just received diagnosis
I'm still in shock...my doctor was in shock and my husband (who is dealing with his mother's cancer situation in Europe)is worried beyond belief.
I am calm. The doctor said I need an MRI to see if there is any other areas affected.
Then probably some radiation and maybe chemo, but he won't know that until after the MRI.
And still, I am calm.
I am healthy, strong, loved, love many, and have a deep faith.
Should I be feeling more worried?
What kinds of questions should I be asking so that I can be pro-active about my care.
I just did a body cleanse and feel great! I'm working with an integrative medical doctor that is wonderful and really looks deep into my adrenal and hormonal functions. I will call on her tomorrow to set up an appointment with this news.
From what I've read on this site and board, it seems people can really provide support, advice and resources to educate myself. I look forward to any experiences and resources you can share with me.
Be well,
ConnieCal
Comments
-
in situ
If I remember correctly, if you have to have cancer, in situ is the one you would rather have than all others. Now to find out if my memory is correct you can go to the lower half of this website and see some movies on breast cancer that will inform you about this particular type.
Yes we are quite supportive of one another. As soon as I got the information on cancer and I found out there was a website where we could blog and support each other I decided to get started. I have avoided a lot of unneccessary worry as a result of joining this site.0 -
Hi ConnieCal! Welcome to
Hi ConnieCal! Welcome to the site. I think all of us take our diagnosis of bc differently. Some are calm, some panic, some go nuts. There is no set way to act. The main thing is just to take it one day at a time and to be proactive in your treatment and care.
I wish you the best of luck and I am here to help and support you.
Hugs, Megan0 -
Like Sue, I had microcalcssbmly53 said:Similar to me
I had microcalcifications. My dx was invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and one lymph node removed. I had a very low Onco Dx test score and opted out of chemo, I had radiation and am on Arimidex.
Sue
which were missed on a routine mammo. Also dx with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and total axillary dissection (10+ nodes). 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. I am now on Arimidex also.
Were all different and treatments are all different. I followed the advice of my surgeon, MO and RO all of whom I hold in very high esteem. I found it very helpful to write down questions before I went to each appointment. I followed all their instructions to a T, really had minimal side effects and somehow got through it all---as you will too.
Best of luck, stay strong, focused and positive. You can do this.
Hugs, Renee0 -
I think initially one is inmissrenee said:Like Sue, I had microcalcs
which were missed on a routine mammo. Also dx with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and total axillary dissection (10+ nodes). 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. I am now on Arimidex also.
Were all different and treatments are all different. I followed the advice of my surgeon, MO and RO all of whom I hold in very high esteem. I found it very helpful to write down questions before I went to each appointment. I followed all their instructions to a T, really had minimal side effects and somehow got through it all---as you will too.
Best of luck, stay strong, focused and positive. You can do this.
Hugs, Renee
I think initially one is in shock. do not be suprised if you encounter a bad day or so. come here for support and questions. someone always has an answer!0 -
New diagnosissbmly53 said:Similar to me
I had microcalcifications. My dx was invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and one lymph node removed. I had a very low Onco Dx test score and opted out of chemo, I had radiation and am on Arimidex.
Sue
Thank you Ladies!
I appreciTe you taking the time to respond and share you experiences.
I haven't yet been able to say , "I have breast cancer"...I'm not in denial, I know it's there, I just can't say it.
I have an MRI scheduled for Monday morning. I think this will tell my doctors if I need any lymph nodes removed
and what type of procedure/protocol they will recommend.
Not yet familiar with the lingo... What is a Onco Dx test score.
Haw long do you need to stay on the Arimidex?
Are any of you familiar with Integrative medicine's take on care for breast cancer?
My husband has been reading Suzanne Summers book ( his mom is stage 4, metastasized breast cancer)
And he wants me to read the book. You're thoughts?
Best of luck to you all
ConnieCal0 -
Hi Reneemissrenee said:Like Sue, I had microcalcs
which were missed on a routine mammo. Also dx with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and total axillary dissection (10+ nodes). 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. I am now on Arimidex also.
