MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

elimar86861

ellen1dg, Not only do you have dense breasts, which tend to hide things on the mammo images, but you also have LCIS, which can be diffuse and harder to image.  A lot of us did not have to go through the many diagnostics that you are having, but you still have a chance of everything coming out B9.  LCIS is a condition which can become invasive, but it does not always happen in many cases.  It is said to increase your risk for B/C, so you would probably be asked to stay on that 6 mo. screening schedule if nothing further is found.  Let us know the results of your biopsies.  While you waiting you might like to check out the forum on here "Waiting For Test Results" or check out the thread "Abbreviations for Newbies."  I put the link forthat below:

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/62/topic/735716?page=44#post_1952160

Valjean

Welcome Ellen! While I was reading your post, it brought back the days, weeks of dr. visits, biopsies, waiting, more dr. visits, scans, & more waiting, etc. It seems to move slowly but, seems to move at lightening speed at the same time. We are thrown right into it, aren't we, and we learn more than we ever wanted to know.   

We are waiting with you & we are here for you. Please keep us posted. Keeping good thoughts for a B9 result, with just a watch & see future.

{{hugs}}

♥

Valjean

elimar ~ Yay! No lung scarring!!!! Wonderful news!  ♥

NativeMaine ~ Thanks for explanation re: clips used in surgery. I have printed that info & will ask my Rad onc if I have any at my lumpectomy - SNB sight when I see him Nov 16. And I am off to pull out my operative report to read that as well. That should tell me before I even see the Rads onc.

Carrol2

Hello Everyone,

I am not having a good day. Just got back from the Oncologist and got my Oncotype score which was 31. So they recommend chemo. 4 sessions 3 weeks apart of TC.  They say it decreases the chance of recurrence by 20%. So the next 3 months are really gonna suck.  I am pretty down right now. Trying not to think the worst of all the side affects and remind myself that it will be temporary and when it's done it's done. So I am going to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion just because and get more info on all of this.

Hope you are all doing better than me right now. 

gingersfavorite1

welcome Ellen.    I am a lobular breast cancer girl myself.    Biopsy confirmed cancer in my right breast, suspicious spots in my left  (this was in May)  and I had a bilateral mastectomy on June 14.   Left breast proved not to be cancerous but I wanted them both gone.   Chose not to bother myself with so many mammograms and more biopsies in my future .... then end up (most likely)  having another surgery.     It's doable and you'll find that you've got what it takes to do what you need to do if you have to.

Or perhaps this will be nothing for you.     Come back and let us know either way please ~

Eph3_12

Carrol2-my onco score was 42...it is the pits to have the higher #, but I can tell you from personal experience that T/C, while not a piece of cake, is very do-able & you should be given enough drugs that your SE will be minimal.  With T/C hair loss is without question, around day 17 or so after 1st treatment.  My main tip is be sure & suck on ice chips throughout the entire administration of the drugs; I didn't have any problem with mouth sores, etc from my treatment by following those words of advice from another person who had done T/C.  Good luck, feel free to PM me if you need/want to.

ellen1dg

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.  I will keep you updated when I hear my results.  

Meece

Here comes a show of my ignorance.  I have looked through my records thoroughly, and cannot find any reference to an oncotype.  Is this part of the pathology report?  Is it found in a blood test, and if so, is it only present before treatment? 

I am very interested in things I learn here, and every so often I go through my records I learn a bit more.  Like, today when I read through I found out that they referred to my surgery as a Partial Mastectomy.   I knew I had a chunk taken out, and have had two surgeries so far to try to make it up, but never did the doctor ever verbally use that term.  I wonder if he thought I'd freak out.  I also found my brain MRI report that flat out said suspicion of metastatic lesion, but I did not find this out for months after the MRI, when my Rad Onc called me and told me hehad received a copy opf the report and wanted to see me about it.  My Onc at that time NEVER mentioned anything to me at all.  I would never recommend that center to anyone, although people swear by it.  Maybe ignorance is bliss.

Okay, deep breath, rant over.

Meece

I just found out the answer to my question...

" The Oncotype DX gene expression assay is intended to be used by women with early-stage (stage I or II), node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) invasive breast cancer who will be treated with hormone therapy." 

I am TN  so no oncotype testing for me.  Okay so the cancer center gets one point back.

sheila888

I'm wondering if Oncotype test was done routinely in 2005 or you had to ask for it.

Maybe I should ask the oncologist next month. I'm just curious.

Anonymous

The Oncotype test was first introduced in 2004, and even in 2008 wasn't routine, so it was probably pretty cutting edge in 2005, and we all know how slow doctors are to embrace new technology until it's been fully proven. 

