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hi new here and to cancer

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Losting View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Losting Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: hi new here and to cancer
    Posted: Apr 18 2017 at 6:20pm
hello everyone. just was diagnosed with a small cancerous tumor in my left breast. i'm 54. starting a chemo in a few weeks. wanted to talk with people with same issues and gather information. about treatments and medications.


Edited by Losting - Apr 22 2017 at 1:40pm
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sannef7 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sannef7 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr 18 2017 at 7:11pm
Hi, 
My mom was just diagnosed recently, in the last 2 weeks. We don't have any known history of breast cancer in our family (hard to tell bc my grandmother on her side was adopted). Finding the right specialist made a world of difference. My mom needed someone compassionate, who would hold her hand and make her laugh. Not just throw scary new information at her in a dead-pan voice. 

Find someone who you're comfortable fighting this with, because that shouldn't have to be a focus of yours. If you have questions, let me know. Always willing to talk.

Sarah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote barrycarrot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr 19 2017 at 10:43am

Just wanted to welcome you both. No one ever wants to join this group but there are great people here. Hopefully we can help you with any questions you have and offer our support.  Hang in there. I know how scary and overwhelming it is at first but it DOES get a little easier along the way and you'll realize there IS life after a diagnosis. Hugs!

 
Carrie
Age 40, DX: 12/10/15 Stage 1 TNBC, BRCA-, 7mm tumor in left breast, no nodes, ACT Chemo 1/4/16 - 4/15/16, Lumpectomy 5/16/16, PCR (Praise God!), radiation 6/22/16 -8/3/2016
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Janine2u Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun 08 2017 at 9:44pm
Hi.  I'm new here and to TNBC.  My name is Janine and I am 51 YO and was diagnosed in May of this year.  I am being treated at MSK in NY.  I started my first of 4 AC Chemo treatments last Weds.  The next is on the 14th. After the 4 AC's , I move on to 12 Taxols, then double mastectomy and then 8 weeks Radiation.  

Like I said, I had the first AC last week (along with the Nulesta).  The dizzyness and bone pane are extreme.  I am nervous about the next round of AC, because I know all my hair will be gone.  I am trying to deal with that part on top of everything else they tell you about TNBC.  

Has anyone been through what I'm about to endure and can help me cope with the Chemo, Taxol, radiation, surgery, everything?

The unknown is the worst.
Thanks. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Meadow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun 09 2017 at 2:36am
You may not find someone who has had your exact course of treatment, but many will have had all of the therapies you list. I was diagnosed at age 44. I had 4 rounds of AC and 4 of Taxol. Before chemo I had my ovaries and breasts removed (I have a BRCA mutation). Ovary removal was the worst of it for me. I didn't have radiation. It's tough to be at the beginning with so much to go. Take one day at a time. Hair loss is hard. It's easier if you get most of your hair cut off before it starts to fall out. It might even be interesting to experiment with a short haircut and you might find a style you like for when your hair starts growing back. Make sure you are prepared with wig, scarves, or both. Wigs itched my scalp like crazy, so I only wore scarves and "buffs" with a scarf pad underneath. I found being bald was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was hard for the first few days, but after that I didn't think about it much anymore. Sometimes it felt empowering. A cancer buddy of mind said "Nobody messes with a bald woman," and she was right! You will find loads of support here. It is wonderful, supportive community where you can feel safe asking questions and sharing your ups and downs. Keep writing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Janine2u Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun 09 2017 at 6:58am
Thank you for your response.  I will continue on this forum to see others stories and how they relate to mine.  I like the sense of "empowering"....THANK YOU
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ednasal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun 13 2017 at 12:04pm
Hi ladies,

