Calling all TNs

regbeach....my thoughts are with you both...whatever you decide will be the right decision I am sure.

Nothing like a last minute new decision....

First, thanks for your support in my decision-making regarding Mom and her chemo. I was mentally ready to start it, felt I could (as her caregiver) deal with the side effects, picked up the prescriptions and Claritin, left a message for the doctor with a dozen final questions (making sure he knew she couldn't feel cold on her leg -in case of neuropathy, asking about B vitamins for it, asking if she should sleep in recliner in case she throws up at night because she can't sit up herself, etc.)

Half an hour later, mom woke up.  She looked really tired.  I reminded her we were going to hospital in a few hrs, re-explained the whole situation, she said no, was visibly irritated.  I talked to my brother.  We cancelled it.  Talked to the doctor. He said either choice would have been a good one.  So, we are hoping for the best.

And, yes, I am still thinking about those rampant cancer cells, wondering if they will multiply "too fast", and sort of wishing poison was attacking them.  Hopefully, those thoughts will pass.  Off to schedule radiation.

Good luck to everyone on this forum.  Your ability to manage counteracted my worry each time I found some horror story elsewhere.  Thanks again!  Since she is triple negative, I am sure I will check in now and then.

regbeach - what a difficult experience for both you and your mom. My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer (not TNBC) when she was 80. She let my sister and I accompany her on all her doctors visits and said "explain everything to them and they'll explain it to me later". She went through mastectomy, chemo and radiation and did really well throughout it all. But, be forewarned, during the radiation, be sure to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. We thought Mom had gotten away clean with the radiation but, after the treatments were done, the burn started to show. She ended up with pretty bad and painful burns on half her chest for quite a while. My Mom wasn't one to complain, so when she said it hurt, it must have been really painful. After the cancer adventure was done, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's so I also know how difficult it is to make decisions for them when they really can't tell you what they want or how they feel. You just do what you can and know that, even if you make what turns out to be a wrong decision, you made that decision out of love - that's all you can do. Good Luck to you and your Mom. We are all sending HUGS to you both!

Mags sorry to hear of your friend and what she has to go through. Hard enough at the best of times without a young baby to care for. I hope she is getting plenty of love and support.

On Tuesday nights on TV here there is a medical program that I always watch.  Last night there was an 18 year old girl with breast cancer.  She elected to have bilateral mastectomy.  Nothing showed in the nodes and the operation went well with an immediate reconstruction.   Each story is over two weeks and just as it ended last night the surgeon told her "we have some news" and the next thing you see the young lady crying and so was her mum. My heart went out to that wee sole.  18 years of age.  Cancer can attack anyone now.  You think at least the young are at least safe but not anymore.  Cancer sux at all ages.     

Thinking of you all with side effects,  treatment and even just trying to live a normal life.  My prayers to you all. xx 

Lovelyface, I look like a monk right now. My hair used to grow too fast. Now it's on strike. Back to the scarves, wigs, and ball caps when I go out. Someone suggested nioxin treatment. If I get the energy I might buy it. Still so tired...it's only been two months since chemo and bilateral mastectomies/reconstruction so shouldn't complain!



Peggy

My last chemo was 4/2 and my hair is slowly starting to grow back....super slow though.  My newest issue is my eye lashes are falling out!

Glad to hear your hair is growing back.

Idawson01 good to here your good news.  Isn't it funny how we feel so down and fearful and a little bit of good news regarding ourselves or others make up feel so much better.  Yep everything is looking fine for you thank goodness.  Have a good day as well. Hugs xx

Lisa, that is incredible news. So are you planning to do the lumpectomy?  Really in my opinion, lumpectomy is not that complicated, pretty simple, really!  In my case, the surgeon took out quite a bit tissue, so my left has become smaller than the right, but still it does not make much difference at all.  And I am really glad to get very good margins.

Feeling bad all the time is NEVER the new normal, no way ladies.  I am almost 3 years out, and sure enough I have had lots of ups and downs, many seems to be related to just the normal body changes at age 50.  I think a huge part of it all is FEAR.

I feel great ever since I have been using my CPAP machine and getting good night sleeps.  I thought it was all thyroid related or even cancer come back, but I don't think so, not anymore.  I scrubbed my kitchen floor today and have lots of energy again, just from sleeping the last 3 or 4 nights.  From now on, my new motivation is to get lots and lots of sleep, with that CPAP machine, in order to relax all my sleep-starved cells.  I will report back to let you know if this good energetic health continues.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Lisa

There was a recent comment about applying moisture to breast with rads.  This is important and there is only one product that has been developed specifically for this situation and it is called Miaderm.  Your rad onc should be able to provide free samples for you.  I had some redness, like a mild sunburn (it turned to a "tan") but no blistering or serious discomfort.  Warm saline soaks to the affected breast should also help.  You can make your own solution and apply with a washcloth or get your rad onc to provide a 10% saline solution for you.

Jenjen- Awesome news! Glad to hear that things return to normal eventually.



Im recoverying from left msx surgery and should get path report on Monday. They took three nodes also in the surgery. If I get the all clear then I have right msx and diep for both sides next friday. Woohoo, hoping to get this all behind me soon.

** Townsend Antioxidant Organic Berry Blend at Costco - Recall - Linked to Heptatis A Outbreak **

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone seen this story on the news, and have any of you been eating these? The Townsend Antioxidant Blend from Costco.  I use this brand a few times a week in my morning smoothie.  The CDC is recommending either a vaccine or a short-term shot for those who may have been infected within the last 14 days of receiving the shot.

Is anyone in this position, and if so, what are you doing?  Are you calling your Onc or Family Physician?

Hello everyone, long time no post! 5/22/13 was my 1 yr since my last chemo. Just cking in to say all is good. Finished radiation last year Oct and am under observation every 3-6 months by onc/surgeon. Hope everyone is doing well. Needed to take some time off from here and just enjoy life with friends and family. I never forgot u all though, always in my thoughts and prayers! Bless u all, and hope u all who r mothers had an awesome Mother's Day! I did, my youngest had her First Communion on the day, was so precious and I was so thankful to be here to be part of this special time in her young life!

Good article, Wrenwood.  I've had mixed feelings about Angelina J. PBMX.  This helped clarify what I couldn't put into words.