Starting Chemo April 2009
Comments
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.Hi all,
I don't have the energy for a really long post, but my oncologist, who thinks I'm a hypochondriac, reluctantly said I could stop the Femara for 2 weeks, so I stopped Thursday night. We'll see how it goes. Also, he gave the okay for me to take black cohosh for the hot flashes (though he says he doubts it'll work -- my friend Kym had suggested it, and she came with me for the appointment this time).
So for now, I'm off Femara and on black cohosh (oh, and I'm still on the Coumadin for the clot: my platelets are coming up but still low). It's only been a few days, not enough time for significant improvement, but I think at least the mood swings are starting to ease up slightly -- I'm down from 3-4 cry fests per day to only 1 or 2, and I think maybe the walking is improving too. I still have the joint aching (no change) but a LITTLE more energy to do a little more walking, and not dying for a nap and back to spending half the day on the couch like I was. If I had the mental focus I could do longer posts, but I don't, sorry. It's like the chemo brain made a bit of a comeback. :-P
Quickies before I go (sorry I don't have the energy to get to absolutely everybody: thank you ALL for your support though, and may you all be happy and as healthy as you possibly can be!) --
Chelev:
1. Yeah I'm off the Femara for now but, if I want to live, I'll probably have to go back on it or something else similar. The difference between you (Stage 2) and me (Stage 4) here is this: if YOU don't take Femara, MAYBE you'll have a recurrence, but maybe NOT and you'll be OK. If *I* don't take it, I DIE. Now I may in fact decide that death is preferable to life on Femara (I couldn't take birth control pills when i was younger: messing with my hormones was always bad news even when I was young and healthy), but that remains to be seen.
2. OUCH on the layoff thing, I know how it feels to be where you are because the economy ate my job in May 2008, and a few months later while still unsuccessfully looking for work, my right breast started to change: unemployed, no med insurance (couldn't afford cobra). And even when I was healthy, I always had problems with "selling myself." I was never the outgoing cheery type, and I always strongly resented having to act like something I wasn't.
Helen -- I know the person I used to be is gone forever too. :-*( {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
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Good afternoon all
Helen - how are you doing today? It sounds like you are having a tough time. I hope that the shingles clear up soon so that you can get back into the wedding preparations! It must have been hard having your grandson ask you to put your hat back on. But I am so sure that he loves you so much and is just being an honest kid. I of course, completely understand why that would have upset you...Glad the brunch went well!
Lena - good to hear from you and so sorry that you are also having a hard time. Stay with us, hang in there. We are all here for you! I must say though, that your Oncologist should not be calling you a hypochondriac.....
None of us are the people that we used to be, that is for sure. It is such a challenge to face up to our new lives and new bodies, appearances etc. I am actually starting therapy tomorrow. It has taken me this long to agree to go, but I needed to go when I was ready. I am so frightened that it is going to open so many doors and that I will cry for most of the session. But I do realize that there are issues that I need to address.
I will let you all know how it goes.
To all of you - I hope today is a good one and I am sending you all (((HUGS)))!
Judy xxx
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Oh, Lena - I wish I could say or do something that would help. I know there is a world of difference between stage II and stage IV and you are fighting for your life, which is very much worth living! Black Cohosh did help me with hot flashes, I was taking it for years because I could not handle birth control pills either (back before the hyst.) and hormone replacement after. I miss the black cohosh - give it a little time but it did help - the flashes didn't stop completely but they were whittled down to maybe two per day, like clockwork at the same time in the a.m. and p.m. and then if I was stressed or it was really hot, I would get one. Your oncologist should NOT be calling you a hypochondriac! What an idiot.
Got a call from my onc's office . . . big surprise, I'm in menopause. Really??? I could have told them that! They said they will want me to take some sort of AI, but I don't know if I will or not. Lena, could you recommend trying fareston? the worst se I had with it was insomnia and some headaches, but I get the worst se's with everything. There is no bone pain with it and I saw some research that they are giving this to stage IV patients.
Found out that my former boss, the guy who hired me 7 years ago and who left me in the lurch 1 year later (he was restless and convinced there was something greener out there and saw I was doing such a great job at HIS job he could leave) and who bounced from job to job for the past 6 years, connived his way back into his old (MY) job and started today! His BIL is best friends with the president of the company, and they had both been campaigning hard for the job since he'd been laid off 6 months ago. The bastard! I will never forgive him or the president of the company for screwing me over. They are the two I am mad at. The rest, yes, I am sending out resumes left and right and trying to make contacts, and not panic. It's only been one week.
