Triple negative; Please help!!!

2

Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    susie09 said:

    Just want to welcome you and
    Just want to welcome you and to wish you good luck.

    Keep posting and let us know how Connie is doing.


    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣

    How is it going Ken with
    How is it going Ken with Connie now? Anything new?

    Lex♥
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30
    mimivac said:

    Hello Ken
    I'm sorry I didn't see this post before. I'm glad, however, that Joe and others have given you such good support and resources. Triple negative breast cancer can be discouraging to hear about at first. Oncologists don't like it because it means they can't give you endocrine therapy like Tamoxifen after your other treatments. They want to take advantage of all avenues of cancer therapy and triple negative precludes hormonal medications, so some may see this as a negative. BUT, it's a fact that the odds are still very much on your side with early stage breast cancer, no matter the hormone-receptor status. It's an absolute myth that triple negative breast cancer has a poor prognosis. You will see this on the web, so don't go there and don't let Connie go there either. It just means that the tumor is not fueled by estrogen, progesterone, and does not over-express the HER/neu gene. It does usually mean that it's an aggressive tumor, but chemo works best on aggressive tumors. In fact, chemo is very effective for triple negative breast cancer.

    Believe me, Ken, I understand the terror associated with this. But Connie will get used to the diagnosis and soon the dreaded words, "triple negative" will not give her nightmares. I've had surgery, chemo, radiation, and am now doing an preventative infusion called Zometa. Make sure to ask the oncologist what other forms of protection he/she would recommend after the core therapies are over. There are other things you can do (including exercise and diet) that have a significant impact. Connie is going to be OK. Tell her we would welcome her with open arms if she decides to join our board. Good luck, Ken. You're a good boyfriend.

    Mimi

    First day of chemo
    We thank everyone for the unbelievable support here. When I first found this website I was not sure how my sweeteie would react by using her name. She has been thrilled at the proactive support I have been taking. So now I can tell you "Connie" is really Corrine. She has been visiting here often and reading but has not yet joined.
    Just to keep things in perspective, she has no tumors at this point. She had a double mastectomy and 24 lymph nodes removed under her left arm. At the first diagnosis the lump was 2.3 cm with no lymph node involvement. After 2 weeks of "delays" before surgury, the tumor had grown to 3.1 cm and involved the lymph nodes. Because of family history, she opted for the bilateral. She was then told she was stage 2b.
    In an earlier post I asked about what side effects to expect. Since I was not sure of the treatment, answers were not available. Treatment: Taxotere & Cytoxan. once every three weeks 8 times. If she cannot handle that, less of a dosage once a week.
    We met with her onc today and she answered all of our questions. Dr wanted to treat with the newer Taxotere instead of Adriamycin because it seems to be easier on the heart. The cancer center her onc is at would not start treatment today because the insurance company changed policies and said she need to be treated at the hospital. Shortley after we got Corrine home, the hospital called and said they had a bed. We drove all the way back in town. What we thought was an out patient procedure, turns out to be an overnight stay. The treatment was suppose to be late this afternoon. The fax sent by the onc was not clear so the will keep her until tomorrow and treat her in the am. I think this all turned out for the best. She has a huge private corner room with two walls of window views in one of the best hospitals in town (Banner). She feels comfortable she will be monitored very closley for her first treatment. Than you Lord!!
    Mimi, thank you for the post chemo question. It surprised Corrine because she was not aware of further treatment. It also surprised the onc that I knew there were new procedures out there. She was very informative. As for "diet", as an acomplished competitive chef, we have already research proper nutrition and sippliments. I am putting together recipes and food combos. Corrine does not cook, but I am teaching her. She is exited about it!
    Thanks again and any advise will be welcome. Tomorrow I see how Corrine faierd her first time.
    Ken
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    chilibbq said:

