Molly50- That would be wonderful as the treatment advance. BC is so complex it seems two people with all the same pathology could have a different treatment. This difference can depend on many unrelated factors. What I find hard is when you are asked to make a choice based upon a % of choice. As much as I want to do all the treatments the % of results plays with my head.

I just got a call from the hospital to see how I was doing and she said to try and stay away from shaving that area until my follow up appt. it lessens the chance of infection.

She also told me to start taking walks if I'm up to it and said not to spend time lounging around in bed or on the couch. No power walks yet with big arm swings, but get up and move.

She also mentioned the internal stitches will hold and start arm raises as soon as I feel comfortable but don't push beyond the point of it not feeling right. And guess what??!! I just put both hands up like superman... SuperWOMAN😀

Just thought I'd share;)

Molly and Mlp - if I had of been a first time patient I would have had to make a choice between rads or mx in 6 weeks post chemo. I don't have urgency as rads isn't an option. As I've done chemo, a mx is more successful sooner than later. If there is another recurrence I face not only mx but chemo again. So mx and be done with it but also with no idea if it will ever come back anyway. It's preventative so he's saying if I do mx that's it if Iwait I have risk of recurrence . Can do mx anytime but it's about being ahead of it.

MLP - Your lucky your Oncotype test was ordered already. I had to wait til my first MO appt. Mine should be back a week from Wed. My tumor was grade 1 and my DCIS was grade 2. I've heard that chemo is more effective on higher grade cancer. On the arm thing, my Rad nurse told me to roll a ball up and down the wall to help stretch the arm. I did shave after I got my stiches out, but did it dry with the help of a mirror. I stayed far away from the scar. The stubble (that is total euphemism) was bugging me.

Ugh, on the Pats. Of all the days to play shitty!

MLP3, you are SUPERwoman!

Peggy, hope your test goes well! No coffee would be so hard.

I think I shared the Facebook Page Fighting Fabulously before... it's two former pageant competitors, one of who was Miss New Hampshire, who both were diagnosed with breast cancer as young mothers. They are having a terrific event for Oscars. How nice is this?

https://www.facebook.com/Fightingfabulously/

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!

On Oscar's Day, February 28th, we are going to roll out the pink carpet at Bravo Boutique, Concord NH, and throw a party for 5 very deserving women who are fighting Breast Cancer.

We will be giving 5 women a very special morning, a "Pink Carpet Party," complete with wardrobe fittings, make up, professional photos, gift bags, food and a chance to spend a wonderful morning with some amazing people and forget about cancer treatments and surgeries.

Mel, that makes perfect sense to me. So my decision on whether to go ahead with removing the other breast can be done anytime because it is not recurrence but NEW cancer we are worried about. My genetic mutation puts me in a high risk category while my oncotype score puts me at low side of moderate risk of recurrence.

MLP3, I had to miss the U2 concert at the Garden two days after my second surgery, but went to Foo Fighters at Fenway Park that weekend. I think you're good to go to a movie.

I just got my status for my HER and it is negative. One more part of the puzzle. I also won't be getting the Oncotype from what I have been told. I am still a few weeks out of know what will be the full plan.
Tick, Tick, Tick.....

MLP3, Thanks for asking! I survived the echo and stress tests. I had forgotten how very uncomfortable the echocardiograms are when it is your left breast that is the bad one. It hurt at times. The tech wasn't particularly warm and caring either. Then she strapped on the box for the EKG cables (think fanny pack in front) and when she clasped it behind my back, caught some skin. I was pissed. Stress test was fine. They kept asking if I was on BP meds (no) since my BP was so good. Have to wait till Friday for the results. Came home and had my morning coffee at 3:15

Brightsocks, would you put the rest of your tx in your profile and make it public? That does help. Thanks!

HUGS!

Peachy, I normal have a cup after breakfast and one with lunch. However, for my stress test I couldn't have any coffee for 12 hours prior, including decaf. So I had a low-grade caffeine headache by 3.

HUGS!

MLP3. I saw the Reverant. The scenery is awesome. Great movie!

I have a huge wine collection but honestly have not had the desire for even a taste since chemo.

That must be so hard with a low Oncotype score and a high grade or positive genetics. Must be hard to make that decision. Personally. I would rather be aggressive but that's my opinion. (Meaning chemo). I saw my BS last week and he said that he would still recommend a lumpectomy vs. mastectomy. Any of us can have recurrence even if there is no breast. I guess it's a crap shoot.

I'm really not looking forward to returning to work after 4 months off. I'm hopeful I can handle all the activity. I'm not as young as I used to be lol!

Melclarity, it's so hard dealing with BC. They just don't know anything!

Jclc, you're right. A mastectomy is no guarantee of being BC-free. I have a friend who is proof of that. She is now chronic, with mets.

Brutersmom, only YOU can decide what is right for you. It may not be what I would do but that's me. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

HUGS!

Jclc - Im with you, my BS said same thing lx is as good as mx, so will wait til I see him 3rd Feb. My Oncologist is one of the top in Melbourne and so is my BS, been seeing my BS for 5yrs, his opinion is pinnacle. LOL Marijen My MO isn't confused its more my situation thats confusing. Heading back to work is daunting am sure once there it will be ok, but I havent been at this school for a year as I transferred to a different school last year, and they didnt renew my contract...wonder why. Uuugh!! Its all money. At least I have a job am grateful and doing what I love working with Autistic Children. You are right my MO said same...I could still have a recurrence even after mx so its a crap shoot no matter what. I chose aggressive treatment 4yrs ago and I guess aggressive this time would mean bmx but the question is...is it necessary...gamble gamble.

Chisandy - Sorry yes Grade 3, which is alarming when I was on yearly checkups,

missed so much at work today!

Shaved with a razor they has safety pads around 2 weeks (after my post op).

I feel good about chemo. It sucks but even if it only reduces my risk a few percent, it's important to me to be as aggressive as I can. Since I had a 2.5mm spot in one lymph node, my MO highly recommended and I agreed. Everybody has to make thier own choices though.

yesterday I dried my hair with a towel, then my body. Bad idea. I lookedlike Chewbacca and had to get back in the shower to wash all the hair off my body!!

I wet for lunch with a friend today and this happened. Wigs are addictive

Also got my BRCA results ( I was tested a few years ago for a study, but the genetic counselor wanted to retest given Ashkanazi Jewish history, and that I got breast cancer rather young, and she felt blood tests were more accurate). Negative!!!

Back to chemo tomorrow!! Grr