Were all different and treatments are all different. I followed the advice of my surgeon, MO and RO all of whom I hold in very high esteem. I found it very helpful to write down questions before I went to each appointment. I followed all their instructions to a T, really had minimal side effects and somehow got through it all---as you will too.
Best of luck, stay strong, focused and positive. You can do this.
Hugs, Renee
Since I am new to
Hi Renee
Since I am new to this, can you teach me some the lingo I will need?
For example, what is an axillary dissection?
TAC? And rads? What's a microcalcs?
As I mentioned, I feel really good. I am positive that this cancer will be taken care of and that I will be fine.
I have three young boys (7 years young & twins that are 5.5)...they and my husband are the loves of my life!
I will do what the doctors tell me needs to be done, but I want to educate myself as well.
I need to know about alternatives, other scenarios, and side effects.
Thank you again for responding.
Be well,
ConnieCal0 -
Thank you Megan!Megan M said:Hi ConnieCal! Welcome to
Hi ConnieCal! Welcome to the site. I think all of us take our diagnosis of bc differently. Some are calm, some panic, some go nuts. There is no set way to act. The main thing is just to take it one day at a time and to be proactive in your treatment and care.
I wish you the best of luck and I am here to help and support you.
Hugs, Megan
I hope you
Thank you Megan!
I hope you are healthy and happy.
Love the kitty!
I'm a big cat fan,but have been w/out since one of my sons was diagnosed with dandle
allergies. He may grow out of it...he wasn't born with it (I had a cat when he was born until he
Became allergic at age 2). Here's to hoping we can have a kitty when they can help take care of it!
Be well,
ConnieCal0 -
Thank you Woody!laughs_a_lot said:in situ
If I remember correctly, if you have to have cancer, in situ is the one you would rather have than all others. Now to find out if my memory is correct you can go to the lower half of this website and see some movies on breast cancer that will inform you about this particular type.
Yes we are quite supportive of one another. As soon as I got the information on cancer and I found out there was a website where we could blog and support each other I decided to get started. I have avoided a lot of unneccessary worry as a result of joining this site.
Keep on
Thank you Woody!
Keep on laughing!
ConnieCal0 -
Welcome and so sorry forcarkris said:I think initially one is in
I think initially one is in shock. do not be suprised if you encounter a bad day or so. come here for support and questions. someone always has an answer!
Welcome and so sorry for your diagnosis. We are here to support you and to help you however we can. Wishing you good luck and praying for you.
Hugs, Jan0 -
Definitions of terms ....calderonjensen said:New diagnosis
Thank you Ladies!
I appreciTe you taking the time to respond and share you experiences.
I haven't yet been able to say , "I have breast cancer"...I'm not in denial, I know it's there, I just can't say it.
I have an MRI scheduled for Monday morning. I think this will tell my doctors if I need any lymph nodes removed
and what type of procedure/protocol they will recommend.
Not yet familiar with the lingo... What is a Onco Dx test score.
Haw long do you need to stay on the Arimidex?
Are any of you familiar with Integrative medicine's take on care for breast cancer?
My husband has been reading Suzanne Summers book ( his mom is stage 4, metastasized breast cancer)
And he wants me to read the book. You're thoughts?
Best of luck to you all
ConnieCal
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 - Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia-no apparant involvement of surgical margins.
AKA - also known as
ALH - Atypical Lobular Hyperlasia - cells in the lobules that look different from normal cells, but aren't cancer and more cells than there should be.
AND - axillary node dissection
AWS - Axillary Web Syndrome; associated with Cording as a result of surgery/rads. Requires management by specialists in PT/ LE and myofascial release.
B9 (Not Cancer)
BC- Breast Cancer
Bi-Lat (bilateral, Mastectomy of both breast)
BIRADS - Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System score. This indicates the radiologist's opinion of the absence or likelihood of breast cancer.
BM(x) - Bilateral Mastectomy
BS - breast specialist/surgeon
BTW - by the way...
Bump - written to edit a thread up in the listings so someone can find it.
BWT - But what the.......!