    First day of chemo
    We thank everyone for the unbelievable support here. When I first found this website I was not sure how my sweeteie would react by using her name. She has been thrilled at the proactive support I have been taking. So now I can tell you "Connie" is really Corrine. She has been visiting here often and reading but has not yet joined.
    Just to keep things in perspective, she has no tumors at this point. She had a double mastectomy and 24 lymph nodes removed under her left arm. At the first diagnosis the lump was 2.3 cm with no lymph node involvement. After 2 weeks of "delays" before surgury, the tumor had grown to 3.1 cm and involved the lymph nodes. Because of family history, she opted for the bilateral. She was then told she was stage 2b.
    In an earlier post I asked about what side effects to expect. Since I was not sure of the treatment, answers were not available. Treatment: Taxotere & Cytoxan. once every three weeks 8 times. If she cannot handle that, less of a dosage once a week.
    We met with her onc today and she answered all of our questions. Dr wanted to treat with the newer Taxotere instead of Adriamycin because it seems to be easier on the heart. The cancer center her onc is at would not start treatment today because the insurance company changed policies and said she need to be treated at the hospital. Shortley after we got Corrine home, the hospital called and said they had a bed. We drove all the way back in town. What we thought was an out patient procedure, turns out to be an overnight stay. The treatment was suppose to be late this afternoon. The fax sent by the onc was not clear so the will keep her until tomorrow and treat her in the am. I think this all turned out for the best. She has a huge private corner room with two walls of window views in one of the best hospitals in town (Banner). She feels comfortable she will be monitored very closley for her first treatment. Than you Lord!!
    Mimi, thank you for the post chemo question. It surprised Corrine because she was not aware of further treatment. It also surprised the onc that I knew there were new procedures out there. She was very informative. As for "diet", as an acomplished competitive chef, we have already research proper nutrition and sippliments. I am putting together recipes and food combos. Corrine does not cook, but I am teaching her. She is exited about it!
    Thanks again and any advise will be welcome. Tomorrow I see how Corrine faierd her first time.
    Ken

    Thanks for the update, Ken!
    Moopy and I have both been keeping an eye out for info on how Corrine is doing, and how you are doing too. Sorry to hear about the insurance confusion and all the driving - oh, Lord, the driving - but it sounds like things have really turned out for the best. Corrine getting excited about cooking is a good sign - you are teaching her a craft which will stand her in good stead for years to come. We both hope and pray that all goes well for her at her first infusion tomorrow.

    Joe
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30
    Aortus said:

    Thanks for the update, Ken!
    Moopy and I have both been keeping an eye out for info on how Corrine is doing, and how you are doing too. Sorry to hear about the insurance confusion and all the driving - oh, Lord, the driving - but it sounds like things have really turned out for the best. Corrine getting excited about cooking is a good sign - you are teaching her a craft which will stand her in good stead for years to come. We both hope and pray that all goes well for her at her first infusion tomorrow.

    Joe

    Thank you Moopy & Joe.
    I am

    Thank you Moopy & Joe.
    I am only beginning to understand the rollercoaster ride so many have been thru. I need one of those jobs that pays a lot of money and I do not need to be there. Seen any of those lately (lol)?
    Corrine lives close (10 miles) relative to the metro area we live. However, we live in the rural area north of Phoenix and driving to town is quite a ways. Round trip for work is over 100 miles per day.
    I thought this would be a cake walk since I have been part-time caretaker for my roommate for the last couple of years. She is a friend of 32 years, so when she was without job, home and disabled I took her in. The good thing is her and Corrine have become good friends and help each other emotionally. They help me in so many ways as well. We just remember that we are all in life this together and we are our brother's keeper.
    My love and prayers,
    Ken
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    chilibbq said:

    Thank you Moopy & Joe.
    I am

    Thank you Moopy & Joe.
    I am only beginning to understand the rollercoaster ride so many have been thru. I need one of those jobs that pays a lot of money and I do not need to be there. Seen any of those lately (lol)?
    Corrine lives close (10 miles) relative to the metro area we live. However, we live in the rural area north of Phoenix and driving to town is quite a ways. Round trip for work is over 100 miles per day.
    I thought this would be a cake walk since I have been part-time caretaker for my roommate for the last couple of years. She is a friend of 32 years, so when she was without job, home and disabled I took her in. The good thing is her and Corrine have become good friends and help each other emotionally. They help me in so many ways as well. We just remember that we are all in life this together and we are our brother's keeper.
    My love and prayers,
    Ken

    Good to hear from you Ken.
    Good to hear from you Ken. And, good to know that Corrine is being taken care of so well.

