When you were diagnosed...
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Proudtospin: - -I had no temperature - the insistant, incedious rash has tripled - covering about 1/2 my abdomen and "down there", my neck and arm pit to back on the left side . . . this is "just itching" . . . BUT OMG it drives me crazy . . . so, if "this is as bad as it gets" I can get through this. Oncologist on call (no my doctor) said treat with Prednisone - so, to sooth an allergic reaction I'm pumped for of steroids about the time I think I finally got over the 28 mg of steroid that got last week's treatment started . . . Aveena Colloidal Bath here I come. It is helpful for me to go about my normal life, and I am very thankful that I have a job to go to, and stuff to fill my day so that I don't dwell on myself. Tonight started church choir practice for the fall season, I am a pianist and have played/sung/lead music for 44 years . . . so, this is a blessing to me - went, sang, played, met with friends I haven't seen all summer and enjoyed myself - hopefully now, after 3 hours sleep total last night, and 1 benedryl, 6 prednisones, 1 sleeping pill, I'm gonna get some rest. THANKS so VERY MUCH for answering my questions early - it helped to talk to the doctor with what you all thought was the answer - made me "sound" more intelligent and less of a basket case. Talk with you all tomorrow . . . I am "hopefully" going to sleep here real soon.
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Fern, do hope you got some sleep last night, not a fan of the prednisone stuff but it is needed at times and hope it helps you. Maybe you will be able to talk to your usual doc today and they will be better able to figure it out. Feel better
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Thanks PROUDTOSPIN:
Worked all day today - I'm high on prednisone for the rash (that is still there, but NOT itching). I'm the road runner and the energizer bunny in one - BEEPPPP BEEPPPPP.
Finally contacted the after hours service and talked to an oncologist I have not met - he thought the rash could be related to the chemo (DUH?) and that prednisone was the only way to go. So I doubled the antihistamine AND took a sleeping pill - so I got a good nights rest. Good thing - today has been full speed here at work.
Now, it's come to my mind that side effects from Chemo "might" hit us at those physical points where we have previous conditions; i.e. I have skin problems, I'm highly allergic to poison ivy and never touch the stuff, but come down with 1-2-3-4 times per year where I have to take prednisone. (AND, got a S/E skin rash) Also, I have highly myopic eyes with reading lenses in my -18 lenses plus prisms. The S/E on day 3 and 4 after chemo was double vision. Is that what you all have experienced? THANKS!!!
BTW - cocoa butter worked better than the $10 tube of Aveeno lotion - after the colloidal bath.
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Fern, you certainly could be right. I remember when I was just over my radiation that I complained to a nurse pal of mine that I kept getting UTIs. She looked at me like I was dumb and said, of course you keep getting them, you are run down and your immune system is the pits!
so from my pal Carol, think you just might be right, love it that you found something to help the itchie drying. so hope sleep tonight
oh yeah, now my solution when I was run down was to try to eat as healthy as I could, since kale just happened to be in season, I made kale soup and ate it most every day! eat more kale! or any good dark green veggie
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kmtmom1...havent been on this website in a few but boy can I relate to your question. I had my annual mammogram and rememeber thinking one day about 2 weeks after that I had not received my all clear card in the mail. Not panicking yet but had this strange not so great feeling...then the call came from the nurse and they wanted me to come in and have another mammogram, ultrasound, etc. Of course I peppered her with questions I knew she couldnt or wouldnt answer but I did anyway because I am a poster person for worrying and admittedly I was scared. I had the digital mammogram, etc. and the young tech said looked good and I would probably be getting dressed and going home. I never took my eyes off that screen and even though she reassured me -I wasnt reassured. Then the Radiologist walked in and says...you arent going to like this...imagine just being told you could probably leave and then this...unfortunately by the person who really knew...she rattled off all these stats and said she thought it was cancer. I as stunned to say the least. I went home in a daze and braced myself for the worst still thinking though it would be okay. I couldnt possibly have BC. I waited a few days for the results of the biopsy and the call came again. This time from the Radiologist...how are you....oh and by the way you have bc...the lady is a charm school dropout. I was still in shock and very calm which is so unlike me. I didnt want to scare my son so I kept my game face on and while I wasnt flippant about it I reassured him it would be okay. Of course he didnt believe me. I didnt when my mother called me when she had BC. As all of you probably did you go through the next phase and treatments in a cloud. I didnt cry until I got the report from the BS that my oncotype test was good..the cancer was smaller than they thought, non aggressive and my score was 11. I like probably many of you always try to read the faces of the doctors. A lot of them dont have poker faces. While I feel blessed they got it early on I know we will all be forever looking over our shoulders because there is this fear factor that doesnt go away...ever. So all we can do is live our lives one day at a time and try not to focus on our disease. After all it is no longer the death sentence.
