Is There A September 2011 Chemo Group?

cjrt, i am sorry it's been so rough for you this go round, what treatment are you on? when is your next treatment, i hope it is easier for you next time.

update on guy- ok one of my peeves about anybody is don't tell me you are going to do something and then not do it. now he said he would call yesterday and he didn't, not the first time this has happened, last time i said something, what happened to the phone call so he knows i have an issue with it. so today,i'm thinking ok, i can't deal with this anymore, i'm just going to tell him i don't want to date. i need to concentrate on getting thru this and when i am able to be around people i want to be with my family and grandkids.

 then today, i receive a plant from him, i know he probably talked with my sister and i had discussed with her a few wks ago how it aggravated me when he did that! he probably told her,he forgot to call and she probably told him, he better send me something because that i would be upset. i feel like i'm in high school and i didn't like high school!

well, my guy called  i thanked him for the plant. then told him i can't deal with a relationship right now. i have too much going on physically and emotionally. when i do feel good i want to spend the time with my family and grandkids. he seemed to take it well. said he would call occasionally to see how i was doing,if that was all right. i said sure, we had discussed before if the relationship didn't pan out there was no reason not to be friends.

Thanks Belleast.... Not to get into your personal decision making but I think you made the right decision.  For you to even question if dating him is the right thing right now tells me he is pulling your energy in the wrong direction.  I think all of your energy needs to be toward your health and happiness right now.  My personal opinion is that you made the right decision. 

I think the survival rate is the same for a mastectomy vs. a lumpectomy.  I know the recurrence rate is higher with just a lumpectomy.  I just cannot recall the exact numbers (I am still stunned that that discussion just seems to be erased).  I just don't know if I can go through this again. 

khegidio, Lumpectomy versus mastectomy survival/recurrence are considered the same (with the smallest difference that they say they don't even count).  MX can sometimes keep you out of RADS whereas most do RADS with a lumpectomy because breast tissue is left.  I have heard of many who did the MX and then ended up with RADS anyway.

Also, there are many who don't just go for the one breast if your thinking of a MX.  Getting symmetry for reconstruction is important for a lot of ladies.  I suppose it all depends on what you think about your body now, how old you are, family history of BC, what your plan for your boobs are in the future, would you reconstruct or just leave it be and stuff a bra.  All these questions can help you with that kind of decision.

My BS said that the world was my oyster when it came to boobs and it was entirely up to me since either procedure would give the same stats.  My BRCA was negative so parts could stay if I wanted them to.  I have nice breasts that fit my body well.  I choose to keep mine and I can say that I now thank my lucky stars.  My BS did a great job and had clear margins and my breast looks good and has all the feelings that a breast should.  Also, so many on the August surgery group are still healing and waiting for more surgery.  I healed up in about 2 weeks and soon this should all be behind me.  Okay... off my teacher's stand ;-).

Belle- I agree with khegidio that your gut probably steered you right. I hope you feel peace with your decision and can focus on the most important things right now- your health and happiness. As for my treatment, it's carboplatin, taxotere, and herceptin. I have an appointment with my MO this Friday after seeing the PA for the last one. I will discuss SE's with her and see what she has to say.

 Khegidio- Awesome news!!!! As for your question, I have the same confusion about recurrence rates for the two options, as I came across a recent article from last month that I think contradicts the numbers I had in my head. I met with the medical director of the cancer institute where I get my treatment about my BRCA results, and she told me that no one would feel I was overreacting opting for bilateral mast. instead of lump. despite my being BRCA negative. She didn't give me statistics but just spoke in generics about something to be said about slightly higher lifetime recurrence in a younger survivor given the annual recurrence rates. I will get more specifics when I meet with the surgeon and my MO again to discuss and will share with you.

 RJ- Thanks for the support. I always find your attitude and sense of humor so uplifting. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way Thursday.

Good evening ladies!

Sheypres -  That olive juice thing was funny.  I can taste salt a little when my tastebuds are gone but I'm really tempted to load it on so I can taste it more.  Unfortunately I start blowing up like bread dough if I do that.

Belle - I like to think he's going to surprise you and get his darn teeth fixed.

