Just joined - lots of questions
What should I expect as I continue to go through the radiation?
I am wondering about reconstruction - I am fairly large (DD) and they took out almost 1/2 pound of tissue, so I am lopsided. Has anyone done a reduction on the other breast? What questions do I ask? How does it work?
What are the side effects of hormone therapy? I am told I will be starting about 1/2 way through the radiation.
I know I am very lucky compared to a lot of the brave souls going through treatment. This is a wonderful site and I look forward to interacting with survivors!
Comments
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Hello~
I had reconstruction to the "healthy" breast, because I was lopsided after my first surgery of a lumpectomy to a pair of DD's. My cosmetic surgeon is board certified, he explained everything so well and in detail to me, the questions I had were basically answered on the spot. He spent ample time with me also. I knew what I wanted out of the surgery-balance. Nothing is perfect, although I love that breast-it is beautiful and incisions are hidden well. And to me-it is perfect. I did wind up having a mastectomy on the breast that developed cancer-due to it returning. I am in reconstruction mode on that side now with a tissue expander, and am heading into surgery in June to replace with a saline implant. The healthy breast is wonderful, and I recovered beautifully-
I hope I have helped answer some of your questions. Make the appt. to talk to the cosmetic surgeon. Make several, till you find the right one for you. Go online and google breast reconstruction-or breast lift-breast augmentation.
Best to you~
Melanie0 -
Ongoing treatment
Hi Chili:
Like you I was diagnonosed with Muscinous Carcinoma on my left Breast last January 2009. All the test that you went through was exactly the same with me. Although mine was found in the lymph nodes before they were able to locate it in the breast. I was told that Muscinous Carcinoma is a slow growing cancer cell compare to other kinds of cancer cells. I had my masectomy on Feb 26, 2009 because they have found the cancer in both the 1 and 5 o'clock position of the breast. I went to see the Oncologist and as I posted in this board several weeks ago, they found the Muscinous in my blood vessel for which I had to do a PET scan. Went back to the Oncologist last Tues - March 17 and I was told that the PET scan was clear, no abnormality. I will start my Chemo on April 1 with A+C+Avastin (clinical study 50/50 chance if I get it or the Placebo) for 4 treatments every 2 weeks and Taxore+Avastin for the next 12 weeks once a week, then finally Radiation probably 6 weeks M-F. My Oncologist is aggressive in treating my cancer and does not want to take any chances at this time.
About reconstruction, my Surgeon told me it would be best if I wait for at least a year or two so that my body could heal properly. All I can say is each and everyone of us will have differenct treatments or cocktail of medicines to battle this beast. Sorry, I can't answer you with your question above. But I am wishing you all the luck in this world!
Joy0 -
Hi Chili, welcome to the
Hi Chili, welcome to the board. I didn't opt for radiation so I can't help you there. The side effects of the hormonal therapy depends on your particular genetics and the type they use. A lot of women sail through it and some have mild to severe se. You can't know till you try how it will be for you. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you well.
jan0 -
thanks for the tips. SorryGreeneyedGirl said:Hello~
I had reconstruction to the "healthy" breast, because I was lopsided after my first surgery of a lumpectomy to a pair of DD's. My cosmetic surgeon is board certified, he explained everything so well and in detail to me, the questions I had were basically answered on the spot. He spent ample time with me also. I knew what I wanted out of the surgery-balance. Nothing is perfect, although I love that breast-it is beautiful and incisions are hidden well. And to me-it is perfect. I did wind up having a mastectomy on the breast that developed cancer-due to it returning. I am in reconstruction mode on that side now with a tissue expander, and am heading into surgery in June to replace with a saline implant. The healthy breast is wonderful, and I recovered beautifully-
I hope I have helped answer some of your questions. Make the appt. to talk to the cosmetic surgeon. Make several, till you find the right one for you. Go online and google breast reconstruction-or breast lift-breast augmentation.
Best to you~
Melanie
thanks for the tips. Sorry to hear of your recurrence - Good luck with the reconstruction - hope everything turns out great!0 -
Hi Joy, I guess I'mJoyD said:Ongoing treatment
Hi Chili:
Like you I was diagnonosed with Muscinous Carcinoma on my left Breast last January 2009. All the test that you went through was exactly the same with me. Although mine was found in the lymph nodes before they were able to locate it in the breast. I was told that Muscinous Carcinoma is a slow growing cancer cell compare to other kinds of cancer cells. I had my masectomy on Feb 26, 2009 because they have found the cancer in both the 1 and 5 o'clock position of the breast. I went to see the Oncologist and as I posted in this board several weeks ago, they found the Muscinous in my blood vessel for which I had to do a PET scan. Went back to the Oncologist last Tues - March 17 and I was told that the PET scan was clear, no abnormality. I will start my Chemo on April 1 with A+C+Avastin (clinical study 50/50 chance if I get it or the Placebo) for 4 treatments every 2 weeks and Taxore+Avastin for the next 12 weeks once a week, then finally Radiation probably 6 weeks M-F. My Oncologist is aggressive in treating my cancer and does not want to take any chances at this time.
