Best Of
Re: Palbociclib Side effects back
Hi @cranky_granny
Good that you didn’t break anything but still tough.
Get plenty of rest and look after yourself.
Take the pain meds.
I recently subscribed to Netflix and have found it great for those days I am fatigued and want to take it slowly.
Good that you didn’t break anything but still tough.
Get plenty of rest and look after yourself.
Take the pain meds.
I recently subscribed to Netflix and have found it great for those days I am fatigued and want to take it slowly.
Re: Struggling through Chemo
@Katie46 the menopause symptoms hit harder straight away - multiple hot flushes, bit of insomnia and needing to pee more. I was prescribed Veoza (not on the PBS, health fund gave some money back, I think it has been out for a year or so) and all symptoms ceased straight up. Amazing really because the hot flushes were constant. My eyelashes are short too and very fine, eyebrows recently did the full change over again think it’s the acupuncture. What a journey and gotta take the bonuses like shaving less 😂
Paris_24
1
Re: I just found out today
Hi @charliegirl, so sorry you’ve joined us here but you are in the right place for support and help. I second everything julez1958 has said.
My oncologist said that Metastatic breast cancer is now treated as a chronic disease. I don’t want to diminish what you’re feeling because it is very scary to start with. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2022 and metastatic breast cancer in July last year. It’s a lot to take in.
My oncologist said that Metastatic breast cancer is now treated as a chronic disease. I don’t want to diminish what you’re feeling because it is very scary to start with. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2022 and metastatic breast cancer in July last year. It’s a lot to take in.
Try to have someone with you for appointments or take a notebook with you. Write questions as you think of them, then the answers under them. I still do this otherwise I forget something at every appointment.
Be gentle with yourself. Cry when you need to and look into all of the support that julez1958 mentioned. The cancer council also have help lines. Eventually you may find a support group in your area. It’s good to talk to other ladies who have experienced MBC.
I try to live in the present and really enjoy all those small moments we can tend to take for granted. It’s very difficult some days, but I find my days are better if I can do that.
Let us know how you go, ask lots of questions. There are so many different treatments but someone here will have experience with most of them.
Holding you in my thoughts, sending you hugs 🤗
FiJane
1
Re: I just found out today
Hi @charliegirl
You are in shock at the moment - a few things.
Consider joining the private group on here “Living With Metastatic breast Cancer”
Call the helpline at BCNA
Stay away from “Dr Google” - there are many resources that are to be trusted - starting with the BCNA website
Once you get a treatment plan from your oncologist things will settle down a bit.
Metastatic breast cancer is not the death sentence it once was - many ladies live for many years and there are lots of treatments with new ones in the pipeline via clinical trials.
Consider seeing a psychologist specialising in breast cancer - your GP should be able to give you a care plan or if you are being treated at a major cancer centre they will often have free psychologists you can see.
Have you been allocated a McGrath breast care nurse ?
They are a great support for breast cancer patients navigating the system and a great source of information and support.
Also it’s ok to cry.
And call Beyond Blue or Lifeline if you feel really down.
No one said life was fair.
I have also sent you a private message.
You are in shock at the moment - a few things.
Consider joining the private group on here “Living With Metastatic breast Cancer”
Call the helpline at BCNA
Stay away from “Dr Google” - there are many resources that are to be trusted - starting with the BCNA website
Once you get a treatment plan from your oncologist things will settle down a bit.
Metastatic breast cancer is not the death sentence it once was - many ladies live for many years and there are lots of treatments with new ones in the pipeline via clinical trials.
Consider seeing a psychologist specialising in breast cancer - your GP should be able to give you a care plan or if you are being treated at a major cancer centre they will often have free psychologists you can see.
Have you been allocated a McGrath breast care nurse ?
They are a great support for breast cancer patients navigating the system and a great source of information and support.
Also it’s ok to cry.
And call Beyond Blue or Lifeline if you feel really down.
No one said life was fair.
I have also sent you a private message.
Re: My right breast doesn't feel the same anymore ... Is this the new norm post lumpectomy, chemo & rad?
@viking1 I dont chase the cleavage as my surgery was centre to middle of the breast and have a neat but distinct patch job. I once had a great cleavage. Haha. With my swimwear I ve stopped bothering if the scar is visible a sun shirt fixes that Im nearly 68 now and i can only imagine as the years go one the boobs will just get more saggy. They will never be the same size again. Great thing is im still alive mets and all. like you my surgery was in 2017.
Best of luck with the hunt for what i call sexy bra.
I just try to make whats on top a bit pretty these days
Re: Struggling through Chemo
Hi everyone and thanks for checking in @Katie46
It’s uplifting to hear about the things that are working well for you and @GorgyS 🌻
I’m going well - it’s 10 months since my last round of Kadcyla; fortunately my energy and physical strength has found its way back to me. I can take a lot more “people” engagement in my stride and stay focused and energised - to a much greater extent now compared to 3 or even 6 months months after treatment.
