Calling all TNs

Hey StupidBoob - Congrats on your exciting news!  So very happy for you!

I would definitely (at the very least) call the imaging place and ask what type of machine you were on, and find out the one you were on previously, if it was at a different facility.  Then see if that gives you some clarity.  If not, call back to your Oncologist (is he the one that called you yesterday) and tell him that you are concerned it did not get a good read, and explain how this process was different.  If you are able to reach the Radiologist, then I would also call him.  I would ask why have you needed to remove it in the past, but not this time?  Ask him this open-ended question, as then he will have to not only address / confirm that they did it correctly this time, but he will also have to answer why it was not required before.  This way, you'll get double confirmation on why the procedure went differently this time.  Why was it different this time, and why was the last time different?

Please let us know what you find out.

I'm so glad that all of us are SO Proactive!  This is the key to managing a great treatment plan and follow-up.  It's amazing at how one does have to be their own advocate.

I think along the lines of you as well, and would want more information about this.  Now, to put you at ease, I'm sure the Doctor who called you had the specifics on the report, the type of machine, the type of process that it did, etc. It's usually summarized somewhere on there, so if he said it was clear, than I truly 100% believe that it was done at the highest surveillance. 

Talk to you soon! 

OBXK let us know the minute you get your results. I will be chewing my fingernails until then.  Hoping all is well and the Xeloda has worked. Saying lots of prayers.  

Thanks Debra and I am definately going to ask.     I have a call into the Radiation Oncologist and I also ask my surgeons nurse if she knew.   She did not but she said she would think it would be ok since women who have implants are not ask to remove them.  I talked to the ACS and they did not really know.   My oncologist said that she did not think they would have let me wear it if they were not sure.   I think tomorrow I am just going to call the guys who did the test and ask them to tell me the theory behind it all.   They were super nice guys

Annie my friend - I do feel your love. do you skype? Maybe we can have a video chat.



Slowloris - I had a regression while doing carbo/gemzar on my first 3 month scan. At the six month scan, I was back where I started. I am on my 6th round of Xeloda. I have no horrible side effects I take 2000mg twice a day. The only drugs I have left to try cause neuropathy, I'm not willing to go there again. I hope you find one that works for you.



Stupidnoob- run the drug through the site search. You may find some info. I hope it is a gentle drug for your friend.

Annie the sleeves are tough at first for sure...but now when I put one on it is like a second skin. Look for the sleeve donner...not sure correct name of it...to help you get it on the arm. I have several in different colors to match my outfit and mood. They are all "off the shelf" but my glove was custom made. Wishing you well with it



Karen---praying for you



Maggie

stupidboob...I have been on Anastrozole for 18 months now and in the beginning I took the once a day Claritin for the aches and pains. I took it (altho my MO didn't advise it) for 3 months. I had no pain so I stopped taking it.

The Claritin is the 24 hour pill WITHOUT the decongestant...just the antihistime.

I know of many women that had success with it...it is used also when taking Neulasta during chemo. I figured if it worked for that, I would try it with Anastrozole. I am starting to have a little bit of stiffness in my fingers but I am almost 70 so it is likely arthritis!

For anyone wondering why I am taking Anastrozole when I am TN...I am 2%  ER+ so the MO insisted I take it for at least 2 years...so far, so good!

Drove back to the hospital and picked up my scan report. It showed a progression  Well, I'll just have to concentrate on doing what I want to do.

ALHusband...he just thot I was crazy and said "you don't need to take that". He pooh poohed it with the Neulasta too and it worked wonders for many of us. That was just for the Anastrozole.

He said after he does mention it to his patients now that are taking Neulasta. I guess they learn from us too.

I can't see it would do any harm with Taxol....did they recommend any pain meds at all?

Is your wife all done her Taxol? Does she have any neuropathy in her fingers or toes? I had 12 weekly Taxols and found them to be uneventful other than the time they took to have the IVs. Is she getting the DD Taxol?

It all makes a different for SEs I think. I know some get their fingers iced during the IV but they were Dose Dense.

Will you wife be taking antihormones after TX? Most TNs don't. I dunno why I am taking it but my MO insisted.

Schatzi they didn't recommend any pain meds because she's already on them because she had major back surgery prior to being diagnosed with TNBC. They just told her to keep taking the ones she's already on. My wife, Kathy, just finished her 6th of 12 weekly Taxols along with Cisplatin. So, she's halfway done. She is starting to get a little bit of neuropathy but nothing overwhelming. The achy bones and joints are what's bothering her most. Even still, she has not missed even a day's work. Being TN, I don't think she'll be on any targeted hormone (antihormone) therapies following Tx but she will most likely be doing radiation. You indicate in your "signature" that you are ER+. That's probably why you're taking targeted therapy.

Oh Karen, My heart is breaking for you and your family.  I'm so sorry that you have to face another scary situation.  I'm making a big batch of peach jam today and it is dedicated to you, my dear!  Peaches are so sweet, just like you.  I'm sending you big hugs and wishes for a fun summer with your sons and husband.

OBXK: So sorry for your news.  Holding you close to my heart.

Karen I feel sick to my stomach with your news.  See my PM.  I cannot accept this. We have just got to make a plan.  There must be something we can do.

All you ladies on here, help me out. You know the doctors in the USA and I don't. What else can Karen try.  There must be something. 

LUV where are you, we need you. Do you have any suggestions for our Karen.   I can't keep crying and doing nothing it's not helping anyone.    

Her name is Lisa Carey.

Hi ladies! Was wondering if anyone could give me some insight on my current situation. I was diagnosed with idc at my first ultrasound for my pregnancy. I started chemo on November 1, 2012 in my 2nd trimester and delivered a perfect, healthy baby boy at 37 weeks on April 17, 2013. Had my sentinel node biopsy on May 20 (all nodes clear) and my double mastectomy with reconstruction on May 28. Pathology reports came back that I had a TOTAL pathological complete response meaning there was nothing in there. No dead tumor, nothing! Doctor said this was the best possible scenario and doesn't happen too often, but now they are telling me I don't need radiation. I just assumed I would be getting radiation because I am TN. Getting a second opinion from the Cleveland Clinic, but just curious as to what your experiences were with radiation/ no radiation. My rad onc said that in my case the risks outweigh the benefits.

Karen I am SO SORRY..........