About reconstruction, my Surgeon told me it would be best if I wait for at least a year or two so that my body could heal properly. All I can say is each and everyone of us will have differenct treatments or cocktail of medicines to battle this beast. Sorry, I can't answer you with your question above. But I am wishing you all the luck in this world!
Joy
Hi Joy, I guess I'm extremely lucky that mine was caught before it spread to the lymph nodes - they did the Oncotype DX test, I had a low score and won't have to go through Chemo. My radiation is M-F for 7 weeks (hoping to be done early). My prayers are with you.0 -
Hi Jan, thanks for the info.phoenixrising said:Hi Chili, welcome to the
Hi Chili, welcome to the board. I didn't opt for radiation so I can't help you there. The side effects of the hormonal therapy depends on your particular genetics and the type they use. A lot of women sail through it and some have mild to severe se. You can't know till you try how it will be for you. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you well.
jan
Hi Jan, thanks for the info. I love your picture! My genetics must be very strange - absolutely no history of bc going back at least 4 if not more generations - I guess someone has to be first!0 -
I'm the pioneer in my familychili said:Hi Jan, thanks for the info.
Hi Jan, thanks for the info. I love your picture! My genetics must be very strange - absolutely no history of bc going back at least 4 if not more generations - I guess someone has to be first!
I'm the pioneer in my family too. Apparently ~80% of all bc cases have NO risk factors. And !80% of them are ER+. Hmmmmmm something to ponder.
love
jan0 -
Welcome Chili to the club no
Welcome Chili to the club no one wants to join, but here we are giving each other support and advice. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on June 1, 2007. Went through 8 rounds of chemo and no radiation. No lymph node involvement but cancer cells were found in the blood vessels in the breast so therefore the chemo. I had my reconstruction done 4 months after my last chemo treatment. Also, no history in my family, so I was the pioneer. Went through Brac testing and that came back negative. My friend who was an E, also had a lumpectomy and the plastic surgeon, gave her a reduction to match the other breast. Another friend who had the same situation as you, had a silicone implant done on the breast where the lumpectomy was done and then had a lift on the other breast and she now has 2 very perky breasts that are the envy of everyone. Once you are done with all your treatments, consult with a plastic surgeon, who will best be able to advise as to the best procedure for you. Good luck with your rads and keep posting. Hugs, Lili0 -
All I can add is a 'welcome'...
I am medium-breasted, with the assistance of 22-year-old, above muscle implants. My lumpectomy was fairly simple...the tumor's back margin was the capsule of the implant. (Actually, that is one reason they misdiagnosed as non-cancer...the tumor had to stop growing when it hit silicone...).
My only bad moment with radiation was when I denied my skin was burning. I started using Aquaphor and Silvadene, and that handled it beautifully. I napped when tired (even at a client's, in my car, if necessary-I am a computer consultant-just set my cell phone alarm for 15 minutes). I also stayed well hydrated...helped ALOT!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
The nice thing about recon.
The nice thing about recon. is that we are benefitting from all the hard work of our predecessors who made it mandatory for the hospitals to provide it. And in the way we want. For me, as long as I am doing an expander on my mas., radiated, side, I will be augmenting the other breast to get a match (TWO perky's).
It is hard to say that radiation isn't so bad because I don't want to deny some of the real issues that some women have. For ME, it wasn't that bad. I can't even remember feeling more tired. I had finished chemo though and it was hard to sort through what was causing what at that point. The burning was yucky when it started to itch and it looked scary, but all was well after a few months.
I am on hormone therapy and haven't noticed any changes (tamoxofin) except perhaps my face has cleared up. That may be due to my improved diet. I haven't gained weight, but that is probably due to diet also. Do you have herceptin scheduled?
NOW, after painting that rosy picture, you might think I just sailed through everything. Not so. I cried, complained, and despaired. I thought I was gonna die. It's been a year since chemo now and things are better. The point I want to make is that you shouldn't set judgements for how it will be and how you will be. Just let yourself be, trust your body and soul to know how to get you through it and love yourself. Often, my body and soul said cry. Sometimes it said cheeseburger.