Kate - That surgery decision must be a tough one for someone as young as yourself.  I believe that Rocky is right that your chances of survival are the same whichever option you choose.  Breast cancer recurring in the affected breast or the other breast is not what is going to kill you, it's the metastasis to other organs that kills.  My breast surgeon told me that it was very old school to do mastectomy these days, that they found it just wasn't necessary or even helpful for extending your life.  They would be watching what was left of my breasts very closely if I chose partial mastectomy.  I had a gut decision from the time the cancer showed up on MRI that I wanted them both off because my cancer had not been diagnosed by mammogram and ultrasound.  I didn't want some new tumor growing large and metastasizing before they caught it.  With my sister also having breast cancer at the exact same age (and also not diagnosed by mamm and ultrasound, 7 cm), I thought there is just something genetically wrong with this breast tissue and I'm not playing with the risk. I also had fear that if I lost my job, I might not have good insurance in the future to monitor or have treatment that I have available now.  I also was not using my breasts for sex anymore so that was less of an issue than it would be for you.  Also, my breasts were really saggy after the hysterectomy and going off HRT, so it was not like getting rid of the nice set I had when I was young.  There are so many factors that play into our individual decisions on this but generally speaking I think they are going to tell you that your chances of survival from this are the same, whichever way you go.  If you have the partial mastectomy, you will just have to have very close surveillance to catch any recurrence early.  Maybe it is different if you are BRCA positive.  I didn't check mine because I knew I wanted them both off regardless.  It turns out to be a very personal decision how we weigh all the factors in.  You still have a fair amount of time to research, talk to a BS, and make a decision you can feel comfortable with.

Bluejay - Hope the sinus clears up with antibiiotics.

RJ - I am glad your hands are healing up and you get 3 whole days off if I understand that right.  I hope you are on your feet for the birthday party on Sunday.

CJRT - Sorry it was a tough round but glad you had some help during it.

CCJJ and SCPMadi - Trips sound like great idea as reward after treatment.

PinkShirt - Have you tried any of the supplements for neuropathy or shying away from anything that might interfere with chemo?

hi all, i think i found the secret to get a good nite's sleep for me anyway-1 compazine,1sleeping pill.

mags, i'm happy your husband doesn't have cancer unfortunately i understand his lighting up a cigarrette first thing as i smoke,too. i am trying to quit but it is so hard esp during stressful times. i have heard chemo will evenutally cause them to taste bad but so far not!

this fc makes no sense on who gets it,so frustrating so i understand.

Belleast: I am a smoker.... maybe soon to be ex smoker.  I am in the process.  I cannot believe that having breast cancer has not made me quit smoking as soon as I found out.  Initially, the thoughts were there.  The day I found out I had breast cancer (9/7/2011) I doused my pack of cigarettes with water.  But then the appointments started, the stress set in, real life picked back up and I bought more cigarettes.

So I confessed to my oncologist that I was embarassed that I was still smoking but could she please prescribe me chantix.  I had quit for over 6 months before on chantix and I remember it being fairly easy (although not easy enough to stay smoke free).  This round it is not.  I cannot stop thinking about cigarettes.  This is my r3rd week of chantix tomorrow.  I did not quit after my first week - I couldn't.  I quit after my second week (so 1 week now) and I have had about 5 cigarettes since then.  What is the deal????  My husband seems to think that when I quit before, its because I wanted to.  Now, cancer is forcing me to quit.  Why don't I want to quit after this horrible disease has already ransacked me and my family? Why would I intentionally partake in something that will give me another type of cancer?? I cannot answer this question.

But the other day... i got an electronic cigarette.  IT IS AMAZING!! It lets me inhale (water vapor with a little nicotene) and it totally takes the edge off.  I think this may be what I need to help me quit fully.  It has stopped me from smoking.... and it has stopped me from ripping my husbands head off (God bless him).  I take a few "puffs" and it totally takes the edge off without giving me the carcinogens.  It seems like magic to me right about now.

All I can say is that you'll quit when you are ready.  I feel like I am quitting before I am really ready and I feel like it is making it harder.  I havent given up yet though because I just know its going to be hard no matter what. UGH. 

I am sooo behind again. Been running around doing things I need to do before tomorrow's second treatment. I hope everyone is doing ok...With the littlest SE as possible.

I am hoping I am not as sick for so long this time.

But you know if I disappear again , I am not doing good and will post as soon as I can.

I was finally able to put up a new blog post after 2 weeks...Slacker Debbi But it does show me Trying to "rock the scarf " after having to get my head shaved Sat. (link below)

I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers..We're going to get thru this girls !!!!

Just have to post the pic below....this may even go for me with chemo brain for the next few days....lol 

DebbiMy blog ~http://atoosassygal.blogspot.com/

sorry for the confusion but it is not my husband but my bro in law.  Hope you can all find the strength to quit soon! 

Deb hope this time is easier on your body.  this is the hardest thing I have ever done for sure.  Sitting at hospital now awating the meds to be sent up from pharmacy.  Been here for 2 1/2 hrs so far just waiting.  jeopardy music is playing in my head. 