My mom was dignosed with TNBC in Nov of 2016. thankfully she finished chemo and is having surgery next week she is also expecting to have radiation after. According to her MRI there is no sign of cancer so we are excited hopefully it stays like that. Its been a tough rollocoaster but she stays positive and has not stopped working (as a housekeeping). I love her. Hope everything continues on the right path. Bless you all.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canapoli Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 14 2017 at 10:53pm
Hi new to TNBC , age 52 dx may 2017 just about finished 4 of 4 AC the hardest thing for me was hydration at home and fatigue. Had a lot of low temperatures to 99.8 a lot which made me feel crappy. 4 rounds of taxol up next then meet with surgeon again. If lump and cancer gone then confused as to what surgery there is to do. Don't know family history so I was Brac tested and just found out today all genetic testing was negative. My biggest concern now is recurrence so as for surgery debating bilateral mastectomy vs lumpectomy. So glad I discovered this site. It explains so much more for those of us over 50. My doctors were all very on top of everything so chemo was started quickly for stage 1 grade 3 tnbc and no node involvement.

Edited by Canapoli - Jul 14 2017 at 11:33pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbiejean Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 15 2017 at 5:14am
Hi Janine! I too was treated at MSK for tnbc. 20 weeks of chemo, lumpectomy and then 7 weeks of radiation. I was diagnosed in April 2014 and I'm sti on the right side of the dirt. I was 44 at diagnosis. I want to encourage you that you are good hands. I did 12 weeks of taxol with carboplatin ever 3rd week. Taxol is very tolerable. I did the AC second and found it pretty harsh, but that could've been because I was pretty wore out by then. The nulasta shots are rough too, but the chemo nurses told me to take Zyrtec antihistamine and it does help.

My disease was 2.4 cm and the chemo shrunk it to .4 cm! Very good! Sometimes, by the end of chemo there is nothing left and I hope that is the case for you.
Your hair will start falling out. My scalp felt like my hair had been in a really tight pony tail for a long time and it ached so I shaved my thin hair before my 4th appt. There is a shop at MSK with great scarves and they even gave me a wig that someone had donated back after treatment. Ask the chemo nurse about cold packs for your scalp as it can keep your hair from faint out as much.

Your energy will be up and down. The good news is that your body is amazingly resilient and when your feeling tired and achy remember that it will pass. Take it as easy as possible and be good to yourself. Chemo can make you super forgetful, so let people help you and love you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please post how things are going.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Elisa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 31 2017 at 7:40am
Hello Ladies
I just got my dx last Wednesday TN IDC. I’m in Denmark, so although the treatment and care is really great, the system isn’t exactly on the cutting edge of trying new things. I was scheduled to start chemo on Tuesday, however I feel strongly about getting a double mastectomy. Call it intuition. So after talking to the oncologist I now have another mammogram and ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday morning (I’m assuming to see if there are any changes since the last mammogram/ultrasound on the 12th) and a consult on Friday with the surgeon. They’ve booked me in for surgery on the 11th. But of course I can switch back to chemo first very quickly if I choose to.
My question is, have any of you chosen to get a single/double before starting chemo? I realize that having surgery first is going to postpone chemo by at least three weeks, and of course that worries me as well. But if I wait, I might have to fight the system to get them to approve the double after chemo. A lumpectomy where my tumor is will leave a very undesirable result, but that’s not my worry. I just feel intuitively that both of my lovely boobs need to go bye bye. The other reason I want a double is that here in DK they only do a mammogram every two years after surgery, and that just isn’t good enough for me.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, and I’m sorry all of us are dealing with this. I’ve been reading up on this site for a while now and I’m stunned at the love and support everyone gives. Hopefully I’ll be able to give back in the near future!
Hugs, Elisa
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Asovey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 31 2017 at 10:53am
Welcome Elisa:  I am new here too.  I start chemo on Friday.  I can't answer your question about mastectomy vs chemo, but I do think you have to trust your intuition with a bit of caution.  I had a second opinion at Slone Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.  My doctor there is Tiffany Traina.  She is a leading researcher and expert with TCBC.  You will see her referenced quite often on this site.  She told me - and I have read - that there is no difference in survival between lumpectomy and radiation vs mastectomy - but this is after chemo.  I am having chemo before surgery to shrink the size of the mass so a lumpectomy should be possible.  Remember that chemo treats your whole body, so that any rogue cancer cells will be treated.  With the aggressive nature of TNBC and its higher rate of spreading, I would be scared to skip chemo, but that is just my opinion.  After chemo I will have surgery and I am hoping the pathology will say there are no active cancer cells to be found.  I am not looking forward to the next few months as I know chemo is not a walk in the park.  Could you be thinking about this decision because you know chemo is not a fun thing?  Of course, neither is a double mastectomy.  Whatever you decide, know that you will be supported here.  It is a great group of people who will be here for you.  Good luck with your decision and let us all know how you are doing.