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) = a side effect of Adriamycin, Herceptin, Avastin and some other chemo drugs but it is not a common side effect. CHF occurs in <1% and 3-4% and 5-10% from Adriamycin, Avastin and Herceptin respectively. (Heart failure doesn't mean that your heart has stopped working, or has "failed." Heart failure means that the heart is not pumping blood through your body as well as it should.)
CMF (Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate Fluorouraci) - a commonly used regimen of breast cancer chemotherapy that combines three anti-cancer agents
CT scan - computerized tornography, used to image the structures of the budy, especially head, neck or trunk.
DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
DD ~ Dose dense , Dear Daughter
DH ~ Dear Husband
DIEP - deep inferior epigastric perforator: autologous (own tissue) transfer. a refined version of the TRAM flap
DIL - Daughter-in-law
DP ~ Dear partner
DS ~ Dear Son
Dx (Diagnosis)
DW~ Dear Wife
ER (Estrogen Receptive) estrogen receptor positive+ or negative-
FEC (flourouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide) - combo that many Canadians, Brits and Aussies receive with one of the taxanes to follow
FIL ~ Father in law
FNA - fine needle aspiration
FWIW - for what it's worth
GCM - Glucosamine Chondroitin w/MSM (for relief of joint pain)
HER2 + or -, whether your tumor overexpresses the HER2 protein or not
HT (Anti-hormone Therapy)
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hx - history
IBC (Inflamatory Breast Cancer)
IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
IDK - I don't know (something we all said first time diagnosed)
ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
IMF, infra-mammary fold, the crease/fold under the breast
IM(H)O - in my (humble) opinion (with or without the ‘humble')
KWIM......."know what I mean".
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
Lt ~ Left
Mast (Mastectomy)
Med Onc (MO) - medical oncologist
Mets (Metastasis)
Mil ~ Mother in law
MLD - manual lymph drainage
MPBC - Metaplastic Breast Cancer (not to be confused with metastatic breast cancer) - an aggresive rare form of breast cancer. See thread of the same name under "Just Diagnosed"
MRSA - Methcillin-resistant Staphyloccus Aureua, a bacterium that causes an infection that is hard to treat and the bane of women who have had surgery, expecially for breast reconstruction (worth googling for more information)
MX - Mastectomy
NAC - A skin-sparing mastectomy will be performed with preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC).
NB = Navelbine Navelbine is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug
NED (No evidence of Disease
NP - Nurse practitioner
NSM - nipple sparing masectomy
ODAAT ~ One day at a time
Omph (or Ooph) ~ Ovary removal
ONC ~ Oncologist
path=pathology
PBM - prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
PCP - Primary Care Physician
PE - pleural effusion or pulmonary embolism (an example of when you need to chedk with your medical team)
PET scan - Positron Emission Tornography, used to image metabolically active cells, such as cancer cells.
PET-CT scan - a combination of PET and CT which superimposes the matebolically active cells that ‘light up' on the bodily structures so that the radiologist is reading a single image.
PFC = Perfluorinated compounds - suspected carcinogen. See Pg 5 of this thread for link (note I have not checked the reliability of the source)
PICC - peripherally inserted central catheter. When used (occasionally) for chemo, it is sometimes known as an "arm port". More often used for IV antibiotics such as may be required for MRSA and other serious bacterial infections.
PILC - pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma
PM - private message
PPI = proton pump inhibitor (the mechanism of action of drugs like Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, etc.)
PR (Progesterone Receptive) progesterone receptor positive+ or negative-
PS ~ Plastic Surgeon
QOL - quality of life
RADS - Radiation; Radiotherapy
Rad onc(RO) - Radiation oncologist
RS - Recurrent Score
ROFLOL - rolling on floor laughing out loud
Rt ~ Right
SE ~ Side Effects
SNB - sentinel node biopsy
SOB - short of breath
SOH - sense of humor
SX can be used as an abbreviation for 'surgery', or 'symptoms'. http://www.globalrph.com/abbrev_rst.htm
SP - status post
TAH-BSO - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - Bilateral Salingo Oopherectomu (uterus, cervix, tubes and ovaries removed)
TCH - taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin
TE - temporary expanders or tissue expanders
TM = tumor markers
TN (Triple Negative) In regards to negative status for ER/PR and Her2neu status
TMI-Too much information
TRAM flap - Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap
TX - treatment
WNL= Within normal limits0 -
You dont have to say "I havecalderonjensen said:New diagnosis
Thank you Ladies!
