Stage 2 Sisters Club

Thanks, Molly!

By the way, I found it helpful to take some Aleve (or whatever you like) before the mammogram and used an arnica-based cream (Traumheel) on my left breast afterwards. It minimized the tenderness that any pressure on that breast seems to provoke.

I always take two aspirin a couple hours before a mammo. Seems to help.

Welcome Hopefloats. Glad you found your way to BCO, a great place for information and support. The worst part is at the beginning when you are making all the decisions, once you have a treatment plan, then you just do it and get it over with. I was fortunate that I was able to work throughout treatment, but with that you just have to see how things go. I'd get as much done ahead of time as possible (also schedule a dental exam because you don't want to have any surprise issues there when you are dealing with this). I would recommend to take all the help you can get as your energy level will be lower, for sure. If people 'let me know if you need anything', tell them exactly what they can do that would be helpful (bring meals, take the kids to their baseball practice, mow your lawn.....whatever). Keep us in the loop!

I sent an email just yesterday requesting this to be done so I am hoping so! Do they take tissue during the BMX in order to do this or will I need to arrange another appointment? It's not common here, and up until 2 years ago was considered private and cost a patient $4000 per test. Since Canada's health care is covered, this test was finally approved to be paid for by our health care system in 2014. I'm only learning about it here, because until BC affected me sadly, I didn't really pay too much attention to the advancements out there. I'm thinking I will likely opt for chemotherapy regardless of score... Just for peace of mind- but I will definitely want a lower dose and shorter regime! (So much to think about!

You're welcome, Molly - and good luck tomorrow. I'm thinking of you.

Hopefloats, I'm sorry you're here but glad you found your way to a very supportive, caring community. It's not the same as having a supportive partner/spouse but on the other hand, we all 'get' it and we're always available. You don't have to worry about having to overburden anyone, either.

On another note entirely, Hopefloats, it's been appalling to see the fires up there in Alberta this spring, particularly so early in the season. I can't imagine... I hope this is it for the season but that's probably unrealistic.

Thank you for asking. It went well I just didn't like the way the good news was delivered. Instead of saying everything looked fine the tech said that the radiologist says that everything appears benign. Anyway good news. Thanks for being in my pocket.

Thanks for the welcome! I am getting frustrated here... I have been told my BS triaged my case as urgent, and wanted to complete BMX with 6 weeks of diagnosis, but in talking to his assistant, it sounds like June 23rd may be the next available date based on a variety of factors. She hasn't called back to confirm this, which leads me to believe my BS is trying to find an alternate/earlier date for OR availability.... But I just want to get this ball rolling. As much as having a few extra days of "normal" sounds lovely... Let's face it- I don't think anyone considers this waiting post diagnosis to be normal. It all consuming.

Thank you, Hopeful. I think it is because they don't have previous films for that side. This is my non cancer side since I had a uni mx last September. I would rather hear that I have micro calcs, they appear to be benign and what the birads rating is. Not just that little line that leaves me going wth?

hi all... The last 2 days have been so weird! Had no pain prior to DX, nor over the last month- and then suddenly last night and today I have a sharp stinging and tenderness in the area directly above tutor (tumour is at 11 o'clock, and pain is at about 12).... Is this normal? I'm hoping it goes away, and doesn't stay for the next 3 weeks before myBMX

I had a partial-hysterectomy years ago so I never pay attention much to my "cycle", but it just donned on me that my breasts are slightly swollen and my joints are achy as I'm likely about to ovulate. Perhaps I've had these pains before at this time of month, but pre-diagnosis I wasn't as focussed on every pain and tweak? I'm at a loss... I'm hoping in a few days, it will go away... Perhaps the tumor sits close to a nerve, and when I'm swollen at this time month, it feels sore? Trying to not think it's anything worse!

Hello everyone!

It's Oncologist official- I am Stage IIB IDC. Things have moved quickly for me since my screening mammogram and diagnosis. I had my port installed and ECHO done yesterday (it's 4 AM in my neck of the woods- gotta love cancer related insomnia), I'll be taking my chemo ed class later this morning and getting my hair shaved for donation and my first AC infusion on Thursday morning.

Wired and tired all at once. I look forward to getting to know you ladies.

Welcome pepper43. This is a wonderful group of ladies

I got a prescription for sleeping pills. I could NOT sleep, so they were a life saver for me.

I am good & have been busy. We did a bathroom makeover earlier this summer, finished off a landscaping project we started last fall, are rebuilding a deck right now, & getting ready to tackle gutting the kitchen (in other words, DH and I have gone insane! ).

Hope everyone is doing well & doing something fun over the long weekend.

Good morning everyone!! I am new to the site and looking forward to getting to know others who are going through this roller coaster of a ride.

I went for my routine mammogram and its been a whirl wind of a mess since. June 7th after biopsies were done I was diagnosed with Stage IIB IDC. My first chemo treatment (TCH+Pertuzumab) was June 27th. Once we are done with chemo we will do surgery and follow with radiation. My first chemo treatment went well I think. I had 2 days (Friday & Saturday) following treatment that I didn't feel well. Also ended up with a bad UTI after treatment. We are unsure if treatment caused it or it was just bad timing. Dry nose, eyes and my mouth is very sensitive. Tooth paste burns....YICKES!!

Now I am having the dilemma of.....do I cut my hair short before it decides to fall out or just wait? Hate to jump the gun. My mother had Hodgkin's Lymphoma and they told her she would lose her hair.......no doubt. Well she jumped the gun and shaved her head. She never lost her hair. Would love to know what you ladies did. Anyone not lose their hair after chemo? What about eyebrows and eye lashes? Eeeeekkkkkkk.....the thought just freaks me out a little.

Best wishes to you all from Texas!!

Jenn

SpecialK- Thank you for the info. I will be receiving 6 cycles (every 3 weeks). Next treatment is 7.18.16. I am struggling with whether I will prefer a wig or a cap. I am 40 yrs and I work full time job. 2 children (7 yrs and 2 yrs) so I am out and about a lot. It is very hot in Texas right now so really not sure. Guess I will cut hair short if it starts falling out and let it do its thing. Maybe I won't ever have to shave my head either.