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Breast Cancer

Archives for February 2011

New Brava reconstruction method
Hi all, I am trying to decide which surgery to have for my breast reconstruction. There is a fairly new method that was described to me where you use a suction cup that you wear for 10 hours a day (or while you are sleeping) that stretches the skin out and then it is filled with fat from your own body that they get from…
FINALLY some GOOD news :-)
My Brain MRI yesterday is clear. So long story short, I've had my head examined and I'm ok! Thank God!! Now let's get after these bone mets and put the beast into remission again!! Mountains of Love, ~Kari
Tram Flap Procedure
Hi everyone, It has been a year since I had my masectomy so it's time to have my reconstruction surgery. I had my right breast removed. I am wondering if anyone here has had the tram flap procedure? Where they use your own belly skin and fat to create your new breast? I am concerned about the recovery time and the pain…
how is your doc's "bedside manner"?
I really love my oncoloist and feel to lucky to of found her. She is always warm and welcoming and ALWAYS makes a point to touch me on the hand/shoulder back with no gloves on. The entire staff at my center is very hands on - they use gloves when necessary but also give that human touch that sometimes is so needed. When I…
Tumor markers increased after chemo
I just finished chemo (6 rounds) after 2 lumpectomies (to get clean margins) and was mapped and ready to start 33 rads, but my onc called with the news that my tumor markers from my blood test last week have increased. Seems that in August before chemo they were 31, the last chemo treatment on 1/7 they were 36 and on 1/25…
If money,time and other factors weren't an issue, what is your biggest, most outlandish dream?
Other than dreaming of good health for all of us, maybe before we got sick.....I always dreamed of becoming a singer. I would love to hear some of your dreams!
what exactly does low red blood cells mean?
My bloodwork showed a low red cell count, sending me for MRI---but, what do the cells indicate. Right now I am to eat more protein, especially red meat. And waiting to hear about the tumor markers.
Lump in chemo arm
My arm hurts so badly when I try to stretch it all the way out. It's like a burning and about two inches above the site they put my IV in is a lump. Dr. says it's probably phlebitis. But it's been going on since my second treatment. I will be on number 5 next thursday. Anyone had similiar? I HATE LUMPS!!
The JUICY diaries
Ladies, how are we doing? And you think I forgot, hunh? Let's hear it, who's still on the wagon, who's hanging on .. I made myself a list of questions that keep me in check: - my biggest challenge no coffee =Yes - no processed foods =yes - 8 cups of water per day = yes - at least 20 minutes of exercise=yes - juiced in the…
1st day
1st day on the network here and have to say the support i see between everyone is awsome!! I'm a triple neg breast cancer had a lumpectomy 1/14/11 and scheduled 2/8 for more margin to come out plus a port for 8 sessions of chemo plus 6 1/2 wks of radiation. Scared but ready to get this going
Shew........
saw my onc, changing my meds up tumor markers went from 43 to 123 which is a concern to her so she wants to change my meds asap, starting "gemzar" on Tuesday its via IV drip, well through my power port. It's 3 weeks on 1 week off and I will still get the treatment in my head for the CF fluid cancer. still getting a pet…
Another 'Dutch first'.....
I went and had my first Dutch haircut! Now that may not seem too serious...BUT my kapper (dutch word for hairdresser) spoke only a little English. SUCCESS!!! It's a GREAT cut!!! VERY European...and PERFECT for 'hat hair' in this cold weather!!!! Other than not understanding that what I call 'bangs', she calls 'pony', it…
I had the last drain removed yesterday.
My last most troublesome drain was the left axilla, it has consistently put out about 120ml of fluid a day. Over the weekend it dropped to 80ml a day...I'm thinking that's good news. But then I start to swell, armpit toward the center of my chest above the incision. And then I get some redness in the skin at the site of…
any thoughts on portacaths?
hello Onco doc said yesterday he only gives chemo through a portacath(?not sure of spelling) as he believes this is easier on the body and saves looking for a new vein every time you need drugs or blood tests He said it is inserted under a light general and stays there throughout the course of the treatment Has anyone had…
triple neg breast cancer
