Questions about chemo

cjoysims777

I was diagnosed with stage 2 BC - 1.6cm tumor removed (lumpectomy) and both sentinel nodes taken (1 pos/1neg). They didn't take out any other lymph nodes under the arm to my knowledge because nothing of that nature is on my pathologist report - though i have a scar near my breast and underarm as if they did. They want to do a full body CT and bone scan. After that I'm suppose to meet with the surgeon and two oconolgist for their recommendation about chemo. They are recommending radiation and estrogen blocker meds for 10 years as well. I'm concerned about chemo.

Nancy2581

Hi cjoysims. I was stage IIb with one positive lymph node and I did chemo. Yep I was scared to do it, but it really wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated. It is different for everyone, but they really have good medications to handle any side effects. Never felt nauseated and never threw up. I usually felt a little off by day 3 and 4 after chemo, but honestly that was it. I still walked my two chocolate labs twice a day. It's not fun losing your hair - I really hated that part, but it's grown back. I didn't want to do chemo, but I'm glad I did. It has given me piece of mind that I've done all I can to be rid of the nasty beast.

Nancy

cjoysims777

Nancy - thanks for your post. How long has it been since your treatment if you don't mind me asking? They said mine was stage 2A. I'm not sure what the differences are. Are you also taking the estrogen blocker?

ksusan

Mine was 2A. I did 4 rounds of taxotere and cytoxan, 33 radiation treatments, and take Tamoxifen. I wouldn't call any of it fun, but it's been manageable. Like Nancy2581, I wasn't nauseated and I continued to walk through chemo. When you meet with your oncologist, you can ask which chemo is being recommended and the reason for that choice. For example, my oncologist considered adriamycin but decided against it because I have a family history of circulatory and cardiac problems, and with my particular cancer adriamycin could have been useful but was not critical.

I finished chemo in early June 2015, radiation in late August 2015, and started Tamoxifen in September. When you know when you'll start each treatment, look for a thread with a title something like "September 2016 Chemo Sisters" and join it. I found this very helpful.

Nancy2581

Hi cjoysims - I did chemo 2 years ago (can't believe it's been that long already). Not positive, but I think the difference between 2A and 2B is lymph node involvement. I had 1 out of 3 taken. I am currently taking tamoxifen ( estrogen blocker). Not really any side effects from it other than some hot flashes. Oops I was wrong about the difference - see below lol

Nancy

ksusan

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/sta...

Stage II

Stage II is divided into subcategories known as IIA and IIB.

Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

• no tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer (larger than 2 millimeters) is found in 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm) or in the lymph nodes near the breast bone (found during a sentinel node biopsy) OR
• the tumor measures 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes OR
• the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

• the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but no larger than 5 centimeters; small groups of breast cancer cells -- larger than 0.2 millimeter but not larger than 2 millimeters -- are found in the lymph nodes OR
• the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but no larger than 5 centimeters; cancer has spread to 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone (found during a sentinel node biopsy) OR
• the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Imkopy2

Hi there I'm currently undergoing AC/T chemo treatment...4 bi-weekly rounds of AC ( I am solo glad that is behind me) and 12 weekly taxol treatments ( as of 8/28) I have 6 more treatments to complete. If everything goes as anticipated with treatment I should have my last treatment on October 3rd, fingers crossed. Once I finish with treatment I then have to have 5 weeks of radiation, which scares me but if it helps keep me cancer free the I say bring it! I have had every scan, ultrasound, blood test known to man, is it scary you bet but in the end I believe knowledge is power. After I finish chemo my onc is shitting down my ovaries and at some point next spring I will be having a hysterectomy. My onc wanted me to have my ovaries removed but since I also have fibroids in my uterus my ob/gyn agreed having a full hysterectomy only made sense.

Out of everything I have experienced in this journey chemo was the most daunting be use of the unknown, there isn't a definitive answer about how you will respond. That is the most frustrating part...not knowing, that and the fact that that as you progress it could your SE could get worse. I have been fortunate that I have responded well to treatment and my SE have been doable. Has it been a breeze, hell no but it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. If tour medical staff recommends chemo then go with what is prescribed, remember chemo is a treatment that helps to make us healthy which is our ultimate goal. Good luck!

fredntan

I've been on chemo a long time. its doable.

I imagine since you are estrogen positive you will start with A/C-Adriamycin/cytotoxin. I will be honest-its my least favorite chemo. If you arent able to drink or keep things down-call your team and make them give you some fluids IV.

drink a lot of water-My fav now is big cup of ice/few shakes of sea salt/and either lime or a orange juice splash topped with water. find a fav water bottle. i now just drink until my urine is pale in toilet. And sonic milkshakes are half price after 8

xanax is your friend-use it and dont keep it out if you have teenagers around-very tempting

Optimist52

cjoy, can you add your details under My Profile. You would probably be eligible for Oncotype DX test which will determine the need for chemo. There are many threads here about this and info on the main site. Hope you are doing ok.

Jennyannk73

I had a stage IIB IDC- one node (first) positive with sentinel node dissection.-- I had a bilateral mastectomy (I had numerous tumors in all quadrants of my right breast the largest one 2.7- and opted for prophylactic mastectomy on the left). I promise it wasn't that bad. Not fun... some pain- taste issues, stomach issues-- but the worst is just a few days at a time with a lot of weakness and fatigue. Do what they ask of you and remember a positive attitude is priceless-- perception is a big piece of how you feel and your attitude influences how sensitive you are to pain and discomfort. Pain meds are a great thing, and yes I used them, and no I didn't get addicted because I took them as prescribed for my joint pain. I wish you the very best of luck-- let me know if you need to talk! My chemo was over a year ago and believe me it will be over quickly! So far NED, hoping the same for you sister!