I appreciTe you taking the time to respond and share you experiences.
I haven't yet been able to say , "I have breast cancer"...I'm not in denial, I know it's there, I just can't say it.
I have an MRI scheduled for Monday morning. I think this will tell my doctors if I need any lymph nodes removed
and what type of procedure/protocol they will recommend.
Not yet familiar with the lingo... What is a Onco Dx test score.
Haw long do you need to stay on the Arimidex?
Are any of you familiar with Integrative medicine's take on care for breast cancer?
My husband has been reading Suzanne Summers book ( his mom is stage 4, metastasized breast cancer)
And he wants me to read the book. You're thoughts?
Best of luck to you all
ConnieCal
You dont have to say "I have breast cancer". That does not necessarily mean you are in denial. I've said I'm treating cancer, I've been diagnosed with cancer or I am a cancer survivor and you are already a survivor because you are here to say so. Some people use the phrase " I have cancer, cancer doesnt have me". I dont like that phrase and dont personally use it. I dont claim ownership of cancer, it's not something I want to own. Hope this makes sense to you and others. You know you will do anything and everything to treat it, so I consider you a survior and a warrior. Welcome to the boards, there is invaluable info here and true and understanding emotional support. Hugs to you.0 -
Susanne Summers...natly15 said:You dont have to say "I have
You dont have to say "I have breast cancer". That does not necessarily mean you are in denial. I've said I'm treating cancer, I've been diagnosed with cancer or I am a cancer survivor and you are already a survivor because you are here to say so. Some people use the phrase " I have cancer, cancer doesnt have me". I dont like that phrase and dont personally use it. I dont claim ownership of cancer, it's not something I want to own. Hope this makes sense to you and others. You know you will do anything and everything to treat it, so I consider you a survior and a warrior. Welcome to the boards, there is invaluable info here and true and understanding emotional support. Hugs to you.
Remember...she's in the "business" of selling her books....also if I remember correctly,she had in situ...but I've also heard skeptics, doctors included doubt she really had bc..she's never had a physician verify it....only "physicians" that push all the supplements she takes...I've actually heard her speak, long before I was diagnosed...wasn't impressed at all...she would fumble in her responses when asked questions...couldn't seem to give concrete answers...I have a friend who's physician told her to throw the book in the trash!...but to each his own....0 -
My opinioncalderonjensen said:New diagnosis
Thank you Ladies!
I appreciTe you taking the time to respond and share you experiences.
I haven't yet been able to say , "I have breast cancer"...I'm not in denial, I know it's there, I just can't say it.
I have an MRI scheduled for Monday morning. I think this will tell my doctors if I need any lymph nodes removed
and what type of procedure/protocol they will recommend.
Not yet familiar with the lingo... What is a Onco Dx test score.
Haw long do you need to stay on the Arimidex?
Are any of you familiar with Integrative medicine's take on care for breast cancer?
My husband has been reading Suzanne Summers book ( his mom is stage 4, metastasized breast cancer)
And he wants me to read the book. You're thoughts?
Best of luck to you all
ConnieCal
I believe that my dog may be more knowledgeable about breast cancer than Suzanne Somers. She has absolutely no qualifications and spouts such nonsense. I have heard her speak on television numerous times and I always think, "Why the heck doesn't she stick with selling thigh masters?"--something with much less potential for harm.0 -
Dear Vicki,VickiSam said:Definitions of terms ....
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 - Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia-no apparant involvement of surgical margins.
AKA - also known as
ALH - Atypical Lobular Hyperlasia - cells in the lobules that look different from normal cells, but aren't cancer and more cells than there should be.
