January 2013 chemo group
Comments
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Posting again ... my post landed on previous page.
Hi everyone, here is my latest update to my MRI - what do you all think? Especially those who are TNBC weigh in!!
I had mammo/us in October to get clarificiation on a small scar tissue area at base of right implant - location is important and this was near or at original tumor location. Findings were not suspicious but not conclusive, they recommended 6-month follow up. I waited 4 months, and last week had MRI (both traditional MRI and the new Diffusion MRI). The MRI report says: "no findings to suggest malignancy", but was given the birads 3 and follow up with initial short-interval ultrasound.
I've already got a call in to my PS to conference with my BS, and go ahead and get me into surgery and get this out. From a discussion in December, PS thinks it is scar tissue from when he had to adjust my right breast downward or possibility that the sling folder over, but since I was dx'd with TNBC, I have requested going for surgery again to settle this once and for all. The nurse at the PS office, completely understood my request, as she brought up that TNBC patients have less options, so lets minimize any and all possibilities.
What do you all think? Have any of you had any experience with a birads 3? I've never heard the term until last week!
Thank you for your insight and help!
- scar tissue post-mastectomy, MRI birads 3
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Virginia, You asked to see the Cousin It wig. I wore it out and about today and since there was a dressing room mirror situation that was conducive to self-photography I took a photo. I'm glad to report that at no point in the course of my many errands (shopping) did I rip it off my head like Samantha (Kim Cattrall) in that infamous Sex and the City episode, however, when I got home I did rip it off and sit here typing to you with my male pattern baldness in full glory (no, I will not be posting a photo of that because unlike all these ladies who have @$$-kicking buzzes and bald is beautiful looks - mine looks like an old man with mange. Big, completely bald areas with some areas with hair swirling around. Not good. Not good at all.
Soon, I will pull the mop back on over all that mess (in a way, it reminds me of those old bathing suit caps from the sixties) and go pick up my husband and hope that he doesn't yell out "hey, nice wig" like he did the day I bought it!
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Lisa, that makes sense, about the disclaimer! I just read that birads 3 has less than a 2% risk of being malignant. I asked about having it done like you did ( I remembered exactly you and your situation), but they made the argument the reason they don't do that, is because if it were to be something, they would want my breast surgeon, (citing this is his specialty) to be able to assess and remove, so therefore do it once completely. Also, I do have a backwards implant, so I thought this would be a good time to resolve that issue!
I have saline, and it seems it rotated, and I have been unable to rotate it back. -
InspiredbyDolce - I know it ended up being a Bi-Rads 2 in 2003 but you're right - it might have been a Bi-Rads 3 to begin with (and then downgraded with the more intense mammogram - I think those are referred to as diagnostic mammograms wherein they use compression to see things better and then follow up with an ultrasound).
As far as going back for surveillance - that's where I messed up. In a big way. In other words, I was not the poster child for mammogram testing for several years.
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Your wig looks nice! (I whispered it)
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I just read birads3 less than 2% risk of being a malignancy. I can breathe a bit easier now. A bit.
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Lee- I gotta tell ya. You look HOT! Oops, had to edit my typo!
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Wow, you ladies have been going bananas. So much to catch up on as I crawl out of my hovel.
Can't offer much on too many of the questions raised but Smethot, I've had lots of trans vaginal ultrasounds and they're not bad at all. They use them to detect early pregnancies and as I've had several miscarriages, I have had about 6 of them. You'll be fine.
Skigirl, like you, I have this shit cold that is bogging me down. I am sure I would not have caught it but for this frigging chemo. My throat is so sore, runny nose and then last night the Neulasta bone aches on top of it all. I thought I was going to combust. Took 2 very strong pain meds left over from the mastectomy and a sleeping tablet as had to get through the night. Will defntely ask my onc about Claratin for the next one. Maybe we don’t so that here in Australia? Had a mild temperature but no fever and have been to the Doc. It’s viral, no antibiotics for me but boy oh boy, I hope it passes soon. What are the odds of catching a cold first week post first chemo??? I am missing my brother’s 40th birthday party tonight cause I am just too weak to leave the house and also terrified of amplifying this bug with more germs caught from a crowded bar. Devastated.
Re mouth ulcers, my GP has recommended putting an asthma spay on them. Apparently it’s not a traditional use of the spray but it works. You just can’t use it too much or you get mouth thrush. Bonus. Sending hubby to get the script for me later and will let you know if it helps. Have also started on the lysine – thanks Skigirl and Kiwigirl.
Lee-A, have you tried Kefir yoghurt? It’s a Turkish yoghurt that is mega rich in probiotics and it’s similar in taste to Greek yoghurt. I make my own low fat, organic version and have been guzzling it cause it’s the only thing that feels nice on my throat right now. I see an alternative medicince lady who has told me to have a cup a day on top of probiotics. Whatever probitiotics you take, make sure they're the refrigerated variety. The others are duds.
Going to head back to bed now for a nanna nap while my little one sleeps. Thank God for the weekend – I have other hands on deck today.