    Keep us updated and take care of yourself too.

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    chilibbq said:

    First day of chemo
    We thank everyone for the unbelievable support here. When I first found this website I was not sure how my sweeteie would react by using her name. She has been thrilled at the proactive support I have been taking. So now I can tell you "Connie" is really Corrine. She has been visiting here often and reading but has not yet joined.
    Just to keep things in perspective, she has no tumors at this point. She had a double mastectomy and 24 lymph nodes removed under her left arm. At the first diagnosis the lump was 2.3 cm with no lymph node involvement. After 2 weeks of "delays" before surgury, the tumor had grown to 3.1 cm and involved the lymph nodes. Because of family history, she opted for the bilateral. She was then told she was stage 2b.
    In an earlier post I asked about what side effects to expect. Since I was not sure of the treatment, answers were not available. Treatment: Taxotere & Cytoxan. once every three weeks 8 times. If she cannot handle that, less of a dosage once a week.
    We met with her onc today and she answered all of our questions. Dr wanted to treat with the newer Taxotere instead of Adriamycin because it seems to be easier on the heart. The cancer center her onc is at would not start treatment today because the insurance company changed policies and said she need to be treated at the hospital. Shortley after we got Corrine home, the hospital called and said they had a bed. We drove all the way back in town. What we thought was an out patient procedure, turns out to be an overnight stay. The treatment was suppose to be late this afternoon. The fax sent by the onc was not clear so the will keep her until tomorrow and treat her in the am. I think this all turned out for the best. She has a huge private corner room with two walls of window views in one of the best hospitals in town (Banner). She feels comfortable she will be monitored very closley for her first treatment. Than you Lord!!
    Mimi, thank you for the post chemo question. It surprised Corrine because she was not aware of further treatment. It also surprised the onc that I knew there were new procedures out there. She was very informative. As for "diet", as an acomplished competitive chef, we have already research proper nutrition and sippliments. I am putting together recipes and food combos. Corrine does not cook, but I am teaching her. She is exited about it!
    Thanks again and any advise will be welcome. Tomorrow I see how Corrine faierd her first time.
    Ken

    Ken and Corrine ☻
    It was good to see you posting and updating us on Corrine. It seems her treatment is moving right along, which is good. I wish you all the best and please keep posting as to what is going on with both of you. Keeping you in my prayers.

    Love, Jeanne ♥
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143
    chilibbq said:

    First day of chemo
    We thank everyone for the unbelievable support here. When I first found this website I was not sure how my sweeteie would react by using her name. She has been thrilled at the proactive support I have been taking. So now I can tell you "Connie" is really Corrine. She has been visiting here often and reading but has not yet joined.
    Just to keep things in perspective, she has no tumors at this point. She had a double mastectomy and 24 lymph nodes removed under her left arm. At the first diagnosis the lump was 2.3 cm with no lymph node involvement. After 2 weeks of "delays" before surgury, the tumor had grown to 3.1 cm and involved the lymph nodes. Because of family history, she opted for the bilateral. She was then told she was stage 2b.
    In an earlier post I asked about what side effects to expect. Since I was not sure of the treatment, answers were not available. Treatment: Taxotere & Cytoxan. once every three weeks 8 times. If she cannot handle that, less of a dosage once a week.
    We met with her onc today and she answered all of our questions. Dr wanted to treat with the newer Taxotere instead of Adriamycin because it seems to be easier on the heart. The cancer center her onc is at would not start treatment today because the insurance company changed policies and said she need to be treated at the hospital. Shortley after we got Corrine home, the hospital called and said they had a bed. We drove all the way back in town. What we thought was an out patient procedure, turns out to be an overnight stay. The treatment was suppose to be late this afternoon. The fax sent by the onc was not clear so the will keep her until tomorrow and treat her in the am. I think this all turned out for the best. She has a huge private corner room with two walls of window views in one of the best hospitals in town (Banner). She feels comfortable she will be monitored very closley for her first treatment. Than you Lord!!
    Mimi, thank you for the post chemo question. It surprised Corrine because she was not aware of further treatment. It also surprised the onc that I knew there were new procedures out there. She was very informative. As for "diet", as an acomplished competitive chef, we have already research proper nutrition and sippliments. I am putting together recipes and food combos. Corrine does not cook, but I am teaching her. She is exited about it!
    Thanks again and any advise will be welcome. Tomorrow I see how Corrine faierd her first time.
    Ken