AND - axillary node dissection
AWS - Axillary Web Syndrome; associated with Cording as a result of surgery/rads. Requires management by specialists in PT/ LE and myofascial release.
B9 (Not Cancer)
BC- Breast Cancer
Bi-Lat (bilateral, Mastectomy of both breast)
BIRADS - Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System score. This indicates the radiologist's opinion of the absence or likelihood of breast cancer.
BM(x) - Bilateral Mastectomy
BS - breast specialist/surgeon
BTW - by the way...
Bump - written to edit a thread up in the listings so someone can find it.
BWT - But what the.......!
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) = a side effect of Adriamycin, Herceptin, Avastin and some other chemo drugs but it is not a common side effect. CHF occurs in <1% and 3-4% and 5-10% from Adriamycin, Avastin and Herceptin respectively. (Heart failure doesn't mean that your heart has stopped working, or has "failed." Heart failure means that the heart is not pumping blood through your body as well as it should.)
CMF (Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate Fluorouraci) - a commonly used regimen of breast cancer chemotherapy that combines three anti-cancer agents
CT scan - computerized tornography, used to image the structures of the budy, especially head, neck or trunk.
DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
DD ~ Dose dense , Dear Daughter
DH ~ Dear Husband
DIEP - deep inferior epigastric perforator: autologous (own tissue) transfer. a refined version of the TRAM flap
DIL - Daughter-in-law
DP ~ Dear partner
DS ~ Dear Son
Dx (Diagnosis)
DW~ Dear Wife
ER (Estrogen Receptive) estrogen receptor positive+ or negative-
FEC (flourouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide) - combo that many Canadians, Brits and Aussies receive with one of the taxanes to follow
FIL ~ Father in law
FNA - fine needle aspiration
FWIW - for what it's worth
GCM - Glucosamine Chondroitin w/MSM (for relief of joint pain)
HER2 + or -, whether your tumor overexpresses the HER2 protein or not
HT (Anti-hormone Therapy)
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hx - history
IBC (Inflamatory Breast Cancer)
IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
IDK - I don't know (something we all said first time diagnosed)
ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
IMF, infra-mammary fold, the crease/fold under the breast
IM(H)O - in my (humble) opinion (with or without the ‘humble')
KWIM......."know what I mean".
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
Lt ~ Left
Mast (Mastectomy)
Med Onc (MO) - medical oncologist
Mets (Metastasis)
Mil ~ Mother in law
MLD - manual lymph drainage
MPBC - Metaplastic Breast Cancer (not to be confused with metastatic breast cancer) - an aggresive rare form of breast cancer. See thread of the same name under "Just Diagnosed"
MRSA - Methcillin-resistant Staphyloccus Aureua, a bacterium that causes an infection that is hard to treat and the bane of women who have had surgery, expecially for breast reconstruction (worth googling for more information)
MX - Mastectomy
NAC - A skin-sparing mastectomy will be performed with preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC).
NB = Navelbine Navelbine is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug
NED (No evidence of Disease
NP - Nurse practitioner
NSM - nipple sparing masectomy
ODAAT ~ One day at a time
Omph (or Ooph) ~ Ovary removal
ONC ~ Oncologist
path=pathology
PBM - prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
PCP - Primary Care Physician
PE - pleural effusion or pulmonary embolism (an example of when you need to chedk with your medical team)
PET scan - Positron Emission Tornography, used to image metabolically active cells, such as cancer cells.
PET-CT scan - a combination of PET and CT which superimposes the matebolically active cells that ‘light up' on the bodily structures so that the radiologist is reading a single image.
PFC = Perfluorinated compounds - suspected carcinogen. See Pg 5 of this thread for link (note I have not checked the reliability of the source)
PICC - peripherally inserted central catheter. When used (occasionally) for chemo, it is sometimes known as an "arm port". More often used for IV antibiotics such as may be required for MRSA and other serious bacterial infections.
PILC - pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma
PM - private message
PPI = proton pump inhibitor (the mechanism of action of drugs like Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, etc.)