Maggie

maggie, i feel for you on the waiting sounds like you might beat my 3hr wait time,very frustrating. about the cording, are you getting physical therapy for it, someone who specializes in it and lymphadema, don't mean to scare you but do you know that cording increases your risk for lymphadema-LE. from what i have read early treatment is best for either one.

Hi Everyone thanks for the heads up about the Vit. C I read some very interesting studies. Mixed reviews but I will be airing on the side of caution and not taking and VIT C.

Wish there was something I could take to help fight off this cold. I was up half the night coughing and just when I was ready to fall back to sleep my darling husband started snoring. My daughter was up before dawn and I am ready for a good nap but waiting for my husband to come home to watch our son. It is so hard to be a Mom and be sick at the same time. I have tons of help just not the kind that can be here during the day. At least the TV,Wii and DS were invented they really help when I need to rest. It is hard to explain to a 4 year old that Mommy needs a nap so she does not feel like playing LEGO right now. Daycare is so expensive, especially when you are not working.

I spoke with a friend who is also o FEC-D and has started her D (Taxotere) cycle now. Lots of bone pain and sore muscles. I have one more round of FEC(Fluorouracil, Epirubicin-red devil, Cyclophosphamide) before I start the D. I am getting nervous it is like starting over again. Complete new set of SE. 

I have been reading oll the posts and I am feeling very undereducated about this diesease. I can't believe how different the medical system between Canada and the US. Is the BRCA test standard for all BC patients in the US. I have been referred for genetic testing but it won't happen until mid Nov. My Onc. made it seem like an option she only offered people of a young age. I am glad she offered it to me as it will grant the opportunity for my daughter,sister and mother to have increased screening under the Canadian health care system if I am positive. 

I was never given the option for a MX. Surgeon did not really even discuss it stating it would be unnecessarily invasive and the the Chemo+ RADS would be equivalent to have the MX. I just trusted he was correct and went with it. My surgery went well clear margins, 1cm lump removed, 11 nodes removed 5 positive. I am triple neg and my tumor was a grade 3.

I found it strange that they could not tell me the type of Breast cancer stating it was undeterminable. Do all of you know exactly what type you are dealing with.  There is so much I don't know still. It is terrifying to read some of the stats even though they are so successful now. I struggle to think about what tomorrow will bring let alone next year. 

Take Care

infusion pre loads started at 4:30 today so should be out of here by 9 this time!! woo hoo.  Back to my own bed tonight early enough to get a good nights sleep.  Don't blame you belle for looking into mast. with the trip neg status--it is a different animal than those with hormone positibe bc.  I had 2 c sect with kids yrs ago and that was a way worse recovery than bmx.  I got a referral today for the local lymphadema clinic to get on top of the cording before it gets any worse.

Maggie

SCPMadi, Canada and US are very different indeed.  I love that everyone is covered in Canada, but I'm not sure the health care is all that equal.  Because of my insurance (very good coverage), I get to call the shots.  I pick my doctors, I get 2nd opinions, I can determine the treatment that is best for me.  On my plan, all it took to get an MRI was me telling the doctor that I was concerned about the right breast since the left had the cancer and the right was the one they always said had more cysts.

So, although the equity of insurance isn't always there, I'm happy I get choices.  I do, however, find it strange you don't know what type of cancer you have.  There must be a BS, MO or RO who can get that information to you.  Most of the other ladies from Canada that I have spoke with have their stats in their sig lines and know what is up.

BRCA is NOT standard in the U.S.,  It depends on your age, heritage and family history of breast cancer.  Many don't get it before and some don't get it later either.  BRCA can tell those who have a propensity toward cancer with a greater accuracy if they are going to get it or have a recurrence percentage wise.  Many women who are positive for BRCA will choose to do away with the breasts and ovaries since the goodies will be very prone to cancer with the positive indication.

On my first RO visit I was practically ambushed by my RO who had me spitting into a vial after taking a family history.  We hardly talked about radiation at that time.  She was glad I was putting of surgery and said the test will give me more decision power.  Test results were back in about 1 1/2 weeks.  Also, I believe this is a difference in the U.S.  I had a biopsy on a Thursday and results were back on Monday.  Most all of my tests and information have been quick.

Good luck with the rest of your care.  Hopefully one of your doctors will tell you the type of cancer you have soon.  Makes a big difference.  If you check out Cancermath online, the odds for survival are very different for IDC versus ILC versus Inflammatory, etc.

cjrt, i'm so sorry about your friend, i hope she comes to this site , i'm sure she will find great support as we have.

mo appt and blood draw tomorrow for me, my DIL angie is taking me. we will do lunch after,go to barnes & noble and if we have time maybe scarf and hat shopping. i realized today i needed more headwear because gotta coordinate with my clothes. i am fashion challenged anyway so this just sucks! lol