What The Heck Radiation and Chemo? What to do and the side effects, are freaking me out.
In July, I had a mastectomy with lymph nodes out, then they found cancer somewhere else in the body with completely no relation to the breast cancer. If the breast cancer wasn't enough. So, now I have to deal with the other cancer site, which is colorectal, and I have just had an appointment with the radiation and chemo doctors at Royal Brisbane Women's, and I don't mind admitting I'm freaking out. The side effects of the 50/50 cure seem to be so much worse than the actual disease. Yes, I know that the disease, if left to run riot, equals, you know. But, after all these years of funding and funding, why do we not have something better? It's so weird that since my surgery, I have had posts popping up on my socials left right, and centre. Like the "Cure from Japan with Bee Venom" seriously makes me want to find a hive and fly into one with wanton abandon. A "Breakthrough in South Korea, scientists can turn cancer cells back to normal cells," .. Say WHAT? (frantically looking up flights to S Korea) Then there is Ivermectin, Febendazole, and something blue? I mean, I have never paid attention to these things before, but now, my ears prick to the slightest twitch and rustle, like a kid who hears a lolly bag open within a 10-mile radius. I can't help it, I am confused about everything, am I the only one? When I confronted the chemo doctor about all of my concerns and questions, he said If you don't do this, you will be in palliative care in 3 months .. What, hang on what the heck???? I mean, just like that, he said that without any pause or thought, I was never advised that before, and then said, "Whatever you decide, we start therapy on the 28th July, and proceeded to walk out. This journey is brand new; everything has happened since July, and it is no lie, akin to riding a faulty wooden roller coaster with loose nuts, bolts, and rotting timber, operated by a maniacal, crazy clown, in the middle of a thunderstorm, who looks like he has been dragged through a hedge backwards. Just to clarify, the clown is the cancer. I have questions, a thousand of them, with no end of these questions in sight. Where are the natural alternative therapies, like, singing bowls, or is humming drums? What about the milk from an Aztec goat? Yeah, or the petals from a rare flower that only grows on top of some hidden temple in the Amazonian forest, which, on recent reading, is currently swarming with giant anacondas in a breeding frenzy, ugh! Ok, I made up the goat and flowers. No, there is only radiation and chemo. Sigh! I don't know what to do with this option. I have been told my cycle will be 28 days straight of radiation with chemo. I can look forward to a burning bum hole, diareah, burnt skin, possible issues with legs and bladder, and kidneys, and all sorts of other stuff. However, I was told that everyone is different and responds differently. Well, I have to say I don't feel that comforted at all. I am overwhelmed. If anyone can share with me their experience with radiation and chemo, I would love to hear from you. And if anyone knows where I can get my hands on an AZTEC goat in Brisbane, I would love that too!! Goats are ravenous but cute.
Radiotherapy after skin-sparing mastectomy & diep-flap-reconstruction?
Has anyone had radiotherapy done after their skin-sparing mastectomy & diep-flap reconstruction? Did it cause any issues with the breast flap? like hardening or shrinking? I had no lymph node involvement and had clear margins. It was decided in a team meeting with radio oncologist for me to have 5 weeks of radiation on the flap, due to younger age, size of lump (ILC-5cm) - although it was 2 bits lumped together into one and grade 2, pathology of the sample found focal-vascular-space-invasion, which hadn't spread anywhere outside the breast, but radio oncologist thought it could spread to lymph nodes in the future. Does this warrant radiation? I am on zoladex and ai. I have an appointment with the surgeon to discuss further but wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions or similar experience?Newbie - not the 2024 I was hoping for!
I was diagnosed just before Christmas 2023 with invasive lobular cancer - a journey that just keeps unfolding. Initial diagnosis scans showed the ILC was 3.3 cm, then MRI 6 cm and the pathology results ended up at 7 cm and another 1 cm LCIS spot in a totally different area. I had two surgeries- a mastectomy and a positive sentinel node, followed with an axilla clearance. I have some cording post surgery which physio is working on. Next week, I start chemo (AC and then Pacilitaxel) followed by radiation and then endocrine treatment. Not what I was hoping for the year I turn the big 5-0. I really appreciate reading other’s experiences, and the Q&As available here.
Breast Cancer Risk in Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
I discovered this resource from Hodgkin's International titled "Breast Cancer Risks For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors" https://youtu.be/YRp4NLcS4Os?si=QwtFipIn5q4LGrNW At 15:22 on the video, the surgeon discusses The National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical guideline on breast cancer screening for people who have undergone chest irradiation. This has important guidelines on when to start screening for breast cancer as well as methods of screening for breast cancer. At 17:51 on the video, the surgeon talks about The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study breast cancer risk calculator. Unlike mainstream breast cancer risk calculators, The CCSS risk calculator includes questions on previous radiotherapy treatment. I love that the surgeon provides strategies that survivors can use to advocate for themselves should they receive "push back" from medical providers.
