Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed

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  • LJS
    LJS Member Posts: 23 ✭
    Some good news from my breast surgeon tonight on my MRI and PET scan results. Tumour in left breast may be smaller than first suggested (yay), but it didn't take up the dye well. Some activity on nodes and possible fibroid adenoma in right breast so she has suggested another specialised ultrasound early next week. No disease evident in rest of body. I am so relieved. We discussed lumpectomy as first preference for surgery on 13 August but if it requires a mastectomy, I'm okay with that. I just want the cancer out. I might sleep tonight! 
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭
    Hi everyone,

    Well I'm now feeling pretty good , its been a few weeks since having my kidney, ureter & part of bladder removed, now waiting to be completely healed to start chemo.

    This is why I'm reaching out.

    Ive tried other forums, but getting no replies, so as my oncologist told me this chemo is sometimes used in breast cancer, thought someone here may be able to help me.

    I'm going to be having 2 chemo drugs :Gemcitabine & Carboplatin.
    Evidently it's strong and I'm a little worried about how I'll handle it as I'm a bit old now and not sure my body will tolerate it.

    REALLY appreciate it if anyone has any info.
    Thanks so much.

    Cindi
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,198 ✭
    Hi Cindi

    So good to hear you are healing well xx.  Wishing you well with the Chemo .... 

    I've just put Carboplatin in our search area/newest and these posts came up ....

     https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?domain=all_content&query=Carboplatin&sort=-dateInserted&scope=site&source=community

    And when I put 'Gemcitabine' in, it came up with 4 posts of those who have been on the duo!! 

    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?domain=all_content&query=Gemcitabine&sort=-dateInserted&scope=site&source=community

    Wishing you well xx. Take care
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭
    Thank you @arpie , that's a help.
     It's a bit daunting, the unknown, but I AM a fighter and will get through this.
    Also very relieved that I am allowed to continue with my CBD oil, thank goodness, don't know how Id get through thee nights without it. So that's a pluss
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,198 ✭
    That you are, @Cindi, that you are xx  As they say - When the going gets tough - the Tough Get Going ;) xx. 
      For you xx

    Awesome that you can continue on the CBD oil -  I need to get me some more - I am running out!  ;)  


  • Tri
    Tri Member Posts: 227 ✭
    Hi @Cindi so glad you’re feeling well, I had carboplatin in combination with DoceTaxel, Herceptin and Perjeta as part of my pre surgery treatment. I had a few unwelcome side effects but my oncologist felt that the DoceTaxel component was the likely culprit for the more disruptive side effects, effecting my neuropathy, hair and nail loss. 
    Hope all goes well and you find you will be able to tolerate it.
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭
    Hi @Arpie,

    Its the warmth and kindness of people like you that I love about this forum.
    Thank you for the hugs and encouragement <3
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭
    Hi @Tri ,
    Thank you for the info, I'm sure I'll be ok, it's just the unknown that is daunting.
    xx
  • HelenlovesSnoopy
    HelenlovesSnoopy Member Posts: 113 ✭
    edited August 22
    @Cindi, I put your drugs through ChatGPT, and it said they were harsh, but then I asked it to compare to my chemo drugs and things looked up because it said my (bearable) drugs were worse - as you know I got through my chemo ok, though I'm sure a combination of prayer and steroids helped!  And it seems like the doctors have a medicine or therapy that helps at least a little with every side effect.

    Here's what Chat wrote (I know it can make mistakes, so always good to check against other sources):

    Gemcitabine and Carboplatin, while strong chemo drugs, are typically considered a bit easier on the body compared to Doxorubicin (the “red devil”) and Paclitaxel. 

    They can cause fatigue, nausea, low blood counts, and some hair thinning, but are generally less intense on the heart and nerves. Though side effects may still be noticeable, many people find this combination more manageable than the harsher Doxorubicin/Paclitaxel regimen.

    To support your health during treatment:

    • Stay hydrated
    • Eat well-balanced meals
    • Get plenty of rest
    • Engage in light exercise
    • Manage stress with techniques like prayer, meditation, or stretching
    You do all the above already anyway, but you've been through a lot already, so do go easy on yourself as much as possible, and make sure those boys take good care of you.

    Sending you a million hugs Cindi, Helen xox
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭

    How are you going? sorry we haven't spoken for a while. Hope you're going well.

    Thanks for your kind words and help. You did well to get through your chemo ok !

    Not sure if this is going to be the same drugs or if they will alter dose as I got a call saying my kidney function bloods are not good so chemo will have to be changed?

    Who knows, but i do go into hospital next Tuesday to have a Port insertion into chest for the chemo. 
    Did you get this?
    xx
  • Julez1958
    Julez1958 Member Posts: 1,267 ✭
    Hi @Cindi
    As with all the drugs, different people have different  reactions  but nausea and fatigue seem to be common .
    I have not been on these drugs but have been on others and have  learnt to listen to my body and rest when I need to , learn to pace myself and say “ no” if required.
    I find anti nausea meds make me very sleepy so it’s a bit of a trade off.
    And staying hydrated ( water , herbal tea - I like green and peppermint) is recommended.
    Take care 🌺
  • Cindi
    Cindi Member Posts: 160 ✭

    Thanks for the advise and yes I guess we all have different reactions to drugs, I'll try to just go with the flow.
    x

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