Calling all TNs

LoveMyVizsla

JLStacey, you had 8mm after chemo and surgery?

CarolinaAmy

Cocker, I'm so glad you said that about ally. I also have this gut feeling that there's another baby coming for her.

Well, it's official. BMX and DIEP on March 18. Somehow I'm feeling a little more freaked out now knowing that the girls' have a firm expiration date. LOL

And jlstacey, ignore that article! Our survival rates aren't as great as the majority of women who have hormone receptor positive cancers, but it's still not bad! It's a minority of us who get pCR, and I don't see the rest of those women having 'universally poor outcomes'. I wish people writing these articles would show some sensitivity.

jlstacey

I did chemo first. During my BMX, there was 8mm left of my tumor.

bluedog

Jlstacey, I would do that study in a hot minute. I mean, UGH to do more chemo, but the platinum drugs seem very promising. I'm doing the Herceptin/NeuVax trial, but with very few HER2 receptors, I don't know how much good it is going to do me. But, I qualified for the trial, so there must be some evidence that it will help.

CarolinaAmy

If I don't have a pCR at surgery (March 18), I'm pushing my MO to let me try one of the platinum drugs. I'm not waiting around for this thing to metastasize.

Mamiya

Try the platinum! I had NO response to FEC (same basic as AC) but did have a 50% improvement on carboplatin and taxol!

redrock75

hello. I'm new here, most of my info in my sig. Just wanted to join my fellow TNs and say hi! I'm having my 4th AC on Monday.

CarolinaAmy

Hi redrock! I'm sorry you had to join us, but this is such a wonderfully supportive group that I'm glad you found it!  (I'm almost identical to you in age and kid status--10 year old and 6 year old girls! LOL)

Allydp

Cocker - once again, you always know just exactly what to say. You're also an angel to this thread and site, and we're all lucky to have your support. I'm actually seeing a GI in a couple weeks, so hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this reflux once and for all.

Amy - I'm glad your surgery is in the books and you're one step closer to being done, done, done with treatment! I had a "Conquered Chemo" party, but have you seen the "Bye Bye Boobies" Parties? Lol. Lots of cute ideas on Pinterest. Because sometimes lightening the mood is a good thing!

Jlstacey - I missed your last post and just wanted to say I'm so sorry you had residual disease at surgery. As Amy said, a small minority of us will get a pCR, so I don't think it's accurate to say that those who don't have universally poor outcomes. If that were the case, our overall survival rates as a whole would be much lower than they are. Having said that, I would jump at that trial as well. I had dose dense Carbo with Taxol and although it was hard on my counts and hard overall, I got a pCR. However, I'm also BRCA+, so I'm not sure how that plays into the platinums acting on the impaired DNA, etc. Sending you hugs as you decide and gear up for surgery. Also extra hugs for the lung nodule follow up!

So lots has happened the last couple days. Very long story short, my PCP's NP had my CT reviewed again - she really went above and beyond for me. They did NOT see the nodule. So that made for 2 radiologists who saw it and 2 who didn't. My NP was quite irritated at all the conflicting reports and sent me to a pulmonologist for a deciding expert vote...the very next day! In fact I just got back from the appt. He pulled up my scan in the room and went over the entire thing with me. He said no matter how closely he looked, he couldn't find anything! He said he'll rescan me in 6 months just to be safe, or I can have my onc rescan at her discretion. But, he made the emphatic point that IF there's a 2 mm anything there, it is NOT causing me symptoms. He is, however, sending me for a pulmonary functioning test (breathing test) just to make sure chemo didn't do any damage to my lungs. No scans for that, just breathing into a machine. My NP is also sending me to GI who I see in a couple weeks. She wants at least a scope to find out what kind of shape my stomach and esophagus is in. She also had a nice heart to heart with me and I'm going to start an anti-depressant. I've avoided this route for so long, but I can't deny that I'm struggling. It's been a super productive 48 hours and I feel really good about moving forward with everything!!! And very, very relieved!!!

Mamiya

OK, so call me gunshy but that is twice in two days that someone has referred to someone else as "an angel" and freaked me out. So many wonderful people here, we need another word!!! Scare me once shame on you...