So glad you found us here. When I found this site, it was sunshine on a rainy day!
Best wishes, Joyce0 -
Hi Chili I also had a lumpectomy and was very lopsided. I had to wait one year after finishing rads to have surgery. I had reconstruction on the lumpectomy side and reduction on other side. I actually had one plastic surgeon to refuse me because of the rads. But the next one had no problem with doing it. (does it all the time) I healed just fine. I love the results I too was a DD cup and now am a C and love it love it love it.
In my surgery he actually moved the nipple (and everything attached) up and cut the excess out from underneath. Lots of stitches. You might ask him about doing it this way because doing it the other way they actually cut the nipple off and reattach it. Since you are having radiation your skin loses elasticity and becomes hard. This can cause problems in healing. I did not have any problems.
I am on Aromasin and have had no side effects to speak of. Except maby tiredness.
Jadie0 -
Also just joined and have same and more questions...
I had the oncotype DX, too, and was told by the oncologist it would be good to do the chemo and get it done in a matter of weeks instead of hormones over five years. My recurrence score was 20 and I was told my chance of recurrence was 13% if I did nothing else (I've had a lumpectomy). So that means I could be 87% fine. I was shown the floor they do the chemo on at the hospital, showed the port theyed put in my chest (another surgery) since my veins aren't good, and then saw the radiation oncologist. After being given the material explaining the chemo and side effects I got even more scared. So I'm doing the radiation now, day 18 Monday. I have osteoarthritis which is flaring up now and sometimes it's hard to walk anywhere or get any exercise. My oncologist still wants me to think about the chemo. Otherwise she wants me to begin hormones the end of May.
This was overwhelming to me, still is. No one in my family has had breast cancer. My concerns with all the drugs are because I have a compromised immune system and I'm allergic to everything from several antibiotics, antidepressants, and even morphine. A scheduled hysterectomy and bladder surgery were canceled by the surgeons involved a couple years ago because of this. Instead I was given a pessary to wear. Not fun either. I have had diabetes type 2 for the past five years or so, but I'm not on insulin due to diet/exercise control. The doctor said I might need to be on insulin during chemo treatment. Then there's the diverticulosis, which means I have to be on a high fiber diet all the time. I get panic and anxiety attacks and have high blood pressure. When I was told I now had to deal with breast cancer I just couldn't believe it!
So during the radiation I'm trying to decide what to do about the chemo and hormones. I never even took the "pill" when I was younger (60 now) and no hormones during menopause because I thought they'd give me breast cancer. How naive I was! I thought when you got older you didn't get breast cancer and now find that's usually when you do get it. I don't want chemo or hormones now either. Am I wrong to feel this way? I'm so afraid of my reactions to these drugs I can't sleep.
Sorry to go on and on. I really should read through the older threads first I suppose. My only support is my youngest, single mother daughter. She drives me to my appointments and listens when I need her to. My husband had heart problems and two stents put in his heart in Sept, the month before my new problems began. He seldom talks to me about the cancer, says do what I feel I need to. I contacted the Reach to Recovery people and the person that was supposed to be my "mentor" or whatever, only called me once and I never heard from her again. I don't know her name even. I feel alone, overwhelmed and very scared it'll come back someday, once I'm done with whatever I do now.
Thank you for listening to all this, if you made it through! I really feel alone and would appreciate any imput.
Mollys Grandma Joyce0 -
Welcome Mollys G.! WHy notMollysGma said:Also just joined and have same and more questions...
I had the oncotype DX, too, and was told by the oncologist it would be good to do the chemo and get it done in a matter of weeks instead of hormones over five years. My recurrence score was 20 and I was told my chance of recurrence was 13% if I did nothing else (I've had a lumpectomy). So that means I could be 87% fine. I was shown the floor they do the chemo on at the hospital, showed the port theyed put in my chest (another surgery) since my veins aren't good, and then saw the radiation oncologist. After being given the material explaining the chemo and side effects I got even more scared. So I'm doing the radiation now, day 18 Monday. I have osteoarthritis which is flaring up now and sometimes it's hard to walk anywhere or get any exercise. My oncologist still wants me to think about the chemo. Otherwise she wants me to begin hormones the end of May.
