"As the BC world turns"

jennyboog

Just need to vent...my tumor markers have been on a climb for a while now so, I did a scan yesterday.  The nurse called me today and said the dr. wants to see me first thing on Tues.   I immediately knew this was not good, in the past the call would go more like, "everything was good, see you in 3 mths".....not this time.  The dr. called later on and said my scan showed some medium uptake in the LN's at the top on my breastbone and they have grown larger since my last scan.  She wants to do a biopsy of course but feels like its localized mets, I will find out more Tues.  I just hate that this whole ordeal might be starting again,  you can never shake that black BC cloud.  And on the other hand I'm relieved its not worse, they found no other problems.  Just not sure what this means for tx., does this mean the Aromasin isn't working?

leftrightrepeat

Not sure about the Aromasin. Sounds like it could *potentially* be a local recurrence. Local recurrence > distant recurrence. I totally know what you mean about the BC cloud. I live under it myself. I can't see your stats on your post so I'm not sure where you started. I know it's going to be a looooong weekend (Tues....WTF?). We're here for you to get you through until your next appt.

Tomboy

i dont know, jennyboog, i am so sorry, and think i am in the exact same boat as you, still lllc, or on verge of lv. i get to go have a mammo on monday, if you want to read about what i am going through, i just wrote a huge long thing about it on the hermit club thread. if you click my name you will find that thread and that post, and i wish the best for both of us, and all the women here. i hate this crap. we can vent together. sounds like fun, hunh?!? not, but if we are, then lets do this sh*T, together.

peacestrength

Jenny and Kathec-  thinking of you right now.  Damn bc! 

If it is a local reoccurrence,  maybe the plan would be switch to a different AI - not sure, but you will find out soon.

Many hugs to you both.

Tomboy

thanks, peacestrength!

peacestrength

Kathec - wish I could go with you Monday.  I have taken a small recorder to my visits - I tell them it helps me to remember details - I don't ask for permission,  I just state it - they haven't objected yet.

Jenny - please let us know how you are.

fondak

It is good news that the rest was clear.  I hope the biopsy will be negative for cancer.  My friend who has leukemia was recently called back because tests showed she had a few very large lymph nodes and it turned out not to be related to her leukemia at all. 

Peacestrength That's a great idea about the recorder.   

Tomboy

yeah, i wished i had recorded them all along from the very beginning, for so many reasons, but especially now. because when i do read  my medical papers, it seems i look especially bad, she even called me non compliant when i missed seeing my lymphedema therapist, even tho the LEist was the thing i looked forward to the most. i could just not muster the energy or will, twice. but. breast cancer sure is a learning thing, and my god, so many of us, and i am just not done living! and there is so much i still want to do! and. and. and. 

Momine

Jenny, I am so sorry. What a bitch this thing is. Keep us posted.

Momine

Jenny, btw, why are you considered 3C with only 5 nodes?

lkc

Hi Jenny, Just logged in to read this. This BC crap never seems to end... Along with what the other ladies said the enlraged nodes MAY NOT be BADDIES. Nodes enlarge  for many reasons... have you had any URI lately?

It seems that IF the LNs are BAD then a local recurrence is the worst case scenario. and local recurrences are doable. No forever Chemo. Treat em and your done.

You have been strong throughout this and I have a feeing that you will be just fine.

Kathey. sorry you too have been having a difficult time. It all sucks. I wish you well!

dancermom

hoping this is not cancer, thoughts are with you.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

RosesToeses

So sorry you're dealing with this, praying for you!

jennyboog

Thank you so much everyone.  I'm not sure why my dx is not with my post, I have it set to.  I'm IIIc with 5/16 LN.  The reason why is the size of the largest tumor and that is was very close to chest wall.  I did neoadj. chemo so not sure how many LN's were originally infected.  I've never done the recorder thing....great idea, I have wrote questions down to ask them.

Linda, I have had some other stuff going on lately.  My medical dr found my inflammatory markers were up, my ankles have been swelling lately and I've had a lot of pain with them.  I'm on prednisone right now for that.

Kathec, I'm so sorry you are struggling right now too.  We'll do this together and come out the other side.

Thx again everyone, I knew ya'll would get it.

pupfoster1

Yup, the gift that keeps on giving right?  So sorry you are having to go through this Jenn.  Praying all goes well next week.  Keep us posted.

Love,

Sharon

Anonymous

I just logged on and saw this. I 'm so sorry, Jenny.  I don't understand why this happens when one is doing everything to keep it away.  I saw my Onc this week and informed him I do not want any more Aromosin and will not go back on AI's or Tomxifen.  He was not happy and said he wants me to stay on it to keep it away.  I know I'm taking a chance with this decision but this BC beast is just a nightmare.  Stay strong, Jenny.

