") but is REALLY soft - and much grayer than when it fell out.   But, I have enough now that the folks at work are encouraging me to lose the hats - they said the lack of hair highlights my "delicate features" (aren't they nice?).  I would lose the hats if it were just a bit warmer.   I should post a new picture here so you all can see the progress.

The weird part is that my body hair is still coming in very slowly, which does not bother me in the slightest.  I still have zero hair under the arm that got radiated.   It can stay gone forever as far as I am concerned.

Denise -  Glad to hear that you are motoring right through radiation.  Yippee !   I hope you avoid the "swelling" I got at the end.   I even broke out the good pain killers at the end.  But, I will tell you that I am simply AMAZED at how fast my skin is healing.   At this point, it is just a little "dark", but not sore.  The boost area is still peeling, but does not hurt.   I go back to the doc this Wed. for my post treatment check up.  I suspect she will tell me how great it is going ! 

Belinda - I hope you are doing a bit better today.  You sounded a bit depressed last time - and guess what?  You have every right to be.  No reason to be "up" all the time.   If you feel down, don't burden yourself with expectations that you need to be "up" around us.   We have all been there.   Please let us know how you are doing. 

Whew... did I get everyone ?   That will teach me not to post for a while.   But, have not because things have been "good busy".  My daughter's play was outstanding.   My son is busy with his lacrosse league (he even scored two goals at the last match - which is great because the team only scored three in total - he got real close to the hat trick, but his last shot was barely blocked).    My son is a little guy (unfortunately got his mother's genes in that regard), but seems to have figured out his niche is getting around the big guys and getting open.  From there he is pretty quick.  So, I am glad he figured out how to use what God gave him.  My daughter is my artsy one - music and theater being the passions.    Kind of strange when Mom is a scientist and Dad does not have an artsy bone in his body.  But that is what makes things wonderful !

I hope everyone is doing well today !

Jill  

Cruise4life

Hi Ladies...

Well....I did it....I OVER did it...and yesterday caught a fever and chills over 100.8.  Not good so i called my doc and I am now on antibiotics.  When will I learn to slow down....

Commenting on Jill's remarks regarding the "T'"s there is such a tradeoff for sure.  I am not experiencing any numbing of fingers or toes but my hands are peeling and my thumbs have a darker moon than normal.  I was on the Epirubicin which caused me to end up in the hospital with heart palpitations so any therapy that can keep me from heart problems I will gladly deal with.

Jill what fun to have your kids so active...and they must love having you there to watch them.  They have your genes...so they will excel in whatever they do in life.  Congrats on a great job raising them.  You must be very proud.

Well, I am going to watch a little TV - Amazing Race and the Apprentice...and then off to bed.

 Hang in there ladies.....

Cindy

Salwa

Thanks Jill for the info. i will have my doctor to check this report and see what is better for me. I see that you are er positive. have you been on tamoxfin and if so what do you feel about it. is there any major side effects for it? thank you so much

 Salwa

jill323

Salwa - Nice to hear from you again.   I am sure when Kristi saw your note to me that she probably rolled her eyes and said "here we go again".   The reason why is that she knows I am in a big fight with my oncologist right now about whether to go on Tamoxifen.   Yes, I am ER positive, but not strongly.  I am only at 20% ER receptors (and as you can see PR negative).   However, I was highly Her2 Positive (10.0 as confirmed by FISH), which is why I am on Herceptin over the next year. 

Given I am only 20% ER positive, I am questioning whether I will get the benefit relative to the side effects.   Side effects for this drug CAN be hot flashes, weight gain, depression, mood swings, fatigue, but the one that bothers me most is in the area of bone health (again).   But, like any other drug, people react differently. 

That said, if I was over 50% ER positive, this would be a no brainer.  Hormone therapy is a proven and very effective way to prevent recurrence of ER/PR positive tumors - every bit as much as chemo is.   It is just that I am in a bit of a "gray area".   I will let you know where the fight comes out.  

