Radiation only, no chemo

paccools, thanks for your story- it does help to know that I'm not paranoid. There is a lot of ignorance about cancer in general,and a definite perception that it renders you incapable ofdoing your job. I think the initial adjustment to thediagnosis can make it hard to function,but once that's done, the work helps. I'm trying not to worry about it and just do my thing.

Regarding oncotype kkuziel, I agree with the other person who posted about oncotype vs mammaprint. Oncotype is more acknowledged for its scientific rigor and research. I would crunch the numbers and see what you canlive with. The oncotype website has some good info including graphs for the various scenarios. You might look at the data for the positive nodes scenario too as a comparison. I had positive nodes and the recurrence rate changes a little....but even though the micrometastses don't automatically require chemo because the algorithm for the recurrence rate results in a tiny measure of benefit,about 5% in my case. You have to look at it, step away for a day or two,look at it again....discover how you really feel... This is all really hard- take care and follow your mind and hearts' instincts.

You are strong.

kkuziel - Glad that you have determine how best to proceed and looking forward to Fridays appointment.  It is such a relief when we have OUR plan   There is much comfort and peace...

Luv your student's insight!  Trust yourself, pick your path, dont look back and second guess yourself...enjoy life.  Walking backwards you miss the adventure.

(((hugs)))

Cindy

Kkuziel - my MO said to take a break for a month. ER/PR 95%

So glad I'm feeling so good. Read on here how exercise...walking&weights help reduce risk also. I've been walking 2 miles and stretching and lifting light weights...makes me feel so much better and in control. Gonna pound those bones if I'm gonna take the pill. MO said my swimming and kayaking don't count so hitting the ground or dance floor...but don't expect to see me on DWTS ha!

Met with certified nutrition who gave me food plan anti cancer anti hormones so here I go. And MO said we would find the right HT pill ...no worries:)

Best Wishes to you...luv the peace that comes with a plan in place...onward warrior!

(((Hugs)))

Cindy

Hi JPH



The mantra at the BC Center was walk baby walk! 50% reduction which is better than rads or HT and there's NoFear! I'll pound the ground get a pedimeter to count your steps...I like walking and working out so no big deal...just do it! Knees don't jump rope or jog ...but if I'm going to DO HT then I'm definitely going to walk- NO SEs yippee!

The Cancer Nutrition Center Handbook Carolyn Katzin. Www.cancernutrition.com

Anti Cancer check this site for recommend books

Harvard Cancer Exercise Handbook and Mediterranean Diet and than vegan no soy no gluten by NP.

I cycle my carbs- Wed/Sat are carb up days Crack the Fat Loss Code Wendy Chant...

but vegan 2-3 days a week, whey protein, salmon 2-3 days a week no dairy except organic Greek yogurt and all fruit low glycemic index

There are some great anti estrogen diets and foods so its all choices and what works for you!

But exercise is very doable...much better when thinking I am taking HT so move it! Is my mantra:) figure BC wake up call so no sugar... Limit of no more than 15grams with any meal...yeah it's an adjustment...but I'm worth it!

Good Luck

Cindy

Good News Kkuziel!



Happy Dance for you! Our dx is same so good to hear we'll live ...counting on 100!

Shaved today...guess I will wait a bit longer for deodorant ...after all these weeks who cares ha!

Restful night...you did it:)

Well two weeks into taking of femara and (knock on wood) no SE's that I can see. I was worried about the joint pain (I'm a "professional worrier") so I decided to work like a mad man in my garden for the past week or so. Joints are in pain, but they always are when I do that much gardening, so I'll never know if it's from that or the pill. Today, because I have little gardening to do, the dog and I are going for a 3 mile walk. going to get that into my routine so that when school starts back in the fall I will have that established and will put that ahead of working until 8:00pm every night. Some lifestyle changes that I need to do, not just to prevent SE's, but because it's time to put me first for once in my life.

RMlulu, It's interesting how your timeline and mine continue to coincide. My mammogram is in November too. Thought that might be late, but I guess I'm right on schedule. After the amazingly poor start had to all of this I tend to question everything when it comes to the timing of things. My journey all started with a three week lag from my OBGYN not getting back with me about the ultrasound. I'm now like a dog with over the timeliness of things.

Hello everyone,

I seem to be the only one on this thread who does not have invasive cancer, but I can relate to everything that you all are saying. I too have felt such "guilt" about not having to have chemo and have experienced a feel of a sort of "competition" with people who want to tell me about someone they know that has a higher stage cancer than me. One of the first questions I am asked is "What stage are you?" When I respond, I get an, "Oh...you will be fine....it's no big deal compared to someone at a higher level than you."   I feel so guilty, ashamed and made to feel that because it is "ONLY" DCIS, that it really isn't BC.     I know the truth, but it is just hard not to feel that way.

I will be receiving radiation soon. I have my first MO and RO appointments in the next few weeks and I am curious about my Oncotype score.  After two surgeries in two weeks, my margins still were not clean and my BC is at the skin and chest wall. I find that interesting as when we started this whole process, they felt it was contained with a good amount of margin around it.  BC is so sneaky.  I also will most likely be put on Arimidex and so the conversations about the future of what radiation and the Arimidex will do to me are helpful.

Thank you all for being a support of venting and validation. BC can be a very lonely Universe to live in in the "normal" world.

XOXOXO

Laurie

Corky60,

Peonies are my favorite! How lovely!  

I am a hairdresser and I cannot IMAGINE making one of my clients feel the way you were made to feel. I am so very sorry that you went through that. My heart is sad about that.  You are kind to give him the benefit of the doubt. I hope that you are not made to feel that way again.

LaurieParr, I too had to have two surgeries and it was all because of the large portion of DCIS found in the tumor. My surgeon said you need bigger margins around DCIS than you do invasive cancer. He went right to the chest wall in the second surgery. That second surgery showed no evidence of cancer, so for me, in some ways it was reassuring to have a second surgery. I felt more confident that going into radiation we were doing a precautionary mission, not tracking down "escapees."



I didn't spend any time in the "guilt" chair. I find that to be a waste of energy, and a cancer diagnoses takes enough energy as it is. I figure the people around you don't spend a great deal of time feeling guilty because you have cancer and they don't. I'm sure they are grateful. So that's the attitude I took. I'm grateful not to have to deal with chemo, I have lots of respect and admire those that have done it and come out the other side. But I doubt they want us to feel guilty either.



There is always someone better off than us and always someone worse. Probably the best thing we can do is just deal with our circumstance and live our lives. Easier said than done of course.



Hopefully they will find the solution to your margins, or perhaps you will solve that through radiation. Best of luck.