Meece

Well, there is another reason I didn't get it.  I was dx'd in '03!

elimar86861

Seyla888, besides it being so new back then, you are HER2+ and chemo was probably already planned for you.  The Onco test is most helpful in figuring out if women with early stage B/C need (will benefit sustantially) from the chemo.

sheila888

Thanks PatMom.

I made it to Herceptin just in time. It was approved April or May 2005 for early stage BC and  It was interesting for nurses because I was their first case.

elimar86861

Did anyone else watch the tele-fundraiser (SU2C) Stand Up To Cancer?   I tried to donate, but phones were tied up.  I went online, filled everything out and then got the "problem loading page" screen after I clicked "donate."  I tried again, got the same screen.  For all I know I have donated twice, or else not at all.  Guess I'll wait and see what's on my charge statement.

Somewhat related:  About 10 days ago, I filled out the online registration for the Making Strides rally in my city.  I am not walking to raise funds, but planned to volunteer.  I called the same day because I wanted to ask what would be best to sign up for, that I could do side by side with my son who said he would volunteer with me.  Never got a call back.  I called again this morning, still did not get a return call.  

Much as I like helping for a good cause, I don't feel so good about it when it is not organized well or I have to keep pestering them to allow me to help.                                    

sheila888

I watched the first 15 minutes and started to get anxious and turned it off.

I dont know lately everything is effecting me. Maybe its age related.

♥

heymoose

HI to everyone,

This is a very interesting site.  I have only been reading about 20 pages and have realized this is a wonderful group to be associated with. 

I was diagnoised in March of 2008 and had many test and scans, two biopsy's and then a bi-lateral mastectomy w/ immediate reconstruction.  I have since recovered and feel fine.  However every once in awhile the cancer monster gets to me.  I dwell on the fact that I have lost my breast and my new girls do not feel the same.  They are bigger and I have a clevage but they are not mine.

So I am very glad to have found this site.  I know a few of you on this site and am looking forward to getting to know the rest.

Have a nice evening and sending (((((Hugs and Prayers)))))

Your friend,

Heymoose, Cheryl 

Meece

Heymoose,  welcome.  There are only two criteria to be on this thread (Elimar can correct me if I am wrong) 1) a sense of humor 2) a love of Cheetos

Meece

Oh, by the way, if you don't like Cheetos, I wouldn't admit it here.

elimar86861

Meece, I have to say that neither of those are actually required, but only with those two attributes will one fully be able to enjoy our particular brand of Middle Age Crazy!  

Welcome, heymoose!   A lot of us here are past the active phase of treatment, just trying to live like we did before all the B/C drama and connect with others doing the same.  While others are newly diagnosed, and they need help with info. and support just like we did at the beginning.  So we do our best with that.

It is no longer even realistic to think someone would go back and start to read from the beginning of this thread, so Newbies, don't even worry about it.  Just jump right in and we'll go from here.

elimar86861

Those not in active treatment, maybe with a little time on your hands, perhaps you can help me?  I'm putting out an APB on this little avian "shopper."  That's my kind of pet...I want him!

                                  

                          Ooooh!  I find myself mesmerized by this little video clip.

Eph3_12

OK E-how did you photoshop that little shoplifting sequence?

Meece

E~

Maybe we should go for another Cheeto Fest to get everyone up to speed.  I'll be over in a few so we can plan it all out.  Just got to find the keys to my new car.

I don't understand...my pictures won't post!

marlegal

i'm going to VA on 10/6 with chatters ... anyone interested is more than welcome!! we're doing busch grdens one night while there ... hope to see this

elimar86861

What's that?  A Li-ger?

barbe1958

Heymoose, you're also not allowed to mention the weather....uh oh, did I just say weather??? OMG I said it TWICE????? AAAAAAARrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

elimar86861

      

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Kleenex

Elimar - I can tell by the way the video was created that the bird is, indeed, your pet. It is obvious that you filmed him from your car using a phone while you waited outside for him to bring you the goods.

Wonder if I could train my guinea pig to shoplift cheetos?

Y'all should be proud of me: we had 9 inches of rain from tropical storm Hermine and I didn't even mention it here due to the moratorium on weather rambling. Ooops.

faithandfifty

HEYMoose!!!!!!

Welcome to middie-ton!!!

Middies, you don't realize what an angel IRL (in-real-life) our Cheryl is..... she has done so much for so many. Myself at the top of the list.

(((((((((((((((((((((moose))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Welcome, newbies.

Cheese-doodles & cheetos unite!!!!

Eph3_12

Awesome coaster picture!