Topic information for: Advice
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My grandmother had a spot removed which was breast cancer, very very early stage 1 if that. She is so worried about losing her breast, what should i tell her to make her feel better? She doesn't know anyone who has it to refer to or confide in.
Asked by anonymous
Family Member or Loved One- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
I can totally understand your grandmother's fear of losing a breast. I had a double mastectomy in Oct. But I had a later stage cancer with lymph node involvement. By her cancer being detected early...her options will be greater. :). So she had the cancerous tissue removed with clean margins?...
Comment 2I can totally understand your grandmother's fear of losing a breast. I had a double mastectomy in Oct. But I had a later stage cancer with lymph node involvement. By her cancer being detected early...her options will be greater. :). So she had the cancerous tissue removed with clean margins? That's good! In my opinion I would ask my doctor to perform a PET or CT scan just to make sure there are no other cancerous spots. She might consider talking to her doctor about radiation for any "rogue" cells. I believe the objective is to do the steps needed to try to prevent a reoccurrence. I am not a Dr. but by what you've told me I don't see a reason your grandmother can't keep her breast. Tell her she will be in my thoughts & prayers, Diana
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Amanda, I'm sorry about your grandmother. When I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer I didn't know anyone else who had it as well. That's very good her cancer was caught early. You said she had a spot removed. Was this from a biopsy or I'd she have a lumpectomy? Has her Dr. told her she...
Comment 1Hi Amanda, I'm sorry about your grandmother. When I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer I didn't know anyone else who had it as well. That's very good her cancer was caught early. You said she had a spot removed. Was this from a biopsy or I'd she have a lumpectomy? Has her Dr. told her she needed more treatment such as chemo or radiation?
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Does anyone work while on chemo? I'll be on cyclophosphamide with adriamycin for 4 doses every two weeks, then taxol for 4 doses. My work is one hour commute. My 12 week FML will be up in May.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 15 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Bonnie. I began chemo in May of last year. I was on the exact same chemo meds as you my first go 'round. Four A/C then four dose dense Taxol. Every woman is different in their side effects etc. My job is very physically demanding & requires me to stand on my feet all day. At first I would work...
Comment 1Hi Bonnie. I began chemo in May of last year. I was on the exact same chemo meds as you my first go 'round. Four A/C then four dose dense Taxol. Every woman is different in their side effects etc. My job is very physically demanding & requires me to stand on my feet all day. At first I would work the first 3 days of the week then take off for chemo and rest until the following Monday. I did this from my first treatment on May 30th to July 1st. I used FMLA in the beginning as well. I used the sick days I had accumulated during that time period (which weren't very many). I wanted to work as long as possible but I just became too tired and needed to take off for my own well being. Fortunately I had a long term disability plan through my employer that allowed me to take up to a year off on medical leave & I receive about half of my salary while I'm off. I feel so blessed to have it because my treatments have been longer than I thought in the beginning. I just finished my last radiation treatment on Tuesday and I hope to return to work next month. I would check with your human resource dept if you haven't done so already & see what all your options are. Also if you decide to take off for awhile...The American Cancer Society is an awesome source of all kinds of info and resources that can help you if needed. Hugs, Diana
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I just finished chemo on 3/9 and i worked throughout. I had 8 treatments - 4 AC and then 4 taxol/ herceptin - and I had them on Fridays and would usually take Mon off. I teach high school and have 2 small children who I would take to day care by 6:45 am...i really didn't miss that much work...
2 comments 1I just finished chemo on 3/9 and i worked throughout. I had 8 treatments - 4 AC and then 4 taxol/ herceptin - and I had them on Fridays and would usually take Mon off. I teach high school and have 2 small children who I would take to day care by 6:45 am...i really didn't miss that much work (considering) and I really feel like my job provided me with a good distraction, a purpose and a focus other than cancer! When I was home for my sick days I wallowed in my misery and truly felt worse...going to school made me appreciate feeling good!! Good luck!
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My first chemo yesterday and therm the neulasta shot this morning. Anyone get flushed after neulasta. No fever but face is flushed and arm around shot site.
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2B Patient- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
I never experienced flushing myself but one of the other ladies might have. Have you called your Oncologist's office?