    Supplements
    Ken, thanks for updating us. I'm glad that Corrine is comforable in her hospital bed and that you can be at her side. I just wanted to offer a word of advice on supplements. It's fantastic that you'll use your talents to cook for Corrine and teach her healthy recipes. Please ask the oncologist before you introduce any supplements, however. Some supplements (including anti-oxidants) have been shown to interefere with chemo and, especially, with radiation. You may want to err on the safe side and avoid them during treatment. Not all doctors agree, however, so please check first. Good luck with everything and keep posting!

    Mimi
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    Ken and Connie //
    Ken,

    No question about it, YOU ARE the BEST boyfriend.

    My husband Pete and I found out about my diagnosis on Friday, 8/14/09. My sister drove me to Newport Beach (Sat. 8/15) where our mother is recoverying of a total hip replacement. I wanted to tell my mother in person, and show her my path reports, etc from my general surgeon. We all cried and cried. I felt strong and ready to fight.

    Returing home several hours later (still recovering from my left breast lumpectomy), I found my husband of 24 years on the phone telling a non-immediate family member about my breast cancer. I was livid to say the least. Yes, I went ballistic .. yelling and cussing, etc .. Not a pretty site. I have asked my husband not to say anything to anyone else, until I am ready to talk.

    Yes, I talk everyday on ACS website. I find comfort from fellow bc patients, women who have been there, seen it all and fighting. I am not finding comfort from my immediate family, sounds terrible. But I am being honest with you.

    Our 2 children (young adults, but still children - 18 yrs - Alexandra, and 22 yrs Andrew) are still bumping into the walls, and looking at me like I will not be here by Christmas.

    Sounds to me that Connie is scared .. and wants you with her. Filtering information, so she can process any and all information in own way and on her own terms. The term BREAST CANCER, is SCARY to anyone. KUDOS to you KEN.

    Vicki
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30
    VickiSam said:

    Ken and Connie //
    Ken,

    No question about it, YOU ARE the BEST boyfriend.

    My husband Pete and I found out about my diagnosis on Friday, 8/14/09. My sister drove me to Newport Beach (Sat. 8/15) where our mother is recoverying of a total hip replacement. I wanted to tell my mother in person, and show her my path reports, etc from my general surgeon. We all cried and cried. I felt strong and ready to fight.

    Returing home several hours later (still recovering from my left breast lumpectomy), I found my husband of 24 years on the phone telling a non-immediate family member about my breast cancer. I was livid to say the least. Yes, I went ballistic .. yelling and cussing, etc .. Not a pretty site. I have asked my husband not to say anything to anyone else, until I am ready to talk.

    Yes, I talk everyday on ACS website. I find comfort from fellow bc patients, women who have been there, seen it all and fighting. I am not finding comfort from my immediate family, sounds terrible. But I am being honest with you.

    Our 2 children (young adults, but still children - 18 yrs - Alexandra, and 22 yrs Andrew) are still bumping into the walls, and looking at me like I will not be here by Christmas.