This was overwhelming to me, still is. No one in my family has had breast cancer. My concerns with all the drugs are because I have a compromised immune system and I'm allergic to everything from several antibiotics, antidepressants, and even morphine. A scheduled hysterectomy and bladder surgery were canceled by the surgeons involved a couple years ago because of this. Instead I was given a pessary to wear. Not fun either. I have had diabetes type 2 for the past five years or so, but I'm not on insulin due to diet/exercise control. The doctor said I might need to be on insulin during chemo treatment. Then there's the diverticulosis, which means I have to be on a high fiber diet all the time. I get panic and anxiety attacks and have high blood pressure. When I was told I now had to deal with breast cancer I just couldn't believe it!
So during the radiation I'm trying to decide what to do about the chemo and hormones. I never even took the "pill" when I was younger (60 now) and no hormones during menopause because I thought they'd give me breast cancer. How naive I was! I thought when you got older you didn't get breast cancer and now find that's usually when you do get it. I don't want chemo or hormones now either. Am I wrong to feel this way? I'm so afraid of my reactions to these drugs I can't sleep.
Sorry to go on and on. I really should read through the older threads first I suppose. My only support is my youngest, single mother daughter. She drives me to my appointments and listens when I need her to. My husband had heart problems and two stents put in his heart in Sept, the month before my new problems began. He seldom talks to me about the cancer, says do what I feel I need to. I contacted the Reach to Recovery people and the person that was supposed to be my "mentor" or whatever, only called me once and I never heard from her again. I don't know her name even. I feel alone, overwhelmed and very scared it'll come back someday, once I'm done with whatever I do now.
Thank you for listening to all this, if you made it through! I really feel alone and would appreciate any imput.
Mollys Grandma Joyce
Welcome Mollys G.! WHy not write a separate post and introduce yourself. This is a wonderful place and while, yes, you could read the old posts, there is something incredibly nurturing about having sisters answer you directly. That alone helped me feel not alone! And the advice and support I got here (and still get over a year out) is wonderul. I can't answer all your questions about what will be except to say, in my experience, it was hard to predict. Things I thought would be hard were easy and vice versa. Again, welcome, and I am sorry that you have to go through this. Take comfort in company! Love, Joyce (same name! there are three of us now, at least - but all Joyces are over 40 I have noticed. I think the name was retired.)0 -
Hi and WelcomeMollysGma said:Also just joined and have same and more questions...
I had the oncotype DX, too, and was told by the oncologist it would be good to do the chemo and get it done in a matter of weeks instead of hormones over five years. My recurrence score was 20 and I was told my chance of recurrence was 13% if I did nothing else (I've had a lumpectomy). So that means I could be 87% fine. I was shown the floor they do the chemo on at the hospital, showed the port theyed put in my chest (another surgery) since my veins aren't good, and then saw the radiation oncologist. After being given the material explaining the chemo and side effects I got even more scared. So I'm doing the radiation now, day 18 Monday. I have osteoarthritis which is flaring up now and sometimes it's hard to walk anywhere or get any exercise. My oncologist still wants me to think about the chemo. Otherwise she wants me to begin hormones the end of May.
This was overwhelming to me, still is. No one in my family has had breast cancer. My concerns with all the drugs are because I have a compromised immune system and I'm allergic to everything from several antibiotics, antidepressants, and even morphine. A scheduled hysterectomy and bladder surgery were canceled by the surgeons involved a couple years ago because of this. Instead I was given a pessary to wear. Not fun either. I have had diabetes type 2 for the past five years or so, but I'm not on insulin due to diet/exercise control. The doctor said I might need to be on insulin during chemo treatment. Then there's the diverticulosis, which means I have to be on a high fiber diet all the time. I get panic and anxiety attacks and have high blood pressure. When I was told I now had to deal with breast cancer I just couldn't believe it!
So during the radiation I'm trying to decide what to do about the chemo and hormones. I never even took the "pill" when I was younger (60 now) and no hormones during menopause because I thought they'd give me breast cancer. How naive I was! I thought when you got older you didn't get breast cancer and now find that's usually when you do get it. I don't want chemo or hormones now either. Am I wrong to feel this way? I'm so afraid of my reactions to these drugs I can't sleep.
Sorry to go on and on. I really should read through the older threads first I suppose. My only support is my youngest, single mother daughter. She drives me to my appointments and listens when I need her to. My husband had heart problems and two stents put in his heart in Sept, the month before my new problems began. He seldom talks to me about the cancer, says do what I feel I need to. I contacted the Reach to Recovery people and the person that was supposed to be my "mentor" or whatever, only called me once and I never heard from her again. I don't know her name even. I feel alone, overwhelmed and very scared it'll come back someday, once I'm done with whatever I do now.