Have a great weekend ladies and keep the laughs coming….
xox
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Lee A
Cytoxin and taxotere -
Hello everyone, I just got my med port in today. The surgery went well and I didn't feel anything. I was released about two hours after surgery. Although I cannot feel any pain, I find my neck is uncomfortable when I talk or eat. Is this normal?
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Bcfree...yes. I was uncomfortable in my neck, shoulders...you still have some swelling. However, if you have trouble actualy swallowing, call Doc.
I had my port removed a month ago and I am still a bit sore...they tack the port to the muscle...
Good luck with your treatment...
Hugs
Lisa -
So realizing I need a boat load of protein during all this reminded me I don't eat enough protein... so here is a good list to have...
http://www.herbalvitality.info/list-of-high-protein-foods.htm
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Paula thanks for posting that I had been wondering if I needed to bother with the shampoo/conditioner stuff.
Sheryl
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Shannon, get ready to tell me to FO. I am the biggest worrier, the word to describe me is "an awfulizer". Now having said that u can worry or u can try to trust your team. You are exactly right IMHO when you say that poor node is doing the work of everybody else and working it's poor ass off. You are also right IMHO that the chemo and the rads will do it's job. Now go get a valium or something and try to chill, Please!!
Hugs, Sheryl
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Chgogemini: I had CT too! It is Cytoxan and Taxotere. I did have a slight nausea feeling the first few mornings of each treatment, but when I had it, I would just eat! I found if I ate, it went away quite quickly. My Onc prescribed an anti-nausea med, and an anti-anxiety med, because he said a lot of times when someone gets nauseated, they can make the symptoms worse by having anxiety about it. I never did have to use any of those drugs. I did take a Percoset right before heading out the door to chemo treatment. It kept the edge off for me, and so I kind of went through it in a relaxed state of mind. During my treatment I would eat. The night before, we packed my 'satchel' and I would bring a clean blanket, 2 magazines, a pack of M&Ms, a Diet Coke to pour over the ice there, and then while I was getting the infusion, my hubby would go down to the deli and bring back something to snack on for me. I really think eating kept the nausea down.
If you do start to get sick and lose a lot of fluids, go back to your Onc and see if they will replenish them. My Onc said if at any time I got low on them (due to being sick) he would give me an IV of fluids.
Someone asked how much to drink? The first 48 hours is important to drink a lot of water to flush the chemical out so it does not linger around important other organs. I aimed for 64 ounces. I found it doable if I had 4 16-ounce water bottles, I could gauge by what time of day I needed to be where on the bottle. Someone on here said 3 quarts. Also, try something with electrolytes like SmartWater or Pediolyte Freezer Pops. Check with your Onc of course!
Jubby: Funny - crawling out of a hovel.
LeeA and Lelela: Thank you both for help. I don't know if I've said that yet or not. These boards are so active this week, I'm having a hard time keeping up with all of you, and myself. LOL
Nanc - nice to meet you!
Regarding the transvag: My brand new PCP sent me for a bunch of tests, because my right leg was swollen. One of the tests ordered was the transvag. Well, I have to say I was very upset when I was done with it. It is awkard, as Mandy said, but doesn't hurt. It did upset me though, and I cried all the way home. I was very upset that my PCP didn't prep me about what type of test I would be going through. I'm glad I had it done, as it further confirmed everything was normal, but I'm the type of person who likes to be 'mentally prepared' for a procedure, and I had no idea what it was about until the lady pulled out the big wand. My panic is only funny in hindsight.
No wonder I make everyone stop and identify each instrument before they come within 50 feet of me now. I'm not taking any more chances on invasion of privacy! LOL
Constipation Remedy: And ladies, for constipation, you must try: Smooth Move Hot Tea (available at grocery stores). I know I sound like an infomercial, but it's the best thing I have found! It was recommended to me by someone else after their surgery. I thought it sounded too good to be true, but it is just that. Works excellent, very natural and tastes really good! Drink a cup or two in the AM, and let the magic happen.
Have a very nice evening everyone. I know I haven't mentioned everyone, I'm still trying to figure out how you all do it so easily!!
- Breast Cancer Questions: Ask An Expert - John Hopkins Breast Center: http://www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org/services/ask_expert/
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Good things about chemo:
- People pray for you a LOT ~ some who you've never even met.
- Friends cook for you.
- You get more flowers than when you have a baby. (I've had 3 babies and definitely received more flowers since my BC diagnosis than with the 3 of them combined).
- It's a great opportunity to catch up on the best that TV has to offer (for me, Modern Family, Scrubs, and Downton Abbey ~ thanks Netflix) since you can no longer be "too busy for TV"
- So many more dressing options! Hair/hats/bald? Falsies/boobs/or flat? (for us BMX girls with prothetics)
- A clearing discernment about what is really important in this life, and growing gratitude for all that we have.
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skimommi, I couldn't fast this time because of the stupid fever. Hmph. I'm beginning to think the universe is against me. BTW, awesome graphic of insurgent-killing!
Oliverhog, you are just adorable. That's all I have to say. Oh, and yes, it was a joke about fat transplants (at least, as far as I know). How's young Peyton doing?
