April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Nofear - I'm not sure what your stats are, but you can see mine below.  After my initial BMX surgery, they found 2.2mm of cells in one of my nodes that was not detected during surgery.  I was given the choice of a full ALND or radiation post chemo.  After two different consults with tumor boards from different hospitals, I opted for radiation.  I also had LVI and extranodal extension of the impacted node, and both boards felt that radiation provided me with additional benefit that I wouldn't get from the ALND.  In addition, there's a reduction in the risk of local recurrence of the chest wall and the node area with the radiation, so I felt that as part of my desire to reduce both my distant and local recurrence rates, I'm going to hit this cancer with everything I can.

Granted, radiation also has it's own host of side effects and messes with my reconstruction options, but I have a good PS who basically told me NOT to base my decision on reconstruction.....he will make sure I have a good outcome regardless. 

Stacie hang in there. Stay inside in the cool air!

Stacie, I'm sorry you are being hit so hard.  I spent last week in bed, so I know how draining and utterly frustrating it is.  Do you have a shower chair?  My cousin is an OT and says to try to actually manage your energy - laying out clothes, towels, etc. before showers for example, to eliminate steps.  Sure makes me feel old but it helps.  Give yourself the time to heal - you are 83.33% done!  Almost there, am I right?  Hugs.

Nofear - can you post your stats? Not that we are experts or anything...I had a 4.5 mm macromet in my sentinel node but the second was clear.  It was not seen on any of my tests or scans, including the MRI.  My surgeon and oncologist want me to have radiation. I believe the newest studies which are quite large show a great benefit from radiation for those of us with 1-3 positive nodes, even for those like me that have had a mastectomy.  They did acknowledge that it's still a hotly debated topic amongst professionals.  I am having radiation.  This is from another thread:  "Until about a year ago, there wasn't any clear, long term research on radiating 1-3 positive lymphs...each RO made his own call. Now there is, and it is huge.  Upwards of 30% if I remember correctly (long term) reduction in recurrence."

Sandi, I started out by going out without a wig or scarf, but lately I feel more and more self-conscious.  You would think I'd go in the opposite direction?  

Very interesting about the radiation.  There is no talk of it with me and I had some cancer in one node also.  Also the micromets...

Stacie and Rose_d:  Hang in there.  I am lying here on the couch feeling very lethargic.  First thing I did today was shower.  I have no energy to eat, read, do anything.  I am so bored.  I can't wait for this to be over!

Vballmom:  I wish I had enough nerve to go out without the wig.  The only time I do is if I go to the MO or to the store very, very early (7 am!) 

vballmom -Good luck with your weight loss.  You have such a positive attitude!

kjiberty - I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  My brother died from pancreatic cancer when he was 39, 18 years ago.   It is such a horrible form of cancer.  His was discovered too late for treatment.  I hope your friend's was caught early.

TriChick - That is awesome!  You will rock it!

Kjliberty, my first 10 days post last chemo was harder- stomach issues, fatiguex10, hurting finger and toenails, major watering eyes to where I can't read. It's DAy 12 and I think SEs are fading. Except for the eyes...



I went for what in pre-cancer days was a 45 minute walk(trying to increase from 20-30 min walks) it took me almost hour and a half with rest stops and the last hill I could have crawled up. Home now, realizing my strength has been zapped since surgery in Feb. bit by bit, I guess .



What does NED mean again? And is it weird that I've had no scans? Part of me doesn't want any more information.....



Hugs to all the surgery girls, newbies, BGC gals, and all of you. Rest time.

Hi Sade!

I have my last of 4 A\C on the 6th of July. Not sure when they are going to start the 12 taxol and herceptin.

I found out on friday when I went to my oncologist that this is all "preventitive" treatment for the Her 2 Positive Receptors. I will always have the HER 2 Positive Receptors. For some reason I thought when I was finished with all of this treatment that I would NO LONGER be Her 2 Positive. What a SHOCK!!!! I was crying so hard inside, but didn't let anyone know it. Then she tells me that I will have to have CT Scans every 6 months (I believe she said).

Am I the only the one that thought this? I just PRAY that I never hear the words "You have cancer" again!!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend!! 