Allydp

Mamiya - I'm so very sorry to have upset you!!! That was me that used that word and I wasn't even thinking. Please forgive me!

Mamiya

No worries! It's just a symptom of the disease! Angel used to be a good thing, now it equates with death I agree, Meadow and several others have been amazing in helping me too!

jlstacey

I never really thought about it, but angel does have s negative connotation now

Cocker_Spaniel

Mamiya it was only used as a term of endearment nothing else. Ally mean't no offence whatsoever. Mind you, are we not all God's angels here on earth cause I hope I am and that he is looking after me and all of you ladies on here. Not only that Meadow is one amazing angel whom we all love. Smile, it makes the day brighter.

Ally I am glad that things are now moving for you and hopefully you will get some answers. Great news that two people couldn't see the nodule and it wasn't causing your symptoms. I'm glad you are going for a scope it will put "my" mind at rest. And there is nothing wrong with taking a depressant. I had them and so did a lot of other ladies. You do what you have to, to get through and hopefully they will help. Make sure you give them a little time to work as sometimes you don't see much of an improvement for a week or two. You probably needed that heart to heart because what you are going through is a real struggle for you but on the up side something is being done about it. In your pocket for benign and excellent results and sending a huge, really huge, big hug. xx

Meadow

Ally, Cocker, Mamiya, you girls have made my heart warm, my eyes misty. Thanks for the kind words. You all are the angels, to me! I am SO BLESSED by you all.

Carolina, good news to have a MX date. I encourage you to enjoy the natural beauty of your own boobies from now till then, I do miss my perky little girls, but happy to be healthy instead. I would jokingly say to the Spouse, "Have you seen my boobs today?" then lift my shirt. Or I would randomly take his hand and place it on my breast, ( lol, he "gets" me) we kind of prepared ourselves ...me...for surgery day, a big transition day. So when it actually was here, I was calm, I was ready to say farewell to them, a fair trade to live longer. I miss them but I don't either...it is weird. Anyone else know what I am saying?

Redrock, welcome! Hoping you find tons of info and support here. I am glad you and Carolina can support each other with the same situations at home...that means so much!

Ally, that is great news! I am always so impressed with the care you get from your team, thank God for them. They did go above what many places would do, to give you peace of mind. And great news it was! And I am totally onboard for the anti depressants. You can get great relief, great benefits from this type of help. So glad for everything in that post!

Jlstacey, hugs to you, we are here with you, FIGHTER!

Hugs to all

Luvmydobies

Welcome Redrock! This is a wonderful group. (((HUGS)))

Ally, I'm so glad you got some good news! What a relief! Keep us posted on how the scope goes. Still praying! I'm sure it'll go fine.

I have my four month checkup Monday. Please pray for me. I always hate going to those.

Meadow

Luvie, in your pocket for Monday

Cocker_Spaniel

LUV in your pocket for Monday. All will be well I'm sure. How is the building of your new home going. I bet you are excited now, I would be.

Redrock welcome but so sorry you had to find us. This is the place where you can let your hair down and everybody gets it.

Meadow I always have to laugh at my little grandson if he arrives before I am dressed. If my boob is sitting on the side he will look at it, then at my chest and then something clicks and off he happily goes.

It's my eldest daughters birthday today and as it's so hot we thought we would do a surprise BBQ for her. Mind you the old feller has brought so much food it's more like a banquet. Still at least there will be enough for everyone, rather that than not enough.

Have a good day ladies. Hugs to you all. xx

Meadow

Cocker, so funny about your grandson and your foob. My granddaughters were 3 and 7 when I was in treatment. They knew "Nonny had surgery" and have never cared a bit. They live close by, so they saw me going thru the dreaded drains phase, and knew climbing on my lap meant being extra gentle for awhile. Carolina, I am thinking of you and your little ones, and Redrock our newbie.

So Cocker, seems like the old feller bought enough food for us all to come to the BBQ, hearing you say it is hot...wish we were there!

Shopgal2

Amy glad you got a date set for your bmx. Luvmydobies Sending you prayers. welcome redrock! Sucks that you have to be here but as a recent newbie I can attest that the ladies here are great, warm, kind, and empathetic.