By the way, there are studies that show anything over 10% ER positive would get a benefit from hormone therapy.  My doctor's job is to keep the cancer away using all means at her disposal.  So, I know why she is recommending it.   However, my job is to look at the whole picture.  As I am only 43 years old, I am wondering about the efficacy of this aspect of my regimen (given my low ER scores) relative to longer term quality of life issues.    That is where we are stuck. 

Sorry to not be more definitive.  You just happened to hit upon a sticky spot I am in right now.

When do you go back to your doctor ?

Jill

jill323

Cindy, Cindy, Cindy.....

 So, you over did it in the name of gardening.   I got an idea...  Maybe you can get your DB insurance guy to come out and do your gardening for you.  That way he can see you are sick and you can still get your gardening done (kidding).

Take it easy, lady.   As much as we all like to feel "normal", there are times to listen to your body.  I know it is frustrating.   But, this will be over, and there will be plenty of time for gardening. 

Also, thanks for your kind words.  I am pretty lucky in the kid department.  They have their days like anyone else does, but I can't complain.  They are good kids and I am proud of them.  

Have a good day today !  And take it EASY.

Jill   

mommy2dex

Cindy,

     I hope that fever is gone and that you are getting some rest.  If I lived near you I would soooo be over"coddling" you.  You wouldnt be able to stand it.  Please let us know how you are doing when you are up to it.

Jill,

     As always, it is great to hear from you. Thanks for the info on soy.  I am happy that we read up a litttle and have been having mom avoid it.  Strange though that the nurses havent mentioned this.  I will bring it up this week.

     What play was you daughter in, anything we would know?  My sister-in-law used to teach drama at the middle school level.  I always enjoyed going to watch her students perform.  Drama was something I could never do, good for her.  As far as the boy goes...Is't it funny that do do find their niche and their own way with things.  My son is growing and changing everyday and it is amazing to see his personality unfold.  I really do dream of what he will become.  Watch out world.

I will check in later.  I hope everyone is well today.  Happy Monday     Shannon

Salwa

Hi Jill,

Thanks for the info. in fact i'm strongly posistive for both ER and PR  one hundered per cent for both and negative HER. The pathologist is keep telling me that in my case hormonal therpy is enough and there is no need for any additional treatments chemo or radiology. He says that my case is very rare since it the entire tumor cells has receiptors on it to both of ER and PR. But he said that that last decision should be tomy oncologist. My oncologist doesn't know the results till now for my ER, PR and HER. I will be meeting with her next Monday. she already recomened 6 cycle of FEC followed by radiology for one month and then hormonal but at this time she was not aware of my ER, PR and HER results.

Do you think that after she see the results she might recomend only hormonal and there is no need for chemo? do you know similar cases with hundred percent postive ER and PR with negative HER? Also can you ask your oncologist in find out what the treatment would be in this case. I would appreciate that very much. 

Salwa

jill323

Salwa -

I am at work playing hooky, but I wanted to answer quickly because something in your note struck me.   I have to admit being apalled that your pathologist is making treatment opinions.  While it is unusual for a tumor to be 100% ER/PR positive, my opinion is that the pathologist may be giving you false hope.

I will ask my oncologist (see her on Wednesday), but I think I already know what her answer will be.    Unless I did not understand your other pathology, the truth remains that you have a stage 2 tumor and are 33 years old.    That alone, (even without the rest of the pathology) would likely be enough for them to recommend chemo per the treatment protocols.   I hope I am wrong, but that is what I suspect.

That said, another thought is to ask your doc about Oncotype DX testing - which will give you a "score" and determine whether you are high risk for recurrence.   Typically this is only done on Stage I tumors, but since yours is unusual anyway by being 100% ER/PR, perhaps they will consider it for you (I know the Oncotype test puts a heavy weight on ER/PR in reducing recurrence risk).  Something to consider.

