TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

Hi all!

Thank you all for your welcomes and suggestions a few months back when I posted - I honestly forgot I posted in this thread, and just found it again. Yay chemo brain!

I'm halfway through chemo - going in on Monday for round #4. SE's haven't been too bad - broke out in a bad rash after first found that presented like acne. MO put me on doxycycline and clindamycin, and it went away after about two weeks, but I'm still dealing with residual scars from the pustules. One more thing to deal with.

I'm definitely having lots of diarrhea. Trying to stay hydrated, and a nutritionist recommended staying away from high-fiber foods. Not a problem there since all i'm craving is junk food.

Someone suggested I have the genetic testing done due to my age (27) - I did have it done, and it all came back clear. Which was frustrating. No answer to the "why me?" question. Instead I just have to accept it.

I'm not looking forward to going to my next infusion. I'm so tired and want this to be over.

Arlene

I have dense breasts so I've opted for tomosynthesis (3d mammograms). My breast surgeon ,MO & the radiologist feel it's a good choice:)

Until they decide it's a bad choice;)

Have to pay $75 out of pocket.

my acne acting up, going for herceptin Thursday,

We had a dr of radiology talk about the tomo graphic X-ray that is the wave if the future till the mammo with dye comes next. The pictures are better with those of us who had dense breasts, able to see tumours better.

Some swelling of ankles myself, could be the heart issue , they check my ankles at chemo. Mention it for sure. Part of the chf issue.

I have very dense breasts. Unfortunately, the 3D mammo doesn't work on me- it missed things that a thorough breast ultrasound picked up (luckily benign). But one interesting possibility- The breast center I go to is part of a study investigating using 3D mammo with contrast dye once a year vs. Mammo + MRI alternating every 6 months.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  I'll see what my onco says.

My tech had a radiologist come in during my follow-up ultrasound after diagnosis. The radiologist wanted to make sure that she had images of every little thing. She was incredibly thorough and even found several hidden (negative) lymph nodes.

I'm hoping they were just being extra picky for you. At least you got immediate feedback right from the doc. Waiting for results is such misery.

Also remember that before Herceptin many HER2+ women survived and are still here today. Like chemo we don't all need Herceptin…Problem is they haven't figured out who needs it and who doesn't.

I think the current research in Herceptin is focused on whether shortening the treatment can be as effective. I know they have looked at two years versus one, and concluded that longer was not better.  I think they have looked, or are looking at, 6 months versus one year also. There is a recent Finnish trial (SOLD) looking at 9-week Herceptin, to try to limit any cardio-toxic exposure but still have desired results.  The data is still too early, and I believe not confirmed by any other trials, but I think that is hopeful for those of you who were unable to do the entire year. 

Arlene, just as a cheer-upper to you -- I never had any trastuzumab, my tumor was 1.9 cm, I was 51 at time of dx, and I only did 1 full year of tamoxifen followed by 3/4 year of half-dose. So far, so good at 12+ years out from tx.

Cheerio!

A.A.

sure hope that they come up with a more conclusive Dx about herceptin, I really have some issues with it and have only done treatment since February 26 th. some numbness is creeping in on right foot and right thumb so far, and a horrible case of acne on my face. The cardio so far has been minimal, except for rapid heart beat with over exertion ...

Yes, the taxol causes neuropathy. I started having some problems with my feet towards the end of chemo. The only SE I have from Herceptin is the runny nose. I had my exchange and reduction/lift yesterday afternoon. I feel pretty good today. A little sore but ibuprofen seems to help. I can't wait to see what everything looks like on Monday. I can't believe it's been one year since I was diagnosed (April 25). Next Saturday will be my one year cancerversary. It's been a long year.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015...

Nipple sparing mastectomy is as good as full breast removal in many cases......

I felt like sharing a snippet of something I wrote recently:

The greatest tip I can offer to anyone is to remain positive and keep those that lift your spirits around you as much as possible. To be treated like a normal person is the greatest gift a family member or friend can give to their loved one enduring this diagnosis. It is essential to take care of oneself and to not exhaust oneself or spread oneself out too thin. Cancer demands your time and your energy during treatment but it is not permanent. It's just a little detour on the journey of life. Ensure that you are staying hydrated and nourished during treatment and if you're anything like me .. setup a way to receive fluids days after treatment to prevent dehydration and hospitalization. If your hair falling out is inevitable and you want to avoid the process of seeing your hair fall out until there is none left, just shave it off and make a party out of it. Take pride in who you are and what you are. Know that you are not defined by your hair or your physical features but by your spirit and your courage. Know that you will remain the most perfect reflection of God's grace even when you feel shattered and broken. Cancer does not determine the person you are or the life you live. You defeat cancer by ensuring it knows it will not defeat you and dictate your spirit.

Runningcell

Lovely......

My ears didn't pop, but the right ear would feel as though it had water in it. It was worse after a tx.