Another Newbie ;-)
I routinely take B-12 tablets and noticed someone posted they are taking B-12 injections. I have this on my list of questions to ask my Oncologist, especially once treatments start. I would appreciate any opinions/advice you may offer. Other than the fatigue and my skin feeling like it is extremely sunburned, I have had little discomfort thus far. To be honest the biopsy was much more painful than either of the surgeries. Who wudda thunkit ;-)
I am rambling so I will wrap this up with a huge Thank You for the wonderful information that you ladies so lovingly share. I hope one day soon to share my dance with NED or his sexy cousin NERT with you.
LilH
Comments
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Newbie
Hi LilH,
What type of breast cancer do you have? What chemo drugs are you going to do? I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and am doing cytoxan and taxotere. I have had 2 rounds and have 2 more to go. I have not had to have any shots yet....my blood cell counts have been fine both times so far. I did not have any reactions to my chemo either and minor side effects. Everyone is different so you won't know until you start. I drink ensure each day the week of chemo and brush my teeth with baking soda or biotene toothpaste. That helps quite a bit.
Just let us know if you have any other questions and someone on this network will surely have an answer. It has been a great resource and you make alot of close friends who can empathize with exactly what you are feeling and going through.
God bless you and hold you through your journey. He will never let you go.
Lorrie Balentine0 -
Welcome! I'm kinda new,
Welcome! I'm kinda new, too! Everyone here is awesome! I used Oil of Olay night of olay firming cream. I had that sunburn, hot face too! I always used it before, but it really made the hot face feel better at night. Also drinking a lot of water helped me. Keep us posted on your chemo progress!0 -
I couldn't see a question in
I couldn't see a question in your post so I guess I'll just say HOWDY! You must have it all together! If you are sunburned you must be doing radiation now (if not just excuse me because I get confused alot-and I've been out of treatment since 2004 so can't blame it on chemo brain). Good luck! Hope NED sees you at the finish line!0 -
No decision on chemo yet,Marcia527 said:I couldn't see a question in
I couldn't see a question in your post so I guess I'll just say HOWDY! You must have it all together! If you are sunburned you must be doing radiation now (if not just excuse me because I get confused alot-and I've been out of treatment since 2004 so can't blame it on chemo brain). Good luck! Hope NED sees you at the finish line!
No decision on chemo yet, will know next week. Will definitely have six and a half weeks of radiation and hormone therapy afterwards, so hopefully the test results won't show a need for chemo, but if it does I'm ready. The sunburn feeling is on my the skin on my breast and I use a variety of lotions. I had a ductal tumor that is hormone receptive and HER negative. Did not need to have a full mastectomy at this time. Small tumor of about an inch. Thanks for all the kind words and support.
LilH0 -
So sorry...I thought youLilHarley said:No decision on chemo yet,
No decision on chemo yet, will know next week. Will definitely have six and a half weeks of radiation and hormone therapy afterwards, so hopefully the test results won't show a need for chemo, but if it does I'm ready. The sunburn feeling is on my the skin on my breast and I use a variety of lotions. I had a ductal tumor that is hormone receptive and HER negative. Did not need to have a full mastectomy at this time. Small tumor of about an inch. Thanks for all the kind words and support.
LilH
So sorry...I thought you were talking about the chemo side effects. Well, if you're looking for a good face cream now you know of one!
I'm glad to hear you are ready for anything. You'll have to keep us posted! 0 -
Welcome to this amazing
Welcome to this amazing site, LilH. We are reading, willing and able to help you through your treatment plan. I, personally, have had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I finished my treatments on Christmas Eve. I am scheduled for my first mammo in June and am anticipating my dance with NED...or NERT, too. Please continue to post and we'll provide our support, encouragement and experiences. Take care.0 -
My first time to postMyTurnNow said:Welcome to this amazing
Welcome to this amazing site, LilH. We are reading, willing and able to help you through your treatment plan. I, personally, have had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I finished my treatments on Christmas Eve. I am scheduled for my first mammo in June and am anticipating my dance with NED...or NERT, too. Please continue to post and we'll provide our support, encouragement and experiences. Take care.