Oceana

hopefour

Well, Jenny I have been praying and waiting with you in regards to those tumor markers going up!! Glad you enjoyed Christmas before dealing with this!! I could just scream, but its doable if it is something to be dealt with. Please, know I am with you Tuesday..stomach knots and all...I hate MO appointments!! Please, come back and up-date us! You know how many smart  BC sisters you have here. Ask your questions if you have any and know we're in this with you!! No doubt you'll be NED again... if there is any issues!! One thing I do for myself when things are a bit overwhelming...make myself a cup of tea!! My favorite is the BRASSICA Green Tea with Orange flavor, its patented by Johns Hopkins University. It has SGS broccoli seed extract in which their study shows to be a health benefit...anyway I love the taste and the bit of calm it brings!! I will continue to pray and wait for your next up-date!! We're all here for you!!

Kathec..so sorry you are going through a difficult time too...not sure what all it is, but do know we care!! Please keep us up-dated!! 

weesa

Jenny, I had high inflammatory markers and pain in my ankles with Aromasin. I'm hoping that is what is going on with your ankles. As for the rest, I am part of a growing group rooting for you on Tuesday.

TectonicShift

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Holeinone

Jennyboog..& Kathec.....sending positive wishes for both of you....hoping you get a clean scan/biopsy soon....

sbelizabeth

In your pocket, Jenny.  I'm sorry you're stuck with dealing with this, and you're in my thoughts and prayers.

My ankles swelled big time when my thyroid quit.  Have you had that checked recently?

Tomboy

just letting you know i was thinking of you jenny

GrammyR

jennyboog- I feel for you. I was faced w/the discovery of a new node under the collar bone this past spring. I was having arm and shoulder pain. Being 6 years out I thought I was home free. Anyway Bx showed return of ER pos BC so I had RADS for 6 weeks. ( Did not have then first time around). I had done all the hormone blockers for 18 months except Tamoxifen so back on it I went. I will be praying for good results for you. Hang in there. The RADS did help stop the pain.

Oceana- I also have had a terrible time w/all the hormone blockers. Aromasin and Arimedex really bad joint and muscle pains. Just hope all this research they are doing will bring us some better options real soon.

jennyboog

Thanks again everyone for the thoughts and well wishes.  It's very concerning....does this mean I've taken Aromasin for nothing? Is it not working?  My ankles were fine until I went out black Friday shopping with family, I was out all night and wore boots....what the heck was I thinking!!!!  I guess I just injure easier now and can't take things like I use too.  I ended up with plantar flacsiitis  which then got better only for my ankles to swell, I could hardly walk, it hurt so bad.  My dr thought it had to be something else, blood clot, heart, etc. but  I know it was tendinitis or something like that.  Guess next year I'll wear some "orthopedic shoes" before shopping all night!

lkc

Hi Jenny, Please don't go to the dark side. ANYBODY who was out all night shopping in boots on Black Friday would be feeling it.

( hope you got some good bargains!) anyway, Yes, chemo and aromasin does a number our all of our body systems, Musculoskeletal, GI, Immune, etc. etc , etc. I think your assessment of the swollen ankles is probably more likely. However, doctors are typically conservative and as some chemos affect the heart and ankle swelling is a sign (and with Hx of  stage III)  he/she is simply doing the mental tick off. Depending on the LN biopsy, the determination will be made if you should continue Aromasin. Please remember you did nothing wrong. Try to breath.. relax, the LN may all be due automimmue stuff. Remember IF it's a BADDIE , it would be a LOCAL recurrence only and absolutely treatable.

sbelizabeth

Yay for your post, lkc!  Even I feel reassured by your calming logic.  Jenny, we are all a raft for you in these currently stormy seas.  Climb on and let us hold you up.

faithfulheart

Jenny, 

in my thoughts and prayers. What a bummer to always deal with the black cloud!

I have been under it many times.......I believe you are going to be fine! 

and if it is something, you will also be fine!!! You are strong and this is a scare but, it to shall pass.......

keep us posted girl, with you in the waiting room....my feet hurt all the time, all the time!!

Hugs!!!!!

Fourj

I want to let you know that some of your old postings have been my rocks helping me go through my cancer treatment.  I am praying hard for you and wish to hear the good news from you.

MaxineO

I'm sorry you are having to worry, Jenny. Adding my voice of support. We are all here for you...you've been there for all of us.  Hoping for a clean bill of health, or at least a very manageable one.

gillyone

Another voice of support. Thinking of oyu.

hopefour

I have been thinking and praying for you today, Jenny!! Hope we're a comfort to you as you have been to so many of us!! We're all there with you tomorrow..right in your back pocket!! Remember that No Matter What Your MO Says Tomorrow...theres LOTS OF HOPE!!! IF its the worst..it's doable and very hopeful!! Keep us up-dated!!