Pauletta, the issue of having scans for follow-up really varies by doctor.  Some absolutely do not scan unless you have symptoms.  Others routinely scan.  The problem with scanning so frequently is false positives can happen, putting the patient through a ton of stress.  I had an initial PET scan prior to chemo that was clean, and I think I am going to decline any further scans unless I have symptoms.  I don't want to put myself through any further mental trauma.

Regarding the HER2+, it's just like any other form of breast cancer in that yes, we all have a risk that it will return.  (Yes, it is aggressive BUT, we have chemo and Herceptin to go after it and try to eradicate it over a year's time.)  It all depends on whether every single microscopic cancer cell gets blasted by our various treatments.  If one remains, and our immune system is unable to kill it, then yes, we will recur.   Everyone has a different recurrence risk depending on how big their cancer was, the biology of it, whether it was in the nodes or not, your age, etc.  Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of your recurrence risk before treatment and after treatment.  Onc said my odds of recurring were at around 25%, chemo/Herceptin, etc. likely reduces it to around 10 to 15%, if not lower. 

Oh and yes lots of cells in our body have HER2+ receptors...they are normal, healthy cells.  What we are hoping is that any sneaky cancer cells with HER2+ receptors get blasted to h*ll.   

Awwh Stacie.  With all that we go through, and our hormones all screwed up by the chemo, it is no wonder that emotions get out of control.   Sounds like you need a good cry more than anything.  HUGS! 

Stacie:  I have cried several times today just sitting here......Ditto on the hot mess.

Dance:  My friend's brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009, all her tears were shed on her brother.  She's the strongest person I know.  She is being treated at MD Anderson and her daughter is an oncologoy fellow at Mayo.  She always has a smile on her face.

Hugs to all of you who are having a rough day today and for those of you in the BGC this week, I will be thinking of you and wihsing you minimal S/E's. 

Awwwv thanks Indigo. I pray that your daughter NEVER has to go through anything like this....I hope all is well with you!!!



Paulette, I'm glad to hear that u have 1 more AC and that it's after the holiday so you can enjoy yourself. Hopefully Taxol will be a breeze for you. I have some pain but it's not unbearable.Today my feet are hurting the worst especially when I walk/stand but it does not compare to the 5-7 days of nonstop nausea i experienced with ac. I just have to stay on top of the Tylenol....which I havent been doing.



Lisa2012, I find it strange that I havent had any scans either. When i mentioned it to my onc he said there werent any scans available that would show if there was any cancer cells left. Im kinda upset after reading these posts but then a part of me isnt sure if I want to know.



Im HER 2+ and only 1 node was affected. Im on the fence about rads as well. I just dont want to go through this stuff any longer. If a year of chemo doesnt do it im not convinced radiation will either. Im tired of being fat and stuffing my bra. Im praying i make the right decision so i can move towards reconstruction and getting my old life back.



Sandi, maybe I should only eat fruit and veggies and see if that will help me lose weight!



P.S. ALL OF THE "DORITOS" TALK HAS ME WANTING TO MAKE A QUICK STOP TO WALMART!!! lol

staci,I get it! The emotional irritable blues. Today I went for a longer walk, it totally wiped me out and been in couchfor a few hours. "everyone else is out having fun, I didnt ask for this, I'm not good at it, probably never be energetic again, what if exchange surgery has problems..." and lot more irrational anger and tears. Glad to hear I'm not crazy. Or if I am, im not alone.



danctrance, I'm kind of with you on scans. I just want to assume I am cancer-free after BMX and chemo. Extra screening do not appeal, false OR real positives would floor me.



My MO gave me a letter for an MM card. Haven't done anything about it yet. I wouldn't mind some mood-altering, can't drink yet(doesn't taste good at all) and I am cautious with Ativan use. Anyone find a way to lighten up?

Thank you dancetrancer! You helped me feel alot better. I am worried about the taxol\herceptin. but, I realized that I have to do it and getting upset and worried about the "Possible" side effects is just going to drive me crazy! I did really good with the A\C. Only had queeziness for a couple of days and the other days just felt really exhausted. I made sure to drink LOTS of water and drank protein shakes if I wasn't hungry.

The tiredness was the worst thing that I went through with the A\C. I get to enjoy the 4th before getting the tired, exhausted feeling from the A\C on the 6th.

Have a good nite!!!