positive lymph nodes

Help!   I have been battling a recurrence for 2 years. I developed positive lymph nodes in my chest area.  At first, Aromasin and Herceptin seemed to work; the last two scans showed some of the lymph nodes were no longer positive and the rest were stable.  Now, my most recent scan shows more positive lymph nodes in the clavicale area and the others are more positive.  What do I do now?  I'm scared out of my wits....can't stop crying.  Any suggestions would be great.  My onc. has suggested either a different endocrine regimen or something like Xeloda and Tykerb.  I'm getting second opinions, but we haven't started new treatment yet, as I just got the results of the scan a few days ago.  I have no evidence of disease elsewhere.

Love to you all,

legalbeagle

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2009

    legalbeagle:  sorry to hear you are dealing with a reoccurance to the lymph nodes in your chest.  I rececently was diagnosed stage 4 with positive lymph nodes in my chest and a small spot in my hip.  I am on Xeloda and Tykerb and it is working.  My last tumor markers went down.  Also, I was so scared because I heard there were awful side effects and I have been blessed because my side effects are minimal.  I know what you mean about not being able to stop crying and scared - boy I was scared in the beginning.  There are so many different options out there available to you.  Let yourself have a good cry and then take a deep breath and stand strong.  It's overwhelming now.  I find I'm at at my strongest when I can get out of the crying mode.  I'm still working full time despite the chemo and by gosh I'm doing good. 

    Hugs to you and hoping some words of encouragement will wipe those tears away. 

    Me

  • Mazy1959
    Mazy1959 Member Posts: 1,431
    edited October 2009

    Hi legalbeagle,

    I was diagnosed with mets to bone in dec 2006. After 9 months on Aromasin and Zometa, the tumor was no longer visible. Just last month my MRI showed a small amt of activity in the same place as before ( 5th lumbar in spine). I am waiting for the results of the PET scan but for now we at least know its trying to come back. My onc said I will for sure go on Xeloda and possibly another chemo, depending on the PET results. Also, I will be having surgery to fuse vertbrae and inject some glue, or scrape and inject the 5th lumbar. I will know for sure on oct 8th.

    Sometimes all a person needs is to change their AI or get a few rounds of rads. I already had rads on the 5th lumbar so I cant have it there again. That is why I am having surgery. But either way the plan is to get it back under control.

    How extensive are the positive nodes? If it will make you feel better to have a second opnion then go for it. It never hurts. I wish you well..........Hugs, Mazy

  • legalbeagle
    legalbeagle Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2009

    Thank you for the response.  I have an appt. with a second onc. tomorrow morning to discuss options.  I'm so glad to hear that the Xeloda and Tykerb combination are working for you!  Thank you for the strong words of encouragement.  I know you understand what I'm going through.

  • legalbeagle
    legalbeagle Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2009

    Mazy,

    Thank you for your response.  I hope the PET scan shows no further evidence of disease and that the rads take care of the spine issue.  It's good to hear from others out there who are going through the same thing as me!  

    Love to you all,

    legalbeagle

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