ANoel5, ciao bella. So sorry you have to be here, especially at your age. On the other hand, I just had AC #2, and I love knowing that I'm halfway through. I hope you'll feel the same. Are you on a 2-week or 3-week schedule? Taxol after?
chgogemini, just breathe, honey. You can do this.
rilori, ciao bella. I hope your first treatment (we call it Happy Hour or bellying up to the bar around here) is treating you well so far. Which chemo regimen are you on?
Nancy, darling mama bear, I'm so glad to see you're up to being back on the boards again. And thanks for the scheduling update! You know how I hate an inaccurate calendar...
Lee, tell your husband I'm a married woman, for goodness' sake!
Jubby, I'm sorry you caught a cold. It seems I have, too. Maybe it's a computer virus. (Get it? A virus through the computer, and we caught it from Skigirl. Yeah, that pun was even worse than the last one. I continue to bow to your punning genius, Lee!)
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ANoel15,
So sorry to welcome you the club no one wants to be in. I promise this will be the best website you visit all through this journey.
Hugs, hang tough, Sheryl
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colleenkell,
Vicodin is just the same as Lortab and if you have a prescription there will not be any problem with the chemo or any other treatment. It has tylenol (acetaminophen in it, don't take extra unless you are taking less than what is recommended for tylenol which is no more than 4000 mg per 24 hr period only if you have no contraindications to tylenol like bad liver). Always check with your doctors, not us know it all (right!!!) nurses.
Hugs, Sheryl
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Nanc,
Gotta tell you the Neulast did the same thing to me. I have a pretty bad low back (may need surgery if I am unable to function but not yet) anyway I swear the neulasta wanted all my WBCs produced in the bone marrow in my low back. Never had an epidural but would have let a medical student do it the pain was that bad. Got pain pills, but next time when I asked for more, everyone seemed to think I was drug seeking (I do have a history of opiate abuse). So got my second neulasta today and am only on tylenol and ibuprofen, which works for me pretty well sometimes. Not looking forward to tomorrow because that is when my problems started. I am trying not to give myself pain by being too nervouse about it. However, if it does the same to me I too will not take the Neulasta again, who the hell can stand that pain, I barely got through it with narcotics.
Hang in there, Sheryl
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Lee even if it felt crappy you look hot!! and so young!!
Sheryl
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Watta; I'm getting treatment at Dana Farber. My MO also takes patients at Faulkner. Today was #5. This was my first one I went to by myself, and the drive home really wiped me out.
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Welcome to the newcomers -- you're going to love this group -- we'll soothe your fears, try to answer your questions, and make you laugh your ass off!
Lee - you look "fan-friggin-tabulous" in your Cousin It wig. You look so good that I had I steal the word that Mandy invented to describe Bryona's buzz cut.
Mandy -- I am so glad that you're feeling better.
Nanc -- what an experience -- I know that part of it was an allergic reaction but it also a good reminder to all of us to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Hope everyone has a good night.
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Nancy - so glad u are home and feeling better - wow what a scare ! And regarding the neulasta shots - maybe my centers protocol of not giving them unless your counts are low the day before treatment is good ! I did not have one the first round or the 2nd round . I think u will do fine without them - just be a hermit for those first two weeks and hydrate - protien - light exercise in your home !
Oliverhog - wow I am impressed at your efforts to keep up with all the posters comments ! No I did not know apple seeds contained cyanide - guess I better core them then before I drop I'm the juicer ! But it's so fun to,drop a whole apple in darn it !! -
Re: cyanide and apple seeds -
If any of you want to fall down a rabbit hole just google cyanide + apricot seeds + cancer.
Very controversial (I'll leave it at that).
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Here's what Snopes has to say about apple seeds and cyanide (in case anyone is interested):
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I have been totally overwhelmed with the blessings of God since I was diagnosed.
Right after dx my DVD/VHS player bit the dust so my pastor's wife bought us a new one.
A lady in my church made me a whole bowl of peanut butter fudge.
After surgery, people in my church made and brought us dinner every night for a week.
A friend made a beautiful afghan for the back of my sofa.
My husbands work has been very slow, so at one Wed. Night Bible study, Pastor took up an offering for us. He didn't tell anyone who it was for. There were just a few of us there. He said there was a need. He needed $300, and for us to trust him. I wrote a check for $20, which was very painful, as we had hardly any money. I wrote in the memo...trusting Pastor. After church he handed me an envelope with $680 in it.
A church friend gave us $100 2 different times. Almost every week someone comes to me at church and puts 20, 30, or 50 dollars in my hand.
We've been given $100 in gift certificates for restaurants. Cancer charities of American paid a $296 electric bill for us. The Breast center where I get treatment paid our water bill.
There have been so many blessings I can't even remember them all. I just know that every day's a blessing when you know The Lord.
Paula -
Hi Ladies,
If you get a chance you should view this video. This young lady gives you a real look at breast cancer, it is a beautiful story. http://vimeo.com/57648966
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Amen Paula! God is good all the time. You continue to give him all the praise and glory he deserves even when you don't feel like it. He will definately see you through this "By His stripes you are healed."
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Lelela, thank you for the information. I am feeling much better now. I am starting chemo on Monday and I will feel comfortable with the port by then.
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