Stage II, Done A&C treatment

JamieNJ

Hello! Diagnosed w/ Stage II, grade 1, ER/PR+ ILC in Feb. 2017 I am doing neoadjuctive chemo. I finished the A&C x 4 on April 20th, After 1 treatment they could not palpate the one lymph node that popped positive for cancer, and my tumor shrank by a cm. After the second treatment they can't feel the tumor. I started the 1st of 12 taxol treatments yesterday and that went well. The plan after Taxol is to get lumpectomy then radiation.

I requested a cardiology consult before treatment to get on a cardio protective beta blocker to help minimize the cardio toxic effects of the A&C. I got for my 2nd MUGA scan on 5/16.

Have occasional discomfort in the breast with the cancer and the lymph node area which can distract me and move into a down sort of space. of course the idea of mets is scary though at this point not indication of it. Found out my B12 is 450 ml over the 1000 so I am concerned about that but they don't seem concerned when I brought it up yesterday.

This is my introduction.

Thank you.

All the best.

Icietla

Hi JamieNJ, and welcome to BCO.

Get psyched-up, not psyched-out! You have taken a huge step in your treatment plan, and it seems to be getting the desired results. That is wonderful, very encouraging news!

About your B12 -- Were you supplementing at all -- even with a multi-vitamin? .

Hopeful82014

Hi, Jamie - Welcome to BCO; the place where no one WANTS to feel at home

I totally understand your response to pain/discomfort around that node, etc. I go through that from time to time even though surgery was 2 years ago. I've persuaded myself that it's probably due to scar tissue/radiation, NOT anything else - but it took a while. Maybe if you can think of it as the cells dying it will help you keep your equilibrium? (And no, I don't have any idea whether it works that way!) You're in the midst of pretty powerful treatments right now, and it sounds like a great response to it, so it's unlikely any of those cells are on the move or forming new regional tumors. Keep telling your mind different, rational stories than the dark thoughts it wants to serve up and eventually it will easier not to be spooked.

At least half the secret to getting through this (in my opinion) is psychological. You don't have to 'stay positive' but it does help to try to stay centered, rational and realistic. And to know your triggers so you can plan ways to shut them down before they get you down. Hang in there. Good luck with your next MUGA - I hope it's perfectly stable.