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Breast Cancer

*Abbreviations* for all our Newbies
AC - one of the five most common types of chemo given to women with BC. Iit's probably the MOST common drug combination given to women with node-negative (hasn't spread to your lymph nodes) cancer. AC includes two drugs: doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). AI - aromatase inhibitors ADH - A benign…
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Recent double mastectomy
hello, I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer back in August. I’ve went through all the tests biopsies MRIs ultrasounds. I wound up having a 2.2 nodule in my left breast that was malignant. We spoke but being I have a history of cancer in my I opted immediately to have a double mastectomy. Fast-forward to November 5…
DCIS, ER/PR+, 2 gene mutations, family history ov cx. Oophorectomy soon- no HRT.
So scared about being forced into menopause w/o the benefit of HRT! Also worried about what the lack of estrogen could do to my body… dementia, heart disease, bone loss… Someone told me not to have the procedure because of these things but, since there is no definitive test for ovarian cancer and I have a family history……
Hormone therapy
I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0. Had lumpectomy in 2023 and 22 sessions of radiation after surgery. I had been on Anastrozole with horrible join aches then I was changed to Letrozole but I did not tolerate it as well. I am going to give my body 2 to 3 weeks off medication and try Tamoxifen 10mg. Any suggestions? Tips?…
Alcohol
I was just diagnosed. I’m having surgery next week. I just went to my primary MD for the pre-op and she said I have to quit drinking because it would increase the chances of reoccurrence. I wouldn’t say I’m an alcoholic but there’s a lot of wine at book club, out to eat and various parties every week. What if I just cut…
Breast cancer stage 0
I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ and had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor. Will be starting 4 weeks of radiation. Concerns about possible radiation burns. Does anyone have suggestions or ideas on the best way to handle this? My Dr gave me a list of lotions to use if I need to. Thank you!!
SKIN CARE advice for those with accelerated aging effects from AI and Lupron?
Please forgive me in advance if this seems trivial, considering these drugs are intended for one purpose - to significantly reduce the risk of a metastatic recurrence. I am trying so hard to be grateful for a chance to not deal with cancer again — I'm struggling in so many areas of my life and was already at rock bottom…
Breast cancer
hello, I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer back in August. I’ve went through all the tests biopsies MRIs ultrasounds. I wound up having a 2.2 nodule in my left breast that was malignant. We spoke but being I have a history of cancer in my I opted immediately to have a double mastectomy. Fast-forward to November 5…
Were Implants During Radiation Affected
I had a lumpectomy & radiation for 6 weeks. Since then my breast that had radiation has gotten a capsular contraction. Has anyone had to have implant replacement after radiation? I’ve got this weird thought in my mind that maybe the cancer might come back if air gets in there. Has anyone experienced replacement?
Triple +
Hi! I’m Trish and newly diagnosed with triple positive BC. The oncologist wants me to start with Docetaxel, Carboplatn, Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab all at once for 6 txs every 3 weeks. Has anyone had this regimen and what was it like? I also have been told this regimen often causes weight gain. Has that been your…
Treatment option in Mexico?
Does anyone know of a reputable place in Mexico where they perform nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate, pre-pectoral reconstruction?
Tram Flap and Complications
TRAM FLAP RECONSTRUCTION AND ABDOMINAL BULGE/PAIN I had the Bilateral Pedicle Tram Flap in 2012. Less than 3 months later, my abdomen began to grow larger and, very painful. After chemotherapy finished, I began to investigate...being an RN, it’s in my nature to look at online journals. I knew something was wrong, but what?…
Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
Anyone know of any proton therapy for early stage breast cancer?
My 84 yo mother was diagnosised with stage 3 breast cancer what options
She was just diagnosis with stage 3 in her left breast along with 2 lymph nodes. She has calcification lumps in the right. Biopsy is scheduled next Thurs. So we don't know what kind she has. She fears dementia more than anything so I'm thinking she should not get radiation or chemo. My brain is all over the place. She's…
Lumpectomy Recovery
Hi. I had a lumpectomy on my right breast with some lymph nodes removed on Friday. They did put in a drain as well. I did not handle the anesthesia well. I woke up dizzy, nauseous and threw up all the way home. Three days later, while im not in pain, I am still woozy and get faint by mid day. I feel the best in the morning…
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with a more rare form of breast cancer called "triple negative" which means my cancer is not fed by hormones therefore the only treatment recommended is chemo. I have already had a bilateral mastectomy and all my scans came back clear and my genetic test was negative. I thought with surgery and scans clear…