Helen - you poor thing - I have heard shingles can be painful - you definitely have had your share of crappy things - and this coming before the wedding when you have things to get done - geez! I hope your medication helps clear it up quickly so you can get fitted for the dress. Yes, children are brutally honest. My daughter's friend's little kids saw me in my wigs and scarves and the other day one of them asked me, "is that another wig or did you finally grow hair?" I explained that yes, my hair had grown in, and she said (she's 6), "Oh, because it still doesn't look like your old hair, so I thought you might still like the wig." Sigh.
Judy, Geri, Titan, all of my sisters - I hope you have a peace-filled week. Judy, good luck starting therapy - it is a positive step towards feeling better. Take care, ladies.
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Lena..thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are doing...I know that we wouldn't know each other if we passed on the street but sometimes I feel like I know you guys better than some of my closest friends...because we can share with each other what we are going through that no one that doesn't "get it"..just doesn't have a clue...it's not their fault..it is just the way it is....hopefully being off that dang Femara will make you feel better....
Chelev..I still think you should contact an attorney....I smell something fishy....
Helen..my son had shingles on his back also..not sure how he got them..he was kinda freaking because his prescription said they were for herpes....I told him that it was pretty much the same thing...He goes to a skin doctor..they are talking about him going on Acutane...reading the material on it..well..it sounds worse than a chemo drug! You have to make sure you swallow it whole because you may burn your esophagus..people can get suicidal on it..I don't know..he does have acne but is a drug like that really worth getting rid of those zits? I don't know..I have to think about it....
Judy..how did the meeting with the advisor go? Like you I think I would break down if someone actually asked me how I was doing....
My SIL thinks that I wake up screaming because I'm keeping everything inside....I don't know...but it sure does freak out my husband. -
Seems like difficult times for many of us for one reason or another. I'm taking Valtrex for the shingles ... it's the same thing people take for cold sores/herpes. This is a latent chicken pox virus. I also hope it clears quickly but you never know. Lena, glad to hear from you. (((hugs))) Chelev, I agree also you need to see a lawyer as you were screwed out of a job. Judy, good luck with the therapist. I've been seeing a therapist every couple of weeks. Last time I cried for the full hour. Titan, please take care of yourself.
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Lena - Glad your friend went with you to the onc - let's all hope for you that a break from the Famera and some black cohosh help some of your symptoms - we are all pulling for you.
Judy - therapist may be my next stop. I would never admit this to anyone except here, and no one has any idea, that I am really depressed. On the days I am not working, I isolate myself in my house (I live alone), and if I have to go to the store or the bank, I go and can't wait to get home. In a seminar I went to given by my breast surgeon, whom I adore, she said one of the most unrecognized symptoms of bc, especially as active treatment comes to an end, is post traumatic stress disorder. I think most of us can relate to that. This feeling kind of snuck up on me, but it's not getting better, so I have to think of therapy myself.
Helen - shingles can be so painful - I hope they don't last long and that you make a full recovery.
Chelev - good luck with the job hunting - you have a lot of people here that would be glad to give you a character reference
Titan - are you still waking up screaming? Maybe we can get a shrink to join us on this site...then we can all do group therapy!
Judy and Amy - How are you? Always check in on my "sisters" to see how they are doing. We are in the "Starting Chemo April 2009" room, so does that mean we have "known" each other for over a year?
(((Hugs))) to all off to get # 44 Herceptin (after this 8 to go). BTW - had my Martini Saturday night for single digit Herceptin - next landmark I decided is 5 to go!
Geri
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Geri...know what you mean about isolating yourself...yes we do go out but usually with close friends and I'm always glad to go home....I don't get out of my "comfort zone" much....I think it just takes awhile that's all....we have been to hell...yes I will say it...and now we are trying to claw our way back and it isn't easy.
Oh...I wake up screaming maybe once a week...now I just scream and my DH wakes up and then I just lay back down and go to sleep...I guess it is maybe the norm now!
