What to ask the oncologist

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Shasha10
Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Felt a lump Dec. 1.2012 Mammogram, sonogram Dec 6,2012, Core biopsy Dec 8th. surgery Jan 22. 2013

Was always super healthy, Just had my 60th b'day

Surgery: rt breast partial mastectomy (2.8 cm) w/ sentinel lymph node . clear margins. Lymph node, sentinel negative.

triple positive estrogen, grade 9

First of all. I'm so emotional. I keep crying. I'm normally very positive, clear headed and all,but all I do is cry.

The surgeon has been wonderful, but Tuesday I'm seeing the the oncologist. I understand in about 4 weeks after surgery I can expect to start Chemo.

I'm married and have support of my family and friends and yet I'm so scared. Everyone at work have been wonderful.

Any advice at all. Thank you all in advance.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2013

    Hi Sasha,

    We're so sorry you had to come here, but really happy you found us. This is a great place for support, advice and knowledge.

    While you wait for answers from your fellow BCO members, you may be interested in reading the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Your Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    Thank you

    I am grade 3 it is 3/3/3

    so it was very aggressive, plus the HER factor

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    I'm so afraid of drugs. I never took anything not even aspirin and never got sick lol

    My dear sister who was always the hypochondriac is freaking out worst than me.

    The nurse practitioner from the hospital called to see how I was doing and recommended that I come in to talk to her so she can set me up with someone. 

    I just can't seem to get a hold on this. I spent hours today searching the Internet to analyze my path report in preparation for my meeting with the oncologist. I created my own report like if I was organize it would make a difference.

    Thank you for your support. I'll go over to the Triple Positive thread.

    Thx

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    excellent thx so muchEmbarassed

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    I must admit the past few days on this forum & I'm feeling so much better from all the positive feedback. I'm also less tired today. The Dr. recommended a few more days at home so my arm could heal.  It's been terrible for me to be at home with nothing to do. When I don't work, I love projects and I'm taking it easy. but I'm calmer today and so that's that. When I was first diagnosed I ran out and bought Flax see oil, before I found I was ER Pos and Flax seed promotes estrogen. I'm meeting a nutritionist next week, but is there a thread on nutrition during chemo? I bought a nutribullet and was going start making anti oxidant healthy drinks for myself, but am afraid of the wrong combinations.

    thx Embarassed

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2013

    shasha - ask your oncologist when you see him/her about using antioxidants during chemo - let them advise you.  Many oncologists don't want you to take or use anything that encourages cancer cells - most of the ladies I have come across take few supplements during chemo, but do start adding supplements afterward.  Also one of the things I would ask about is dosing schedule since you will be getting Herceptin - weekly versus every three weeks.  There is no wrong answer there but it will help you to plan.  Ask about a baseline echocardiogram or MUGA scan to examine your heart (this is standard) prior to chemo and Herceptin.  Because the is a small potential of cardiac side effects they need to determine whether your heart is healthy before they start - also ask whether you will be receiving echo/MUGA throughout chemo/Herceptin.  There are several potential chemo regimens they may use - Adriamycin/Cytoxan/Taxol/Herceptin, Taxotere/Carboplatin or Cytoxan/Herceptin or Taxol/Herceptin - ask about each and ask why your onc wants to use the particular combination he/she has chosen.  Ask about the pluses and minuses of each.  Come over to the Triple Positive thread - great bunch of people and lots of help!  Sorry you have to be here but we are here for you!

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  • windchimes58
    windchimes58 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2013

    Shasha--

    First, I hope the very best for you on your Breast Cancer journey.  My advice is to take someone with you on that first onc. appt.(they will be able to listen and write down stuff better than you).  And a notebook with your questions.   There are various chemo treatment drugs and hopefully your onc. Dr will discuss them.   You should have the time to go home and research them on the internet--that made me feel better. A lot of Drs just expect you to go along with whatever they recommend . . .And if you don't feel comfortable with one Dr, try to get a different Dr.

    I am 58 yrs old and I went thru chemo with very little difficulty, and I think most people do.  The anti-nausea drugs are amazing (I received Aloxi, the anti-nausea drug IV before I got the chemo--plus I got IV steroid).  I never once got sick, only a few twinges of slight nausea and then I would take zofran (prescribed anti-nausea pill), and the symptoms went away.  I was able to eat basic food the night of the chemo.  After a few days, I was completely back to normal--I never even got that tired.  However, I did stop working--thanks to my dear sweet hubby--he insisted.  I'm an LPN (nurse) and I work in nursing homes (full of germs!!).

    My chemo is called TCH--taxotere, carboplatin and Herceptin.  This combo is easier to tolerate than the other one called ACT--adriamycin, cytoxan, and taxol.  However, I noticed you are grade 3, and that may determine the chemo regimen (I am grade 2).

    The main thing to remember is to take this one step at a time.  I felt more confident after I passed through each step (still have a few steps). And it sounds like you have a great support system--rely on them!!

    Consider yourself hugged and I hope this helps!!!


      

    i

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    The Dr said I had a choice between the 2. TCH & ACTH and I prefer TCH because of the side effects on the heart.   I'm having a echo for my heart before and every 12 weeks. I have to clarify the dosing schedule. TCH 6x for 18 weeks 21 day cycle . I'm anemic and the dr. was alarmed. I'm post menopausal. I thought it was because I stopped eating meat. So I'm seeing a GI tomorrow and more tests. The Onco was ok for now with my power drinks. but I'm going back to on 2/21 and guess I'll get the final guidelines.

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  • lovetodance1
    lovetodance1 Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2013

    shasha: we have exactly the same dx. Iwas dx oct 2010. did TCH and so far so good. have had 4 PET already(no more please) and all ok. the first year is tough but is doable. Im running 5ks now,  2 days ago did 32 minnutes in 3.2 miles. herceptin is our best freind. even though stats are general, it is more likely we will die of old ripe age. my husband is actually more worried than me.

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  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2013

    Wow thx so much. Great to hear how well you're doing

    I asked the dr if I will be able to ski next year. I have a great group of friends that I ski with that don't know why I'm not up there this year. I'll tell them once I'm over this.

    My dr smiled and said yes.

    Its something to look forward to

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