But, I will ask my doc anyway.  She and I get in these types of dicussions a lot.   I am also sure she will give me her two cents about a pathologist providing this type of perspective.

Jill

jill323

Salwa -

Hi again.  I have attached something for you to peruse.   Please find in the link below the updated NCCN guidelines which outline treatment protocols.   These guidelines are generally what the docs follow.  To my surprise, they have incorporated the Oncotpye DX testing into these, and they are applicable to higher than Stage I.

The treatment protocol that you would have is located on page BINV-6 (just look for the line that says a tumor greater than 1 cm and has minimal or negative node metastisis).   The "gene assay" they talk about in here is the Oncotype test.    There is one in Europe called Mammaprint, but it takes into account more genes/markers.    Net, it appears you should ask your doc about Oncotype testing.  If your highly ER/PR positive score overcomes other factors, this should show up in a low score.  If that were the case, then they would likely only do hormone therapy.  But... get the test first.  

Here is the link:

www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/breast.pdf

I wanted to attach the more friendly patient version, but unfortunately they don't appear to publish that one anymore.

Jill  

Deb-from-Ohio

Oh Jill you will hear a loud yell.........I go in tomorrow for #11, hoping he will say that's enough...I've lost a thumbnail and a fingernail well not sure because what was underneath is hard like a nail, so don't know if that's what they're supposed to look like without a nail or if new ones were growing already but they sure are ugly..have another thumbnail about to fall off now...the two fingers on the left hand that were numb? Well now that whole side of the hand is numb...my heel hurts...So I will be so glad when this Taxol is done....

Asked the midlevel about taking my chantix again, she says not till I'm done with chemo...only medical place I know of that doesn't want you to stop smoking and chews you out for losing weight........LOL Says it will stress me out to bad.......It stresses me out more paying for cigarettes and they're going up again April 1st by $1.01 a pack!!

Have an appt with the breast surgeon on April 6th to make plans I guess....other then the nails, heel, hand, eyes watering and nose bleeding, I'm fine! And it's time for my nap! hehehe, suffer at work!!!!!

Hugs

Deb

Cruise4life

Hi Ladies..

Just popping in to say that I am feeling better but very tired.  I will learn and next session I will stay inside and veg for a few days before I start anything.  Lessons learned...

Shannon...come to California and bring your mom...we would love to hug both of you.

Jill... As always you are just full of great information for us...thanks for sharing your knowledge which is very comforting especially to those who are really scared about the process.

 Deb...you soon will be on your way to recovery....how exciting...please share with us your results and what you see come back to normalcy.

Salwa..when you get time update your profile so we know more about you..and there is a place to add your diagnose= it may help others.

Till next time...hugs all around...

Cindy

Deb-from-Ohio

Cindy, right now it seems so far away, I have two more chemo's, surgery and radiation before I'm finished..I'm not even sure if I remember what being normal consists of or what will be normal from now on....But will keep everyone updated...

Hugs

Deb

jill323

Hello, Ladies -

You know, I was intrigued by Shannon's soy question, even though I kind of knew why it  could potentially be perceived as a risk.  So, I quietly dug into it some more and what I found was really interesting.  Now, as I have promised you all in the past, I won't get too techie as I know that bores the heck out of most of you.

But... it appears the opinions on this are all over the place.   In fact, at one time, people were touting soy as a being a "helper" to PREVENT breast cancer.  The thought was that it would bind to the ER receptor sites preventing Estrogen from doing so (given its similar chemical structure).   THEN... it swung completely the other direction, with people saying that it could PROMOTE breast cancer due to its phytoestrogen properties.   What was really interesting is that there is clearly some industry influence going on here in the the agriculture industry and the naturists want to promote it as a nature's helper and the scientific community scoffing.