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I am going to see the therapist next Tuesday to talk about ending treatment and how to go forward from here. I am feeling great and life is going back to 'normal' (more or less) and I think about cancer less and less. BUT there are times when I remember it and it all comes back and it is very difficult to handle - I feel sort of schizophrenic about it - the cancer me and the regular me living side by side but not synthesized into one person. I have NO IDEA if that will make sense to any of you.
On a related topic - I found this link on another thread a month or so ago. Not sure if I posted it here or not. It is THE BEST article I have ever read about the emotional components of bc. It is actually a transcript of a phone conference that a doctor did. It is long but I found it extremely helpful. Would be curious to know if any of you ladies find it helpful as well. I also printed it out and gave it to my favorite chemo nurse -she read it and really appreciated it. Here goes:
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Hi all, it is good to see so many of you have written since I last visited.
Lena - how are you doing today?
Chelev - I think that your boss is disgraceful - if you don't mind me saying so...
Geri - I am so sorry to hear that you are depressed. I remember thinking at the end of my treatment "what now?" it was like all my routine had been taken away from me. I only started my therapy this morning and I actually managed to hold it together and I just talked and rambled for one hour. The therapist said that I seem to be very articulate and clear when expressing myself and she thinks that this will be good for me. I know these things take a long time and miracles don't happen overnight, but I am pleased that I made a start. I want to be at a stage when I can look at this as a chapter in my life, but I am still a long way off from that.
Titan - I wish for you to have peaceful and calm nights ahead.
Helen - how are you feeling?
Amy - I always love to see your smiling face in your photo!
To all of you wonderful ladies - sending you hugs! Have a good day!
Judy xxx
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Thanks Judy...so your meeting with the shrink went ok? I'm being nosy..but that is me..but what did you talk about? Was it easy to just let it out? I'm thinking of maybe seeing someone..but I'm freaking about it too....
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Amy, thank you so much for posting that link. I read the whole thing, and then re-read it. It is very helpful, for me anyway, to have validation that coming unglued this far away from diagnosis, when everyone patted me on the back about "how strong" I was, made it very hard for me to let anyone see even the smallest of cracks in my armor. In reading this transcript, it was so refreshing to hear that the more people praise you for being so together through all this, the longer it postpones the eventual emotional crash. I'm thinking that may be why I have been isolating myself-this way no chance that something will set me off on a crying jag and spoil my brave front.
I would say all of us could get some good insight by reading this - thanks again, Amy
Hmmm...I think I'll charge myself an hourly rate to give myself advice - what do you think?
Hi to everyone - I need to get some sleep...night all
Geri
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Hi Everyone,
Just to update. I started chemo on April 26. I'm HER2 negative on the left and HER2 positive on the right. I'm receiving TCH which is really treating the right side. I had bilateral mastectomy and my right side had one lympth node positive after SNB. I'm concerned that the left left tumor is not be targeted with chemo. Does anyone have both diagnosis and if so are being treated with chemo?
Star-light
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Hi all,
Star - light, good to hear from you! I wish you luck with your treatment.
Titan - the therapy session was good. Basically, I just gave her all my background going back to the genetic testing that I did and then my ovaries coming out. We talked about my frustrations that everyone thinks I am back to normal, but really I am not. How I need to accept my limitations and how I feel about my self image. I am sure there was more, but that is what springs to mind. She just listened and asked me questions occasionally. I love to share with all of you, I think that you all know the most about me! I hope that the therapy will help me, but like I said, it will take time. I was also nervous about breaking down and that may yet come, but yesterday was quite a controlled session.
Geri - I am intrigued by what you wrote about that article, now I am definitely going to read it.
Helen, Chelev, Amy, Lena - how are you all today?
I have my Onc check up this afternoon, I am trying to stay calm about it. Hopefully, it will all be ok. I will let you know either later on today or tomorrow.
Hope you all have a wonderful day my friends! And thank you as always, this site is a life line!
Hugs to you all, Judy xxx
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Good luck with your appt. today Judy! We will be thinking of you! Let me know if they did bloodwork....I called my onc and they don't have any bloodwork scheduled for me...I don't understand that at all? If all of you are having it then I'm going to demand it....I see them on Tuesday....
This coming Friday, one year ago I started losing my hair! I still remember it well....I remember being at a track meet and it was windy and I was afraid that it would just blow off my head and I would be sitting there BALD! Yikes! Scary stuff!