Weary of Horror Stories - Aromatase Inhibitors
I will be starting Arimidex next week. All of my research and conversations about this drug seem to result in "horror stories" about the nasty side effects. I would like to hear from those of you have taken aromotase inhibitors and are having or had good luck with them. I guess I'm just weary of hearing all of the…
Support for Breast Cancer
I just recently had a mastectomy of my left breast in August. I seem to be handling it fine but people tell me I am just in denial. I have nightmares and freak out when anything comes near my chest. I just want to find people that I can talk to
Treatment / Survivor Contacts
Hello All — I am trying to find out and speak to patients / survivors going thru treatment similar to me. I connected with several friends who went thru BC but each one had different stage or bio marker than mine. Any patient/survivor here with HER2 +ve bio marker who went thru chemo & TCHP before surgery?
Why HER2 +/- Changed
Hi all, I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer with two lymphnodes involved in Oct 2022..... PR negative, ER weak positive and HR2 borderline positive (and FISH test confirmed HER2 positive in Oct). With that diagnosis, I received Taxel and HER2 target drug Herceptin and Perjeta as neoadjuvant therapy before the…
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Hello, I am new here, 64 yrs old, and was in remission for 15 years. Breast cancer stage II with hormone positive, her2 negative. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, and 6 years on tamoxifen. I was supposed to go on another hormone inhibitor for 5 yrs but refused. Side effects from tamoxifen was enough for me. I'm not…
Risk Calculation when the fallout of Tamoxifen intake
I am 29 and was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer a year ago with a BRCA-2 positive mutation. I underwent bilateral mastectomy surgery and was treated with 19 sessions of chemotherapy therapy (4+15)(taxol). The tumor was invasive, not lobular, and the biggest part was 2 cm. Lymph nodes weren't involved; only…
Needing answers regarding 9 year's after port was removed
After surviving B.C. for 9 years, in the area where my port "used to be" is giving me "sharp" pains when I do any exertion like walking, sometimes pain goes down my left arm, laying down or bending over, etc. It has been going on now for about a year. EKG doesn't show anything. This sharp pain is scaring me with my age of…
Clogged tear ducts
about a week after my first round of chemo, I started getting clogged tear ducts. I am wondering if anybody else has had this experience and what you did to help? I have discussed with my nurse navigator, but I don’t get quick feedback so I thought I would post here. So far, I am using a soft washcloth, soaked in warm…
Hair not growing back after Cold Capping
I cold capped and managed to keep about half my hair, but 12+ weeks after finishing chemo, I'm not noticing any new growth. I'm worried the cold cap permanently damaged my follicles. Has anyone experienced slow growth after cold capping and/or permanent hair loss?
First Day of Chemo
how did you prepare for your first day of chemo? Did you have breakfast, did you fast and only have fluids? What did you bring or what was priority to bring? I know to bring ice mitts and booties for my taxol/carboplatin/keytruda. Did anyone have a reaction to taxol and if so what happened? After chemo did you have nausea…
Lymphedema
I had l4 lymph nodes removed (6 had cancer). I was sent to a lymphedema specialist and she gave me exercises, a massage routine, and a sleeve to wear. I'm wondering what other survivors do about the possibility of lymphedema. Somehow, dealing with preventing it is a constant reminder of the cancer.
Gemzar infusion
I’m stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient. The only treatment left for me is an infusion of Gemzar chemo of which I don’t know anything about. They want to start the infusions in about two weeks. I was told if I choose to do nothing I have about 6 months; I have no idea how long I can survive on the infusion. I want to…
Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer
My mom (48) was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer two years ago. She finished chemo and radiation treatment 6 months ago and just got results back that it’s now in her brain, lungs, spine and esophagus. She isn’t doing well mentally and every time we talk ( I live 6 hours away) all she does is cry. I’m worried about…
Emotional Support Recommendations for Newly Diagnosis Young Breast Cancer Patients
Hi, looking for advice and/or suggestions for in-person or virtual breast cancer support groups.
Just wanting to be happy after cancer
Did You have a full life before you found out? How did you react to the news? Are you feeling defeated now that chemotherapy and radiation treatments are done? Are you struggling with what you used to look like vs how you look after cancer? If you are like me, I wish to talk to you about your journey and what you’re doing…

Breast Cancer

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