Calling all TNs

Optimi, 

You are handling all this very well.  I'm guessing they will remove this small piece of tissue since there is no spread and the rads will also attack that spot.  So glad there is no spread.  Great that you RO was vigilant.

I know this news must have been alarming.  I have a double mastectomy too and for the past year have been feeling for such a bump or skin abnormality.

I would be going through all kinds of emotions during this additional treatment you must go through.  I hope you will feel free to vent here.  You can also PM me.

Hugs,

Peggy

PeggySull, I am very grateful that RO found the bump in time before the cancer had a chance to spread! You are certainly doing well to self-examine the skin around MX sides. This cancer is so sneaky that we have to be vigilant. I learned my lesson and will check my skin more often.

Simplelife, I am receiving Xeloda, a chemotherapy drug administered orally in addition to radiation in order to hopefully prevent any spreading. My breast surgeon said that she is afraid the cancer would spread faster if she tried to remove more skin. Thus, we are sticking with initial plan of radiation and afterwards BS will re-examine the skin and decide whether further surgery is needed. Sorry, I have to change the legend. I haven't had nipple recon yet but 'just' mx with DIEP recon. Nipple is next but as you said, all that has moved way down on my priority list

I don't belong in this group but wanted to pop in about something brought up on this thread last month regarding the diabetic drug Metformin. On page 854, a few of you were discussing Metformin and its usefulness in fighting early stage breast cancer. I understand a randomized trial of Metformin vs. placebo is ongoing, with results coming out in the next year or two. Since it lowers circulating insulin levels with minimal side effects, it
certainly sounds like a promising drug for early stage TN folks. Very exciting perhaps.

What interests me is if this drug is useful for early stage BC patients who are not triple negative. Essentially, I'm wondering if it has any value for HR positive folks (like my wife's diagnosis).

Anyway, sorry if this is old news and been rehashed numerous times. For those that are new here and don't know about it, here's a link that summarizes the trial: Metformin to Treat Early-Stage Breast Cancer and a more detailed look at the trial: Phase III Randomized Trial of Metformin vs Placebo in Early Stage Breast Cancer

John, my endocrinologist said that Metformin not only helps breast cancer patients fight recurrence but helps with other cancers as well!  Since the drug is relatively benign, except for monitoring liver function, I don't see why it wouldn't help hormone positive people as well.  Of course, an endocrinologist and me, a layperson, aren't authorities on the topic, but endocrinologists have been  seeing diabetic patients and using metformin often, they may have good anecdotal data on the topic. 

Many, many MO say "NO" to Metformin.  Mine did too.  I went to my PCP with printed info in hand.  He said "YES" right away.  He even wrote the script for what the study dose is....850mg twice a day.  Told me to start it very slowly and gradually get to the full dose.  When I went back to MO for a routine follow up appointment, I told her what I did and how I got the metformin.  She said that the early research news was showing promise(this was back in 2012).  She didn't have a problem with me being on it and was even glad that I was.  She just didn't want to be the prescribing physician.

Bottom line here is this:  If you want something, do your homework and speak up.  Be your own advocate and get what you need.  If you meet a brick wall and the door is locked, look for the window and don't be afraid to break the glass.  It may save your life!

I'm seeing my mo next week. First time since ending rads. She said she'd start me on metformin after finishing rads so that should be next week

I spoke at the ACS making strides kickoff breakfast this morning. I did it! shaky voice but no tears. All you girls from all the forums were there with me. I "read" my NO MORE CANCER/what I've learned, end of radiation story that I posted when finishing rads...(did I post it here too? I follow 5 different threads I so forget what I posted where sometimes). We have all benefitted by the research from ACS. The survivors got a cupcake with a candle in it and it was lit and we then had walk in and say our name and how long we've been a survivor. They said from the date of dx so I said 9 months. I was the most recent survivor. Hmmmm, wow, emotional. Anyone else going to be a team leader for making strides walk. I'm going to hate October though. My diagnosis month and all that pink overdone everywhere ugh...(even on garbage pails..what's up with that?!)

Sadie, great video.  Makes me wish I lived on the west coast and could have her has my doctor.

hi everyone

I haven't been on this thread for a while. I've been on the June chemo thread. 

I've been reading through everyone's posts. Welcome to all the new folks.

I am getting ready for round #4 of AC next week. So far so good. I've done fairly well I think. I'm not doing DD so that could be why. After AC I get 12 weekly Taxol.

Anyways, just wanted to come back and check in

Not really, just said no need. But would consider it in November. I'm just so outdone that I didn't ask more question.

Just want the pain gone

MOs often refuse metformin because the "big" study underway sponsored by NCI hasn't finished and published their findings.  When my MO refused it I told him I was going to go to my gynecologist (who did prescribe the study dose).  I told my MO it was my life on the line, not his.

Just my two cents.

Hugs, Peggy

hi simplelife4!  What was the outcome of your biopsy?  I hope all is well with you.  

Simple, congrats on your biopsy! I was relieved to year it was nothing to worry about!  I did the test but have not received the results as it was send to a lab in Germany.  This was about a month ago.  I will let you know when I find out.  I know they had some problems with customs so I think it got delayed.

Yay, Meadow!!

My wife's Onc would not prescribe Metformin. He said something about having to respect that it's still in clinical trials (I guess it's an Oncologist thing) but also gave sort of a <wink wink> that he'd be OK with it if her PCP prescribed it. He did, and she has been on 850mg twice a day for a few months now. Her Onc, however, has announced that he is moving out of state, so she will have a new Onc for her next 3 month appointment in September. "Word on the street" has it that the new Onc will prescribe Metformin. We'll see I guess.