TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

I'm keeping my port for two years out. It's not a big deal; I go see MO monthly for a Zoladex shot, so I'll just get it flushed then.

Kate -- Yep, if you went the mastectomy route, there's not much scanning. Since I got a lumpy, I'll get mammos every six months. Otherwise, MO said that she might have me do an annual MRI. This may be because I was stage IIIA, (5 cm.+ and one node tested positive). So, for the most part, it's just blood work every now and then and taking my daily AI.

My port came out with in days after last Herceptin. No scans just get a mammogram once a year and blood work done every 6 months.

one more here with port out days after the last Herceptin, yearly mammo. No other scans or blood work. MO appts every 3-4 months for two years.

Hi Kate,

I totally understand your quandary. I am also university faculty and at the time of my diagnosis and three years following I served as Dean of Health. During that time I also taught a couple classes per semester face-to-face and one on-line. My surgeries were split-long windy road-first in December '12 and second July '13. I was healthy prior to cancer. Both of my surgeries were scheduled to give me about three weeks before the chaos of a new semester-but I was on-campus for administrative nonsense (I resigned as Dean last May and returned to nursing program director). I returned to campus with drains-one for the first surgery and two after the second.

My big advantage--and this is really big--I was running a Health Science Center and everyone on the faculty side had initials after their name. There were numerous labs with beds, a simulation center with a living room with a futon, always someone to access or de-access my port (windy road-dehydration, vomiting), and someone to tell me I looked like crap and take a nap or go home. We also have therapy dogs in the building and one was always up for a nap.

Another big advantage you share-is the women on this board. I received so much support and warmth and love I knew any decision I made would be supported. Someone always answered my questions, was awake in the middle of the night for a tear fest, and loved me regardless of my crazies.

No one is walking your path-but for me-I needed that so called healthy breast gone. I had two experiences of MRIs during chemo from hell and finding new "shadows and areas of concern". The second MRI led to stopping chemo-I was toxic anyway-and scheduling the first surgery ASAP. I had knots and lumps in the remaining breast and counted the days until it was gone. I was unable to have reconstruction at the time-another part of the long and windy road-and still am not cleared. And I am ok with that. One breast would take about five procedures and the other two prior to nipple reconstruction. Personally, I cannot imaging going through any elective procedure now.

Please know any decision you make can also be changed up to the time of anesthesia.

Much love as you continue your walk.

susan

we are all different, so ports are usually a Drs preference unless you have issues. I had asked about when it could come out and his suggestion was wait for awhile. I did have to have blood drawn but the lab would not use the port, they were not prepared to flush it, nor do I think the staff was familiar. So don't plan on that use unless you are in a hospital. Hope everyone's thanksgiving was as good as it could be.

My port doesn't bother me at all and I usually forget it's even there. However, it does kinda stick out with most shirts I wear. I don't mind keeping it for a few years but I think my DH wants me to get it out because according to him I'm 'cancer-free' and it's not coming back. I wish I could be as optimistic as he is but I'm just not. He will honor whatever I choose but I'm sure he thinks I'll never need it again so I don't even talk to him about it

Lago and SpecialK, in regards to removing your port, was it two years from having it placed or two years from final Herceptin? I'm 5 weeks post final Herceptin and no one mentioned keeping the port in longer. I still haven't made an appointment with my BS to have it removed. But I do have my first flush scheduled for 12/7. I will see my BS in January for my yearly checkup, so I guess I can talk to her then.

Thanks SpecialK! It's weird sometimes the different recommendations depending on the MO. I will definitely wait to talk to my BS and MO before making a decision. Good luck on 12/10. Hopefully your surgery marathon will end soon!

Thanks Lago. It's a bit madding trying to make sense of all the different recommendations!

"Medicine isn't an exact science." Lago, I agree 100%. In fact, I've started to think that it's about half science and half art. I said that to my MO the other day, and she agreed.

Hello. I am new to this community forum but joined in hopes of reading and communicating with others in my similar situation. I have started chemotherapy and found out I am allergic to the drug Taxotere (I had a terrible reaction on my face). They switched to Taxol. Has anyone ever had this happen? My doctor said this drug is just as effective. I'm hoping so. Chemotherapy hasn't been too bad so far. I have been a bit jittery at times and the weird taste of food is strange. When can I expect my taste to come back? This whole situation is very scary.

Elaine, thank you so much for your reply. It helps knowing that I will be able to taste again. I am quite the foodie!!

Thank you Tresjoli2. It helps so much talking with people that have gone through the same experience. I'm so glad I found this website and community.

Dawntastic, I agree that it's scary. I just finished my six rounds of TCHP, so I'm just ahead of you. You can do it.

I strongly recommend icing your mouth (and your feet and hands, if you can stand it and if your MO will approve it) for Taxotere. It sucks for an hour every three weeks, but if it prevents neuropathy and funky tastebuds, it's worth it! I did it, and I'm glad I did.

Hi all! I've been through chemo and surgery and am now doing radiation. I've forgotten the statistics on remission. What's the chance of triple positive return with in five years? Anybody know?