PR (Progesterone Receptive) progesterone receptor positive+ or negative-
PS ~ Plastic Surgeon
QOL - quality of life
RADS - Radiation; Radiotherapy
Rad onc(RO) - Radiation oncologist
RS - Recurrent Score
ROFLOL - rolling on floor laughing out loud
Rt ~ Right
SE ~ Side Effects
SNB - sentinel node biopsy
SOB - short of breath
SOH - sense of humor
SX can be used as an abbreviation for 'surgery', or 'symptoms'. http://www.globalrph.com/abbrev_rst.htm
SP - status post
TAH-BSO - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - Bilateral Salingo Oopherectomu (uterus, cervix, tubes and ovaries removed)
TCH - taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin
TE - temporary expanders or tissue expanders
TM = tumor markers
TN (Triple Negative) In regards to negative status for ER/PR and Her2neu status
TMI-Too much information
TRAM flap - Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap
TX - treatment
WNL= Within normal limits</p>
Thank you so
Dear Vicki,
Thank you so much for these.
I've printed them and hung them by my computer!
Be well,
ConnieCal0 -
ConnieCal,CypressCynthia said:My opinion
I believe that my dog may be more knowledgeable about breast cancer than Suzanne Somers. She has absolutely no qualifications and spouts such nonsense. I have heard her speak on television numerous times and I always think, "Why the heck doesn't she stick with selling thigh masters?"--something with much less potential for harm.
I want to welcome you to our group, all I want to add is you are not in denial, you are a woman who knows her own body and knows you can put up a great fight. I'm not worried about my cancer (still going through radiation at this moment) either. Life is what you make of it, and a positive attitude is everything. Don't ever lose it...
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
idc
hello i also in treatment for idc lumpectomy reduction and eventualy rad and tamoxafen hope all goes well and yes coming to this site helps cause we all no what it feels like and can speak from our experiances not just use words that in fact dont make u feel better at all so welcome and i hope we can help it matters and we all are in the fight so lets do it together0 -
VickiSam - I love yourVickiSam said:Definitions of terms ....
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 - Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia-no apparant involvement of surgical margins.
AKA - also known as
ALH - Atypical Lobular Hyperlasia - cells in the lobules that look different from normal cells, but aren't cancer and more cells than there should be.
AND - axillary node dissection
AWS - Axillary Web Syndrome; associated with Cording as a result of surgery/rads. Requires management by specialists in PT/ LE and myofascial release.
B9 (Not Cancer)
BC- Breast Cancer
Bi-Lat (bilateral, Mastectomy of both breast)
BIRADS - Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System score. This indicates the radiologist's opinion of the absence or likelihood of breast cancer.
BM(x) - Bilateral Mastectomy
BS - breast specialist/surgeon
BTW - by the way...
Bump - written to edit a thread up in the listings so someone can find it.
BWT - But what the.......!
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) = a side effect of Adriamycin, Herceptin, Avastin and some other chemo drugs but it is not a common side effect. CHF occurs in <1% and 3-4% and 5-10% from Adriamycin, Avastin and Herceptin respectively. (Heart failure doesn't mean that your heart has stopped working, or has "failed." Heart failure means that the heart is not pumping blood through your body as well as it should.)
CMF (Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate Fluorouraci) - a commonly used regimen of breast cancer chemotherapy that combines three anti-cancer agents
CT scan - computerized tornography, used to image the structures of the budy, especially head, neck or trunk.
DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
DD ~ Dose dense , Dear Daughter
DH ~ Dear Husband
DIEP - deep inferior epigastric perforator: autologous (own tissue) transfer. a refined version of the TRAM flap
DIL - Daughter-in-law
DP ~ Dear partner
DS ~ Dear Son
Dx (Diagnosis)
DW~ Dear Wife
ER (Estrogen Receptive) estrogen receptor positive+ or negative-
FEC (flourouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide) - combo that many Canadians, Brits and Aussies receive with one of the taxanes to follow
FIL ~ Father in law
FNA - fine needle aspiration
FWIW - for what it's worth
GCM - Glucosamine Chondroitin w/MSM (for relief of joint pain)
HER2 + or -, whether your tumor overexpresses the HER2 protein or not
HT (Anti-hormone Therapy)
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hx - history
IBC (Inflamatory Breast Cancer)
IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
IDK - I don't know (something we all said first time diagnosed)
ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
IMF, infra-mammary fold, the crease/fold under the breast
IM(H)O - in my (humble) opinion (with or without the ‘humble')
KWIM......."know what I mean".