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I got flushed the day after chemo-not from neulesta. It got better with time
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I am sleeping in a reclyiner and can't sleep in a bed laying flat, I have a expander and it hurts. Any advice?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2012
I slept in a recliner for about 3 weeks after my bilateral mastectomy with expanders. It has been just over 4 weeks, and I am beginning to be able to lay on each side. Although I did not do this, some people say that it is more comfortable if you use a pillow on each side for your arms. Good...
Comment 1I slept in a recliner for about 3 weeks after my bilateral mastectomy with expanders. It has been just over 4 weeks, and I am beginning to be able to lay on each side. Although I did not do this, some people say that it is more comfortable if you use a pillow on each side for your arms. Good luck, it does get easier.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thanks Everybody! It feels good to know it will get better, God Bless
Comment 0
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Has anyone had 35 rounds of radiation ? Scared, heard negative things. Please help , any advice would be helpful
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 10 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had 33 treatments with no major issues. There was some sunburn like issues, but all was manageable.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I am almost done with 28 treatments. I also had chemo and this is a breeze compared to that. The only thing is getting there every day which is getting a bit old, but the appointments are quick and easy. I have had no bad side effects aside from a little bit of fatigue very recently. Be sure...
Comment 1I am almost done with 28 treatments. I also had chemo and this is a breeze compared to that. The only thing is getting there every day which is getting a bit old, but the appointments are quick and easy. I have had no bad side effects aside from a little bit of fatigue very recently. Be sure to use the cream/ointment they give you for the area and drink lots of water - both things keep the skin hydrated to help minimize the burning effects that the radiation can have. No worries! You'll be fine! :)
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I was Reading my post operative pathology report and found out I jumped from grade 2 to grade 3. Feeling like it's no longer curable. How do you cope?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A Patient- View all 9 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
I understand hoe you're feeling. I was diagnosed last year at 49 with stage 3C breast cancer. I was scared beyond belief. The cancer was also in my chest wall and 13 lymph nodes with some breaking outside the node. Went through 8 rounds of chemo then a bilateral mastectomy. They discovered that...
2 comments 8I understand hoe you're feeling. I was diagnosed last year at 49 with stage 3C breast cancer. I was scared beyond belief. The cancer was also in my chest wall and 13 lymph nodes with some breaking outside the node. Went through 8 rounds of chemo then a bilateral mastectomy. They discovered that chemo hadn't helped as much as they thought. So....I switched chemo drugs and had 8 more 3 weeks after my surgery. Then 33 radiation treatments. I'm on tamoxifen now and I'm happy to say I'm in remission!!! It wasn't easy. You just take it one day at a time. If that's too much....one hour at time. You'll get to the other side of all this. And we're cheering you on.....every step of the way!!!!!!
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
I, too, had a disappointment in my post-op pathology report. After hearing from my surgeon right after my surgery that all 5 sentinel nodes were clear.... one came back positive in the pathology report. I know how you feel, as it is a huge let-down and you MOMENTARILY watch your life pass...
Comment 6I, too, had a disappointment in my post-op pathology report. After hearing from my surgeon right after my surgery that all 5 sentinel nodes were clear.... one came back positive in the pathology report. I know how you feel, as it is a huge let-down and you MOMENTARILY watch your life pass before your eyes. You just get back up on the pony and keep on riding! The shock of this will pass.... you will get better, you will get well, you will be ok. You got through your treatment, and charge ahead with your life. This is just a piece of the puzzle of your disease. This is not charting your course of life. There are a vast majority of us who are alive and well years after beating breast cancer. You just work on being one of us. I swear a positive attitude will do more for you than 50 gallons of tears you could cry over this small fact. You reaction should be.... SO WHAT! Kick booty darlin' do not let this get you down. Fight like a girl and you will be a winner.
Hang in there, much love and strength, take care, Sharon
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On day 3 after first AC treatment. Finally got sick this morning. I hate feeling like this. When will I start to feel better. I hate missing time with my kids.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Hi I am also on my 3rd day but I am feeling ok just a little tired. I find that eating just a little bit a few times a day even if u don't feel like it helps. Drink as much as u can and rest when u can. Good luck : )
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
Please remember you are investing in the future. You want to see your grandchildren, be in the family photos. When chemo gets tough hang to your faith and think of the future you will be a part of. It will get you through. That is what I used to get through 6 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation...