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Hi all
The appointment yesterday went well and she doesn't want to see me till the end of August - YAY! She said she will do blood work then.
Although I didn't think I was anxious, I must have been, because last night, I was so drained and I actually slept very well.
Hope everyone is doing ok today.
Hugs to all, Judy xxx
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Yay Judy! Glad you slept well...leave the screaming to me!
Ok..no blood tests for you...OK..I will fuss about it until my appt. in August then too...
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Yay for Judy!
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Ok..ladies..can you join in with me here...we have talked about our physical and mental states...what about how CHEMO has actually affected our brains? ( I had to think for a second there..effect..or affect)..I used to be good that that...now I have to THINK how words are spelled..and "spell check" is not the answer.
Are you still forgetful? Do you have to look at what date, month, even freaking what YEAR it is? Sometimes I do... It seems sometimes that sometimes even the simplest things I have to think about......coffee pot, filter, water, coffee and then of course to turn the darn thing on..and then turn it off...it doesn't happen that often..but like putting the car in reverse...or even worse...which pedal do I use to stop the darn car??? I hate it when someone talks to me about something and I have to take way too long in my estimation to answer....Sometimes I feel STUPID! I try to laugh it off but I don't like it at all....and sometimes when I do have a moment of brilliance...I wonder if I'm really right...like something so simple as transferring a title of car.....oh well..maybe it is just me...but I definetly think some brain cells were killed off. ..and they aren't coming back..it's been 42 WEEKS! -
Thank you for your congrats everyone! Let's hope all future check ups are like this one : )
Titan - I am very forgetful indeed and never used to be. I find it hard to complete sentences some of the time and can walk into a room and forget why I went in there. I also find it much harder to complete a task efficiently and I can only focus on one thing at a time. I used to be a big multi tasker so that is very frustrating indeed. I also zone out when someone talks to me for a long time. My concentration span is very short now. It was never that long, but now it is worse. So, you are not alone! Everything also takes me much longer than it used to. A short list of errands can take me hours these days.
I think if I could just accept my limitations, it would make my life much easier, but I beat myself up about it, because it is all part of wanting things to go back to how they used to be...
I am def with you on this Titan, so don't worry, I think it is quite normal. (famous last words...) I once heard that doing crossword puzzles or sudoko helps, but I don't know if that is true.
My sister is also a BC survivor and when we talk on the phone, there are times when we can never actually finish a discussion, because we both keep forgetting what we were saying...
Geri - how are you doing?
Chelev - what is news with you? Are you feeling more positive now?
Helen - how are those wedding plans going?
Amy - how are you feeling?
Lena - how are you doing? let us know that you are ok.
Wishing all you wonderful ladies a sunny and enjoyable weekend!
Hugs to you all, Judy xxx
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Hi all,
Just checking in..I'm still going to PT but now it's once every two weeks. I've been doing the manual massage of the lymph fluid and it really helps. The PT told me that in most truncal LE cases it goes away have the radiation healing has taken place. It can take up to a year if I'm one of the lucky ones otherwise this is the way it is for the rest of my life. My waffle maker (jovi) really does help keep the swelling down too but kills the sex life.
I've actually worked out four-five nights a week for the past three weeks. So I'm beginning to feel better. Getting all those antibiotics out of my system has helped too.
Lena, Helen & Chelev, sorry to hear thing have not been going well for you. I hope that all of you get some relief soon from your struggles.
Titan- I was never good with words and now I mix them up all the time. It's very frustrating.
Amy - I tried to pull up the pdf but was unsuccessful on my home computer. Next week, I'll try at work. Sounds like it was a good article.
Geri - Still haven't tried that martini, my dh bought all the ingredients so I'm ready to go. I think I'll try it tonight as you are in the single digits. Yippee!!!
Judy - I always enjoy reading your posts. And love your group hugs. Right back at you!
{{HUGS TO ALL}}
Betsy
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Betsy..I was just going to get on here and shout out to you..I MISSED YOU! Glad to hear you are doing well.. I missed hearing from you..
