Bummed...

Logang

Just got my oncotype results today. I figured I would land in the gray area. I was shocked when told the number is 57! That's a definite chemo need for me. I'm taking some time to be sad and then I will jump back on, grab the bull by the horns, and win his rodeo!

At least I can look forward to a much needed getaway with my hubby this weekend that includes seeing some old friends before starting this next round. Thanks for letting me put this out there.

mustlovepoodles

Oh, wow, Logang! That's not good! I hope you have a great getaway and can get some relaxation and fun in before you tackle chemo.

And for the record, chemo wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. Sure, I lost my hair and had some side effects, but it wasn't anything like you see on TV. I wish you the best and hope it will be over as quickly as possible.

Logang

Thank you mustlovepoodles. I know medical advancements have improved the ability for people to tolerate chemo. For that I am glad. I think part of being bummed is having to wait for my prophylactic mx and bilateral recon. I was hoping to do that in April. I just want to be done already and I'm sure there are others that feel the same. I plan to work through chemo, so I'm hoping I am able to tolerate it well.

Beatmon

There is a medicine available for many of the side effects of your chemo. Make sure you have your Arsenal supplied before you start for just in case you need them. Amazingly, some women need none, others need help with the nausea or joint pain. Read up here about what to do to prepare for chemo and surgery and hopefully you won't need any of it!

Good luck and smooth sailing

Logang

I survived my surgery and was well prepared beforehand. I think being a nurse as well as utilizing this site have made my journey easier so far. It's great to have this support and also help others! Once l find out what type of chemo next week, I will be back to researching! I think what bums me out the most is the fact that having to do chemo just makes the process take so much longer. As I mentioned in my last post about my prophylactic left mastectomy and recon plans. Sometimes it's nice to vent. Thank you for responding!

StaceySue2U

So sorry to hear you need chemo first, Logang

mustlovepoodles

I understand. I felt the same way. It was only after my lumpectomy and re-excision that we found out that I have 2 gene mutations which cause breast cancer. By that point, the oncologist recommended a BMX, but she really wanted to get the chemo going first. So it's been a long row to hoe. I finished chemo Dec 28, 2015, and had BMX Feb 4, 2016. The chemo was way easier than this BMX has been. I've had one complication after another and at this point, I don't even think I want recon.

Logang

I had my right mastectomy on 1/25 and the surgeon took 31 nodes. I had more pain with my armpit and rib cage than my chest excision. My rib cage hurt thanks to the 3 drains. Everything went well except I had a reaction to the chloraprep they cleaned me with before surgery. I looked like I went out and rolled in poison ivy!

I'm sorry to hear you are having complications! What issues are you having mustlovepoodles ?

mustlovepoodles

I had a lot of tissue necrosis in the right side (zombie breast). I mean a LOT. It looks like a German Shepard took a jagged bite out of my chest. At this point I have a wound vac in place trying to get this mess to heal. Thankfully, I did NOT have TEs put it or a DIEP flap, or everything would have gone to hell in a handbasket (as if it hadn't already!)

MEG2

Logang ~ I worked during chemo and did well. Of course, I'm not a nurse so I would think you might have some challenges there since chemo may compromise your immune system. I was advised to be very careful around little ones, dirt in the garden, large groups of people, etc...I think key for me was decreasing my work-load. My boss was extremely helpful and compassionate and cut my project load in half for about a year. Once I moved on to my "new-normal" I went back to my usual work load. I can't speak for anyone else but working during that time helped me a lot. It helped me keep my mind from going to a dark place on many occasions, kept me connected to my job and with people who weren't always focused on cancer treatment, and side effects; it sort of helped me balance the chaos of cancer and the normalcy I longed to keep in spite of it.

Also, I had to wait one year from my single MX, ALND surgery for reconstruction. I wanted to hurry the process along as well, I was keen to get back to my pre-cancer life and just. be. done! Calmer heads prevailed and my PS said he waits so that the body can heal from chemo, surgery and radiation (if you have that). In the interim I had time to get back to the gym and be in "fighting" shape for the surgery, had some physical and massage therapy on my cancer side (L) and felt well prepared for the 7 hour surgery. While it was difficult to wait I believe I got better results, had faster healing and better recovery.

Best wishes to you in the journey, keep us posted and enjoy that weekend get-away.

Logang

Thanks Meg. I know I will be wearing a mask a lot while working. It will take some getting used to, but it's doable. I definitely plan to enjoy this weekend!

Binniebin

hi,

Im an oncology nurse working in a day chemo unit and newly diagnosed with IDC poorly differentiated approx 1.5 cm lump with no other signs or symptoms, except I assume that armpit pain following core biopsy may be a positive node. I'm awaiting rest of path reports following my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy tomorrow. . I am expecting chemo as my previous annual mamo and u/s was neg only 8 months ago so suggests early but aggressive. So has anyone worked in day chemo whilst having chemo themselves??

Logang

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis Binniebin. I don't see why you couldn't still work. I did manage to work through my chemo in home health. I just avoided shingles patients and those with active infections. I had a clear mammogram 6 months prior to finding my 3.5cm mass. It ended up being grade 3 IDC. Good luck with your lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy!

