Anyone else on Herceptin & Perjeta indefinately???
Hi Ladies Hope everyone is doing well, it has been ages since I last visited. I was wondering if there are many out there who are undergoing herceptin and perjeta treatment every 3 weeks with no end date like myself. I have now been doing it since about April 2016 and while my side effects are fairly minimal; I have started thinking about what I might expect if things continue the same. I imagine the build up in my system will increase the side effects, so far my heart function is fine....but wonder if it will stay that way. Most people I have talked with only stay on this treatment for the 12months, but as mine travelled into my spine the oncologist says this treatment will remain as it appears I am "responding to treatment". Thanks, Kari3.2KViewsSign in to react to this post15Comments
Further Spread
Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 & underwent mastectomy & axillary clearance, which showed spread to lymph nodes, so had the chemotherapy & radiation regime. I was proud of how well I managed, still holding down my job & not having many of the side effects. Though did go through a rough patch with Taxotere, which got changed to Taxol. No radiation burns thanks to Vegesorb (vegetable based sorbelene as normal stuff is petroleum based) & I am very fair, so again, happy. Continued on Tamoxifen. Then in 2015, went to my GP with a little wheeze, which I put down to adult onset asthma, being the only female in my entire family not to have suffered. But no, on a routine check up with the oncologist, lung cancer was found, multiple nodes. Fortunately was able to start a round of hormone tablets, then as it continued to grow, medication changed & Groselin injections added. All going good. Finally decided to take a holiday & tick something off the bucket list. Came back with a cough & was diagnosed with pneumonia & a virus. Cough continued despite all sorts of treatments & medications. Another scan, this time the cancer had grown & more areas in lungs. To be sure we weren't dealing with another type of cancer and still related to BRCA spread, more tests. Yay, low & behold I now have the starting of bone cancer. Am feeling a little woe-is-me at the moment & full of questions & self doubt & persecution. My oncologist & team is fantastic, but as this latest diagnosis is just days old, I am still digesting & processing. Is anyone else going through similar & how do you find your happy place again? I feel everytime I look forward, the cancer makes me stop again. I did read that there are specific exercise programs for bone cancer pts, does anyone know of anyone dealing with that in the Cairns FNQ region? Thanks for listeningViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Mum recently diagnosed
Hey all, I've joined this forum in the hopes of connecting with others. My mum is 69, diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months ago and now has been diagnosed with metastatic BC in spine and possibly lungs (they arent 100% sure on the lungs) as the spots are so small. Shes started oral chemo and hormone therapy today and will see the oncologist again in 5 weeks. She seems to be handling it well so far but she's not feeling sick or anything yet so i guess time will tell. Im sure its going to be a long journey and I'll be here to support her every step of the way. I currently live with my mum so im glad Im here to be there for her. I just wanted to pop in and say hi.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Is anyone taking Zoladex injection and Letrozole tablet?
hi, I recently been diagnosed stage 4 breast cancer and the cancer cells already spread to several spots in the bones. The surgeon and oncologist advise that surgery and chemo are not suitable for my case as I'm HER2-, ER+ & PR+ So oncologist gave me the Zoladex injection monthly and Letrozole tablet daily. He said that it might help to control the cancer not to growth or spread any further, but no way to fully cure. Jut wonder anyone have the similar case as me or having the same treatment? Would this hormonal therapy work? Anyone can share the experience? many thanksViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsChest looking like it has caved after double mastectomy
hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this? for the last few days I have been feeling a "tugging" sore feeling over my mastectomy scar (double mastectomy 18 months ago, no chemo or radio). I checked the chest and I have an area beneath the scar on the chest wall that looks to have sunken. Any ideas what this could be?ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Adjusting to bad news, staying hopeful, changing habits
Hi, I am a 44 year old mother of two girls, 3 and 7. Was diagnosed with breast cancer on Tuesday evening after a mammogram and ultrasound in the morning. On Wednesday I saw a specialist who sent me for biopsies and scans. On Thursday afternoon I learnt that I have HER2 positive BC in my right breast (3x3cm with two smaller tumours nearby), and one lymph node biopsied because it was enlarged was also cancerous. A lump on the left was benign. It does not appear to have spread to bones, pelvis, liver etc however there were two 5mm nodules in my lung that might be BC. I am hoping they are something else but have to be prepared in case the cancer already is stage 4. I remember the doctor said it was grade 2-3 but not sure if that is the same thing as stage 2-3. I have somehow lost the reports, so I can't look over the details until they are mailed but I have an appointment on Wednesday with a different specialist to plan treatment. I am glad that things are moving quickly but am still reeling from the news and wish the appointment was sooner. I think I will be