Calling all TNs

Information for All New Diagnosed or Existing Members:

Yale University has just launched an "Introduction to Breast Cancer" course on Coursera.  Coursera is part of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) spectrum.  Course is free ONLINE, unless you want to have a validated accomplishment certificate, then you submit a payment for $49.  Courses at Coursera are typically very highly-regarded and informative, taught by official University Teachers from each perspective school.  This one starts Feb 6th, but usually once you click "enroll" you can start right then, and you can always go at your own pace, even once the set schedule has ended.  

This course is taught by a Breast Cancer Surgeon.  I'll include the description here.  Sounds like a great place to get a strong foundation on learning about breast cancer, as well as survivorship information.  Thought of all of us, especially when newly diagnosed, and learning all the aspects of breast cancer.  As a 5+ year survivor, I'm going to take the course as well as a refresher on information, and to get any new personal strategies. From past experience in some of these courses, it's usually a video you watch once a week for the assignments, and you can go quicker through the course if you want.  Everything is preloaded.  Before joining, you can see the syllabus to see what is covered each week in the course.

Course seems comprehensive, in that it provides links to resources for information, right in Week 1.

https://www.coursera.org/learn/breast-cancer-causes-prevention

About this course: Welcome to an Introduction to Breast Cancer! In this course, we’ll learn a bit about the leading cause of cancer in women worldwide – from the basic biology of the disease, to risk factors and prevention, to treatment modalities to survivorship. We’ll talk to leading experts, explore some of the milestone studies that have pushed this field forward, and have interactive discussions on discussion boards and social media. You’ll even have an opportunity to let us know what topics you want to cover on tweetchats, so we can try to make the content fit your interests.

There is something in this course for everyone – if you’re a breast cancer survivor or the friend/family member of someone with this disease, this course will help you to better understand this disease, and give you ideas for questions you may want to ask your doctor. Maybe you’re a healthcare provider or studying to be the same, this course is a great refresher on where the state of the science is, and we may even be able to offer continuing medical education credits for completion. If you’re a healthcare administrator wondering about how the interdisciplinary components of breast cancer care fit together, or an entrepreneur thinking about unmet needs in this space, or someone in public health interested in prevention, this course is also for you!

Yes, very well outlined and knowledgeable courses.  

Luv - so very happy to hear your doctor thinks all is well. I hope you're able to get your IBS under control soon now that you've got some peace of mind.

Lisa - you look beautiful! It's great to "see" you! Do you have any results yet? Sending you love and hugs. xo

Marsha - huge congrats to you on 4 years!!!

Seraphima - that is certainly a stressful situation to continue to be in. I can only speak for myself, but I would elect for the mastectomy for the reasons you said. I wouldn't want to worry about additional follow ups on lumps, biopsies, waiting on results, etc. Having had a double mastectomy, I can say it was much more do-able than I ever imagined. The hardest part was regaining full range of motion. That did take a good 8 full weeks, but I was certainly able to wash my own hair and such within the first week. Regarding reconstruction, I considered living flat, but ultimately realized that was simply my fear and wanting to avoid of one more surgery. That one more surgery to exchange out the expander for the implant was quite easy. My reconstructed breasts are no where near perfect, but I look great in clothing. I would have been okay living flat, but for me, the reconstruction helped me move past the trauma. It's a highly personal decision though and I wish you the best and you weigh your options. xo

sfgirl - I'm so incredibly sorry for your friend. I agree, the stage IV groups would be an excellent source of support and information for her. You're an amazing friend to be here asking questions on her behalf. Sending your friend, you and her family prayers.

Curly - how frustrating!!! I'm so sorry!!! I can understand your families concerns, but you have to do what you're comfortable with. They will come around and understand. Sending you lots of love! xo

Meadow - hoping you're feeling better and better each day. xoxo

Annie - All of my love to you. You are never more than 2 thoughts from my mind. Sending love to your family as well. xoxo

Love to everyone else in treatment and beyond!

Wonderful, luvmydobies!

Lyn

Lovedobies👍👍👍

great news Luvmydobies. You must be so relieved. X

Hi everyone

Just when I start to think on a positive note, I get something to set me back. I'm post menopause, and now have scant bleeding for a few days. Going to OB/GYN tomorrow. I know she will do a vaginal ultrasound. Could be a fibroid, I have one I know of, but good grief. Will it ever end. Trying not to go off the reservation, because the future will come no matter my outlook, but i'm really bummed out. I've had this before bc and it was nothing, possible thick uterine lining, had biopsy and everthing. Funny I had no worries then, but now not so much.

Congrats to Luvmydobies and Lisaj514!

inspiredbyD- you were the metformin guru back when I starred taking it after I finished treatment. Are you still taking it now that you are 5 yrs out? I haven't seen anything recently on the determined benefit or not for tnbc. My mo was supportive of it at the time and I'm still taking it 850mg 2xday. I've seen the np the past 2 visits and not the mo (the np did not know about the potential benefit f it for TNBC) and I was going to ask the Dr about any new research supporting the use or not. She was going to ask the doctor about it. I am now 3 yrs out and not having any side effects from it so still taking it.

Any news or info from anyone on metformin? I know this gets revisited every once in a whole

AMW5, happy for you! Glad you are feeling well and that Your tumor has responded.

Lisa, I see my MO next Thursday for a 3 month check up/mammogram. I will try to remember to ask her. She goes to all the big conferences.

Question for everyone...how often does your MO do scans? Mine does not do any unless I would have an unusual symptom that lasts three weeks.

Cathytoo - I didn't have any scans done at all during or after.

Hello all!

Haven't been on here for awhile and wanted to check in. Welcome to all newbies-sorry you have to join us. There is so much news! To our dear Annie - I am so sad to hear your news. You have been such an inspiration to so many on here. You gave me hope when i was first on here and scared out of my mind. Know that I am in your pocket! You are always in my prayers. We love you!

Ally - I am so thrilled about your baby news! Such an exciting time for you and your hubby!

To all who are struggling, there is always hope and lots of support on here to all who need it! I have just had my three year mark! My dr is pleased with my progress. I actually have days when I don't think about cancer...never thought that would happen! I am trying to live each day with gratitude.

Hugs to all! lilyrose

Scotbird - Thx. I hope I have the same results as you too. Awesome!

LoveMyVizsla - Thx.

sfgirl,

I am so sorry to hear about your friend and am sending prayers.

They determined your friend was stage 4 without a scan?

Maybe I missed something.

Rhonda