TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

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Comments

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Kattis,

    Glad to hear you've got your surgery scheduled. Hopefully, your pathology report will be better than expected and you will get a nice surprise! Has your doctor said what chemo regimen they might try next?

    Best wishes!

  • Sportmom15
    Sportmom15 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2016

    hi. I am new and never joined anything like this. I was diagnosed triple positive in September and am 1/2 way through chemo. Will probably take both breasts. I am so scared. I see a counselor but I still cry all the time. Is there anyway out of this nightmare?

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Hi Sportmom!

    I'm sorry to hear that you're having a tough time. For many women, being diagnosed with breast cancer IS depressing, so many of us have cried (or still do). I'm also sorry to hear that counseling doesn't seem to have made much of a difference. If depression is interfering with your functioning, you might want to talk to your oncologist about an antidepressant. I'm on Celexa, and it's been a huge help.

    Is there a support group in your area? Some women find that it helps to talk to other women who have faced similar challenges. I have also found the BCO community to be very supportive and helpful.

    ((Hugs))

  • Heathet
    Heathet Member Posts: 257
    edited December 2016

    This is a question for you Herceptin gals - I've had my 4th infusion and I was just wondering how often you get a blood draw to check your levels? They did one for my first infusion with another one a week later to check my levels. Everything was moving in the right direction but no more draws since October. I don't see my MO until the 30th it just feels weird not being monitored so closely which I'm sure is perfectly normal now that I'm on the mend. I was just wondering how often they check blood levels.

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Heathet,

    They did blood draws for me on the days I saw my oncologist, which was every three months at that point. Now that I'm past Herceptin, I only get my blood drawn every six months. Yes, it is weird to see the monitoring taper off, but it just means that life is getting back to normal. Hope Herceptin alone is going well for you!

  • twiggyOR
    twiggyOR Member Posts: 270
    edited December 2016

    Heathet, I had labs two months after my last TCHP (because i asked for them if i remember correctly) and no more during the remainder of my herceptin treatments.

  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited December 2016

    I'm not there yet (will start Herceptin with my last 3 chemos in Jan/Feb) but isn't the blood draws to monitor our wbc count? Does herceptin still change our counts?

  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited December 2016

    Heathet, I had blood work done every time I went for my Herceptin infusion, so every three weeks. Now I see my MO every three months and each time I'm there they draw my blood.

  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited December 2016

    sport mom it does get easier the farther out from treatment you get. hang in there! if you can update your signature it would help us in answering any questions you may have.

    Kattis so glad you have a date and a plan. a plan really makes a difference!

    Hi to everyone!


  • Momat143
    Momat143 Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2016

    I've just been diagnosed for the second time in 4 years. This is a second primary cancer, triple positive. Er 90%, Pr 90% Her2+-grade 3....I'm having another mastectomy within the next few weeks. This is very small .2mm, thoughts on treatment

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Hmm.... .2mm? That IS tiny. Has anyone talked to you about Taxol + Herceptin? That's sometimes proposed for HER2+ cancers 1 cm or less.

    Your first cancer was small, too. You must be vigilant about your mammograms! Best wishes!

  • Momat143
    Momat143 Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2016

    Yes I have a family history so I've always had Regular mammon and since my first diagnosis even more so because I'm followed by oncology. I've been on Tamoxifen so everyone was surprised at this new diagnosis. Yes chemo and herceptin were mentioned

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Momat,

    Well, the good news is that Taxol is generally tolerated well. (I did have some mild diarrhea on it.) The bad news is that you will probably lose your hair on Taxol.

    Sorry to hear that you recurred while on Tamoxifen! Are your doctors thinking about switching you to an AI? I'm on Aromasin.

  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited December 2016

    I'm sorry you have a second diagnosis Momat, but I'm glad it was caught so early. Herceptin for sure with the HER2+. I wasn't getting chemo until they found I was triple pos.

  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited December 2016

    Anyone understand how that works? Why/how can one cancer be ER/PR/HER2 positive and another in the same person can be negative for one or all of those? How/why does it change?

  • sportsmom16
    sportsmom16 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2016

    Hi-- this is my first post and not sure if I am doing it right-- tried before and think something went wrong-- go in on Tuesday for my 4th chemo and am tired of being so scared and teary all the time-- I trying to do things like walk, talk to survivors and be positive but the fear comes on so strong-- am making my family miserable-- want to skip Christmas but cant - have a 15 year old-- am so afraid this is too hard on him-- is there any hope that one day I will be happy -- am fighting-- but still so scared --I read positive quotes and try to pray but am still Debbie Downer-- feels like my whole life now revolves around the cancer-- any advice?

  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited December 2016

    sportsmom16

    Those feelings you are having are perfectly understandable and very representative of someone recently diagnosed and in active treatment for a deadly disease! There are many reasons why you're reacting that way both psychological and physical.

    Think most of us... I'm 5 years from diagnosis . Would agree that it's been a roller coaster of tests, treatments, decisions and emotions . It's not easy but it is definitely doable but while you are in active treatment especially your life does and necessarily should revolve around cancer.

    And there are people and meds to help you along the way. Always Tell your medical team sbout your side effects both medical and emotional.. There are treatments. Many of us have scripts for anti depressants. I suggest you keep a diary . It is helpful in many ways.

