Calling all TNs

Titan

Hey Heidi..good luck tomorrow..and you know what..knowing YOU..you probably won't even need that freaking walker....hell..it is just one knee..my mom had double knee replacement and used a walker for maybe a week..she is 76!  She also drove b-4 they told her she could!  What can I say..I get my "stuff" from my mom..

Had my onc appt. today...felt me up..said that my breasts aren't so lumpy and bumpy anymore and that he couldn't feel anything that wasn't normal breast tissue  YAY...he also asked me..Don't you have ANY SE"S from chemo...I was like..how do I know?   I don't know how I would be NOW if I hadn't had breast cancer/surgery/chemo/rads...I'm a total different person now...I did say that my memory was a little weird but seemed to be getting better...I have had some neck "crunchiness" that I posted about on another thread and he said that is was nothing but that when it started to hurt it would be arthritis.I will take arthritis...

He did say that my daughter would need a mammo at age 30...actually I would like her to have one now...

lrr4993

heidi - good luck with surgery

jenn - i hope it turns out that you are worried over nothing.   

Anonymous

Titan- headed to bed now. Have to get up early to buy a saddle before my surgery. I'm not kidding either! Want a synthetic for swimming the horses this summer and a gal near the surgery center is selling one. So convenient, right?

Yes, I don't think I'll really use the walker either, but they said I had to have it for discharge. Being such a good girl I figured I didn't want to get in trouble BUT what are they going to do--- re-tear my meniscus if I don't have one? 

It's such a nice walker... folds up and everything. Now, if I could just get my dentures to fit properly...NOT!

Sugar77

Heidi - good luck tomorow!

Jenn - thinking and praying everything will be okay. 

cc4npg

Jenn3:  I just read about what's going on and had a couple questions.  Did they do a ct with contrast?  You said it wasn't looking good, but not sure what they told you so far.  I have lung nodules also.  Mine were found 3 months before my BC dx, so naturally when I was dx my mind went crazy and I thought I had cancer in the lungs too.  So far, they labeled me having histoplasmosis which is a fungal infection that I apparently had.  A couple nodules are 6-8 mm, so they will monitor them to make sure they don't grow.  But when they did a ct on me, it was with contrast and the nodules didn't enhance which means little likelihood of cancer. So that's why I wanted to comment... because I do have nodules too and there are several tiny ones throughout both lung fields, many are calcified, but some aren't.  I also have scaring on the top, but again all this can be because of infections.  Praying that what you have is just something similar to what they've told me and will cause you no problems.

cleob

Heiditoo,

Thanks for making that article available, it made an interesting read. Hi Ladies,I am posting on this thread for the first time and hoping that succor will come my way soon. With my current experience since diagnosis, I still remain positive about the outcome of my treatment but can't help being anxious. was diagnosed in April 2010 (weakly 5% ER+,PR-, HER2-), treatment started in May (12 weekly Taxol and 4 tri- weekly AC). Did only 9 taxol out of which 7 was dose reduced due to cellulitis and realising the non-response of tumor I was quickly switched over to AC which did the magic. Soon after i had a lumpectomy and breast reduction same day, had clear margins and only 1/22 nodes was slightly positive followed by 33 radiation shots. I was to start 3 more tri-weekly Abraxane in early January to complete the protocol but two weeks after completion of radiotheraphy in mid-december I noticed a growth on my groin close to the labia.A week after I noticed two more growth on my chestwall at the back behind my original primary tumor. WAS I ALMOST SCARED TO DEATH- YOU BET. I have since done a petscan which confirmed the presence of tumor cells and an excision of the groin area confirms a TN. I am now on XELODA instead of ABRAXANE while awaiting further results of the excised tissue.

Has anyone had a similar experience or recurrence so soon in their treatment. i need all the support and advise. GOD BLESS.

Lovelyface

Heidi - My best wishes for your knee surgery tomorrow.  Hope all goes well.

Jenn - I am probably in the same boat as you so maybe we can share this scare.  I have really sharp pain in my ribs and had a right rib xray today. The results will come out tomorrow.

