need advice

joannweb

I'm back again...... I was diagnosed with Invasive ductucal ca in Dec 2003. AT that time 1 of 2 sentinol nodes had micromets. I endured chemo (adriamycin and then tax & cyctoxan), 6 weeks of radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen. I had my ovaries removed in 2006 to suppress estrogen. I was closely watched with alternating 6 months mri and mammogram with follow up appts with breast surgeon and then breast oncologist. I stopped tomoxifen 3 years ago. I tried aromatase inhibitors arimedex and aromosin, but they kicked my ass! Incredible body aches. Since I was past 5 years and have done everything the oncologist though I would be ok.

 Now 8 years later after a mri that was questionable in July on my right breast, they wanted one in six months which was this past Jan. Well, well, well, what they saw on my right was fine, but a new finding on my left (where primary bc was). I had a needle biopsy mri that showed cancer. Meanwhile during this time, my husband was diagnosed with bileduct cancer last June and passed away in Dec. Sucks.. I was fortunate that I did follow up in january.

Now I had a mesectomy with reconstruction in fed, nodes neg.. Yay right??!!! well the new onco type test (didn;t have this 8 years ago). My score was 26. But my onc seems to think this test is more indictative for first cancers. My docs are unsure if this second cancer is a recurrence or a new cancer because the protesterone receptors are a little different, but it is IDIS and er positive. So, he brings up chemo.... Honestly, emotionally, physically, mentally, I don't think I can do it. My children just saw their dad pass away after pallitive cancer and it was horrendous.

We settled on a plan to do a bone scan, ct scan (which should be 99.9% negative), then revisit an er inhibitor Femora. I haven't tried that one and hope it doesn't cause the body aches.

Also, I am BRAC1 &  2 negative and BART neg.

Need I menctioned during all this my 40 year old sister just got diagnosed with DCIS.

CANCER SUCKS!!! please advise. Thanks for all your support 

odie16

Joanne,

I have no words of wisdom for you but totally agree that CANCER SUCKS!!! I am sending you big cyber hugs and tons of prayers for you, your family & your sister. Sure seems your family has been thru the wringer. I hope Femora will be kind to you and wish you peace with whatever you decide about chemo..... 

(((hugs)))

zillamom2

Hi. I am so sorry that you have to go through this again and I am very sorry that your husband passed away. I hate cancer. My story is similar to your story. I was first diagnosed in 03/01 with idc and had a lumpectomy, chemo, rads, 1.5 yrs tamoxifen and then got off of tamoxifen to have baby. I did fine for 11 yrs and then I found a lump on same cancer breast in december. Turned out it was cancer again and they cant detetmine if new one or recurrence because of some things same and some different. This time it was grade 1 so docs thought no chemo but then oncotype came back at 27. I didnt want to do chemo again either but I asked the doctors for the numbers. What is my chance of spread and what will chemo benefit. In my case chemo would reduce the chance of spread by 10%. That was enough for me to decide to do it since I have a 12 and 8 yr old at home. I also understand that everyone has to make the choice that is right for her. I know you will make the right decision for you. I also did a bmx this time. I can understand your feelings. The 2nd time diagnosed was harder to hear for me than the 1st time.

camillegal

Oh Joann this is happening to u. Words of wisdom??? Not from me either--I do send u many positive thoughts and i'll bet when u sort thru this u wil make the right choices. There are so many new things happening for bc--and open u'rself up to listen to options and there are are so many people on this site that know so so much (not me) But most.

dj59

Joann, Cancer does SUCK...so sorry to hear your story. I only joined the other day, but find that there are some amazing ladies here who know their stuff. You will get good advice, information, some giggles and lots of support, encouragement and sister-in-the-trenches love. Hang in there. You will get the answers you need.

Sending big hugs.

Dorrie