It’s uplifting to hear about the things that are working well for you and @GorgyS 🌻
I’m going well - it’s 10 months since my last round of Kadcyla; fortunately my energy and physical strength has found its way back to me. I can take a lot more “people” engagement in my stride and stay focused and energised - to a much greater extent now compared to 3 or even 6 months months after treatment.
I’m back on Letrozole and managing the ankle aches. Yoga has really helped with the joints.
After an initial roller coaster with my liver function tests and cholesterol all the numbers appeared to be going in the required direction in December- I will find out my latest next week.
After an initial roller coaster with my liver function tests and cholesterol all the numbers appeared to be going in the required direction in December- I will find out my latest next week.
I had a massage for a treat yesterday and for the first time since the lumpectomy (July 2023) could lie face down comfortably.
I’ll see my oncologist in March (6 months intervals)
My biggest surprise is my reaction- I still cannot get used to having white hair - but that’s just a minor problem, I am really very glad to have hair.
All the best to the network friends still attending for their treatments - sending lots of energy and hugs your way. 🌸
My biggest surprise is my reaction- I still cannot get used to having white hair - but that’s just a minor problem, I am really very glad to have hair.
All the best to the network friends still attending for their treatments - sending lots of energy and hugs your way. 🌸
Tri
1
Re: Palbociclib Side effects back
These things happen! Fingers crossed the appointment is soon
Re: Struggling through Chemo
Hello 🙂 I'm wondering how everyone is getting on.
I'm travelling ok, the abemaciclib 100mg x 2 a day has settled ok, with very minimal side effects. The reduced dose made a big difference for me, I've been on it about 4 months now.
Other than the usual aches, stiffness and hot flushes from the zoladex and letrozole I'm feeling fine. I think the hot flushes have reduced a bit.
My oncologist has referred me to a gynaecological oncologist to discuss ovary removal, I'm just waiting for an appointment, it's not urgent so I'm happy to wait. I'll be getting zoladex injections for at least another 3 years, so it's something I'm seriously considering.
I'm also waiting for the results of my BRCA tests, which is available on Medicare now. I have a very low chance of having it, but it's worth knowing.
I'm finding stretching and light weights most mornings have helped with the stiff muscles. I've also booked myself in with a physio as my shoulder muscles and under my arm have started tightening up a bit, I assume from the radiation. My range of movement it pretty good and I want to keep it that way. Has anyone tried acupuncture?
I'm having fun with my new hair, I'm trying to tame it away from it's natural 1980s look at the moment.
All the best Katie
I'm travelling ok, the abemaciclib 100mg x 2 a day has settled ok, with very minimal side effects. The reduced dose made a big difference for me, I've been on it about 4 months now.
Other than the usual aches, stiffness and hot flushes from the zoladex and letrozole I'm feeling fine. I think the hot flushes have reduced a bit.
My oncologist has referred me to a gynaecological oncologist to discuss ovary removal, I'm just waiting for an appointment, it's not urgent so I'm happy to wait. I'll be getting zoladex injections for at least another 3 years, so it's something I'm seriously considering.
I'm also waiting for the results of my BRCA tests, which is available on Medicare now. I have a very low chance of having it, but it's worth knowing.
I'm finding stretching and light weights most mornings have helped with the stiff muscles. I've also booked myself in with a physio as my shoulder muscles and under my arm have started tightening up a bit, I assume from the radiation. My range of movement it pretty good and I want to keep it that way. Has anyone tried acupuncture?
I'm having fun with my new hair, I'm trying to tame it away from it's natural 1980s look at the moment.
All the best Katie
Katie46
2
Re: Struggling through Chemo
Great to hear from you, Katie, and thank you for your update. I am doing well, taking the following into consideration:
Lymphedema – Manageable; wearing compression sleeves and doing some exercise.
Neuropathy – A nuisance, but manageable.
Abemaciclib – Almost three months on 150 mg twice daily. No side effects, and blood tests are good
Letrozole – No side effects, although I am tired most of the time.
Zoledronic acid – First dose tomorrow and then every six months.
Hair – Curly, and I am avoiding my hairdresser, who wants to blow-dry and straighten it. I love my curly grey hair!
BRCA – Negative.
Oncologist appointments – Every three months.
Next mammogram – Scheduled for October.
I hope everyone is doing well (at least managing well)
Lymphedema – Manageable; wearing compression sleeves and doing some exercise.
Neuropathy – A nuisance, but manageable.
Abemaciclib – Almost three months on 150 mg twice daily. No side effects, and blood tests are good
Letrozole – No side effects, although I am tired most of the time.
Zoledronic acid – First dose tomorrow and then every six months.
Hair – Curly, and I am avoiding my hairdresser, who wants to blow-dry and straighten it. I love my curly grey hair!
BRCA – Negative.
Oncologist appointments – Every three months.
Next mammogram – Scheduled for October.
I hope everyone is doing well (at least managing well)
GorgyS
2