Ann
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Elisa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 31 2017 at 8:33pm
Hi Ann
I am thinking of having a chat with Dr. Traina. I’d love to hear your thoughts. In no way will I be skipping Chemotherapy. Absolutely not! We can be chemo buddies! What type, stage, grade do you have? I now feel like chemo first is best, but I am having the surgeon promise me they will preform a mastectomy after chemo, otherwise I risk having to fight the system. I still feel like it would be the best solution for me. Funny how a lot of this is listening to our inner voices, and what the experts say. What course are you doing, and are you adding Carboplatin to your series?
Best wishes to you and a huge hug from me here in Denmark.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Natalie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 01 2018 at 11:47am
Welcome Asovey & Elisa, 
Welcome to the club that no sane person would choose to be a part of but very happy you found us. This group is amazing in all aspects. 
There really is no one menu for all. I had no real clear understanding of TNBC when I was diagnosed, all I knew was I wanted that biatch out of my breast so I chose lumpectomy, chemo (A&C then T 4 dose dense biweekly)  and knowing Ii would have a double mastectomy to finish up 2011.
I find it concerning that even with a cancer diagnosis they would still only do a mammo every 2 years?!
Many people now do the chemo first to see if the tumor responds (only thing to gauge chemo), if it doesn't then they can change up the chemo. chemo, surgery and radiation is also all we have to fight this so many go through it all. I decided to not have rads. 
Stay off the internet as much as possible, it is a very scary place out there with doom & gloom.
One thing I suggest to all just starting, get into your dentist for a good cleaning and any work before you start treatments, dentists do not like to work on us during.
Love & light to all


Edited by Natalie - Jan 01 2018 at 11:49am
TNBC stage1 size 1.8, grade3 no nodes 4/11 Lumpectomy 5/11 4cycles DD A/C 4cycles DD Taxol. Double Mastectomy 12/11 BRCA all neg
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Asovey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 01 2018 at 1:17pm
Thanks Natalie!  I start chemo on Friday.  Hoping it is not as bad as what you read about on the internet!  I totally agree with you on the internet.  As of last week I quit looking.  It makes it sound like every TNBC patient has a re-occurrence and dies shortly after.  That sure is not my mindset!

I wonder the same thing about Elisa not being able to get more frequent mammograms.  If you have a breast cancer diagnosis that makes no sense!  Maybe it is every 2 years for a routine mamo - but that makes no sense either!

Ann
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Natalie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 01 2018 at 1:29pm
Asovey,
I am having a hard time remembering but I do remember it being suggested we take claritin prior to our treatment and a few days after to help with the bone pain that you may experience (mine was with the Nuelasta during Taxol). I am sure there is a thread on here with that topic, you may want to look it up. hydrate hydrate hydrate. I also used both sensitive & dry mouth mouth wash.

I know that seems crazy too, I have seen that other countries are different but I could not imagine having to deal with that myself. My doctors have been able to get testing done outside of the guidelines ie. they had a concern. maybe hers have the ability to do the same.

Natalie
TNBC stage1 size 1.8, grade3 no nodes 4/11 Lumpectomy 5/11 4cycles DD A/C 4cycles DD Taxol. Double Mastectomy 12/11 BRCA all neg
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Elisa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 02 2018 at 1:26pm
Hi Ladies
I’ve been in contact with the Danish Cancer association and they’ve been really helpful in letting me know my rights as well as how to go about convincing my oncologist to add Carboplatin to my treatment. I had my clip put in today and will start chemo on Monday. Woohoo
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tacoates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 28 2018 at 3:32pm
Good luck with your chemo on Monday Elisa.  we are all here for you...  lots of love!!
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