To Chemo or Not to Chemo
Hi everyone, Im 8 weeks post surgery (lumpectomy for ILC). I transferred from Peter Mac to my local public hospital under the impression i’d be doing Radiation.. moving between hospitals has lengthened my time waiting for treatment. After both multidisciplinary meetings, both medical teams have recommended chemotherapy. Everything I read says ILC doesn’t respond to Chemo. I’m so confused! I borrowed money to do the Oncotype test and have now been told it’s not accurate for premenopausal women. Anyone have a similar experience or suggestions on who I can talk to about how to make the right decision. To chemo or not to chemo? Medically: 2 x 2cm tumors removed, Clear Margins post surgery, one 1.4mm deposit found in one of three lymph nodes.
Verzenio now on PBS for early BC, as well as Advanced BC, from 1st May 2024.
Great news - on the News tonight - this reduces the cost of the drug from $100,000 over 2 years to under $32 (approx) a script ($7.70 concession)! Media event date: 28 April 2024 Date published: 28 April 2024 Media type: Media release Audience: General public For the first time in 15-years women with an invasive form of early breast cancer that has a high risk of returning after initial treatment will now have access to an additional medicine thanks to the Albanese Government expanding the listing of abemaciclib (Verzenio®) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 May 2024, Verzenio will be expanded on the PBS to treat patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-), lymph node positive, invasive, resected early breast cancer at high risk of disease recurrence. Sadly, these women face a one-in-three chance of their cancer coming back despite surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing hormone therapy. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and each day about 57 Australians are diagnosed. Early breast cancer is invasive cancer that is contained in the breast and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes in the breast or armpit. HR+, HER2- breast cancer is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for around 70% of all cases. Verzenio works by blocking the action of specific overactive proteins that signal cancer cells to grow. This helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. This life-changing listing is expected to benefit around 2,400 patients per year. Without subsidy, patients may pay $97,000 per course of treatment. The PBS listing of this medicine means eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card. Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: “Every year thousands of Australian women get a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis. “The Albanese Government is working hard to ensure each one gets the latest and the best treatment at a price they can afford. “This listing of Verzenio will benefit thousands of Australian women, and is yet another example of how the Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to provide cheaper medicines.” https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/new-hope-to-treat-women-with-early-breast-cancer and on NBN News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=827492942746796&set=a.635131171982975 https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8608673/new-hope-for-aussies-battling-early-stage-breast-cancer/
Tamoxifen side effects
Hi everyone, I'm new to both BC and this forum. I was diagnosed with invasive LC (triple neg) and LCIS (hormone pos) in Oct 22, aged 43. I've had WLE, chemo and radiation. Am now on baby tamoxifen 5mg. First few weeks were ok but now I just feel like crap. Fatigue, nausea, heavy feeling in my pelvis, Aches and pains, head aches. Is this all normal and anyone else have the same? Am a bit paranoid it is not the baby tam but something else...the anxiety is a killer!ILC - info on screening & latest treatments ...
On September 12, 2023, the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA) hosted the live webinar “What’s New in Screening and Treatment for Lobular Breast Cancer.” The program, moderated by LBCA Executive Director Laurie Hutcheson, provided attendees with an opportunity to hear from three panelists who discussed the screening and treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) from their specific clinical perspectives. https://lobularbreastcancer.org/webinar-whats-new-in-screening-and-treatment-for-lobular-breast-cancer/ It is well worth Bookmarking Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA) website and signing up for their emails, as they have a lot of info being updated all the time.The Breast - scientific papers on all types of BC & conditions .... a great resource
I have found these Very recent publications re breast cancer & related topics .... there are many topics covered. ALL Volumes (about 6 articles in each volume), and about 6 'volumes' a year .... https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/the-breast/issues The Aims & Scope of the Website: You can put any subject in the 'search' area - I put in Invasive lobular & these results came up .... recent scientific papers. https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?qs=invasive lobularPDF Guideline to Invasive Breast Cancer ...
Here's a very 'in depth guideline' on invasive breast cancer - ductal/Lobular ..... explaining everything from go to woe .... I've recently joined NCCN.org - and it has info on all different sorts of Cancers ...... with intensive GuideLines on each. Check the PDF doc at the bottom - In case you can't read the link below (unless a member). I've added it as a PDF to 'click on' as well .... https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/breast-invasive-patient.pdf If you are interested in any other Cancer Guidelines, I am happy to download them for you ...
SELF CHECKING AFTER A DOUBLE MASTECTOMY AND LOBULAR CANCER
Hi all, I have just had my reconstruction which hasn't been successful..(that's another long story) but I am wanting to know if any one had Lobular Cancer , double mastectomy and breast implants? I was booked in for an MRI and my surgeon canceled this due to me having my tissue removed in both breasts, she then told me I have to self check my boobs as there is no screening etc. Again I left the hospital appointment with no clue how to do this self checking, and my anxiety has hit the roof thinking... I had no lumps in my breast that I felt and the mammogram picked up calcifctions not my cancer, and I was then told I have the 'Sneaky Cancer' So how do I know if the cancer returns? if technology did not pick this up, how do I do this to 'prevent' this going to my lymph.(The breast Care nurse stated that I will feel a lump in my lymph) But I don't want to get to the stage of it returning in my lymph.. Also I have the Zoledex injections every 28 days as I was high risk as near my chest wall.... how do I check the chest wall etc? My breast care nurse said to speak to my oncologist at my next appointment, to show me how to test myself, but im wondering if anyone else had a double mastectomy with lobular and how is the after care with testing? Thanks and hope you are all keeping well xx