    Sounds to me that Connie is scared .. and wants you with her. Filtering information, so she can process any and all information in own way and on her own terms. The term BREAST CANCER, is SCARY to anyone. KUDOS to you KEN.

    Vicki

    Wow! I cannot believe the support from all of you!
    Chemo was not administered until early this afternoon. They opted for an IV. I forget what they started with, but they did give her an analgesic and tagamet thru the iv and then came the Taxotere and then the Cytoxan. It was a long process. When I left at 6pm, she was feeling normal except for some hot flashes. I asked an aide for a fan and she delivered it in about 2 minutes. A social worker also made a visit today. I left, but from What Corrine said they are making sure she is dealing with this emotionally positive. I love this hospital. It looks like she should be receiving all of her treatments here. Although there were a couple of glitches this time, the normal stay would be 24 hours. This experience has made all the difference in Corrine’s attitude. She feels very comfortable, safe and in very professional hands. She will be released tomorrow. I called her a few minutes ago to see how she was doing. Just fine so far! I read her this discussion stream from beginning to end. She already loves all of you as much as I do. She asked me to show her how to use this format so you should be hearing from her soon when she starts her own discussion.
    Oh yeah, Mimi,
    Thank you for the input on supplements. We had already given the onc a list of meds and supplements. The onc said there was no problem with any of them including the anti-oxidants. We will ask again when it comee radiation time. Thank you for the advice.
    God bless all of you.
    Prayers and thoughts your way,
    Ken & Corrine
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30
    chilibbq said:

    Wow! I cannot believe the support from all of you!
    Chemo was not administered until early this afternoon. They opted for an IV. I forget what they started with, but they did give her an analgesic and tagamet thru the iv and then came the Taxotere and then the Cytoxan. It was a long process. When I left at 6pm, she was feeling normal except for some hot flashes. I asked an aide for a fan and she delivered it in about 2 minutes. A social worker also made a visit today. I left, but from What Corrine said they are making sure she is dealing with this emotionally positive. I love this hospital. It looks like she should be receiving all of her treatments here. Although there were a couple of glitches this time, the normal stay would be 24 hours. This experience has made all the difference in Corrine’s attitude. She feels very comfortable, safe and in very professional hands. She will be released tomorrow. I called her a few minutes ago to see how she was doing. Just fine so far! I read her this discussion stream from beginning to end. She already loves all of you as much as I do. She asked me to show her how to use this format so you should be hearing from her soon when she starts her own discussion.
    Oh yeah, Mimi,
    Thank you for the input on supplements. We had already given the onc a list of meds and supplements. The onc said there was no problem with any of them including the anti-oxidants. We will ask again when it comee radiation time. Thank you for the advice.
    God bless all of you.
    Prayers and thoughts your way,
    Ken & Corrine

    Support system
    One side effect of this whole thing puzzles me. The human aspect. I am not sure if we are alone in this. If we are not, maybe someone could help explain it.
    When Corrine was first diagnosed, everyone we know responded with support, empathy, etc. In a short time many friends and even some family have distanced themselves. Most of our support has been from church and our Christian friends who do not waiver. My analysis of this and what I told Corrine I thought was the fact that people are afraid of thier own mortality. I am not sure but for most people the scariest words they may hear is "cancer". I am off base? Have others experienced this? It is hard for me to comprehend. There is no question where I should be and what I should be doing. I thought it would be the same with everyone we have known so long. Ken
  • debragood1
    debragood1 Member Posts: 48
    chilibbq said:

    Support system
    One side effect of this whole thing puzzles me. The human aspect. I am not sure if we are alone in this. If we are not, maybe someone could help explain it.
    When Corrine was first diagnosed, everyone we know responded with support, empathy, etc. In a short time many friends and even some family have distanced themselves. Most of our support has been from church and our Christian friends who do not waiver. My analysis of this and what I told Corrine I thought was the fact that people are afraid of thier own mortality. I am not sure but for most people the scariest words they may hear is "cancer". I am off base? Have others experienced this? It is hard for me to comprehend. There is no question where I should be and what I should be doing. I thought it would be the same with everyone we have known so long. Ken

    Everybody's Different
    Hi Ken:

    Unfortunately, the scenario you describe is not uncommon. Some people are great at giving support to cancer survivors and some people just can't handle it. lt freaks some people out. It's OK. Try not to hold it against them...everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.