Additionally, I recently had a clean mammo, ultrasound and MRI, however, just tonight, I feel a tiny little painful lump at the edge of the right breast.  This is unbelievable.  The sharp pain in my rib seems to be in one spot, but when I start to massage the area, it seems to be in a larger area.  I feel that this is all post chemo pain. Is it possible that chemo causes nodules on some of us?  I am so sick of this horrible disease.  I feel so alone now, not sure what to do, as I just had the mammo and ultrasound and they had declared everything clear, and now this little painful lump.  Do we go to the doctor every day?  Today, I spent half my day at the Oncologist (blood test for tumor markers), Radiologist (starting radiation tomorrow) and the rib xray.  My God, when is this going to end?  I touch them every day, is that a good idea or bad?  I think I am gonna find something there every day, I swear.  Anyone else with a pain in their ribs a month after chemo?  Please pray with me that this is only chemo pain and there are no nodules.

Heidi - you are right, that is we should not worry until we find the facts.  It could be nodules from the chemo which is NOT cancer.

Lovelyface

Hi Cleob - you are the first person who I have found has a 5% ER positive.  I am a 5% PR positive, otherwise TN.  Do you mean to say that the tumor cells in the groin area confirmed that it was breast cancer metastized, which they call distant metastasis?  Well, tonight I am keeping my fingers crossed as you can see my post that I feel pain and am scared of my xray results tomorrow.  The growths you mention, were they like lumps?  My Oncologist wants to treat me with anti-hormone therapy due to the 5% PR positivity. I am sorry I don't have much advice at this point, except to say that you should not think of the worst.  I have heard that many higher stage women live healthy lives for many many years and don't die of breast cancer but of other causes.  I hope Xeloda works miracles for you and stops all growths.

riley702

Lovelyface - I'm 8% ER+, and my onc has me taking Tamoxifen. I said I would as long as the SEs weren't bad; so far, I've had none in 3 months.

tnbcRuth

Be careful with poking and massaging ribs...I found one tiny sore spot and poked it for 2 weeks at which time I got scared and ended up having a bone scan.  It was nothing...I had just poked at it so much it turned a small sore spot into a big sore spot.  My bs said rib pain was a common complaint resulting from the trauma to our breasts.  Definitely have it checked out, but leave it alone and see if it goes away first before you to go the time and expense and worry of more testing.

Here's hoping everyone's worries are B-9 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fighter_34

Heidi-Good Luck and take it easy. I'll PM you my email address today.

Follow-up appt ladies what's the standard a breast exam, blood draw and what else???I go back to the ONC in two weeks to close out CHEMO. He's saying to make sure my SE are gradually easing away and to check my counts. Then after that I go every three months.

I go for my exchange surgery after we meet up for the Cherry Blossom parade. Did I mention I have feeling in one of my brest more than the other, I FELT THAT NEEDLE GO IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still worried about those waiting test results. Continue to eat healthy and walk.

HUGS to all.... 

MBJ

I haven't been on in the last couple days so I have alot of catching up to do!

Heidi:  We are all thinking about you and your surgery today and you might be happy to have that walker right after having knee surgery!  My brother had several knee surgeries and from a long ago auto accident and they made him use one too, and he was really young--I think in his 20's!  I had no idea they made synthetic saddles for horses in water!  I hope you heal up quickly and are riding again in no time!

For all of you having tests:  I am hoping that everything is B9 and you continue in good health.

MBJ

Fighter:  I have lots of feeling on my MX side--the numbness is mostly under my arm and on my back.  It doesn't feel the same as before, and there is a small area in front where it's still numb but I am happy you have some feeling returning!

Suze35

Heidi - good luck with your surgery!!



Jenn - I am thinking of you and sending positive energy your way. I'm so sorry you have to go through this waiting, and hope it is nothing in the end.



Lovelyface - sending you positive vibes and thoughts as well!