Judy..not sure if I was normal before cancer but I'm sure as hell not normal now....I so totally get you when you talked about long conversations..I just zone out.....I can do crosswords but that sudoku...I just can't comprehend it AT ALL...I have to admit that here..I just don't get it..it hurts my brain to even try it.. I hate it when I am talking with someone and then all of sudden I can't even remember what I was talking about..oh well....I guess we just need to concentrate on concentrating..just relax and really listen to what someone is talking about....I also seem to have to be doing something all the time..I just can't relax..much...I fell asleep on the porch swing this afternoon...it was soooo nice out and I just napped...then I start freaking that something is wrong with me because I took a nap but then my DH takes a nap every afternoon when he gets home from work! -
Life Goes On
Good Morning Beloveds!Thus far, 2010 has been defined by 3 significant things:
1. Tragic Endings
2. Beautiful Beginnings
3. Cautious ContinuationsI have heard about, read about, and experienced just about all the unexpected, unexplained death of young healthy people I can stand! As someone whom breast cancer SHOULD have taken OUT OF HERE, I just cannot fathom why it was them, and not me. I can only trust God and His infinite wisdom, and give thanks for every day, every moment, and know that it is by GRACE and no amount of GREATNESS on MY PART, that I awaken each day with new opportunities to try and get it right, again.
And I can barely number the babies that are being born to my family and friends! I can barely keep up! It just reminds me that God is not through with us, as humanity, just yet, and through this infusion of NEW LIFE, the WORLD has the opportunity to get it right, again.
My last formal treatment for breast cancer was on April 2nd, the day before my 40th birthday. While I should have felt the liberating sensation of being "set free" I did not. I feel confused, a little scared, and guilty for longing for more doctor appointments, scans, life-saving treatments, and hugs from my chemo nurses. Having to navigate the "new normal" sucks and I'm not sure I'm getting it right.
So it is with caution I put one (unswollen) foot in front of the other and try to simply live one day at a time, and put fears of the future to rest. I'm starting to feel and really pay attention to the amount of stress and battering my body has taken over the last year. I feel fat. Like an obese sea cow with the mumps! LOL!!! And although everyone else marvels at my hair, I'm not happy with it. Grateful for what I have, but not happy.
I am looking forward to my reconstructive surgery in August! Tissue and fat from my abdomen will be taken and turned into a new set of size B-cup breasts for me! And then I will get a tummy tuck to close up the area they took the tissue/fat from. I won't be able to stand myself! A flat tummy and a set of perky B's (good luck trying to find me!) Yes, I deserve this! It will be a 12-14 hour surgery, but I'm mentally preparing myself!
I'm happy to report that The Great Church Search 2010 has ended! I have found a new church home and am looking forward to fully utilizing my talents in new and unique ways there and continuing to grow in Christ! The church is young and growing, and the church leadership takes a sincere and active role in caring for the congregation. It's where God wants me to be, and where I need to be.
So, as time moves forward, I'm starting to gradually replace and renew the things that cancer stole from me, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's slow work.
I just continually ask for your prayers and support as I wander about this land called The New Normal.
Scootin' Along,
Alaina
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Ahh..Alaina...wonderful to hear from you...here here to your flat stomach and perky foobs! This is sweet...! The end of treatment is scary but it is so sweet to NOT have to go to the cancer center all the time...believe me..they will be folowing you ...no way they will let you go yet!
I'm fatter than I would like to be too...people tell me I look healthy...but sometimes it is a little rough pulling a pair of jeans from the closet and not being even able to get them over my hips..Yikes! Oh well....I think "curvy" is in...GOOD THING! -
Alaina...I can totally relate to what you are saying about hair and fat! I got a lot of curls cut off my head today. First "real hair cut" and although it's short it doesn't look like I've had a bad perm. So..I guess that's improvement. One of these days when I'm ok with my looks again I will post another pic of myself.
On the fat front...I have gained weight even though I'm exercising and watching my portions. I've decided to just embrace this new me...and say what the hell. Life is to short to not enjoy it to the fullest.
On a sad note, my uncle died last Monday. We are heading to eastern Washington for a service next week. I hate memorial services. It makes me think of my losses. I want to stay focused on LIFE. Four of my five siblings are going to be there, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. It's sort of ironic that death brings about reunions of family and friends. I don't want to wait until I die to plan my wake. I want to be there to enjoy the party. I think I'm a little selfish but hey...why miss a good party!