Bottom line for me is that there really are no definitive clinical studies one way or the other on this thing.   But, if I got a "vote" I would be more in the scientific camp (there's a surprise).    The reason why is that soy phyto estrogens have been shown to mildly relieve menopausal symptoms, which means at a low level it does behave to a certain extent like estrogen in the body.   However, like anything else, I don't think there is any reason to scour all of the food labels to see if there is soy in them and strictly avoid them.   But, I certainly would not go out and eat loads of soy either.   For me, (as I can't speak for anyone else), moderation would be fine.   

Jill

jill323

Hello again !

Just a check in this time.

Deb - Believe it or not, I agree with your doc.  Get through this stuff first and then take on the smoking thing.   If you decide to go the reconstruction route, I know there is a big old gap between radiation and reconstruction (like 6 months).  Any chance you could take it on then ?   But, the economic thing certainly is even more motivation, especially in these times. 

Remember, one milestone at a time.  You are almost done with a BIG one !

Cindy - Glad to see you are taking it easy.   I have also been thinking about your DB insurance thing.   Did you say that your DB guy had your lab results ?    I am asking because if he does and you did not sign a waiver allowing them to see your lab results, then someone screwed up somewhere - which means there is some leverage for you.     (OK... you are seeing my Type A thing in droves right now - but it is something that crossed my mind).     Take care lady and let me know how it is going.

Shannon - My daughter was in "Parade", which is a 3 hour play that depicts the true life story of the hanging of Leo Frank in the early 20th century and all the racial undertones associated with that time and place.   It is a musical, and a very challenging play for a high school.  But, I'll be darned if they did not pull it off.  It was outstanding.  Thanks for asking.   Yes, when kids are young, it is wonderful to see how they evolve.   When my son was young I used to remember thinking that it was good he was born second or there was a good chance he would have been an only child.  I attribute most of my gray hair to that child.    (You know that thing your Mom used to warn you about... I hope you get one just like you... well, it happened to me).  Anyway, as he has gotten older, I am really enjoying the young man he is turning into.   All the gray hair was worth it. 

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well today.  Off to work.

Jill  

Deb-from-Ohio

Well I got to see my regular oncologsit today..he wrote me a script for the chantix and told me to go ahead and take it...said it would be fine...so that's great news...I want to quit so bad.  I'ts not only the price, it's well my health. I don't want to be getting chemo for lung cancer next....He also said after examining me that I was in remission!  I don't know how he can be so sure but he seems to be..I worry about the lymph nodes. Also said he would be ordering a catscan before the 31st....so who knows....but it was nice to hear anyway!  AND................................................................

ONE MORE CHEMO TO GO , AFTER NEXT TUESDAY I AM DONE!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!

Love and hugs

Deb

p.s. Jill had to edit this, I'm not having a mastectomy, am getting a lumpectomy so no reconstruction needed......

mommy2dex

Deb,

     Sounds like you got some fantastic news.  I am happy to hear that.  Soooo happy only one more now.  I can only imagine how excited you must be that this phase is almost over.  I am thinking good thoughts for you.  Take care      Shannon

Deb-from-Ohio

Hi Shannon

  Yup was a good day although I don't know how he can say I am in remission without a scan first..but he seems pretty sure. I'm trying to not get too excited until the ct scan..it's hard though. I just can't wait for the surgery and radiation to be over now so I can get back to somewhat normal, whatever normal will be!

Hugs and prayers

Deb

Cruise4life

Hi Ladies...

Jill ...not sure what DB is...but thinking insurance disability manager??? Anyway no one has my lab results only me and doc.   I did get a call from Aetna Nurse and confided with her my results and she informed me of help within the Aetna group.  Checked on me to be sure I was offered counseling and where I could go for support...I mentioned this great website.  She thought it was great that I was reaching out to others with similar cases.

 Also I tried Soy when I was having those nasty hotflashes during menopause....YUCK....not a flavor I enjoyed or taste.

Deb...since you are having a lumpectomy are you also having your lympnodes tested?  This just goes to show you every case is very different.

Shannon ...how is mom doing?