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
LAVH - laparoscropic assisted vaginal hysterectomy - a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal
LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
LD flap - Latissimus Dorsi Flap
LE ~ Lymphedema
Lump (Lumpectomy)
Lt ~ Left
Mast (Mastectomy)
Med Onc (MO) - medical oncologist
Mets (Metastasis)
Mil ~ Mother in law
MLD - manual lymph drainage
MPBC - Metaplastic Breast Cancer (not to be confused with metastatic breast cancer) - an aggresive rare form of breast cancer. See thread of the same name under "Just Diagnosed"
MRSA - Methcillin-resistant Staphyloccus Aureua, a bacterium that causes an infection that is hard to treat and the bane of women who have had surgery, expecially for breast reconstruction (worth googling for more information)
MX - Mastectomy
NAC - A skin-sparing mastectomy will be performed with preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC).
NB = Navelbine Navelbine is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug
NED (No evidence of Disease
NP - Nurse practitioner
NSM - nipple sparing masectomy
ODAAT ~ One day at a time
Omph (or Ooph) ~ Ovary removal
ONC ~ Oncologist
path=pathology
PBM - prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
PCP - Primary Care Physician
PE - pleural effusion or pulmonary embolism (an example of when you need to chedk with your medical team)
PET scan - Positron Emission Tornography, used to image metabolically active cells, such as cancer cells.
PET-CT scan - a combination of PET and CT which superimposes the matebolically active cells that ‘light up' on the bodily structures so that the radiologist is reading a single image.
PFC = Perfluorinated compounds - suspected carcinogen. See Pg 5 of this thread for link (note I have not checked the reliability of the source)
PICC - peripherally inserted central catheter. When used (occasionally) for chemo, it is sometimes known as an "arm port". More often used for IV antibiotics such as may be required for MRSA and other serious bacterial infections.
PILC - pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma
PM - private message
PPI = proton pump inhibitor (the mechanism of action of drugs like Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, etc.)
PR (Progesterone Receptive) progesterone receptor positive+ or negative-
PS ~ Plastic Surgeon
QOL - quality of life
RADS - Radiation; Radiotherapy
Rad onc(RO) - Radiation oncologist
RS - Recurrent Score
ROFLOL - rolling on floor laughing out loud
Rt ~ Right
SE ~ Side Effects
SNB - sentinel node biopsy
SOB - short of breath
SOH - sense of humor
SX can be used as an abbreviation for 'surgery', or 'symptoms'. http://www.globalrph.com/abbrev_rst.htm
SP - status post
TAH-BSO - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - Bilateral Salingo Oopherectomu (uterus, cervix, tubes and ovaries removed)
TCH - taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin
TE - temporary expanders or tissue expanders
TM = tumor markers
TN (Triple Negative) In regards to negative status for ER/PR and Her2neu status
TMI-Too much information
TRAM flap - Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap
TX - treatment
WNL= Within normal limits</p>
VickiSam - I love your definition of SOB. I have a different one.0 -
Hi Connie
I'm glad you found us. I'm sorry it had to be under this circumstance. I also had an invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Estrogen/HER2 positive. It was 5 cm in size so it was pretty big.
It just depends on your team of doctors as to how they will treat it. For me, they wanted to shrink it down before I had a mastectomy so I had Chemo first. Once they shrunk it down after 6 rounds, they removed the breast. Then, once recovered, I had radiation.
I like your positive attitude. And the calmness you get from health, love, family & faith!
Sending prayers that all goes well through this journey!
Vicki - Wow! Thanks, that's so helpful.
Sylvia0
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