Yesterday was my last chemo - yayyyy! My doctor does think it is cording due to my nodes being scarred and non-functional. She is getting me a LE PT consult, and gave me a few exercises
to do in the meantime. In her eyes, it was a good sign about my nodes being scarred - but of course, puts me at more risk for LE. I'll be sure to let my BS know also.



Have an upper endo scheduled for 3/3 to make sure I don't have an ulcer from all this crap.



And I have a stinking cavity! My first one in 25 years. Ugh.



Okay guys, lets put our good thoughts together for our sisters in need - thinking of you all!

beccad

Suze, Yayyy, for finishing chemo!!!  I just read your profile and we are pretty much on the same timeline.  I finished chemo on 2/8 and will have surgery on 3/7. 

Beccad

MonikaV

Heidi: Good luck today.

Jenn3: You are constantly in my prayers.

Suze35: Congrats on finishing Chemo!

Everyone else : Have a great day . Off to school now.

Fighter_34

YEAH Suze I know the feeling all to well!!!!! Take it easy and enjoy.

cleob

To all the ladies having surgery, chemo, tests, and awaiting results, my heart goes out to you all.

LOVELYFACE: YES THE GROWTHS ARE LUMPS THAT EXPRESSED CANCER CELLS. THE ONE IN THE GROIN AREA IS BREAST CANCER. THE PETSCAN ONLY SHOWED THE PRESENCE OF CANCER CELLS AT THE SITE OF THE THREE LUMPS,. OTHER TISSUES AND ORGANS ARE CLEAR . HOW IT GOT THERE AFTER ALL THE TREATMENT IS BAFFLING, WE ARE AWAITING  A  FEEDBACK FROM A RESEARCH LAB AND I WILL BE SEEING MY BS SOMETIME THIS WEEK.

RILEY702: IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT WE SHARE A SIMILARITY. I DID NOT INITIALLY UNDERSTAND THE WEAKLY POSITIVE THING OR KNOWING WHETHER I WAS TN OR NOT. TAXOL DID NOT WORK QUITE WELL WITH ME BUT AC DID. HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM TAMOXIFEN SO FAR AND WHAT WAS YOUR TREATMENT PROTOCOL.

 KIND REGARDS TO ALL.

cc4npg

Hurray for Suze35!!  Congrats!!

jcoutee

riley702 & cloeb-i am 8% er+ and doing the weekly taxol x 12 followed by bi-weekly ac x 4.  i went to MD Anderson and the dr there suggested taking tamoxifen but my onc. here has not.  i was going to ask him if it would be a good idea to take it after all my treatments.  i also was wanting to have another baby and everyone said to wait 3 years after chemo but if i am weakly estrogen positive i don't know if i should.  did your drs suggest you do the tamoxifen? and for how long 5 years?

femailman

Dear workmother,  I was diagnosed as triple negative in July of 2007.  I tried a lumpectomy, but ended up with a masectomy anyway.  I did not do radiation, but I did 4 treatments of adriamyacin and 4 of taxol.  I lost all hair, and it did grow back, although not as fast as I would like.  It is scary, but everyone, including me, will tell you to hang in there.  Chemo is do-able, not fun, but do-able.  The thing to remember that all of it is temporary.  It is all leading to erradicating the invader.  Don't dwell on much past that until you are past all of this.  One step at a time is my advice.

Lovelyface

Ladies - everyone thank you so much for your good wishes.  The nurse just called me to say that my ribs xray was fine, there was nothing.  I think this is all just post chemo pain.  I was measured for radiation today and will be starting tomorrow.

Suze - Oh, you must be SO relieved, I can only imagine how I felt when chemo was finished.  So happy for you. Thanks for your positive vibes and kind thoughts you sent me, they worked.

Whoever is weakly positive for any hormone - My Onc. told me that NCCN guidelines say one should take anti-hormone therapy no matter what the percentage is and that's why he wants to put me on aridimex/zometa, because I am post menopause. Cleo and Riley - You guys must be younger that's why you are taking tamox. for your weakly positive hormone? Aridimex is for post menopause women.

femailman - good to hear that you are 3 years out.....yeah!!!!