    Best of everything to you and Corrine.

    Deb
  • debragood1
    debragood1 Member Posts: 48
    chilibbq said:

    Support system
    One side effect of this whole thing puzzles me. The human aspect. I am not sure if we are alone in this. If we are not, maybe someone could help explain it.
    When Corrine was first diagnosed, everyone we know responded with support, empathy, etc. In a short time many friends and even some family have distanced themselves. Most of our support has been from church and our Christian friends who do not waiver. My analysis of this and what I told Corrine I thought was the fact that people are afraid of thier own mortality. I am not sure but for most people the scariest words they may hear is "cancer". I am off base? Have others experienced this? It is hard for me to comprehend. There is no question where I should be and what I should be doing. I thought it would be the same with everyone we have known so long. Ken

    Everybody's Different
    Hi Ken:

    Unfortunately, the scenario you describe is not uncommon. Some people are great at giving support to cancer survivors and some people just can't handle it. lt freaks some people out. It's OK. Try not to hold it against them...everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.

    Best of everything to you and Corrine.

    Deb
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30

    Everybody's Different
    Hi Ken:

    Unfortunately, the scenario you describe is not uncommon. Some people are great at giving support to cancer survivors and some people just can't handle it. lt freaks some people out. It's OK. Try not to hold it against them...everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.

    Best of everything to you and Corrine.

    Deb

    Thank you
    Deb,
    I do the best I can not to hold anything agaainst anyone (although I am far from perfect). One cannot change people's nature or perspectives. Only they can change if they choose. What bothers me is the fact it hurts the one I love. She is starting to understand what you said. "everyone has different strengths and weaknesses", it is not thier fault. This leaves the ones that can and will support her. This also means the support team she has is extremely strong!! Who else would you want on your team? Thanks Deb. Ken
  • debragood1
    debragood1 Member Posts: 48
    chilibbq said:

    Thank you
    Deb,
    I do the best I can not to hold anything agaainst anyone (although I am far from perfect). One cannot change people's nature or perspectives. Only they can change if they choose. What bothers me is the fact it hurts the one I love. She is starting to understand what you said. "everyone has different strengths and weaknesses", it is not thier fault. This leaves the ones that can and will support her. This also means the support team she has is extremely strong!! Who else would you want on your team? Thanks Deb. Ken

    You're a Keeper, Ken
    Ken:

    I think you and Corrine will give each other what you need. You seem like a wonderful couple and it sounds like you have a good team.

    Keep us up to date, please.

    hugs to you both,
    Deb
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003

    You're a Keeper, Ken
    Ken:

    I think you and Corrine will give each other what you need. You seem like a wonderful couple and it sounds like you have a good team.

    Keep us up to date, please.

    hugs to you both,
    Deb

    When I was diagnosed last
    When I was diagnosed last July, i thought that my family and friends would rally around me. Not so, they all stayed away, too busy. That hurt more than the cancer. I went through 3 mos of chemo, a masectomy, and rad that really brought me to my knees and they still stayed away. I thought that i was the only one that happened to, that no one likes me. I had my hubby, but his cooking and housework abilities were limited, he tried!! good luck to you, will keep corrine in my prayers
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    chilibbq said:

    Thank you
    Deb,
    I do the best I can not to hold anything agaainst anyone (although I am far from perfect). One cannot change people's nature or perspectives. Only they can change if they choose. What bothers me is the fact it hurts the one I love. She is starting to understand what you said. "everyone has different strengths and weaknesses", it is not thier fault. This leaves the ones that can and will support her. This also means the support team she has is extremely strong!! Who else would you want on your team? Thanks Deb. Ken

    Diagnosis can Affect People's Reaction
    Hi, Ken, I found that everyone I knew from all areas of my life was supportive when I was first diagnosed. In retrospect, I think they expected my treatment to be surgery w/ no further treatment needed. Very early stage DCIS, I suppose, is what they could handle. (Frankly, it's what I could have handled, as well!)