Hi all, I was diagnosed on January 29th with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy two weeks later. I was fortunate that my marins and lymph nodes were clear. I met with my surgeon two weeks later and he recommeneded that I do the Onco type D test to determine my reoccurence rate due to may age and the size of the tumor. This would help decided if I needed chemo, or if I would do radiation and tamoxifen. It was a long two weeks waiting on the results. I came to this site several times and read so many stories and experiences. It has been such a great experience and helped prepare me for whatever I may find out. I was very fortunate that my Onco type test score came back with a low reoccurence rate so my oncologist decided that radiation and tamixofen would be my course of treatment. I am now into my third week of radiation and except for feeling a little tired and sunburnt, I am doing well physically. I'm still dealing with some things emotionally, like the way my breast looks after the lumpectomy, I feel so unattractive at times (even though my husband disagrees)and the other things you worry about. I know I am so blessed because we caught my cancer early and my prognosis is good and I have had wonderful support but sometimes I still get down about things and then I feel guilty because I'm feeling down. Its such an overwhelming thing to go through and sometime you do feel alone. I guess that's why I decided to post. I need to chat with others who have gone through or are going through this.0 -
I'm one year out and feeling great!
Hi Ladies,
I was diagnosed a year ago in Feb and believe it or not there are some days when I don't think about breast cancer. I never thought I would have a normal day again after my diagnosis. Waiting was the worst part. The surgery (clear margins and no node involvement), radiation, and Arimidex for at least 5 years are all doable. I hope you will have the same experience and that you'll be saying the same thing a year from now. I check out the boards a few times a week so I can be here for those of you going through what is a frightening. Hugs to all.
Roseann0 -
I am like Marcia, I didn'tMarcia527 said:I couldn't see a question in
I couldn't see a question in your post so I guess I'll just say HOWDY! You must have it all together! If you are sunburned you must be doing radiation now (if not just excuse me because I get confused alot-and I've been out of treatment since 2004 so can't blame it on chemo brain). Good luck! Hope NED sees you at the finish line!
I am like Marcia, I didn't see a question, but, want to welcome you to this board!
Hugs, Diane0 -
Very similar situationstdob487 said:My first time to post
Hi all, I was diagnosed on January 29th with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy two weeks later. I was fortunate that my marins and lymph nodes were clear. I met with my surgeon two weeks later and he recommeneded that I do the Onco type D test to determine my reoccurence rate due to may age and the size of the tumor. This would help decided if I needed chemo, or if I would do radiation and tamoxifen. It was a long two weeks waiting on the results. I came to this site several times and read so many stories and experiences. It has been such a great experience and helped prepare me for whatever I may find out. I was very fortunate that my Onco type test score came back with a low reoccurence rate so my oncologist decided that radiation and tamixofen would be my course of treatment. I am now into my third week of radiation and except for feeling a little tired and sunburnt, I am doing well physically. I'm still dealing with some things emotionally, like the way my breast looks after the lumpectomy, I feel so unattractive at times (even though my husband disagrees)and the other things you worry about. I know I am so blessed because we caught my cancer early and my prognosis is good and I have had wonderful support but sometimes I still get down about things and then I feel guilty because I'm feeling down. Its such an overwhelming thing to go through and sometime you do feel alone. I guess that's why I decided to post. I need to chat with others who have gone through or are going through this.
Our stories sound very familiar. I have not begun any treatments yet and will receive the genetics test results on my tumor next Wed. the 21st. I am hopeful the results will be low for recurrence and I can get by on 6 1/2 weeks of rads and Tamoxifen therapy. I did have a CT of the chest this Monday as I am a long term pack a day smoker and my mother died from lung cancer 11 years ago. I can't say that doesn't have me worried. I have started to reduce smoking and have completely quit at work. Now to tackle at home ;-). I have taken a cocktail of vitamins and suppliments for years and I cycle. I used to ride 15-25 miles 4-5 times a week, so my body is used to the exertion. I got the go ahead to resume riding....stationary trainer only yesterday and was surprised I could fairly easily do 5 miles. It has helped me tremendously to get back to work and exercising to keep from overthinking things. I still have some troubles sleeping, but have found writing out my feelings in a journal and posting here has helped relieve some of the anxiety. I think it's very natural to have some down feelings during the periods of waiting and not knowing what comes next. Take courage and hope from the ladies on here that have paved the way for us and have answers to most anything we can ask.
Good luck with your treatments!!