Heidi - hope your surgery went okay today, thinking of you and sending you good wishes.

MBJ - I tried to copy you (eat 2 cups a day) and bought frozen blueberries from Costco - large bag.  I think I am allergic to them.  I had skin rashes for several days, especially in the mornings.  Stopped the blueberries, rashes went away.......I wish I could eat 2 cups everyday like you, heard they are cancer fighting, big time.

MBJ

Lovelyface:   WAHOOOOOO!!!  That is such great news!!!  I am so sorry you had that reaction to the blueberries!  I guess it's possible to have something like that happen.  If you checked the bag and there aren't any preservatives, then I guess you are allergic!  The good news:  We have so many foods that are good for us that I wouldn't worry about not being able to do just one.  Congratulations on being all clear!

Suze35:  Yay for you!!!  Another one of us completely done with chemo.  Congratulations!!!

Heidi:  We are all thinking about you today!!!!

Lovelyface

MBJ - thanks so much for sharing in my happiness with my good news, I am doing my happy dance today, just so relieved.  You all are such awesome women, and I have no doubt it was all your good heartfelt wishes which makes us come through such nightmares.  Everything is going very well for me now that the doubts are over.  God bless you all wonderful women!!!!

cleob

Hi jcoutee,

i am currently on XELODA but hope to mention the option of TAMOXIFEN to my ONC on my next visit.

LOVELYFACE: CONGRATULATIONS on the good news.

TifJ

It sure is nice to "hear" some good news! Congrats Suze on last chemo! Lovelyface- great news!!

Fighter- How are you feeling?

Heidi- I hope your surgery went well and that you recover quickly!!

Jenn3- My prayer and good thoughts are with you during your wait.

MBJ

(((((Lovelyface)))))!!

Titan

Lovelyface...good news and big hugs to you..allergic to the blueberries hey?  For what it is worth..I'm allergic to strawberries..I break out in hives!!!

MJB..glad you are back..I swear..(sometimes)..if you go more than a couple of hours you miss out on stuff.

Welcome to our newbies..congrats to the couple of you finishing chemo and now moving on...

 Keeping you in my mind Jenn..hoping those freaking lung nodules are absolutely nothing but it sucks you have to go through a biopsy and the anxiety...  We certainly all know anxiety here...sometimes I think that the anxiety is almost worse than the stupid cancer itself.

jenn3

I want to first start with thank you for all of the good wishes, thoughts and prayers - I need them.  I posted a thread titled Lung Nodules with my Stage III friends and Nancy D said she misread it as Lung NOODLES.  Hehehehehe...... I think from here on out we'll refer to them as lung noodles until I know otherwise.  My onc is moving fast and I do appreciate that.  I passed on anything for Thursday because it's my Mom's birthday, we have plans and I just don't want to do anything on her birthday.  I did blood work today, biopsy Friday, PET scan Monday and visit with the onc on Tuesday.  Until then lets pray it's lung noodles.

Lovelyface - I am so glad to hear it's nothing.  Whoo hooooooo - doing the happy dance.  I do suffer terribly with rib pain - have suffered since chemo started.  Seems to be common among a lot of us.  Sorry to hear about your blueberry allergy.  Is it just the blueberries or all berries?

MBJ - I love blueberries.  During the summer I love to eat a bowl of mixed strawberries, blackberries, rasberries and blueberries - I love berries.  Yummy........can't wait for in season fruit!

cc4 - yes the CT was with contrast.  I had a CT in April along with x-rays, then a bone scan and x-rays in October.  I think the worry is that the lung noodles weren't there on the previous scans and x-rays.  Ugh!!! Thanks for the info on the CT scan w/contrast though - I didn't realize that.

Suze - congrats on finishing chemo.  We rang a bell in our center for the last treatment......I hear the bells ringing.

Heidi - thinking of you.....

MBJ

jenn:  Hears hoping we can enjoy some mixed berries in spring together and have a chuckle over lung noodles!  Hugs!!!