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I was diagnosed 3 days after my PBM. The IDC 1.1 cm was found in the final pathology. I had MRIs, ultrasounds, thermograms, biopsies. It took the removal of my own breasts "preventatively" for the docs to find it. No regrets. Onco score of 3. I did have an emotional breakdown afterwards, but I am almost 7 months out, and feeling good. The DX is not the worst thing that will ever happen to me. There have been many blessings in it, one of which is that I pledge to now live my life much more intentionally.
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I found the lump myself and after putting it off for longer than I should have (long story) I finally called my PCP, who was on vacation, so I saw one his partners. She said it "felt" like a fibroadeoma, but would send me for a diagnostic mammo to be on the safe side. As much as I wanted to believe her, I knew in my gut it was cancer. While I appreciate that she maybe didn't want to raise alarm before it was necessary, I despised being misled. When I met with the radiologist after my mammo/US, I listened to her doctor-ese for a few minutes before finally asking if what she saw on the screen looked ominous, and she said "yes, I think it's cancer." Those were mind-numbing words, but at least I wasn't surprised when the biopsy results came back confirming her suspicions.
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Hello all~
I have a huge family history of BC...one night I was drying off, and I felt this huge lump (east to west and hard) under my left arm. (very big) I almost fainted....(I heard ringing in my ears) As I am the person that always checks my breasts monthly. But suddenly there was this mass....
The next day I made arrangements....I didn't tell my hubby nor kids. I KNEW I had BC. When I told my hubby he said that I was exaggerating....NOT. I have stage 2-5 ductal carcoma....immediately. A fast growing cancer which has taken over my life.
Immediately I was referred to an Oncologist. IMAGINE how PISSED off I am. I tried to be a good patient...but I am not the kind of woman that will be TOLD what to do. Daily, weekly, and actually monthly they TELL me what to do. As a person that does YOGA and is holistic; the oncologist told me to stop taking my supplements. I cannot even describe to you what a HUGE mistake that was.
I was a healthy person although I have BC; howver; chemo made me weak and a NON person. I won't let cancer take me over; and while I have a great prognosis, I am now back to taking my supplements.
Dariff
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Hello All! This will be my first post, and a long one. There are so many other forums that are relevant to me as well, but this seems like a good place to start.... The pre-diagnosis. My story started with a random accident that prompted a mammogram. I went to my obgyn because I have been having spotting and irregular periods. I have had an iud for about 5 years. All looks good during the exam, but she recommended a pelvic ultrasound just to be sure. The ultrasound tech in their office happened to be out that day, so they sent me to a radiology center. She also said that while I was there it would be a good idea to get a base mammogram as well. Ugh... Ok. BTW- I'm 38 years old. I did the ultrasound and then the mammo. A few days later I received a call from the radiologist office that further testing was needed because I had dense breasts. I also received a report in the mail from them stating that only 4 out of 1000 people who are recalled for testing have cancer. I looked online and found that dense breasts are common in younger, smaller breasted women and it's quite common to be asked for a follow up exam with ultrasound. Ok- no need to panic.
Call to the obgyn- the pelvic ultrasound is normal, though the IUD is "riding low" and may not be effective against pregnancy. Good news.
Radiologist follow-up- When I arrived, I was informed that I would be having more views taken on mammogram and then an ultrasound. Ugh... another mammo. Then I was informed that there was an actual dense "area" that was suspicious as well as the overall dense condition of my breasts. Oh... Ok. A little worry creeps in. The lady who did my mammogram showed me the area in question on the mammo films. She said it looked normal to her and she's been doing these for 20+ years.