I am new to this had a lumpectomy done 1/14 and 21 lymph nods taken out 3 positive. I am going in 2/8 for a port to be put in for 8 sessions of chemo followed by 6 1/2 weeks of radiation and so confused do I want to have more margin taken out or do I just want to have a mastectomy.
Follow up for Stage 1 IDC
I'm confused. I recognize that follow-up is different for different types and grades of breast cancer, but I have no idea what what is typical for my early stage bc. I've finished chemo and radiation. I'm IDC Stage 1, Grade 2, ER/PR+, HER-2 -, oncotype 31. Now what? I last saw my medical oncologist 6 weeks after radiation…
Worst Snow Storm -- in 50 years 2/1/11 -- Blizzard
Chicago, MidWest .. ice, snow -- Please take care and be safe. How are you all coping ???? Strength, Courage and Heat - Vicki Sam
Today is Tommaseena's Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MARGO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! AND MANY MORE...!!! Wishing you health, happiness, & love on your special day & throughout the coming year! ♥ Cat
Back in the battle :(
Here's what my Doctor said and what the plan is. My cancer has metastasized to my bones and it looks to be localized in my spine T9 and L4, this is not common for triple negative to go to the bone, however, mine has. Today at 1pm I will check in to the hospital for an MRI of my brain (precautionary, I'm not having any…
Oncologist says FEC it is for me
hello again lovely ladies I have got back from my first oncologist appointment today and he has said 3 cycles of FEC 3 weekly, then weekly T for 9 weeks....has anyone had the same? He said complete hair loss is a given but I kinda expected that....and I did read some posts were people had shave it off parties so think I…
New compound shows promise against chemo-resistance
New Compound Shows Promise in Combating Cancer Professor Donna Zhang and her team showed that brusatol, together with chemotherapy treatment, can combat chemoresistance, increase cell death, reduce cell proliferation and a reduce tumor growth. UA researchers have shown that a compound from the fruit of the Brucea javanica…
METLIFE LTD
Well Hello Pink Sisters, Its been awhile since I've been on but I just have to vent and yall are the best listeners. I have been on LTD since I was diagnoised with BC (2009). They terminated me and said I was able to go back to work yet there DRs has not laid a hand on me - run any test on me. My PC and Social worker and…
First trip to the hair stylist in 15 months!
How pampered did I feel! Just got the chemo curls shaped up into an actual style. The best was when my darling husband got home and gushed over me telling me how sexy I looked! Took me out to dinner to show me off. I love that man. Hugs, Renee
cancer center is scheduled to be open tomorrow at 10
heres hoping she can see me tomorrow and relieve my nerves!!! & can I rewind my life about 10 years, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was wondering...
Where Lighthouse is? Has anyone heard from her. She keeps popping up in my brain.
Weight Loss -- Warriors, How are we doing ? Checking in ...
Ok .. I have been neglectful in keeping count/track of my points. However, I have been walking faithfully - 4 to 5 times a week. On the days, I do not walk, I go up and down our stairs .. at least 20 times per day. May not sound like much, but its more exercise than I have done in the past 16 months. LOL -- getting back to…
tomorrow, my oncologist
It should be routine and hopefully my tumor markers will come back okay! But, we do worry.
Found help to fight neuropathy with Taxol treatments
Hi - I tend to spend a lot of time on the internet before I start a new chemo drug. I found quite a few women who had taken L-Glutamine to prevent the neuropathy that is so common with Taxol. I started it and am 8 treatments in ( 4 more to go ) without any symptoms of nerve problems. You need to take 30 mg / day ( which…
I'm half way through rads
and doing well. I've noticed a bit of fatigue and keep putting cream on my mastectomy scar and surrounding skin. The weather has been creating havoc with schedules. My cancer center will be closed tomorrow because we are going to have an ice storm. They're going to open Sunday to make up for it. My rad onc, nurse and techs…
I know, this sounds nuts....
I had a mastectomy in 2008. And yet my breast, (which is no longer there) has been itching all evening. Yes, crazy, I know. I would scratch it IF IT WERE THERE. I have heard of "phantom limbs" before, where you lose an arm or leg, but it sometimes feels like it's still there. But I didn't know a missing breast would do…

Breast Cancer

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