    ❤️

    And there will be times when you smile again .I learned to paint! Never did any painting before.started right after my treatment year!image

  • sportsmom16
    sportsmom16 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2016

    Thank you!!! Helps to speak to someone that went through it-- you painting is gorgeous - thanks for letting me know there is light -- I can almost feel it - but just still a little too far away-- think when Chemo is over, things will get better -

    will probably get a double mastectomy- they found something in my right breast and it is in too difficult a place to biopsy---so may have both out- know that will be another step but am ok with that -- wasnt going to win any beauty contests anyway - thanks for responding-- hearing from someone that is surviving and moving forward really helps -

  • sportsmom16
    sportsmom16 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2016

    Thank you!!! Helps to speak to someone that went through it-- you painting is gorgeous - thanks for letting me know there is light -- I can almost feel it - but just still a little too far away-- think when Chemo is over, things will get better -

    will probably get a double mastectomy- they found something in my right breast and it is in too difficult a place to biopsy---so may have both out- know that will be another step but am ok with that -- wasnt going to win any beauty contests anyway - thanks for responding-- hearing from someone that is surviving and moving forward really helps -

  • Kattis894
    Kattis894 Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2016

    Eleine Therese,

    No, I have no idea what they will try next after the pathology report. It will be a nervous Christmas.

    This illness can be so isolating, it is hard to find the willpower to just carry on..I just want to hide in my bed most days...

    I am mostly sad at this point.

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Oh, Kattis. I am so sorry that you're feeling so low. Are there any cancer support groups in your area? Can you get counselling? Are you working right now? I feel very lucky to have a job that focuses on helping others (college students). It keeps my mind off my problems and allows me to focus on helping other people achieve their dreams. ((Hugs))

    P.S. I'm on an antidepressant (Celexa) which has helped me stay on an even keel. There's no shame in asking for a little chemical help now and then! Feel free to ask your doctor for a prescription, if you think it will help.

  • Kattis894
    Kattis894 Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2016

    Thank you so much for your reply. I am just emotionally totally drained at this point. A lot of things are going on around me with my family. My mom 94 has been staying with me for awhile but now finally moving in to a elderly facility in January.the move is stressful both for her but also for me since I am arranging everything..Another family member (my dads 3rd wife) has cancer in her stomach and is on her last leg, only a few days left so it is just very heavy to see someone passing away in cancer at this point. I said my goodbyes so will not visit anymore. Her son is there 24/7.

    I am not working at all and I am lucky I do not need to at the moment. I am taking clonazepan which calms me down. Well, I think I just need a bit of rest for this upcoming surgery. It has been a nerv wrecking fall and it is just getting to me I guess. I also had an old work college contacting me and can not take his constant need to be in focus. I told him off for the first time in 23 years...:) I believe he is narcissist because it is just about me me me, mening himself. My patience is gone for jerks and that might be a sign of health actually but I am tired of so much going on around me and need it to just be quiet. This is a time I need to focus on myself and not on other people as I am mostly doing in my every day life usually. Anyway, just emotionally drained and do not want anything more to disturb me...:) I need love not crap to put it bluntly.

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Kattis,

    Your plate seems so full! I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's wife; that is indeed depressing. Congrats, for telling off your old colleague! Yes, a lot of people are self-centered, and no, they aren't worth the energy.

    Hope you find some time to spoil yourself -- take naps, if you feel like it; do something you enjoy; find some peace and quiet, just for you.

  • momallthetime
    momallthetime Member Posts: 1,575
    edited December 2016

    Kattis your mind is exactly where it should be. You did awesome in getting rid of this annoying person. i for one, am so proud of you. You need to do that. You are going through more than enough, dealing with the close people in your life, and trying to get a grip of where you are heading. You gotta put the strength in your needs. Nothing wrong. I am not saying having to be nasty, but whoever does not understand, too bad. My daughter did just that also. She has zero tolerance for annoying people these days, she is very quick in discerning who is gonna be a pain in the neck. Her energy being focused only in the positive, and full filling situations. She chooses more carefully her invites, she goes when she can only and if she wants only. I think everyone should be doing this.

    Seriously, Yoga is one very nice way to get yourself in the zone. To be honest, there is this constant anxiety that does not go away, she is stage IV, but she definitely puts a cage around C, and tries the darndest to work around it, infusion day, scan day fine, otherwise it's not talked about it. Meds, check. Pain meds, check. and then it's like get out of the way. I am in awe how she does it, but that is how she choose to deal with it.

    Here in this thread, or the more specific ones you will wanna go to after results, you will have the nicest people going at it along with you. You are not alone. Hold tight.

  • ang7894
    ang7894 Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2016

    For all you woman that are going through treatment or going to start I would like to say hang in there.

    you will get through it . I'm more stronger of a woman then I ever was. During and after it's over.

    Today is my cancer Anniversery I am cancer free for 5 years.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited December 2016
  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Five years out, ang! Awesome! Hope we're all in your position when our time comes.

  • Kattis894
    Kattis894 Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2016

    Thank you for your encouragement..and so great to hear from some that are years in and still doing strong..it helps!

    Lots of love to all...

  • ang7894
    ang7894 Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2016

    Thank you Ladies

    Winking

  • sportsmom16
    sportsmom16 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2016

    Hi Everyone-- not sure I am doing this right but here goes-- I just had my 4th chemo treatment and was looking forward to being 2 treatments away from being finished. I went in for a sonogram and the radiologist said it didn't appear that the tumor had shrunk-- I emailed my oncologist and he said the good news was that the tumor hadn't grown and that it may just be dead cells around the tumor a sonogram cant tell. What scared me is he said they may stop chemo, do the surgery and then restart the chemo again?? Has this happened to anyone-- I'm not sure I can to this again - cant stop crying even though I know its great news the tumor hasn't grown-- thinking about restarting the chemo just seems so daunting-- going to get a second opinion on Monday but cant handle the anxiety-- they have me on Xanax but think I need more! Any thoughts-- ??

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