Amy - My dh got the pdf to work. I'm too happy double clicking...I needed to just mellow out an click on the pdf. Thanks for the link.
Titan - I'm glad you are doing so well and are joining the"curvy crowd" You crack me up and I love reading your posts.
Have a great weekend.
Betsy
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Alaina - as always, your postings are an inspiration and that way that you have such a strong belief that life will go on and you will embrace it, is just amazing. Finding a new routine that does not involve doctor appointments is hard, but in time, it does become easier. We are all wandering through this land of the New Normal with you, even if we never meet, we are all walking through it together.
Betsy - so sorry to hear about your uncle. It must be a difficult time for the family. I also find it frustrating when families see eachother at the sad occasions. Glad the PT is doing it stuff. I am also trying to accept my new look. I cannot shift new weight from my hips and it is driving me crazy!
Titan - Curves are good!!! I must keep on saying that to myself : ) Always great to read your posts!
Geri, Lena, Amy and Chelev, hope you are all doing ok today.
Sending you all hugs, Judy x
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Alaina - good to hear from you and that you just seem so peaceful and happy.
Titan - totally relate to the missing parts of conversations, forgetfulness, pauses in the midst of sentences. I do cross word puzzles every morning, and I do believe that has helped somewhat.
Lena - please check in with us and just let us know how you are.
Judy - these 10 lbs. since chemo started are sooo difficult to lose. Now that it is summer and I can't wear baggy sweatshirts, it's especially frustrating! My weight seems to be concentrated in my stomach though, and maybe some in my hips. I have just given in to going up a size so that at least in shorts I don't look like Oscar Meyer (bologna that is!)
Betsy - good to hear from you. Martini celebration under way, even though they had to postpone my last treatment. This Tuesday, if all goes as planned, I will have 8 treatments left. Condolences on the lose of your uncle.
Chelev and Helen - how are you. How is the job search going Chelev? Any news on the wedding plans Helen?
Have a good week everyone!
Geri
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Hope everyone had a good weekend. Seems that many of us are struggling with the extra padding. My future DIL seems to have everything under control. I feel almost like I'm just a guest - except that I am paying $$$$ . When my older son got married I was part of all the planning. This one is not going the same. I'm sure it will be beautiful. Once my shingles have cleared up I'll go for a fitting on the dress.
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Geri - so nice to hear from you! I enjoyed your posting, you sound in good spirits. And 8 treatments left!! YAY for you! Same as you, I felt better in the winter when I could cover myself up, but now I am stuggling with the summer clothes. I lost a lot of weight on chemo, so it has come on since then. Of course everyone says I look healthy, but that is not what I see. Sometimes, I just say that this is my size now and I have to live with it.
Helen - hope the shingles clear up soon and you can have your fitting. Enjoy the wedding plans without the stress of having to organize it. You deserve to take it a bit easier.
Hope everyone is doing ok today.
Hugs to you all, Judy xxx
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Had a trans-vaginal-ultrasound this morning (TVUS). It was to have a baseline scan on record b/c I am on Tamoxifen, so we can compare for uterine changes later on. No big deal at all. I was very relaxed and didn't stress about it. Felt good about that. I mean, I KNEW it wasn't going to show anything bad (just been on Tamox 8 mo) but test can get to us anyway, you know?
Tomorrow I see the therapist for my post-tx check in. I STILL have moments of unreality about this whole experience - i.e. "Did all this stuff REALLY happen to ME?" and I want to talk to her about that. I am forgetting about cancer for longer & longer stretches, but then when I remember and it all rushes back, it is unpleasant (to put it mildly). I will let you all know what she says.
Otherwise all is fine. My DD's bridal shower is this coming Sunday, wedding mid June. It is fun & exciting to plan - the perfect post-cancer project - very consuming and NON MEDICAL!
Hope everyone is doing well.Amy
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Hi Amy, good to hear from you! Let us know how it goes with the therapist. Tests of any kind can be traumatic. Sometimes even the smallest association like a smell or taste can set off all sorts of bad thoughts and memories.
Enjoy the Bridal shower! How exciting! All these celebrations! I am sure it will be wonderful.
Today I printed the article you posted and hope to read it over the next few days.
Hope all you wonderful ladies are doing well today!
Hugs to everyone, Judy xxx
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- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team