    When they learned chemo and lymph nodes, a lot of people disappeared. Lymph node involvement really diminishes your social circle. At least, it did mine. I was even dis-invited from a child's 2nd birthday party the week of my surgery, when the extent of the bc was found.

    I wish none of us had to go through any of this. But, I've learned who my true friends and family are, and who the really caring human beings are in Joe's life and mine. Think of it as weeding out the chaff.

    My best to Corinne and to you. I am sorry you both are experiencing this pain, but you are not alone. It sounds as if you are blessed with a core group of true friends. And, you found us.
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    chilibbq said:

    First day of chemo
    We thank everyone for the unbelievable support here. When I first found this website I was not sure how my sweeteie would react by using her name. She has been thrilled at the proactive support I have been taking. So now I can tell you "Connie" is really Corrine. She has been visiting here often and reading but has not yet joined.
    Just to keep things in perspective, she has no tumors at this point. She had a double mastectomy and 24 lymph nodes removed under her left arm. At the first diagnosis the lump was 2.3 cm with no lymph node involvement. After 2 weeks of "delays" before surgury, the tumor had grown to 3.1 cm and involved the lymph nodes. Because of family history, she opted for the bilateral. She was then told she was stage 2b.
    In an earlier post I asked about what side effects to expect. Since I was not sure of the treatment, answers were not available. Treatment: Taxotere & Cytoxan. once every three weeks 8 times. If she cannot handle that, less of a dosage once a week.
    We met with her onc today and she answered all of our questions. Dr wanted to treat with the newer Taxotere instead of Adriamycin because it seems to be easier on the heart. The cancer center her onc is at would not start treatment today because the insurance company changed policies and said she need to be treated at the hospital. Shortley after we got Corrine home, the hospital called and said they had a bed. We drove all the way back in town. What we thought was an out patient procedure, turns out to be an overnight stay. The treatment was suppose to be late this afternoon. The fax sent by the onc was not clear so the will keep her until tomorrow and treat her in the am. I think this all turned out for the best. She has a huge private corner room with two walls of window views in one of the best hospitals in town (Banner). She feels comfortable she will be monitored very closley for her first treatment. Than you Lord!!
    Mimi, thank you for the post chemo question. It surprised Corrine because she was not aware of further treatment. It also surprised the onc that I knew there were new procedures out there. She was very informative. As for "diet", as an acomplished competitive chef, we have already research proper nutrition and sippliments. I am putting together recipes and food combos. Corrine does not cook, but I am teaching her. She is exited about it!
    Thanks again and any advise will be welcome. Tomorrow I see how Corrine faierd her first time.
    Ken

    Hi Ken and Corrine
    First of all, welcome. I was not diagnosed with Triple Negative, I was double negative. I had a lumpectomy (still stage 1), and it had not spread to the lymph nodes. I received 6 chemo treatments (Taxotere and Carboplaten) and 36 radiation treatments. I was petrified when the oncologist told me I could not take the hormonal medication, in fact I take nothing now and I've been out of rads almost 2 and a half months. The oncologist might give her a little bag of anti-nausea medication before the chemo, and anti nausea pills for afterwards. That's what mine did. I'd have my chemo on Friday and the pills would be good until Monday. I only threw up once, after the last chemo. I think it was just the stress though. Please Corinne, if you are reading this, know that we are here to help each other get through the battle with the beast. I know this is not what will kill me, I'll probably be hit with a meteorite first. At least that's how I am getting through this. Take advantage of all that the ACS offers, especially the "Look Good, Feel Better" program. If you can find a nearby support group, take advantage of that too. And remember, we are always here to talk to. God Bless both of you and stay strong, you can and will get through this.
    Pat
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    Moopy23 said:

    Diagnosis can Affect People's Reaction
    Hi, Ken, I found that everyone I knew from all areas of my life was supportive when I was first diagnosed. In retrospect, I think they expected my treatment to be surgery w/ no further treatment needed. Very early stage DCIS, I suppose, is what they could handle. (Frankly, it's what I could have handled, as well!)