having preadjuvant chemo and/or targeted treatment, followed by a mastectomy of the right breast in several months (with optional rebuild), however I have not met with the oncologist so am not sure what to expect. I should have gotten to a GP weeks ago as I had noticed hardness over many months (which I had thought was related to it being dominant for milk production) and had a sore breast in early July, however because I was breastfeeding and fairly ignorant of BC I mistook the symptoms including a swollen lymph node for mastitis. Only when all pain went way and I noticed the boob seemed bigger and misshapen with a prominent lump did I get myself to a doctor. Waited a week and a half for the scan that showed it was as suspected a malignant carcinoma. Strange thing is it only started hurting again after I learned what it was. I don't know much yet but am trying to learn a bit without scaring myself too much or googling into the night. My youngest daughter has weaned herself, and on the night of the diagnosis she accepted bedtime without breast, understanding that I have sick boobies and the doctor said we should stop. In the middle of the night she was desperate to breastfeed, and I allowed this briefly. That is the last time I fed her, and she has been proud of herself for giving it up but has wanted to kiss it and hug it today. Next move is for me to give up smoking, a bad habit of mine for many years off and on, which is not easy when it has been a response to stress and I have been quite stressed at times. It must be done, as I understand that it increases the risk of metastasis (if it has not already happened) and I wouldn't want to invite another cancer along right now. But I am trying to be gentle with myself when I occasionally light them only to put them out shortly thereafter. I hope to eliminate this habit fully by Wednesday. I have to clean up my diet and prepare for the treatment. I was a lifelong vegetarian until my early thirties however I have eaten a tiny bit of fish in the past ten years. I eat lots of fruit and veg. However I do have too many sugary things and processed stuff so I need to cut the crap out of the shopping list. Emotionally I have been struggling a bit and I should arrange some counselling to work through my feelings. My mother and friends have been amazing, my husband has been a good support but doesn't like to see me crying, which I think is just a normal thing from time to time in such a circumstance. I am being open and honest with the kids and have been giving them lots of love and sweetness. Honestly I am sometimes very scared but I am trying to be strong for myself and for everyone around me. Sending love and understanding to others with BC, and those who have recently been diagnosed, it's pretty tough to take, huh?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsFragility
I just wanted to share with you all that today is a sad day for my family. We have learnt that cousin, not too much older than I, has lost her battle. Primary was Breast cancer but in time her body rebelled; the duodenum was where it was detected. She is now at peace. Just a reminder how fragile we all are. Today is a reminder for me to take stock around me, be thankful that mine is under control and not to become distressed (scanxiety) over the constant tests. My next round is 30 June. Take care all xxViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsXeloda
Hi, Today I started on Xeloda and am worried about side effects. Earlier this year I found I had more metastes in my hip and collar bone. The Oncologist put me on Everolimus and I was unable to tolerate it. I ended up in hospital for 10 days. I would love to hear from other people who are on Xeloda.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Duration of MBC?
Hi ladies - hope this question isn't too confronting, but I'd love to know how many years some of you have gone with "mets"??? One thing I struggled with at the outset was the "how long" question. I was diagnosed in Feb this year. The first oncologist mumbled about 10 years.... Obviously they don't know, and from what I gleaned last week at the seminar, there is concern when there is progression to the liver because that is where drugs are metabolised. Interesting because previously my concern was brain. Of course that being said, women respond differently and one of the first ladies I was put in touch with has gone 16 yrs post diagnosis - having lobular oestrogen positive breast cancer like me, and it was in bones AND liver - but stable and has been managed well over the years. Also she has travelled extensively. So, the 64 dollar question is to know how many others are in this 'exclusive club'??? Hope you don't mind me expressing it that way?! best wishes, ElaineViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Secondary breast cancer
Hi this is my first blog, I have been living with mestatic breast cancer for 4 months now, well that is when I found out that the cancer had spread to my skull, spine, pelvis, ribs, throat, chest wall and 2 weeks ago I was told that it is now in both my lungs. I am still working full time, now that the pain has been managed, it's amazing the treatments they have out now, I thought I was going to be bed ridden with the pain. Though I think the best medicine is having a positive mind, faith and HOPE. I know there is no cure for my cancer now, but there is always HOPE as new treatments are coming out that will prolong my life. I could still be around for many more years to come, well I am going to be around for many more years to come, that's better thinking. I praise the Lord for helping me with his courage, spirit and wisdom.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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