Best Of
Re: Here we (I) go
Update:
both nodes showed activity - 1 micro- and 1 macrometasteses
MDT had differing views - 2nd surgery option was considered but now chemo to begin in January
I’m meeting both med onc and rad onc this week.
will be back here to read others experiences when I know likely chemo regime
i’m weirdly not scared. At the moment.
Surgery scar is healing but still pretty tender. Can’t wait till I can swim again - my stress release, exercise & happy place.
also meeting with an oncology exercise physiologist to get an exercise plan sorted.
anything else I can to do prepare body or mind for chemo?
both nodes showed activity - 1 micro- and 1 macrometasteses
MDT had differing views - 2nd surgery option was considered but now chemo to begin in January
I’m meeting both med onc and rad onc this week.
will be back here to read others experiences when I know likely chemo regime
i’m weirdly not scared. At the moment.
Surgery scar is healing but still pretty tender. Can’t wait till I can swim again - my stress release, exercise & happy place.
also meeting with an oncology exercise physiologist to get an exercise plan sorted.
anything else I can to do prepare body or mind for chemo?
cactusk
2
Re: Perjeta/ Trastuzumab thoughts
@Brianna I was diagnosed as early stage, grade 3, HER2+ on 4th September, I've just completed round 4 of chemo but haven't been offered the Perjeta only the Herceptin after 6 rounds of chemo. I have a lumpectomy scheduled for 22nd Feb 2024 & have mentioned I'd rather a DMX even though only single side affected. J said "they're past their use by date so nit required any more" but don't think they'll even consider it.
I'll mention it to my oncologist when I see him in three weeks to see what he says. He did tell me at my fist visit that there was another treatment option but it was expensive & I don't have private health insurance so maybe that was what he was talking about, he took that option off the table as he said he didn't want to cause financial hardship as I'm on my own with an adult special needs son.
I'll mention it to my oncologist when I see him in three weeks to see what he says. He did tell me at my fist visit that there was another treatment option but it was expensive & I don't have private health insurance so maybe that was what he was talking about, he took that option off the table as he said he didn't want to cause financial hardship as I'm on my own with an adult special needs son.
Julz67
1
Re: Her2 positive
@riss81 where did you get the tattoo brows? I've never heard of them & have noticed my brows starting to thin.
I'm HER2+ hormone negative they said it's protein based, just completed round 4 chemo two days ago
I'm HER2+ hormone negative they said it's protein based, just completed round 4 chemo two days ago
Julz67
1
Re: Challenging my perceptions of body image!
Hi @Toosta
The comment above that your breasts do not define you resonates with me.
When I found out I had to have a mastectomy my wonderful hubby of 32 years said “ it’s not like it’s an essential organ”.
Certainly put it in perspective.
Thats not to say the whole shitfest is not emotionally devastating , at least in the beginning.
The comment above that your breasts do not define you resonates with me.
When I found out I had to have a mastectomy my wonderful hubby of 32 years said “ it’s not like it’s an essential organ”.
Certainly put it in perspective.
Thats not to say the whole shitfest is not emotionally devastating , at least in the beginning.
Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed
Most medical practitioners are hesitant to
recommend alcohol at all. Which is fair enough. The main thing is how great a risk is occasional alcohol. If it’s a habit, and worse if it’s an increasing habit, then it’s not good for your overall health and most studies suggest it may be linked to cancer. There is of course a difference between links, triggers and inevitable causes! I do have a glass of wine but I try and use non alcoholic wine (or beer) as much as I can. It’s not the same but it helps! I don’t drink sugary soft drinks or fruit juices, and relaxing with a nice glass of water doesn’t quite cut it! I actually find non- alcoholic beer perfectly acceptable. Good luck!
recommend alcohol at all. Which is fair enough. The main thing is how great a risk is occasional alcohol. If it’s a habit, and worse if it’s an increasing habit, then it’s not good for your overall health and most studies suggest it may be linked to cancer. There is of course a difference between links, triggers and inevitable causes! I do have a glass of wine but I try and use non alcoholic wine (or beer) as much as I can. It’s not the same but it helps! I don’t drink sugary soft drinks or fruit juices, and relaxing with a nice glass of water doesn’t quite cut it! I actually find non- alcoholic beer perfectly acceptable. Good luck!
Afraser
1
Re: Challenging my perceptions of body image!
I'm sorry for your recurrences.
So far I've only had BC once. Stage 2 Grade 3 Ductal, Estrogen sensitive. In 2020. At 61 yrs age.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance on my Right side.
I was not distressed at being flat one side. But I hated my prosthesis.
My bra seemed to always swing one way.
I then considered going Flat both sides.
I am a bit chubby, and decided that my tummy would stick out too much.
So then I looked into Reconstruction.
I wanted a DIEP, but I was not suitable.
Then I chose a Lat Dorsi to R side (recommended for me due to having had Radiotherapy)
At same time of that surgery, I had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my L side. In 2022.
My main concern was symmetry.
I had tissue expanders and then breast implants.
I have symmetry and am very happy. I will need new implants in 10-15 yrs.
I miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. I will get nipple tattoos, just to look finished.
Overall, I'm happy. Dressing is easier now, and I sometimes go braless at 65.
All the best with your decision making.
So far I've only had BC once. Stage 2 Grade 3 Ductal, Estrogen sensitive. In 2020. At 61 yrs age.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance on my Right side.
I was not distressed at being flat one side. But I hated my prosthesis.
My bra seemed to always swing one way.
I then considered going Flat both sides.
I am a bit chubby, and decided that my tummy would stick out too much.
So then I looked into Reconstruction.
I wanted a DIEP, but I was not suitable.
Then I chose a Lat Dorsi to R side (recommended for me due to having had Radiotherapy)
At same time of that surgery, I had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my L side. In 2022.
My main concern was symmetry.
I had tissue expanders and then breast implants.
I have symmetry and am very happy. I will need new implants in 10-15 yrs.
I miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. I will get nipple tattoos, just to look finished.
Overall, I'm happy. Dressing is easier now, and I sometimes go braless at 65.
All the best with your decision making.
Abbydog
2
Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed
Good on you @HelenlovesSnoopy ..... you deserve your glass of wine xxx. You've earned it.
Definitely a balancing act, @Cindi .... but I also don't deny myself one of my few pleasures these days - which is a glass (or 2) of wine at the end of the day with my dinner! .... I even have a Rum & Coke now & then too!
(Yeah, WICKED, I know!)
Same with Meat and anything else you eat - eat in moderation, not to excess. Same with exercise!!!
Everything, in moderation - nothing to excess.
Definitely a balancing act, @Cindi .... but I also don't deny myself one of my few pleasures these days - which is a glass (or 2) of wine at the end of the day with my dinner! .... I even have a Rum & Coke now & then too!
(Yeah, WICKED, I know!) Same with Meat and anything else you eat - eat in moderation, not to excess. Same with exercise!!!
Everything, in moderation - nothing to excess.
arpie
4