    When they learned chemo and lymph nodes, a lot of people disappeared. Lymph node involvement really diminishes your social circle. At least, it did mine. I was even dis-invited from a child's 2nd birthday party the week of my surgery, when the extent of the bc was found.

    I wish none of us had to go through any of this. But, I've learned who my true friends and family are, and who the really caring human beings are in Joe's life and mine. Think of it as weeding out the chaff.

    My best to Corinne and to you. I am sorry you both are experiencing this pain, but you are not alone. It sounds as if you are blessed with a core group of true friends. And, you found us.

    Me too, Moopy
    My experience so far has been a lot like Moopy's. My friends rallied around me after my diagnosis, through the initial tests and surgery -- 6 people from my church came to hang out with my girlfriend in the waiting room during my surgery. After the surgery, friends brought food, offered to help out, called and emailed to check on me....

    Then I think they started to realize that it wasn't over. I'm just starting 3 months of chemo + 2 months of rads. I imagine them thinking, "What, you mean there's MORE? Five more months of this?" Little do they understand that my treatment is far shorter than what a lot of women have to go through.

    What I'm doing right now is being up front and in people's faces about what I need. That way, if they just can't stick it out, at least I know I've been clear, and no one can say, I didn't know that you needed help/support/whatever. But it's a tough, lonely process to accept that some friends would just rather move on than walk with me through this. I don't know what I would do without my girlfriend by my side, so I know firsthand, Ken, how very blessed Corinne is to have you.

    Traci
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    TraciInLA said:

    Me too, Moopy
    My experience so far has been a lot like Moopy's. My friends rallied around me after my diagnosis, through the initial tests and surgery -- 6 people from my church came to hang out with my girlfriend in the waiting room during my surgery. After the surgery, friends brought food, offered to help out, called and emailed to check on me....

    Then I think they started to realize that it wasn't over. I'm just starting 3 months of chemo + 2 months of rads. I imagine them thinking, "What, you mean there's MORE? Five more months of this?" Little do they understand that my treatment is far shorter than what a lot of women have to go through.

    What I'm doing right now is being up front and in people's faces about what I need. That way, if they just can't stick it out, at least I know I've been clear, and no one can say, I didn't know that you needed help/support/whatever. But it's a tough, lonely process to accept that some friends would just rather move on than walk with me through this. I don't know what I would do without my girlfriend by my side, so I know firsthand, Ken, how very blessed Corinne is to have you.

    Traci

    Ken, some people just don't
    Ken, some people just don't know what to say or do around a cancer patient. And, I think some are even afraid they might "catch it". Seriously, I heard someone say that. Amazing isn't it? Just look at it as a way to find out who really cares for you.

    Hugs, Leeza
  • chilibbq
    chilibbq Member Posts: 30
    jnl said:

    Ken, some people just don't
    Ken, some people just don't know what to say or do around a cancer patient. And, I think some are even afraid they might "catch it". Seriously, I heard someone say that. Amazing isn't it? Just look at it as a way to find out who really cares for you.

    Hugs, Leeza

    Home again
    Corrine was released from the hospital late today. Chemo was completed about 2pm yesterday. At this point she only has a little discomfort from a slight fever. She has an appointment to see her omc in a week for tests. At that point her next chemo will be scheduled. We thank all of you for checking in on her as well as your comments, suggestions, thoughts and prayers. Ken & Corrine