Calling all TNs

DH is Dear Husband! You are too funny Alhusband! Although sometimes some of the others you came up with fit my husband!!

Karen, that's wonderful news! Fingers crossed that all the rest of the criteria you will meet and be able to get into this trial!

Also, ladies, I want to make sure you all know to be aggressive with getting appointments when you feel something is questionable or concering to you, such as finding a lump.  When the doctors' offices schedule you for 2 weeks out for a look at a possible recurrence, you might consider saying to them "this can be potentially serious, I had a particularly aggressive type of bc, and I need an immediate appointment."  Even though the majority of these will not be cancerous, because of the nature of TNBC, you don't want to wait around for two weeks just to be seen, as that is only the first step. What if it needed more observation, than those extra appointments must be scheduled, and then what if the slim chance it is something and you have to go into surgery?  By then, this could become a larger issue because of all the days in between waiting on appointments.

So this suggestion isn't because I think it will be something wrong.  I really think the majority of these turn out not to be a recurrence, but in the very unlikely event it was something, time is of the essence. I feel that there is something the offices can do to accomdate you.  You might have to negotiate, beg and plea, but it's really to your benefit.

I've been able to get doctor's to come in ahead of their start day to see me, once I told the receptionist "I can be his very first appointment", or "I can wait in the lobby to be worked in during the day."  Once they hear this, they will really try to squeenze you in.  I just feel that some of these long waits which some of you have had to be a part of, are super long.

I remember, when I was first diagnosed, my BS originally said "he can get me into surgery in a couple of weeks" and he wasn't concerned. Biopsy also did not show this as TNBC either.  I immediately said that wouldn't do for me, and his scheduler was able to move things around and get me into surgery within 5 days plus coordinated with a PS.  I had to hustle on my end to get my prereqs done for the surgery, but still ... that could have potentially kept things from being a different story.  My Onc said that sometimes just 1 week or 2 weeks makes a big difference in the diagnosis that someone will have.  So he was also on board with getting me into surgery fast.

Please, if any of you are seeking appointments for something about a possible recurrence, have this be the one time that you turn into a pushy patient. 

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/131/topic/773727

AL Husband, if you go to the above link, it takes you to the Discussion Board Abbreviation Key for this site.

Hello all, haven't been on for a while, but I need my sisters right now. I just had a PET/CT scan done yesterday and a few hours later I got a call from my breast surgeon who gave me some devastating news. I might have lung cancer with possible cancer elsewhere including my bones or I could have pneumonia, if I could choose, I'd like the 2nd choice please.

I had a very stressful situation during radiation and most recently in July, yes last month. Been taking better care of myself I thought, but I think the stress didn't help. Will tell u about that later too long. I lost a lot of weight, been exercising and eating better, I thought, but I really think stress is a big factor for me for both breast cancer and this one. Still crossing my fingers. Have to get a chest x-ray, possible biopsy to know for sure, so please pray for me my sisters! I don't need this right now and I don't want my young daughters 10&7yrs old to go through this again! So angry, can't believe this is happening to me again. Needed to rant and rave, thanks for listening!

Naan1004 - Anyone who hasn't gone through FC would be shocked to read this but: Here's hoping it's pneumonia! (if it has to be anything) Will keep my fingers crossed that you get the all clear on the FC diagnosis. Once is more than enough. Feel free to rant and rave as much as you need to but try not to stress over it too much, if you can. Good luck!

Doreen

Bad news just became worse, I'm hospitalized right now. It is lung cancer with mets to my brain and other places. I just had blood test done in June 2013 at MO, guess they weren't right. My new MO sent me to ER to get a head MRI, which confirmed mets. Guess it really sucks to be me right now. Ladies u must demand PET/CT scans fight for your right to never go through this again! If u have any changes that don't add up, mine were a cough for over a month, which antibiotics didn't cure, new lumps not in breasts, 1. Left neck, 2. Left shoulder, 3. On back of head, mind u I had right breast cancer, not even same side!

Julie,

So very, very sorry to hear your news. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this. Don't know what else to say right now except Good Luck.

Doreen

Julie..my heart is aching for you and your family...I am so sorry to hear your news. 

Mags

Julie: So sorry you are dealing with this horror. Fervently hoping the rads -- and other treatments I'm sure your onc will consider -- will stop this FC in its tracks. Big hug to you, my dear.  

Julie, thank-you for sharing with us your news.  I know courage seems to be used freely, but the fact that you gave caring advice while getting devasting news, tells me you are one hell of a strong woman.  Am sending you lots of hugs....

Relocated- it's amazing what we can get through...tomorrow I will get my very last chemo. It is hard to believe six months have gone by, it's been a damn rollar coaster, but my sisters and kids were so helpful.  I feel good physically, my hair is growing back, and I gained some weight.( I was really thin)   Now it's a matter of living life the best I can....Lori

Lauren - for your own peace of mind, make an appt. with your MO.

Keep us posted.

Julie....so very sorry to hear what you're going through (((hugs)))

Are you saying that a CT wouldn't necessarily show up brain mets? I've had a few symptoms & had a brain CT which was clear but reading your post makes me think I need an MRI or PET......



Lauren15.... My mets were diagnosed 14 months after treatment finished for my primary but I know they were there at least a few months before....

My symptoms were sore lower back, getting up or down was painful as were such things as lifting the laundry basket. I also had pain in my left rib which gradually got worse & hurt to breath. I don't mean to scare you, but I would definitely be getting your symptoms checked out. Good luck & hoping its not bad news (((hugs)))....



Karen xx

I read often but rarely post anymore.



Sending out big Hugz to my namesake Julie. Not much to say but we are here for you to let loose with your emotions. What ever they may be, when ever you need!!! Julee

Julie, I agree with Lori.  How truly sweet of you to take the time to help us all try and stay healthy while you are in the hospital and handling your new set of worries.  I'm shocked to hear your news ... when I read your post on Friday, I felt the concern that you had, but really was thinking it would be pneumonia.  It's so hard to understand.  We are all here for you.  I'm glad your treatment has already been scheduled. Sending you many prayers.  Let us know what we can do for you.  xoxo

great article, thank you Debra!!