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Breast Cancer

Archives for April 2011

Chemo Brain
I listened in on a seminar today through the ACS on Chemo Brain. There were several doctors making presentations, including one who has experienced cancer herself several times. The topic was chemo brain. I got a lot of great info and reassurance. Experts are finding that it can take more than a year to recuperate from…
Acne during Chemo?
I didn't have any problems - but then I'm 'ancient' LOL! At the "horse forum" I go to a lot, there is a young woman (I think she's 15 - 16) that recently started Chemo for (IF I remember correctly) a bone cancer. She asked what would help with the acne she's gotten since starting Chemo - so told her I'd ask here. So any…
If you had an oncotype, how long did it take to come back?
I am really just curious. The doctor and the lab said 10 to 14 calendar days, but mine was back in like 8 days. Is that really unusual? It made me start thinking today that maybe they mixed mine up with someone else's. I know that it's probably accurate though. So how long did yours take to come back, if you know? Thanks!…
Why labs again?
I am curious as to whether or not this is a routine thing. I have not started chemo yet. My RO informed me on Friday that my MO said I would be needing chemo. Our appointment with the MO is a week from Thursday. I was told I would be having labs drawn again. OK, they just did that when I went for my MO consultation 2 1/2…
Anyone else sometimes feel crazy, like me???
Today has been a very emotional day for me. I was told on Friday I would be having chemo, by my RO who works downstairs from my MO. My oncotype had been sent off to the lab about 9 days prior, so I was not expecting him to be the one to tell me this news, nor was I expecting it come so soon. Here is the conversation: Dr.…
Eyelashes falling out
Well, I've held on to my eyelashes through all of my chemo treatments and now three weeks after the last treatment they are coming out. They itch and it feels like glue is in my eyee. I am miserable. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this. I am going crazy and just want to rip out my eyes, which are swollen…
Worked thru all your chemo?
Just wondering, have any of you worked thru all your chemos? Right now I have about a month and a half off....4 sessions of chemo, cytoxin and traxtere, with some major side effects. Originally was scheduled out till July 1....now saying I have to go back to work. Wondering how all of you worked this out ........ I work in…
I love my primary care, but...this is weird.
I had an MRI on my cervical spine after the x-ray didn't turn out so good I guess. Neck pain, and tingling down right arm, and pain in upper right arm. Bottom line, one of her staff called me and said I need to see a neurologist and have a physical therapy evaluation. BUT....she couldn't tell me what is wrong and why I…
Doc Appt/estrogen question
Went to the doctor today. I found out about blood work that is done. I asked my doctor if she could test my estrogen level. She said the CBC shows estrogen levels. I asked her" will it show my tamoxifin is working to lower my estrogen level". She explained our bodies have estrogen even though we take tamoxifin.Its just…
Here's A Funny One Regarding Hair (Only Us Chemo Survivors have a simpler way)
This was sent to me today by a dear friend who seldom makes me laugh. However, this was so funny I had to pass it along. Those of us who have had chemo and lost our hair should be grateful we don't have to go through this ordeal....but it still made me laugh so hard I was crying. Enjoy!…
6 months post chemo. and alot of pain
So it's been about 6 months since I finished chemo. About 6 weeks post-chemo, I started experiencing severe joint pain. Mainly in my hands & wrists, knees, and hips. I was on pretty heavy duty painkillers for a few months, and it started feeling better, so I was down to taking a combination of ibuprofen and tylenol to…
on call doctor out of line or not? your take ladies!
Interested to hear people's reactions to this story: Sunday night, I started running a fever - fairly low - around 100 - but was rising and my throat was sore so I called the line for the on-call doctor. They said to call back if he did not call back in 20 minutes, so I did. Then he called me back and said that I could…
Wheeling and dealing with the hospital???
Got a call from the hospital billing department a few minutes ago regarding a bill for xrays in January. At first they billed the old insurance (mine chgd Jan 2011) I had given the new insurance card when I went for the xrays. Last week I received a bill for $315., the total was only $330. I asked the nice lady on the…
Something to share
I thought I would share these with you guys. A friend sent them to me and I thought they were good. My fav is the fourth one. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, And some days you're the statue. * Always keep your words soft and sweet, Just in case you have to eat them. * Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can…
