helentran

Hi, just stumbled across a couple of your posts. My name is Sharon. I'm 54 years old and was diagnosed with Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma after a mammogram and subsequent biopsy on 11/6/13. This is my 2nd go around with cancer, 1st with breast cancer. 2/09, diagnosed with Stage IIA Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. RCHOP Chemo, in remission. New fight went from there's some shadowing we're a little curious about to "we have the results of the biopsy, it's cancer." Since I was told by the breast surgeon that it had to be 5-8 years old, I kind of balked when she wanted to send me to the same oncologist who I'd been seeing every 3-6 months since Feb 09. I had a bad feeling that I wouldn't get the right care since my oncologist never listened to any of the symptoms I'd been listing on the questionnaire at every visit and I just knew I didn't have time to spin my wheels. I went 2 states away for a second opinion and that decision will hopefully add decades to my life. Cancer Treatment Center of America's intake physician did a thorough exam, and when I asked if they'd want to do a sentinel node biopsy he said he did not see a reason to make me have an unnecessary surgery. He recommended a PET scan (I had 2 while I had lymphoma). That PET scan found that I was stage V with the cancer metastasizing to my cervical and lumbar spine and my sternum. So I went from newly diagnosed to stage V in a matter of weeks. I totally understand having "difficult moments" but you have to give yourself a break. This is very new and you need to give yourself time to grieve, get angry, accept that this is part of your life now and then FIGHT Also, when I was on RCHOP chemo for the lymphoma, I had a huge case of chemo brain. My previous oncologist offered no help or insight. I just happened to be listening to NPR later in the week and heard an interview with one of the authors of a book called "Your Brain After Chemo" - great book and VERY helpful - here's a link from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-After-Chemo-Practical/dp/0738213918/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391049411&sr=1-1&keywords=chemo+brain

Take care!
Sharon

How are you? I haven't been on here in a long time and was wondering how you're doing;)

Aw Thank for responding and yes it does help. My Onc did hormone testing which showed that I was still producing estrogen and not going though menopause like she hoped.
And for now I am only on Tamoxifen and Effexor. She started me after Rad was completed. So I have only been on it for about 3.5 months now.
She was talking about a new study that showed that Lufon and another pill does better then tamoxifen. That might be part of the reason that she is switching me too.

Hi there, Just hoping you will share your experience with the lupron shot. I'm on tamoxifen and onc says its not working. So she is preparing for the lupron shot. What was your experience and side effects? I hope everything goes well for you. Thanks for your input

Hi Helen, you had commented on a post of mine about radiation. How are you doing on your tx? Are you using just aloe? I go in for #18 of 33 tomorrow. Felt very tired this week. My skin is OK, getting reddish, but inside feels tender. Best wishes to you!

Thanks for checking in - doing well, getting ready to re-start Xeloda at lower dose. Are you in active chemo treatment? Jody

Hi Helen. Mine is invasive lobular stage IIA . Try this for the website www.cancercaretalks.com click on seminar videos at the top. Scroll down to the first video on the third row ( brain Fog March 27, 2013) Hope that works for you. I still have brain fog. It's been almost 18 months since my last chemo. Good luck with everything and God bless

Hello! I saw your post regarding Lupron but for whatever reason I couldn't post on the page. I started taking monthly Lupron injections almost a year ago. I was apprehensive at first because of what I had read about it. I did lots of research, as I was torn between removing the ovaries vs Lupron. I decided to try the Lupron and if I couldn't tolerate it I would do the surgery. I'm managing just fine. The injection itself is quite painful but not so bad. My biggest complaint is the menopausal side effects such as loss of collegen in my face and weight gain. Otherwise not bad. If you have any questions whatsoever just reach out to me, I'm more than happy to help!

Hi, thanks for "following" me...let me know if you have any particular questions, especially regarding radiation....many of us here have had radiation and are more than happy to share our experiences...be sure to use the moisturizers they will give you and follow their advice...for some of us the fatigue was a cumulative thing, I had severe burns ( even though I did everything I was told but often larger breasts <44DDD> get more burns!), but the burns did not occur until the last five days with the "boosts" and cleared up within a week of stopping...you will do fine, I am sure. Keep in touch. Grace

Good news about "no chemo". I also have invasive lobular carcinoma. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2013. I am doing chemo now and them a double mastectomy then radiation. Hoping it goes by fast. Wishing you a smooth journey.

Hello, I am also her2-, er & pr+. This is a great place to ask any questions you may have. I have learned a lot here and met some very experienced people. I have had surgery, bilateral, and currently doing chemo. If I can help in any way please let me know.

Hello...you will find lots of information, experiences and support here...please let us know how we can help...if you could fill in a few of your experiences it would really ensure we answer with your particular journey in mind...sending along best wishes and hope you heal quickly...welcome.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter