Stage 2 Sisters Club

hi, I'm new to this topic.  I'm triple negative and never have understood whether I am Stage 2a or 2b.  Have forgotten to ask onc even though I am about 2 years from date of diagnoses.  Can anyone provide some enlightenment?

To follow on the latest discussion of dry mouth-- my dentist recommended I chew Ice Breakers Gum.  It has xylitol which is supposed to help with both dryness and prevention of cavities.  It is a bit strong when you first chew it but the flavor becomes quite subtle after a couple minutes of chewing.  If you chew one piece too long you will get a little white mustache around your lips so take care to look in a mirror periodically when you are using it.

Hugs and glad that this forum/topic is here,

Peggy

I have biotene spray.  I don't use it enough.  I'm not sure I feel like my mouth is as dry as it really is.

peggy - I would say IIA due to size and no positive lymph nodes.  The only way your could be IIB without nodes is if your mass was larger than 5cm.

micro mets. Micro invasions. Are they the same thing?! Had clear nodes after BMX. and from what I believe micro invasions were smaller tumors forming through ought my breast tissue. Starting chemo sept 17. Radiation is TBT but highly expected. I have ex panders in at 150 cc. Hoping radiation is minimal. 

Nisa, I started only planning on 4 rounds of TC.  However, the Taxotere SEs put me in the hospital on Easter Sunday after round 1.  Chemo induced colitis and neutropenia.  That is when I was switched to AC for the following 3 rounds and then 9 weeks of weekly taxol to get my taxane fill which ends tomorrow.  The side effects I have had are similar to all the others...mostly fatigue, some nauseau from the AC but not with taxol.  3 nails have lifted and peeled, mild neuropathy even with icing and glutamine.  Taste bud issues with Taxotere and taxol. I have been able to exercise regularly with the exception of the past few weeks but that has been more to my left getting in the way than my inability to move.  Have also been able to work, although I have been known to leave early for naps. Brain fog and concentration issues are better on the taxol but the hyper sensitivity, agitation and general over emotional (aka I cry at the drop of a hat which is highly unusual for me) have not dissipated and are highly annoying.  Oh, I have had a bit of weight gain on taxol and it is all in my belly due to chemo pause.  Can't wait to get to a stronger and more fit body again.  Exchange scheduled for October 29!

I was thinking more along the lines of running off to the secluded South Seas tropical hideaway a young, handsome, virile (and, of course, extremely wealthy) lover....shhh, don't tell DH of my 'plans'!

Thanks Special K and RuthBru, that confirms what I was thinking.  I go to a local breast cancer luncheon where many of the you women got diagnosed at Stage 1 and only had to have surgery (only, ha!  That's what BC does, skews your perspective).  The women there that were middle aged and older during treatment are mostly Stage 2.  We've been meeting for awhile but I've had to miss a lot so there will be new women there for me to meet.  

Glad to belong to your group too!

Peggy

Done with A/C.  Woot!  Due to my low WBC last round, I have to go get a shot tomorrow to boost my bone marrow to make more. 

missing mercury - you might want to take a regular Claritin an hour prior to your injection (I'm assuming its Neulasta) to help alleviate bone pain. Continue a Claritin every 24 hours for several days. The antihistamine in Claritin helps with edema in the stimulated marrow, and makes it less painful.

Thanks SpecialK and Calif.  I will do that.  Thanks for the party in my corner Ruth.  It is a belly shot and I am pretty sure that is what is it.  They offered to get it set up for me to bring home and due, but I am a baby.  Maybe the next one if I need them during the T/H.

Congrats Missing!!!!