Need advice on flying after lymph node removal
Hi sisters. I haven't been on here for a short while but now need your advice. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in November 2010 and 2 levels of lymph nodes removed. I have not had any problems with lymphodema so far. We have had a death in the family and I need to fly tomorrow from FL to OK. I do not have a compression sleve…
benign
My gyno Dr called last night everything benign! He has been in contact with oncologist-he did once again bisopies (due to bleeding after years). I asked his opinion and truley trust him (been my dr for over 20 yrs) he said to try whatever the Onoclo. suggests next week. HE still thinks PROS outwigh the cons...! Denise
Claritin
Need some thoughts about Claritin. Does it work....when should you take it? Thanks
Your port - general, sedation or just local?
What did you have if you have a port, when you got it placed? I do not do well with general anesthesia (severe nausea, takes a long time to wake up, etc.) so if I don't have to have it, I don't want it. Twilight sleep would be OK because I had that when I had my re-excision and it seemed to wear off pretty fast with no…
Mike and Martha
Mike is my hubby and Martha is our 6 year old Chihuahua. This evening I could hear Mike in the living room arguing with Martha over the couch.I have told him that is really dumb to argue with a dog, mostly because he is not going to win the argument. He thinks he won the argument cuz he kicked her off the couch. Little…
nipple saving mastectomy
About to have surgery. Had bilat. subcutaneous mast. in 1979. Had had silicone implants since 1987. Both ruptured, unsure when...Surgeon suggest removing nipples. Hard to face that but I can. I had a prophylactic mast. after many biopsies(benign). Had seriously ill child and felt I needed to do what I could to b around.
Relay for Life question...
Question is, does all monies raised go to research? We have a small community hosp/cancer center. It serves a wide area. Next closest hosp/center is 2hrs away. I was told by the CCenter that they recieve nothing. CEO said hosp gets nothing. Are we going about asking for help the wrong way? Center manager asked ACS for help…
Help pick a team name
I am doing the relay for life next month. Would you guys help me pick a team name. My friends and I have thought of a few names, but I know you will come up will something perfect. Thanks Kathy
Cleaning for a Reason
Has anybody been able to use this service? Several friends told me about this but there are no partners in our area so I couldn't take advantage of it. It is a not-for-profit clearing house that matches women in treatment with a maid service that will clean for you while you're in treatment, for free. There is an…
Saw Surgeon today -
he NEVER wants to see me again! YEAH! He is sending report to my PA and want her to see me every 6 months - no problem at all and wants yearly mammos (for the 'one' that is still there) sent to him! So now 2 Doctors have told me they never want to see me again (my Rad Dr and now my Surgeon). I see my Chemo Dr in July or…
For those who where following my hair progess pic posted
Yeap, my hair is still as long as i wish it was, but its long enough that I can actually flat iron it straight (my hair is a little wild and wavy)
About fatigue
Laurie Andrioni posted this article on her Facebook page. It addresses what many of you are still complaining of. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Breast-cancer-may-speed-up-aging/articleshow/7912488.cms
Nauseous on Herceptin
Ok why am I so abnormal? I have been feeling nauseous a couple days after just having Herceptin. I asked my oncologist about it and she said it is not a normal side effect of Herceptin, But about three days after the last 3 treatments of only Herceptin I feel warm in my face and nauseous. Last night I felt like I was going…
Treatment is finished....time for reconstruction, how important is the look of your new foobs?????
I had my 1 month post-op appt on Monday. My PS thinks my new girls look great, I on the other hand think I would like a small tweek or two. He suggested we wait. The way they look is important to me, or do I have unrealistic expectations? On a scale of 1-10 how important is the look of your new foobs??
Pics of my hobbies now posted on my expressions- Enjoy
Just posted some pics of my hobbies. Im hoping one day I will get good enough to be able to sell what I make.
Hello Everyone-been gone too long here's my update
Hello Everyone, it sure is nice trying to catch up on how everyone is doing, I see new names on the board. Sorry I have been gone for so long,even though I had not met in person anyone on this board, losing a few of our sisters online affected me more then I thought it would. Then a few weeks ago I lost my sister in law,…

Breast Cancer

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