Questions for Oncologist?

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Arayasunshine69
Arayasunshine69 Member Posts: 50
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I completed chemo, Nov 2010, and done my last radiation Jan 5, 2011.  I had a CT and bone scan on the 13th, and Thursday I am expecting to get the results when I see my oncologist.  I'm a little worried, and I guess I'm not really sure what to ask him, because I don't know what my results are.  The last time I saw him, he mentioned prescribing Effexor for my hotflashes, and said it may help with my depression/anxiety as well.  I told him I would think it over, and from what I'm hearing, I think it can't hurt to try it.  I asked him a few months ago, if I would ever hear "You are in remission" and he didn't really give me a straight answer, just saying it could be stable for awhile, etc. I need help coming up with questions, so I can have my questions listed, so I don't forget anything.  I also have a friend coming with me, in case its not a good visit, and it's always good to have an extra set of ears. 

 Thanks Ladies! 

Cheers!

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited January 2011

    You and I have very similar diagnosis' and you are almost exactly two years behind me.  I finished chemo Nov 19 2008 and my last radiation was Feb 6 2008.  So let me first start with - I feel great, my hair is shoulder length (and I keep cutting it), I exercise daily, have run a marathons and several half marathons.  I work full time, take care of my family, vacation and work closely with survivors helping them regain their strength and add exercise into their recovery mix.  Life is Good! 

    I graduated to 6 month appts with my oncologist and do no scans or blood work - sounds scarier than it is.  My onc would do them if I wanted, I just don't want.  I have done everything I can (chemo, radiation, bilateral and hysterectomy), I continue to do everything I can (take my daily meds, supplements, exercise, vegetarian, reduce stress (uh, try), and basically live my life)

    So back to your real question - list of questions:

    What is the best med for me - Tamoxifen 5 years, AI for 5 years - a combo of 2 years of one, 3 of the other?

    What supplements do you suggest?  I take fish oil, Vit D, aspirin, melatonin, calcium and magneisum

    Vit D testing? (some new studies out of San Antonio BC were controversial)

    Zometa? (some new studies out of San Antonio  BC were controversial)

    Exercise? (if he/she says it isnt important - find a new onc!)

    Diet - I am vegetarian (by choice) but for bc reasons I avoid soy, flax, most dairy (I do have milk in my coffee, the occasional (or more) ice cream and an organic greek yogurt daily.  I dont drink but alcohol or drink red meat but there is some info out there on both.

    I dont know your age or menaopausal status but I was pre men. before chemo (at 39) and decided to have a hysterectomy between chemo and rads.  My choice but I am happy with it.  My onc felt it was over kill but also felt the bilateral was overkill - I am happy with both decisions.

    Please PM me if I can help in anyway.

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  • Arayasunshine69
    Arayasunshine69 Member Posts: 50
    edited January 2011

    Everyminute...Thank You for sharing your experience with me.  It's been a rocky seven and a half months!  I went from feeling so good, to feeling exhausted and upset, angry, scared and I'm so happy the worst of treatment is over.  I still have to do herceptin every 3 weeks until July, but I know I can do it.  I hate IVs, and echocardiograms, and eventhough everyone at the Cross Cancer has been really nice to me, I hate going there.  You are very inspirational...I use to be so fit and active, and I want to feel that way again.  It looks like a hard road, and sometimes I feel like I have alot of work to do.  Sometimes My arm feels so heavy, and it's 8% bigger then my other one.  I wonder if I'll ever be able to tone up again.  Everytime I go see my oncologist, I believe he'll tell me I'm cured, or that they made a huge mistake, and nothing is wrong with me.  Of course, he never do.  Hard to believe I'm as sick as I'm told, because I have so much that I still want to do, and have big plans.  I have days where I feel so positive, upbeat and optimistic, and I have days where I am so upset, and easily overwhelmed. 

    Thank You for your list of questions...my oncologist do encourage me to exercise, and eat healthy. He seems nice, I feel like I get my questions answered for the most part, I just wish he'd tell me I'm in remission, and give me really specific answers. I am 35, and having hotflashes, (Tamoxifen) have not had a period since July.  I feel lucky that I had my daughter when I did, she was 9 months old when I found it, and I believe she gets me through, everyday.

    Again, Thank You so much! xo

    Cheers! 

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  • Sooza
    Sooza Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011

    I have a question.  I had a 8 cm tumor DCIS / bilateral mastectomy / skin sparing reconstruction.

    My Oncologist told me it was stage 3 due to the size (rather than the invasiveness) of the cancer.

    No radiation.  No chemo.

    Because I am stage 3, I am a bit confused.  If the surgery was clean and the sentinel node clear and the node above it also clear, why do DCIS patients still talk about surviving 10 years?  Why wouldn't I survive anyway?  My Oncotype DX reported a 5% chance of recurrence, so my decision was based on that.

    Any insight would be appreciated.

    Thanks! 

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