I went in for the ultrasound. My tech was super nice and we chatted during the exam. She said she did confirm the area of contention, and did not seem too concerned. I then waited about 10 minutes for the radiologist to review everything. He came in, introduced himself, and explained that this area is of very slight concern. He said they did not think it was a cancer. In fact, he thought it was 95% chance it was a benign fiberadenoma. He recommended that at some point in the next 6 months it would be a good idea to biopsy the area just to be sure and to place the titanium clip for future exams. I teared up a bit, still very worried. I asked if I could get it biopsied right then(I knew I wouldn't come back). He said that he could make that happen and could see how scared I was, and that he wanted to ease my anxiety. They performed the biopsy about 30 minutes later and I felt better once it was done. At the time, I was more scared of the "biopsy" than cancer. (oh you silly girl) The 3 day wait wasn't bad as I was reassured that it most likely was not cancer.
3 days later- I had a morning meeting and had my ringer off. After the meeting I saw that I missed 7 calls. Six of these calls were from the radiology office about every 20 minutes for an hour. Hmmm. Unless someone's butt dialing me, that can't be good. I called in and they transferred me immediately to the radiologist. He informed me that he was wrong, and he was so sorry, but I in fact, have breast cancer. Before you know it, I have an appt. with my obgyn for an hour from then, then an mri scheduled for later that day. I did meet with the radiologist after the MRI. He expressed his deep regret for steering me to false hope. He also told me the mammo computer detection system found the cancer. He said, he didn't see it himself, as it was small and looked so insignifigant. I am so glad I opted for that biopsy. He told me, because of the rate of growth and where it was located, I wouldn't have felt it for a very long time, and as we all know, the earlier the better. And so the journey begins.....
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Goodness freg1 - Sorry you have to be here. Sounds like you had some excellent care though. I know everything is so fresh right now. Hang in there.
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Hi all I am Caroline from Ireland i just recently joined joined this group myself so others would know a lot more than me I have triple negative cancer had my right breast taken off 4 weeks today and 10 lymph nodes removed also now I still have to get more treatment as in chemo and 7 weeks of rads I did not finish out my 1st lot of chemo as my body was to sensitive to it so my Onc wants to give me more went monday to see her but by looking at me she know I was sick and still am so gave me another month now I also have the fear of it coming back in the liver lungs or bones as if it was to reaccur thats where it will happen I am not over my first lot and wondering already I cant help it and cant have hormonal treatment so I am very limited to options for my type of cancer a I can say is I amm thinking of ye all and will pray for ye all I am 41 on monday was told in April I had cancer
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Hi all. Just a little about me... I'm 48 and just went for my first mammogram at the end of last month (I know - I should have started them years ago). I was called back for spot compression and ultrasound of both breasts due to having seen a "mass like density" in each and having "extremely dense breasts". On the ultrasound Wednesday, the radiologist showed me what she called a complex cyst, and I could see specks swirling in it, which she said were "maybe very thick fluid". In the other breast, she showed me several very tiny looking spots and a somewhat larger one, which she said were all cysts, with the somewhat larger one being attached to a dilated duct. She told me she could drain the thing she called a complex cyst if I wanted her to, but that she felt that there was nothing going on that needed anything further than yearly mammograms. I haven't gotten my actual report yet, and it will be another week and a half before I see my PCP. My question is this... do you think I should have told her I wanted the cyst aspirated and sent to pathology, or am I just being over anxious? I declined the aspiration at the time, because I felt like she didn't think it was necessary. Now I'm second-guessing myself. I think it's the floaters I saw combined with so many "I think" and "I feel's". I know everyone is different, but just hearing from some others who have been there might help me know what to do. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Lisa -
Gee, never heard of draining the cysts but I did show cysts on my last mamo. Mine was biopsied and it was B9. But I am 4 years out of radiation on that boobie. I would get the report, talk to your PCD and ask if she thinks you should see a Breast Surgeon for an opinion
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Thank you, proudtospin. That's sort of what I had decided to do, but it makes me feel better that I have another person thinking it too. Thanks so much!
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doggylady, first mamos sort of set a baseline for the future and these days, they are all so careful it seems, but you want them to be! Most cysts are B9 but dispite that, better be safe and get the opinion of someone other than the mamo tech. Dense breasts mean that they are harder for someone to read. gees, I was told that for years.
stay busy till you pull it all together, worry will not help now but a good second opinion from a breast expert will!
so go ...walk the dog~♥
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I will definitely stay busy - I have a third granddaughter due to be born any time now, my second granddaughter turning 3 in a month, and lots of things to do to get ready for both!