Comment 0Please remember you are investing in the future. You want to see your grandchildren, be in the family photos. When chemo gets tough hang to your faith and think of the future you will be a part of. It will get you through. That is what I used to get through 6 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments. All of this and great doctors and nurses helping with their wisdom and ability will get you through a really tough thing. You also have a wonderful support network of sisters that are with you.
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I am so discouraged to discover that over 65% of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer gain weight! Any advice? Thanks!
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2012- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
Hi Deb, yes a lot of women gain weight during treatment due to many things. Steroids given during chemo is one. But some women lose weight because they're too nauseous to eat. I gained weight during chemo (about 15 lbs). My dr said its much better to gain than lose weight during this time. The...
Comment 2Hi Deb, yes a lot of women gain weight during treatment due to many things. Steroids given during chemo is one. But some women lose weight because they're too nauseous to eat. I gained weight during chemo (about 15 lbs). My dr said its much better to gain than lose weight during this time. The steroids make you feel better and help protect you against an allergic reaction. I am beginning to slowly exercise to get rid of the weight I gained. I'm being kind to my body though. I feel as if I've been in a marathon. :)
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
When I was going through chemotherapy, I stayed the same weight... didn't lose, didn't gain. I didn't receive steroids as I had a horrendous reaction to them. Just to share the experience, I became extremely depressed and suicidal from just one dose.
Since I have been on the 5 year hormone...Comment 2When I was going through chemotherapy, I stayed the same weight... didn't lose, didn't gain. I didn't receive steroids as I had a horrendous reaction to them. Just to share the experience, I became extremely depressed and suicidal from just one dose.
Since I have been on the 5 year hormone therapy, Femara, I have gained weight, plus higher cholesterol, and osteoporosis. It is what it is. There are trade-off's and you deal with them as best you can.
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Has anyone had problems with tamoxifen? I am extremely nauseous and very tired! 5 more years of this?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2007
I would always check in with your oncologist when you are having side effects that are impacting your life as it is with you. I have heard several of the women on this site having similar side effects. Sometimes these can get better over time but it is best to check.
Comment 1
Good luck to you, Sharon -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I was feeling sick for about a week or so but that went away. I take my tamoxifen with my breakfast, try taking it with food, it might help. After 3 months I still get a bit tired during the day. All the other side effects seem to have subsided so try and stick it out it will get better. This...
Comment 0I was feeling sick for about a week or so but that went away. I take my tamoxifen with my breakfast, try taking it with food, it might help. After 3 months I still get a bit tired during the day. All the other side effects seem to have subsided so try and stick it out it will get better. This drug is keeping people like us alive and we are lucky to have it. Good luck.
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I had a 1cm breast tumor, stage 1, two lymph nodes removed ten days ago that doctor said looked good. I am 72 and in excellent health. I would like some information about what type of radiation would be best for me.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2007
I think a decision is best made with the facts from the pathology report and your oncologist. The treatments are now so tailor-made for each woman and no longer the "shot-gun" approach. The treatment plans could be completely different from one woman to another depending on the individual...
Comment 1I think a decision is best made with the facts from the pathology report and your oncologist. The treatments are now so tailor-made for each woman and no longer the "shot-gun" approach. The treatment plans could be completely different from one woman to another depending on the individual findings... even if the diagnosis may seem the same on the surface. Did you have an Onco-Test DX? This is a test that can predict the chances of reoccurance in early stage breast cancer. It looks at individual cells and can give you a look into the future. It helps map out a treatment plan for you. It usually take a bit longer for that test result to come back. If you don't know if you had that test, ask your doctor. You are a good candidate for this test. Good luck to you and healing hugs! Sharon
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anonymous
Stage 2A Patient
I don't know enough to answer your question but I have to say Hi since we are the same age. I will be 72 in July. I was diagnosed on Valentines Day with ER/PR- HER2 . I recently started the TCH Protocol. I hope you get the answers you need.
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Related Topics
- Ac Chemotherapy
- Adriamycin
- Breast Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Coping
- Cyclophosphamide
- Expander
- Family
- Fatigue
- Grade
- Kids
- Love
- Lymph Node
- Mastectomy
- Nausea
- Neulasta
- Pain
- Pathology
- Pathology Report
- Radiation
- Resources
- Side Effects
- Sleep
- Stage 1
- Surgery
- Tamoxifen
- Treatment
- Types
- Weight
- Weight Gain
- Work
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