Allydp whew! Yay for clear scans finally! I'm very happy you got peace of mind and good for you for insisting on second opinions. I hope the antidepressant brings you calmness. I actually thought about asking for a script.

I'm having a harder time mentally during rads. I know part of it is from the stress of my job being in limbo. I did start back this week at a lesser position but same salary. Its strange being back. I'm just not sure the job is me anymore. Today I am 7 weeks pfc and am not feeling good about the reflection in the mirror. I look grey (haired) and old. I look at pics pre bc and was pretty. Now I feel like I'm beaten up and tired I'm scared of being back at work and going back to my bad habits of not eating right, not getting enough sleep, and letting stress rule my life. Sad to say that bc made me wake up and realize I need take care of me before others. I am trying to be calm and got to say Xanax is my friend again and it's ok

Cocker love the food story, made me smile.

Sweet_emotion1116

Hello everyone, was sifting through the flood of information on here and seen your discussion board. Things have moved at a very fast pace for me and I am not really sure what or how I am feeling yet. First I think I was in shock but denied it. And now after surgery and pre chemo I find myself angry one minute and sobbing the next. I go today to have my port placed and know I should be in bed but here I am again scouring the internet for hope, instructions, teaching, bonds, and whatever else I can find related to this Triple negative diagnosis. I know that two negatives make a positive in math so I am choosing to make this triple negative Extra Positive. Hope to be able to find and share hope, compassion, knowledge and friendships here!

bluedog

Shopgal, I HATED rads. Found it much harder mentally/emotionally than chemo, even though it was much easier physically.

Sweet emotion, welcome, but of course so sorry you wound up here. It's very normal to feel numb, angry, terrified, etc., either in rapid succession or really sometimes even all at once. Cancer definitely sucks. But, one nice thing you'll see on this thread, in addition to fabulous support, is that there are lots of folks who are many years out from diagnosis. Some are regular posters and others will check in from time to time. So, TN is not all doom and gloom! I like your view that it's actually Extra Positive! Good luck with the port today!!

StefLove

redrock, welcome to our little group over here definitely a great support!

So just when I thought I was about to be stress free since rads ended last Tuesday, my mother had to be admitted to the hospital the very next day and is still there. She's always had heart issues and her heart rate is sky high and they're trying to control it with drugs but the combinations they're using are dropping her blood pressure too, which makes them stop the heart rate drugs. Not to mention she has dementia and being out of her normal surroundings is making her mind exponentially worse. Now she can't remember that we moved to FL two years ago and asks constantly when she's going home and getting out of the hospital. Luckily the hospital has an aide in her room 24 hours a day so that I don't have to be there non stop. I just want a few days where I don't have to worry about anything bad, where my stress level isn't sky high, and where I can just forget about 'life' for a little bit.

Ok, rant over *sigh*

littleblueflowers

Ally! Whew!!!!!

I know I don't post much here, but thinking good thoughts for everyone!

Angel----good fairy? Lucky charm? Helpful kobold? Mmmm....guardian totem? Lol

ALHusband

Alright...I'm a man in a room full of women talking about Breast Cancer. Since someone mentioned looking for alternative terms for "angel", I want you all on notice that if anybody calls me a "fairy" I'm not going to take it well. LOL!

Mamiya

AlHusband, hahahha. I was liking good fairy as an alternative to angel!

Moderators

Sweet_emotion, welcome!

We hate that you're here, but really glad you found us. This group is an incredible source of support and knowledge!

We hope you continue to let us know how you're doing -- we're all here for you.

--The Mods

littleblueflowers

AL....hmmm. Would you be OK with "elf"??? Or....hmmm. Other male supernatural benevolent being?

Peabrain

maybe we should all be supernatural benevolents, SBs for short

Meadow

Sweet Emotion, yes welcome!

Al, I was thinking of you as I was typing the other day, how I would flash The Spouse my boobies .Afterward I thought, "Hope Al is not embarrassed"....but then I know you must LOVE BOOBIES, lol, as you are here. Seriously, I know you love your wife, that is what brought you here. You found us and we are so glad!