Thank you again. ((Hugs)) -
and do let us know how all comes out
those little short people...will keep your mind busy for now, best of luck
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I surely will let you know whenever I hear something - really wouldn't be surprised if my PCP wants me to see a BS for a biopsy, given that he's a wonderful, very cautious doc, and that after 6 months of treatment I'm still vitamin d deficient AND that I'm the same age now that my dad was when dx with cancer (third generation in a row to die of it)... so I won't let the referral scare me. Until I know something, I will play and have fun with my grandbabies, my kiddos, my hubby, and my sweet doggies.
Thanks for the good wishes, and even though this isn't necessarily WHERE I wanted to meet you, I'm glad I met you. -
Doggy-- yeap, my PCD when she got my report of the bad mamo, gave over to a BS who turned to be one of the best in the state.
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Proudtospin - Sorry I haven't checked back in for a while - just wanted to let you know that my doc did want me to see a surgeon. He says it's probably nothing but a cyst but he thought the big one looks a little less clear than he likes. So I'm going for a biopsy on Nov 12th with a surgeon he describes as "our local expert breast surgeon". Until then I will be in the whirlwind of granddaughters and family gatherings. I will be sure and let you know how things come out.
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My first time I had a mammogram i had skipped a year but went and had it Oct of 2008 my family doctor had me get another one with more imaging. Then he sent me to the surgeon and i had a biopsy it came back that i had dcis i had a lymph node then removed a month later and that came back clean. i did not do radiation I had seen what it did to my mom and did not want to have it ,then the follow up mammograms were clean till this year
I had a small spot show up on the mammogram and they did a sterotatic biopsy followed by a needle core biopsy on the right side . The surgeon did not get clean margins and she went back in a second time and still did not get clean margins I have gone for a MRi and now they have found something new in the left breast She and my oncologist are recommending a full mastectomy my mom had cancer but not breast cancer . My aunt , my dads sister had breast cancer and had a partial mastectomy done. i also have 2 sister that have breast cancer they are younger than me My youngest had a full mastectomy the other sister had 2 lumpectomies and radiation twice and is on tamoxifen some times i think WTF why us? -
I am confused, you have metastatic breast cancer, but are stage 2? And have never had radiation or chemotherapy?
Your journey, and that of your family, sound so horrible. The idea of a mastectomy is very hard on many women (myself included, which is why I chose the route I did in terms of therapy). However, if you are stage 2, with mets, all treatment options (including mx) are good options - best wishes to you.
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The Dr did not get clean margins even after the second biopsy she did in september the margins did not come back clean So that is when she had suggested a bilateral untill i had the MRI done when we talked she said a complete masctomey would be better. (still crying and very upset I hate cancer!)
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Oh sweetie, I am sorry. I have quite a few friends who have had MX and even chosen to forgo reconstruction ... they are all quite beautiful and are living very full and happy lives. That said, it is a horrible loss to face. Hugs.
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doggylady, best of luck and the best BS in the state sounds like a good place for you now
glad the short folks....are keeping you active♥
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Back to the waiting room for me... I saw the surgeon today for a consult, and he has scheduled me for FNA/clip placement and possible traditional core biopsy a week from tomorrow. He said if the complex cyst is solid or filled with very thick fluid, it will be a core biopsy. He thought it looked solid on the films they actually filed from the ultrasound. Thanks for being here, ladies. The moral support and hand holding helps with the waiting.
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Had my bmx thursday and home recovering I feel better today and we changed the bandages boy do I look funny have to laugh at this . The dr left enough tissue to do recon but that is in a few months. My sugar had spiked in the hospital and I am on metformin 2xs a day just hoping I get well soon. No raidation as far as I know which is a plus!
Good luck doggylady you will be ok big hugs!
Linda
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Linda, thank you and big hugs back to you! I know I will be ok - I just want to know. Rest, heal, and celebrate that one more thing is finished for you! I will keep you and all the rest of you here in my prayers.
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Had my appointment today with the surgeon and he did a FNA. Said it is definitely a cyst, and a large one, and sent the fluid off for culture and pathology just to be sure, because it was sort of thick and brownish. His words were "sort of snotty" - LOL! I can get pathology results on Monday. Thank you all for being there for support!
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