LilH0 -
Welcome to both of you!LilHarley said:Very similar situations
Our stories sound very familiar. I have not begun any treatments yet and will receive the genetics test results on my tumor next Wed. the 21st. I am hopeful the results will be low for recurrence and I can get by on 6 1/2 weeks of rads and Tamoxifen therapy. I did have a CT of the chest this Monday as I am a long term pack a day smoker and my mother died from lung cancer 11 years ago. I can't say that doesn't have me worried. I have started to reduce smoking and have completely quit at work. Now to tackle at home ;-). I have taken a cocktail of vitamins and suppliments for years and I cycle. I used to ride 15-25 miles 4-5 times a week, so my body is used to the exertion. I got the go ahead to resume riding....stationary trainer only yesterday and was surprised I could fairly easily do 5 miles. It has helped me tremendously to get back to work and exercising to keep from overthinking things. I still have some troubles sleeping, but have found writing out my feelings in a journal and posting here has helped relieve some of the anxiety. I think it's very natural to have some down feelings during the periods of waiting and not knowing what comes next. Take courage and hope from the ladies on here that have paved the way for us and have answers to most anything we can ask.
Good luck with your treatments!!
LilH
Just wanted to pass on my welcome! As you've both already found, this is a great site for information and support. We have all been in the horrible waiting period...as Chen said "you are our past and we are your future". There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I was diagnosed in Nov 09, IDC and DCIS, stage 1, hormone negative/lumpectomy. Completed rads and have been on tamoxifen since Jan. I had the same "burned" sensation on my breast over the tumor excision site as well as on the back side of my arm (side of sentinal node biopsy). No one could clarify as to the cause, but it did go away, though took a couple of months. It was a gradual improvement.
There are 2 good strings on radiation questions and answers you may want to look thru, once you find out what your treatment course will be. The first string got very long so there's a "part 2".
Take time to absorb the treatment advice and don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you are at all uncertain. Praying you are both dancing w/NED (No Evidence of Disease) in the very near future. In the meantime...this place is open 24/7.
Blessings...Julie0 -
Hi lilharley! I hope youLilHarley said:No decision on chemo yet,
No decision on chemo yet, will know next week. Will definitely have six and a half weeks of radiation and hormone therapy afterwards, so hopefully the test results won't show a need for chemo, but if it does I'm ready. The sunburn feeling is on my the skin on my breast and I use a variety of lotions. I had a ductal tumor that is hormone receptive and HER negative. Did not need to have a full mastectomy at this time. Small tumor of about an inch. Thanks for all the kind words and support.
LilH
Hi lilharley! I hope you don't need chemo, but, if you do have to take it, there is lots of support and encouragement here for you!0 -
Thanks so much, its comforting to know I have a place where I can go where people truly understand and can relate to what I am experiencing. By the way, just finished my third week of radiation today. Getting the "sunburned" look and about midway through the day the tiredness hits, I would love to find a place at work to take a quick nap but unfortunately haven't found one but I only have 3 1/2 weeks to go so I can handle it.jbug said:Welcome to both of you!
Just wanted to pass on my welcome! As you've both already found, this is a great site for information and support. We have all been in the horrible waiting period...as Chen said "you are our past and we are your future". There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I was diagnosed in Nov 09, IDC and DCIS, stage 1, hormone negative/lumpectomy. Completed rads and have been on tamoxifen since Jan. I had the same "burned" sensation on my breast over the tumor excision site as well as on the back side of my arm (side of sentinal node biopsy). No one could clarify as to the cause, but it did go away, though took a couple of months. It was a gradual improvement.
There are 2 good strings on radiation questions and answers you may want to look thru, once you find out what your treatment course will be. The first string got very long so there's a "part 2".
Take time to absorb the treatment advice and don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you are at all uncertain. Praying you are both dancing w/NED (No Evidence of Disease) in the very near future. In the meantime...this place is open 24/7.
Blessings...Julie0 -
Thanks LilH. Coming here has already helped. I hope you get good results from the genetics test. I just finished my third week of radiation and it is doable. If anything this whole experience has made me appreciate my life so much more, it really has made me a better person.LilHarley said:Very similar situations
Our stories sound very familiar. I have not begun any treatments yet and will receive the genetics test results on my tumor next Wed. the 21st. I am hopeful the results will be low for recurrence and I can get by on 6 1/2 weeks of rads and Tamoxifen therapy. I did have a CT of the chest this Monday as I am a long term pack a day smoker and my mother died from lung cancer 11 years ago. I can't say that doesn't have me worried. I have started to reduce smoking and have completely quit at work. Now to tackle at home ;-). I have taken a cocktail of vitamins and suppliments for years and I cycle. I used to ride 15-25 miles 4-5 times a week, so my body is used to the exertion. I got the go ahead to resume riding....stationary trainer only yesterday and was surprised I could fairly easily do 5 miles. It has helped me tremendously to get back to work and exercising to keep from overthinking things. I still have some troubles sleeping, but have found writing out my feelings in a journal and posting here has helped relieve some of the anxiety. I think it's very natural to have some down feelings during the periods of waiting and not knowing what comes next. Take courage and hope from the ladies on here that have paved the way for us and have answers to most anything we can ask.