I have a doctor visit tomorrow and lab work...I hope he feels that I am doing fine.  I feel really tired this time and do not have any energy at all.  It took me about 2 hours just to make the bed.  Stripped down and washed...

Until next time ladies...hang in there....

Cindy

Deb-from-Ohio

Hey Cindy

  Yup because it was in my lymph nodes when I started....that's the part I worry about...I just don't see how a doctor can do an outward exam and claim you're in remission...I mean there could be cancer cells lurking anywhere....but will find out when I get the ct scan..then and only then will I believe it, I know my luck!

Hugs!

Deb

mommy2dex

Cindy....i am sorry you are feeling so worn out.  hope your labs come back good tomorrow.  hang in there, you are almost better now.

Mom had her labs and herceptin infusion this morning.  Her white count took a dump so she will now be on leviquin for 7 days.  dad says he is just going to move out so he doesnt bring anything home to her.  so, needless to say we werent thrilled that she too is worn down, but,she is doing alright other than that.  you cant keep a good woman down. you are all living proof of that.

Deb...still thinking good thoughts that everything is going to keep looking up for you.  i will be checking to see how the scan goes.

Til next time everyone take it easy, and as always i am thinking of you all          Shannon

Cruise4life

Hi Ladies...

Shannon...be sure your mother is eating good.  Give her lots of protein and have her drink gallons of water...She will feel better in a few days....and then of course it will be time again.

Deb...so you were diagnosed by having your lympnodes tested first?  Now you are going in for a lumpectomy?  When is that scheduled?  or am I just confused....huh???

Well I am off to the doc today at noon and hope everything is good until next time.  I will keep you all posted.

Have a great day!!!!

Cindy

Deb-from-Ohio

No Cindy I had a stereotactic breast biopsy, they never have tested my lymph nodes said they could tell by feeling, the one that goes from the frontside of your breast up to the front of your armpit was very stiff and thick they said...I have an appt April 6th to find out when my surgery is and what she plans on doing and all....I had neoadjuvant chemo, meaning I had the chemo first to shrink it all before surgery because I sure didn't want a mastectomy, too much surgery involved and waiting...And my chances of recurrance are the same no matter which I chose so I am choosing the easier of the two. They also told me  that it usually doesn't come back in the breasts anyway if it comes back....I'm glad now I had the chemo first obviously.

Oh well had chemo yesterday, out raking flowerbeds today, Thank God I'm done,  didn't realize how out of shape I had became since October............

Hugs

Deb

Cruise4life

Hi Deb:

Thanks for the clarification...I am sure if I looked back at the previous postings I would have found the answers.

You are now done with chemo...good news...and surgery isn't far away...we will be pulling for you and want to know when it is scheduled so we can have a healing session online....

Stay out of the garden...it did me in....

Deb-from-Ohio

Nope babe, have next Tuesdays to go, t hen I'm done...well  ya know how it with the steroids the day after chemo, you actually have energy...so had to do something with it..Gawd I'm old..

Will let ya know soon as I know something which will be April 6th!

Hugs

Deb

jill323

Hello, Everyone !

Back from Herceptin #4.  Spent three hours sleeping off the damn Benedryl this afternoon.   I feel fine other than still being a little woozy.    I always get really cold after they give me that and feel like I have been hit by a truck.   Got to go sleep it off.    But other than that, both my oncologists (radiation and medical) say I am doing "fabulous".    I have my first post treatment mammo on April 10 and the next Muga scan (heart) on April 22.  I am glad they are watching the heart thing so close. 

