Calling all TNs

I love my new doc! We seem to be on the same page with scans, she suggested a chest xray only unless I have any symptoms or blood work that is off. So, she agrees with my previous doc on taking tamoxifen, she likes it for anybody over 1 percent er positive. With that being said, the benefit of it is not as great as for higher er positive,so she takes quality of life into consideration, but thinks I should try it again. She also said I could get my port out and that I do not need anymore zometa, as I have had 8 treatments and the studies are so inconclusive with my stats. She also has cleared me for reconstruction. She said why not? She also called me a stage 3 and not stage 4 and thinks since my cancer was so nasty that it would have most likely come back already if it was going to(knock on wood) but she said recurrence drops significantly more after 3 years. Stuff I already had read or heard, but always nice hearing it. Now waiting for my tumor marker results.

Hi CS! So glad to see you posting again! Cute picture! Did I ever answer your question about my avatar? That is Romi, my 140 pound lab mix, I also have a black lab mix, border collie and chihuahua. The labs are getting up there in age, about 13, but still act like puppies.

Hi Stupidboob and everyone! I am melting here in Seattle, it has been over 80 for far too long. I know, not hot compared to everywhere else, but too hot for me.

AL: You are an inspiration! Your wife is fortunate to have such terrific support. I wish you both well on the next stage.

Bak: So glad you love your new doc. It makes all the difference, doesn't it? 

Well ladies, I've just been told (by my cancer centre) that my risk of developing a new breast cancer is 8%! Holy cow, that sounds too good to be true.... just like an average person out there. (After surgery I was told 50-60% and chemo would knock that in half). I will receive a letter outlining that assessment, but for now, I understand the risk factors to include age, disease-free time out from treatment, family history (I have some, but it is not strong), non BRCA etc. It does NOT take into account TN. I'm pretty happy about this news, although it -- together with my apparently non-dense breast tissue -- basically disqualifies me from any more annual MRIs. I guess I can live with that.  Edited to add: I'm pretty sure this was a 5-year RoR period (certainly not lifetime)... I ran some tool and found out that had I not had a history of breast cancer, my risk would have been under 3%)

Oh Bak, it's wonderful to hear that you love your new Onc.  That to me, makes a world of difference in managing this area of our life!

Bak - wonderful news!!

I know there is a radiation page but I want to ask you ladies..........:)

Did radiation kick your butt?   I am so tired and getting more confused each day..............I want to see how I feel after this weekend and then ask if maybe we can cut back.    I do not like being this tired and I understand it only gets worse.  I was hoping it would be a breeze

Stupidboob, I had no fatigue at all.  Every week my RO would ask about my energy levels, and they were always fine.  One factor may be that I am less than 5 minutes drive from my cancer center so I don't spend each day driving distances back and forth.

Hope yours mellows out.

Carol

Stupidboob-- One month after finishing chemo, I got 25 rounds of radiation plus 5 booths. I had fatigue. It started  about round 18. I was getting better after finished that about one month. Now I am near to normal.  

The last posting I see is from 4:25 pm on Aug. 9th. Is something wrong with my refresh or is there some problem with this site?

Sometimes no news is good news.

Oh Placid, I can relate to your emotions!  I'm 19 months out from my diagnosis, and it does just take time.  The 1 year anniversary does bring a lot of achievement with it, and also a time of reflection.  My biggest jump forward was actually when I was able to lose the wig and color my hair for the firstime.  I had waited so long, that this did not happen until mid-June (14 months post-chemo), in preparation for my July quarterly check-up appointment.  Once I lost the wig, and threw out everything related to this bc, I was really able to propel myself forward even more, and even to a resemblance to my former self. The main changes that are still challenging is the timing of my 90 minute workouts each day.  I find if I don't get those done first thing in the AM, the shower doesn't get taken early and the whole day becomes a catch up in late afternoon, with a shower coming in at 5pm after the workout. So it is a change in our life, but hopefully we can integrate all the new wonderful things we have learned and really change the quality of our life moving forward.

It's likely in a few more months you will feel even better.  At 1 year out for me, I was 8 months done with treatment.  You are about 4 months out from final treatment, so your feelings are very appropriate considering that your end of treatment was pretty recent.

Know that each month will get better, and as you mentioned, things are so much better now than 6 months ago, and that's the way you will feel in 6 more months.  It's a gradual healing process, but you seem to be building a great foundation for a very healthy recovery and lifestyle.  You've already started back up at the gym. Good for you! 

Hey everyone! I'm doing okay. I've been pretending to be normal after being all done with treatment and being declared NED. Kinda freaked out right now. Found out my Father in laws lung cancer is back. We went throughout chemo during the same time period. He's trying to decide what to do. Whatever he does is just buying time. And, since I was freaked out I did a breast exam and found a lump...is it breast tissue scar tissue? Or worse? Was it there before and I just never felt it before? It's very deep and in the incision line. I'm very scared. I see the onco on Friday to get felt up. Tee heeee. It makes me feel better to crack jokes. I don't want to tell my DH. I think he's got enough going on right now. I'd normally go to his mom next, but, well, she's got enough going on too. So, I came to you guys. I'm not good at keeping secrets at all. Am I right not to tell him until the onco says I need a biopsy or something? Thanks for listening. You know I'm bothered when this sleepoholic is up this late. Thanks.

Welcome to all the newbies. Sorry you have to be here.

 bexH – I think I would hold out until I went to the MO unless you want him to go with you to the appointment.  That’s a tough decision to make.  I’m not good at keeping secrets either so he may call you out on what’s wrong before you can get to the MO.  You’re always welcome to come here for comfort and to share your secrets.  Much love.

Bex h, been reading on here for ages and just wanted to reassure you. Had exactly the same isues a fortnight ago. Lump near original tumour  didnt tell DH for two weeks until nearer appointment date.
That was two days ago.
After thorough examination, mammogram and ultrasound, it was caused by rads. Relief incredible and sure you will be the same.
Thinking of you.

Great news so far OBXK! Praying hard that screening continues to go in your favor!