Lumpectomy vs mastectomy and lymph nodes surgery
I’m a stage 2 early breast cancer patient . Triple positive . Lump 4mm on detection now reduced down less than 2mm with 4 weeks of taxcel chemo to go ( previously completed r x fortnightly AC chemo). Herceptin Infusions has been weekly 8 weeks , another 4 to go then becomes 3 weekly in 2021 . I’m now at point of having to decide on surgery option. I’ll be clarifying these questions to my surgery team as well . ive been told,I’m a candidate for lumpectomy , and this will require radiation treatment .the question of reconstruction I’ve decided can be left for later ( at present I don’t think I will bother but.....one doesn’t always know till you are really in that situation). it was made clear to me that status of my lymph nodes is almost a separate issue . At present no sign of enlargement on physical,exam or scan or ultrasound . Sentenial lymph nodes will be checked On day of surgery has anyone been in same situation where lymph nodes were found to be cancerous- how many ? did you have wide clearance Of the breast lump with lumpectomy and radiation? ( with clear margins at lumpectomy). What I suppose I’m trying to get my head around is a few issues radiation therapy - it’s been a interesting time with chemo ( that I had to have ) and I’d somehow like to avoid radiation therapy . Q if I opt for mastectomy -can I avoid radiation If lymph nodes clear ? Or if it’s in lymph nodes , they’ll do,a clearance/wide excision will I end up having to have radiation as well Hope that makes sense . I do understand that radiation burns etc do not end up a major issue with everyone but I’m tending to think it’s one less,toxin to impose on my body . Surgery isn’t easy either but......
Neuropathy and Numbness
For those of you further down the path and more experienced than me, I have 2 questions that I'm hoping I can get some info on. 1. Wearing bras and numbness under the arm post-mastectomy. I am really struggling with wearing a bra nearly 3 months after surgery. I got a new one a couple of days ago which is much better than others but it still leaves me feeling sore and bruised on my side under the arm. Does this get any better? 2. Has anyone experienced neuropathy in the hands and/or feet on AC (Docyrubicin and Cyclophosmamide)? I'm getting slight pins & needles sensations in my foot and possibly in my fingers, although the fingers might be imaginary. I thought it was taxol that was the culprit for neuropathy. However, the sensation could also be because I've aggravated a pre-existing lower back complaint. (I supervised my daughter and her friends on a hike last Monday because I thought that just because I could walk 5km on a gently incline, I could also do another 5km that day through steep terrain. Stupid! I thought I was going to get die. Did wonder whether I would need to call the ambulance or CFS to get me out which if I had, would have been the 3rd incident that afternoon in the same area! I did get back down but it left me feeling quite ill and with some back and hip pain which could be causing the sensation in my foot.) I will report it to my oncologist on Thursday but just wondered what others experiences have been.
Not good news
Had my 1st chemo FEC-100 last Monday 5/9.(2 more to go, then 3 x Docetaxel & 12 months of Herceptin) Had trouble with the port, and 1 hour chemo ended up 3 1/2 hours. Very tired, nauseas but at least not vomiting. Day 3 thought I was having a heart attack as I had severe pains around the breast bone, only lasting a minute. Went to Emergency, and it turned out to be GERD (reflux). After having years of ulcers, I thought I was over it. Sleeping lots and walking when I can. Went to see my surgeon for the results of my 2nd Re-excision only to be told its not clear. Mastectomy planned for Feb 2017. Seeing Radiation Oncologist next week. Lots to read about. Thanks for listening.
Double mastectomy and no reconstruction?
Hello lovely ladies, I am meeting with the breast surgeon next week to schedule a double mastectomy after my chemo has finished. At this stage I have opted for no reconstruction. One of the main reasons is that I am keen for a quick recovery and get back to an active lifestyle with my gorgeous family. I have been having chemo since April & now only have 4 left (yay)! I have a very supportive husband and we have 2 wonderful boys (13 & 11). I would love to hear how you've coped with the surgery and the practicalities of getting prostheses, recovery, etc. I live in Melbourne suburbs, so good access to organisations, shops, etc. I am a very positive person but would love to hear other stories so that I am prepared for what I will wake up to. I know each persons journey is unique but I'd love to hear about your experiences. wishing you all a wonderful week. :)
Newly diagnosed/bilateral mastectomy
Hello, I am 36, married with three children. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and currently recovering from a bilateral mastectomy. I will be seeing my oncologist tomorrow to discuss my chemo treatments. Everything is so new and fresh and I feel like I've not processed everything in such a short period of time. Grief is the only word I could use to describe what I am feeling. I have been having panic/anxiety attacks during sleep and currently attending weekly counselling by myself and as a family. The support network I have is incredible and I feel lucky in that area. I wanted to find out what people's experience are with chemo. At this stage I am aware it will be 4 rounds over 12 weeks. What impact did this have with yourself and also your partner/children. I am most concerned for my children who are 8,9,13. We have been open with them since being diagnosed 3 weeks ago so they are aware of what is happening and to ease their fears and concerns. Xmas is coming and I don't want the children to remember Xmas as a sad time or a time that mummy couldn't do much because of my surgery. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thank you so much. BernadetteMastectomy
Hi all, so three weeks ago, finished my last chemo. What a relief! Now for the next step which will be mastectomy. Left side only. Just wondering what to expect? How long are the drains in for, how did you manage daily? And what about sleeping?! Anyone suffer the effects of lymphodema straight away? I've been told (by a close friend who has been through it all) that the surgery is not too bad compered to the chemo and hopefully I shall get through it all ok. But still, I don't expect it to be plain sailing either! hope everyone is doing well. Keep smiling. ??