Salwa - As promised, I did ask my doctor about your situation.  She reacted the way I thought she would.  Said that if she were presented with a case like that (keeping in mind that both of us only have your top line information), she would still recommend chemo despite the 100% ER/PR score.   She said the primary considerations taken into account would be your young age and tumor size because,  irrespective of the ER/PR scores, the statistics are still very clear in terms of recurrence risk (i.e. it would likely be high risk).  However, then she said something interesting, which is that she has had people refuse her recommendations in the past and that she would never "force" anything on anyone.  This highlights a point often forgotten - as much as we would like to have a clear cut answer, in the end, it is our choice to follow the recommendation or not.  She said she has had cases where people don't follow and end up getting bitten and other cases where luck was on their side.    Oh... and she did not react too well to a pathologist doling out treatment option opinions.   Her exact words were "irresponsible" of him/her to do that.  (I figured I would get a bit of an earful on that).

So...  when do you go back to your oncologist ?   You should probably ask about whether the oncotype test is warranted and ask about the high ER/PR scores and what chemo could buy you beyond Tamoxifen.   Then, it is pretty much up to you to decide how much risk do you want to take for how much benefit.  I hope this was helpful.

Cindy - Yes, DB = disability.  I was talking about the disability account manager who was questioning why you weren't back at work.    You sound a bit better today.  Is the fever gone ?

Deb - Great news about trying to get going on the Chanix again.  Now, you have only one more.  Don't over do it !  

Shannon - Sorry to hear your Mom has taken a dip, but this is to be expected.  I am kind of confused about the whole point of your Dad moving out to prevent "germs".    That seems a little extreme.   Do you think it might be more about him having difficulty seeing her this way ?   Cindy's advice was good.   Lots of fluids !

Take care everyone. 

Jill  

mommy2dex

Jill,

    That was dads attempt at humor.  He would never go anywhere,  He was a little upset with himself due to the fact that he has been under the weather. He was blaming himself for the drop in her count.  Though some of this is to be expected,  we really need to be taking better precautions with these spring colds everyone is so prone to here in Florida.   But dad will be right by her side adorned in a mask if need be throughout this process.  No worries.

    Mom is very tired, having the digestive tract trouble, dry mouth, a little trouble with her eyes, face breaking out and the scalp is begining to itch.  She still claims she is almost better now.  So, despite these SE's she is still mom. 

    Anyone with any good protein ideas that might be appealing during this time period please chime in.  Got to get that count back up.

 Cindy,

    Thanks for checking in and for the advice.  Hpoe your labs are good and I will be watching for your next post.

 Thinking of you all as always                Shannon 

   

Deb-from-Ohio

Shannon, I was having trouble with my counts too...I hadn't had to have a shot of lukine for the first 7, then on the 8th and 9th Taxol, my counts dropped...sooo not having alot of tastebuds either, I went for the malts...LOL, make them at home.  I also ate alot of steak and ate bacon and eggs everyday for breakfast. Said the heck with the cholesterol, I didn't want those shots. It helped too, the last two times I haven't had to have a shot. My counts have been great and this last time, I only gained 2 ounces! Go figger!

Hugs

Deb

Salwa

Hi Jill,

i haven't been here for some time cos i was busy. thanks for your updates and i started to think that i have to go with chemo for my kids sake. i want to ask someting else, what would be the chances of recurrent after i take my FEC chemo course, radiation and tamoxfine? do you have statistics or figures?

thanks Jill

jill323

Salwa -

Hi.  I just sent you a private message with the recurrence stats I got out of Adjuvant.  Please let me know if you got the message.

I am a little nervous posting those stats broadly because I am not a medical professional.  I did do the Adjuvant exercise because you asked.  But, I ask you to please ask your doc the same question you just asked me.  

It sounds like you are understanding your options better.   I am really interested in what the doc has to say!

Jill

kristifromsandiego

Hi Jill,

You are very good at research, I feel like I learn a little something every time I read your stuff.  Even if I am all done with chemo (TAC).  

Salwa, I am 3 1/2 weeks post my last chemo and my fingers are still a bit numb and my eyes are watering a bit, but all in all I feel great, so keep your spirits up, this will take time to complete but there will be an end and you will make it through it.

This is a great site to vent and get strength from.

Kristi