Good luck with your treatments!!
LilH0 -
Thanks!!roseann4 said:I'm one year out and feeling great!
Hi Ladies,
I was diagnosed a year ago in Feb and believe it or not there are some days when I don't think about breast cancer. I never thought I would have a normal day again after my diagnosis. Waiting was the worst part. The surgery (clear margins and no node involvement), radiation, and Arimidex for at least 5 years are all doable. I hope you will have the same experience and that you'll be saying the same thing a year from now. I check out the boards a few times a week so I can be here for those of you going through what is a frightening. Hugs to all.
Roseann
Get results and further treatment options in 2 days. Man I hate the waiting. Glad to hear your rads are going well and I take courage from you Roseann knowing you have made it through. Gentle hugs to all.
LilH0 -
Treatment Decisions
Ladies,
I am so happy to have found this website. I have invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast. My surgeon says I am a candidate for lumpectomy, but I am leaning towards a bilateral mastectomy. I feel like I will be waiting for the other show to drop the rest of my life if I even retain one of my breasts. I am 54 and planning a delayed reconstruction. Can anyone tell me if they made a similar choice and how they feel about it now?
I was totally decided until my surgeon told me I was 'going big' and made me start second-guessing myself. Help!0 -
Welcome
You're never alone...someone here will always have insight for you. When I was diagnosed on 7/09 this was the first place I went for answers and got exactly what I needed...support, encouragement, advice and hope. I am currently a survivor of DCIS and underwent a double mastectomy.Going through the stages of reconstruction now. Keep in touch and hang in there.0 -
Double MastectomySamuraiMom said:Welcome
You're never alone...someone here will always have insight for you. When I was diagnosed on 7/09 this was the first place I went for answers and got exactly what I needed...support, encouragement, advice and hope. I am currently a survivor of DCIS and underwent a double mastectomy.Going through the stages of reconstruction now. Keep in touch and hang in there.
SamuraiMom,
Can you tell me why you chose double mastectomy and whether you are happy you did so?
Did you do immediate or delayed reconstruction? I still have a week and a half before surgery, so I can still change my mind and I am desperate to hear how others have made their choices.
Sad thing is I am usually the most decisive and strong-minded person you'd ever want to meet. This has knocked me for a loop (as my Dad used to say) and I just keep revisiting the decision. It is sooooo permanent!
It took me 3 weeks to really 'get' that this cancer could kill me! I feel so healthy!
Any advice you can give is appreciated.
Thanks.
Chickadee0 -
I chose a double mastectomyChickadee1955 said:Double Mastectomy
SamuraiMom,
Can you tell me why you chose double mastectomy and whether you are happy you did so?
Did you do immediate or delayed reconstruction? I still have a week and a half before surgery, so I can still change my mind and I am desperate to hear how others have made their choices.
Sad thing is I am usually the most decisive and strong-minded person you'd ever want to meet. This has knocked me for a loop (as my Dad used to say) and I just keep revisiting the decision. It is sooooo permanent!
It took me 3 weeks to really 'get' that this cancer could kill me! I feel so healthy!
Any advice you can give is appreciated.
Thanks.
Chickadee
I chose a double mastectomy because I didn't want to worry about cancer in my cancer free breast and I wanted bilateral symmetry. I haven't had reconstruction (yet, anyway). I don't think there is one right decision. If I had decided on just a mastectomy, that would have been right for me. It is two years since I had the surgery...I don't regret it. xoxoxo Lynn0 -
Welcome Welcome Lil and
Welcome Welcome Lil and tdob....Just wanted to say hello and welcome you two to the most amazing site full of the most wonderful women/men you will ever meet!! Come here often, post often and you will get wonderful advice, of course we all listen to our physicians but this place is amazing. Big hugs to both of you and welcome aboard
~Kari0
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