Thank you for listening to all this, if you made it through! I really feel alone and would appreciate any imput.
Mollys Grandma Joyce
This is a great place to vent, get answers to your questions, have a laugh (which we all need). and get lots of hugs. My Oncotype score was a 14 so I don't have to go through Chemo, one less worry. I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago and was on hormones (but not the ones linked to cancer) for a while after - until all the news cane out and I decided to stop. I agree it's overwhelming at times, luckily I have a grandson that makes me laugh and keeps me going. wishing you all the best. Lots of hugs & prayers.0 -
Thanks for all the great tips and warm welcomes!
Even though I just started posting - you've made me feel welcome and a part of the "family" here. The tips on finding information, staying hydrated and using the cream helps. They gave me a sample of Radiaplex, anyone know anything about it? When I sunbathe I usually use Aloe Vera gel. I'm gonna miss laying in the sun and reading a good book! Now I'll have to lay in the shade with a good book.
Thanks everyone!0 -
Thanks for the reply Joyce...Joycelouise said:Welcome Mollys G.! WHy not
Welcome Mollys G.! WHy not write a separate post and introduce yourself. This is a wonderful place and while, yes, you could read the old posts, there is something incredibly nurturing about having sisters answer you directly. That alone helped me feel not alone! And the advice and support I got here (and still get over a year out) is wonderul. I can't answer all your questions about what will be except to say, in my experience, it was hard to predict. Things I thought would be hard were easy and vice versa. Again, welcome, and I am sorry that you have to go through this. Take comfort in company! Love, Joyce (same name! there are three of us now, at least - but all Joyces are over 40 I have noticed. I think the name was retired.)
Thank you for replying to my very long post. I will try to get a separate post written soon. Just reading through some of the posts and replies has helped me alot already! I, too, think the name Joyce has been retired, but my granddaugher has it for her middle name and she's seven. Thanks again!0 -
I appreciate your replychili said:Hi and Welcome
This is a great place to vent, get answers to your questions, have a laugh (which we all need). and get lots of hugs. My Oncotype score was a 14 so I don't have to go through Chemo, one less worry. I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago and was on hormones (but not the ones linked to cancer) for a while after - until all the news cane out and I decided to stop. I agree it's overwhelming at times, luckily I have a grandson that makes me laugh and keeps me going. wishing you all the best. Lots of hugs & prayers.
Thanks for the reply to my long post. Although I had a lower score the chemo and radiation were recommended anyway. So far I think I might just go with the hormones after the radiation. I think I'm overwhelmed most of all because of all the other health issues I have, too. Hope to get to "talk" to you again. Thanks for the prayers and hugs, too.0 -
Just diagnosedmmontero38 said:Welcome Chili to the club no
Welcome Chili to the club no one wants to join, but here we are giving each other support and advice. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on June 1, 2007. Went through 8 rounds of chemo and no radiation. No lymph node involvement but cancer cells were found in the blood vessels in the breast so therefore the chemo. I had my reconstruction done 4 months after my last chemo treatment. Also, no history in my family, so I was the pioneer. Went through Brac testing and that came back negative. My friend who was an E, also had a lumpectomy and the plastic surgeon, gave her a reduction to match the other breast. Another friend who had the same situation as you, had a silicone implant done on the breast where the lumpectomy was done and then had a lift on the other breast and she now has 2 very perky breasts that are the envy of everyone. Once you are done with all your treatments, consult with a plastic surgeon, who will best be able to advise as to the best procedure for you. Good luck with your rads and keep posting. Hugs, Lili
Hi
I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on 3-12-09, so this is all so very new to me. I will have PET Scan tomorrow and will go from there. Just wanting to talk to someone whose been there.0 -
Hi BJ, sorry you have to bebjhancock said:Just diagnosed
Hi
I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on 3-12-09, so this is all so very new to me. I will have PET Scan tomorrow and will go from there. Just wanting to talk to someone whose been there.
Hi BJ, sorry you have to be here because it means you are fighting the beast also. But, you've come to a great place for support from other survivors and a wealth of information and experience. Do you know what stage and tumor grade? I was diagnosed stage 1 with a tumor grade 3 which meant it was early detection but very aggressive. So, even though they removed 7 lymph nodes and all were clean, they found cancer cells in the blood vessels in the breast so I had to go through 8 rounds of chemo. You can post any question you may have or you can send me a private message if you prefer. We will all try to help out and support you in every way we can. Hugs, Lili0
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