Wait...Been There, Done That...
Comments
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Wow...it was palpable and yet they couldn't find it on the Mamm....Still not a perfect science...that's for darned sure.
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Hello Ladies,
Just found this thread - I'm a repeater, too. First go round at age 41 with lump I found:
DCIS - had lumpectomy but complications with location behind nipple could not get clear margins. Opted for simple mx to avoid radiation when my boys were still young. No adjuvent therapy needed, so that was it.
Fast forward to last Dec, when I found a lump in remaining breast at age 55: IDC this time, Stage 1, Grade 3 Triple Negative receptors with clear SNB. Have had 2nd mx & 2 of 8 chemo now - no rads needed. No long term drug therapy since TN.
Have always been healthy & active. No family history - go figure. Am still not totally convinced chemo was the way to go, but am directing the big guns at this, along with diet/supplements to know I will have done all that I can do. Still consider myself youngish & this is just another little detour...yeah - just keep swimming, Dorrie & all!
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Cay, So glad you chimed in! Thanks! You ARE still young!! Big guns...right there with you.
Mine is looking more and more like it has some kind of genetic connection. I am meeting with genetic counselors at the end of the month. I have gone through enough. If I find that I am gene positive, I will most likely go for a BMX and have my ovaries removed. Talk about big guns. I know it is still not completely fool-proof, but hopefully, will give me a chance to avoid another round with old Mr. C.
Yes...I like the idea - just another detour. You learn a lot from these little detours: about the people around you, life, science, how a little humor can go a very long way....and a lot more.
Sending lots of love your way Cay!
xo
Dorrie
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Thank you, Dorrie ---
If someone had even suggested I consider a BMX the first time, I would have thought they were insane since DCIS is considered a "noncancer" or Stage 0. "Overtreating" is always a consideration, but if I'd had that crystal ball I surely would've given it utmost consideration. I'd breastfed both sons & my breasts had served me well by that point...it's actually easier to have the choice now of wearing my matching "foobs" now or not, I find!
I have an appt with the genetic counselors as well to see if is at all viable to do in my case - I do have 4 sisters to consider.
Am definitely keeping my sense of humour intact - it gets us through everything much easier!
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Laughter gets you through alot.
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I'm also a member of this club. First time in late 2004 and then again in early 2009 on the other side. Was shocked it could happen twice. Don't think I'll ever feel secure again.
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That's the worst part hrf....you feel like you will look over your shoulder forever. Unfortunately, after the first time, I felt that way. I lost trust in a lot. It has built back on many levels, but I never trusted my body to be cancer free after that first time. So, though I didn't live there constantly, I kept myself aware of that possibility.
My oncologist was more shocked than I was that I had a new primary. THAT scared me!
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Hey Dorrie
How are you feeling? Hope its going ok!
Laura
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Hi Laura,
Day 6 since TX #1 ..... feeling ok. Will go to work today. (have been working from home since treatment...actually, the day after my treatment.
Mouth is a just a little soarish...no nausea and bones are feeling pretty good today. Hangin in!
How is everyone else this bright and sunny Tuesday??
Dorrie xo
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Day 5 for me post tx #3 - been queasy on and off since the infusion, but better than the first 2. Heading into GI land, hoping my stomach holds up better than last time. Was up several times during the night with the Big D, I took some Imodium and I hope it does its job......
3 more to go - seems like its taking forever
Hope you are all doing well!
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dj59,
My story is the same as yours. Bc 16 years ago and now in my left breast. Awaiting results from test that will tell how likely recurrance will be. The first time I was on a clinical trial and had massive chemo and radiation. this time I have decided not to have the chemo even if my doctor suggests it. At 66, I just don't feel that I will be able to endure it aside from the fact of other serious medical side effects. I have no node involvement but will go for radiation. I still have the steri strips on from surgery but I am anxious to start treatment and move forward. Stay positive and my best for great results. EllenNY
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Thanks for the information, I am going to start doing breast exams, one tends to be careless after a while... best to everybody.
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Hi Ellen, Sounds like you have things well in hand. I agree, chemo is just so hard on the system, and if it doesn't seem to be highly beneficial why put your body through that. It IS about moving forward on the treatment. Getting through it is better than pondering what treatment may be.
I am now waiting for BRCA results as they are thinking I might be one of the rare 5-10% that actually has one of the BRCA genes. That will determine what I do after chemo.
Hair started falling out today - in clumps..by the weekend, I will be free of hair, I think ; ) have scarves and hats ready and waiting!
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Well ladies its been a pretty bad 11 day post tx #3. 11 full days of queasy. Had really really bad GI issues once again, fever for 2 days that until today was unexplained (cultures clean, no infection, CBC good) taste buds all out of whack, horrible body aches, a yeast infection, bloody noses 2-3 times a day, overwhelming fatigue and another flare-up of something called Sweet's Syndrome - a horrible burn/rash on my feet and hands that's a SE of the Neupogen shots. That's what caused the fever as well. Google it if you're interested, it ain't pretty
So all this has led me to decide, with the blessing of my onc, to stop after 4 tx's. All the SE's are just too much to deal with this time around and we both feel that the 4 is enough. So one more tx and I am done. I think its the only way to get me back in the chair, knowing its for the last one. UGH. This has been SO different from the first time around when I breezed through AC/Taxol and Herceptin, working full time with barely any SE's at all. A total 180. I'm so happy we were in agreement, I love my onc!
Hope everyone is doing well!
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Oh Relda, Sorry to hear this treatment has been so tough on you. Glad to know that your onc agrees on 1 more and done! Then you can get on with life again. You still sound strong and positive. Hang in there. You are almost done with it.
I go for round number 2 on Thursday. Round 1 was really great. I did so much better with the Taxotere/Cytoxan than I did with Adriamycin/Cytoxan 12 years ago. I was much more nauseous etc. I am taking Neulasta shots the day after each Chemo. That went well too, thanks to the helpful hints about Claritin.
I only have 4 treatments to get through, so I will be halfway through after Thursday.
Dorrie
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