debbie3

Hey Debbie, hope you are well?

Have some bad news from my CT results yesterday, the cancer has spread to bones and liver. What a bummer. Last CT ten months ago was clear, so I guess this is a pretty aggressive one.

Hey Debbie, wanted to let you know I’ve just been diagnosed with a recurrence, same breast. Going through scans to see if it’s spread (scary), mastectomy on the cards....

Hey Debbie, how are you doing? Just wanted to let you know that IT'S GONE!!! I had my port removed on Tuesday, am still bandaged and rather sore, but so glad it's out!

Hope you're doing well and feeling really good.

Also, wrt scans etc. You asked what scans I'd be having - I see my oncologist in Dec for a 6 month post treatment visit, and he's set me up for several scans that don't involve radiation. Ultrasounds of breasts, thorax, abdomen plus Ca-15.3 blood marker test. None of these are perfect,but he says are good indicators, so if they show anything suspicious, he will order further tests such as MRI, CT and so on.

I think that's a good approach. He did tell me about the study that showed survival results the same if you had scans or not, but that he doesn't feel comfortable doing no scans. Quite frankly, I don't either!

Hey there! Forgot to ask - did it hurt to have the port taken out? I've heard it's much easier than putting it in - true? Did they put you under for it?

Still hoping to have mine out end Aug - this time, I'll insist, I think. I don't plan on living my life in a 'just in case' type way!

Hey there, how have the first radiation treatments gone? I'm still fine, skin not an issue, but do feel quite tired and achy -- hope you are doing well, too!

Hi there! Just wanted to say that I had my planning CT yesterday, only took a few minutes. Have 4 little dot tattoos now, too! My radiation starts 1 June for 15 sessions.

Presumably you have had yours now, too?

Hey there, how are you doing after your very last treatment? Did people expect your side effects to magically not happen this time? Some of mine are starting to go away (bloody nose), but some still plague me (eyes, tingly feet) - and this is 2 weeks post last Taxol!

Also wanted to say that I asked my doctor about follow up scans, and he said yes, I will have them. I'll send you the schedule tomorrow. I don't know if he is basing that on my particular case, or if it's his regular protocol, but I'm pretty glad I'll be getting them.

Hey there, just wanted to say good luck for chemo tomorrow. Last one! I know side effects will still come, but this time will be it!

Hey debbie3, how are you doing now? Hopefully feeling better?

Had my last Taxol last night. So relieved to be done with it. He is now concerned with my cholesterol, which has shot up during chemo, but I'm trying to reduce it naturally first.

Saw the radiologist on Monday. She was great. I have my planning CT scan on May 22, and start on June 1st, finish on June 19th.

I am having hypofractionated radiation, no boost as had clean margins. Will probably have a zap to the lymph nodes, but they will let me know after a planning committee meeting. So I'll have 15 sessions, not the longer 25, as hypofractionated is higher dose for fewer sessions.

I'm concerned about lymphedema somewhat - has yours said anything to you about it?

Also, he said I won't start letrozole (AI) until after radiation.

A friend here started her radiation and tamoxifen at the same time, so it doesn't appear that there is a standard answer on that. Argh!

Hey Debbie3, hope you don't mind that I used your quote on my blog today.

https://breastcancerspain.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/penultimate-taxol/

Hey there, how did your Abraxane go?

Only one more cycle to go now, right? I will be soooo glad to be done with all this treatment, won't you? (I'm not counting the 5 years of AI's for now, too depressing)

Had a bone density test last week in prep for the AI's. What a shock, was diagnosed with moderate to severe osteoporosis! This is only 8 years after having really good bone density scan results, so I don't know what has happened. I know that cancer treatment doesn't help, but don't think it could have done all this so fast (steroids, heparin both affect bone density, not to mention upcoming radiation and AI).

Depressing.

Hey debbie3, thinking of you today, and wondering how it is going with the Abraxane now?

Hey here,how did the Abraxane go? Hopefully smoothly and with few side effects!

I so admire you for carrying on despite your experiences. I know you were not keen on chemo, but once you started, you bravely stuck with it, and you have had some awful side effects! X

Hey here, have you started your Taxol yet? If so, what do you think, hopefully easier for you than the AC was? I've had 3 so far, and haven't found it too bad. Some joint pain, some pins and needles, but manageable so far. Odd thing is eye twitches!

Hey debbie3, hope you are doing ok, and that the AC not too troublesome. My last cycle of it was my worst experience, now start taxol on Tuesday. A bit apprehensive.

Hi Debbie3, how are you doing now that treatment has started? It sounded like it was pretty rough at first, but have things settled down? I just finished my AC and am on Taxol soon - yikes!

Hi Debbie3. I saw your question about chemo and wanted to reach out. We share the same stage, her status. I had lumpectomy, 4 months of chemo, 6 weeks radiation. My doc gave me a printed report that showed my 10 year survival rates and how they increased after each step of treatment. It was a HUGE eye opener and helped make my decision. And this info came from the second oncologist I saw. Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Hey, fellow IIb, welcome to this friendly and helpful group. I also have the same hormone profile as you, so we will likely have similar treatment. I'm a few weeks ahead of you chemo wise.

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