Binniebin

Hi Logang, our chemo unit is the only one in our regional town. Ive always loved working helping people through what is often the worst time of their lives. I now only work day chemo but over the years lots of oncology and pal care. Ive always been able to be strong, empathetic and positive when appropriate. I'm concerned that my own experience may make me less effective to literally stay abreast of my own feelings. And if I do need chemo ( highly likely) that it will be obvious to pts. Scalp cooling is available 3 1/2 hours away here! So most pts I care for would see I'm not 100% or my usual self, or wearing a wig. It's early days I know, and will be so much easier when I see my surgeon thurs week when I'll know the plan. I'm hoping I can have my tmt either in a separate room or in a satellite town ( less likely as I have cardiac history and unrelated liver derangement with no apparent cause, and neutrophils at 1.3.) to give me privacy from patients I care for. It's also going to be hard on colleagues treating me so I'd like to lesson the impact. The actual physical part of the job is not an issue though it gets very very busy at times. Did you let any pts know or did they guess?

Thanks to all for support

Logang

All of my patients knew. I got a wig, but it just wasn't me. I wore head coverings. When the eyebrows went, I didn't draw them on. I still struggle with the emotional aspect of things. It is hard losing cancer patients that I have built relationships with.

I'm not sure I would want my coworkers administering my chemo either. I think you need some privacy while you go through all of this.

How did your surgery go? We're your sentinel nodes clear?

Binniebin

hi logang,I see my surgeon next Thursday when I'll get all the results and the plan following their mdt breast meeting. I'm not sure how my work place will manage me either and as it's new I'll be setting a precedence. I guess at least I know who I trust the most and will get a port as soon as I know chemo is happening. My breast care nurse is fantastic and so far everyone I've spoken to has understood my need for privacy just not sure how the hospital managers will let tmt and privacy work. I'll be starting that discussion this Thursday at work. Wish me luck

Logang

Good luck! I requested a port for chemo as well. I only did 8 rounds because I chose to do all dose dense, but I didn't want to risk ruining my veins in my left arm. Right arm is off limits due to ALND. Keep me posted! You can private message me if you'd like.

seemaryrock

Logang, I'm new here, still updating my profile and everything. I've been recommended for the 8 rounds of dose dense chemo. Can you tell me what it was like? Feeling nervous and a little scared. I'll have to have radiation after that, too. - Mary

Logang

AC was the most difficult. I did pretty good with the dose dense Taxol. I had minor numbness in my big toes after round 2, 3, and 4, but I have no lasting issues with neuropathy. I had the neulasta on pro after every round and did work throughout my chemo. I had to take a day or two off every round. With AC, I was out f commission for 3 days. With Taxol, I was able to work the day after, but had to take the next day off because of the muscle/bone pain with neulasta. Good luck on your journey!

Binniebin

hi logang and seemaryrock,

I saw my surgeon today following wide excision and sentinel nodes a week ago. I have a 2 cm grade 3 IDC. Fortunately clear margins and both nodes negative. ER + PR- her2 waiting but core bx was her2 neg. So I will have appt to see oncologist but at this stage I'm keen on chemo and radio ( per surgeon) as my ki67 index is 80%, grade 3. My boss has organised that I can have my chemo on our quiet day in a separate room in light of still being keen to work as much as I'm able to in our day chemo ward. Our clinical service manager said she may be able to get me to do some projects so i can work some days but away from patients, so i feel so much better.

SEEmaryrock, what chemo are they planning? It is scary I haven't had any just give it to others everyday. Day 1 is scary for everyone but chemo nurses will help by explaining side effects etc. on your first day take someone with you, they should give written info, drink lots of water to help make your veins bigger and all going well it won't be so bad. Hope it goes well!!

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Logang

Glad to hear that your nodes are clear. I never knew what my ki67 was, but my oncotype was really high at 57. Your diagnosis sounds a lot like mine! I am glad you are feeling better about getting treatment where you work. It sounds like they are being very supportive! My work was very supportive too! I return to work tomorrow after 2 weeks off recovering from my salpingo - oophorectomy. Keep me posted on your journey! I am here if you need anything!

Binniebin

KB870,

Thanks, I just love my job it is soo rewarding helping people at this time and my colleagues are really caring nurses too. As my colleagues are going to be treating me I thought I'd lighten my chemo days for me and fir them . So Ive ordered a purple wig as I'm mad about purple. I'm really hoping I'll get a proper wig that's close to my natural colour for the rest of the time. Have appt on 14 th and I'm taking 2 friends along. The hair loss worries me more than the chemo and radioside effects as I know a fair bit about prevention and treatment.

What is multi catheter radiation.?

ksusan

I brought a package to the chemo nursing station that included fancy cookies, fancy gluten-free cookies, dried fruit, and unsalted nuts. The fruit and nuts went immediately. I also gave a package of fancy dried fruit to the scheduling and reception staff. I made a donation to the clinic in honor of my oncologist.

This year, I plan to do something similar for the nurses and med techs who help with my check-up appointments.

Binniebin

kb870, the best gift is a patient and family or friends just saying thank you and knowing they mean it. That's why I love my job and don't want to do anything else.

But I do get wanting to ' give ' something, We often get chocolates so go savoury that can be enjoyed at afternoon tea. Really you can't go wrong.