Here's a new forum...

Thanks, tnbc foundation.

Shortness of breath (feels like a SOB)!

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I just posted last week for the first time, I'm including a copy of it here. 

Hi All,

I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago for the second time.  Invasive breast cancer 2. cm grade 3. Just like the last time, it's about an inch from the original spot.  I just got the results of my Bone Scan all CLEAN, I'm so happy, now I just wait for the cat scan results which I'll get on Tuesday.  It has been emotional turmoil, all of the doctors are so negative, saying that I have a 90% chance of mets, has anyone been through this? Wouldn't it go to my bones first?? I was node neg the last time...what do I have to look forward to???  I'm triple neg again.  I had A/C 4 rounds dense dose, nothing else.  What if it's contained?? What kind of treatment options will I have? My doctor says if it matastisizes? there will be no cure just treatment.  I need someone with some experience and knowledge to let me know what to expect.  Help!!!

Okay back again,

Well,  I had the best news my cat scans came back fine,  YEAH  no organs no bones, does this mean I'll be okay??? I see the oncologist tomorrow,  what do I expect??  what kind of treatment will I get??  How do I find out if it's in my lymph nodes?? I  need help from you guys can you give me a heads up??

thank you and lot's of love, hugs and prayers
Leesa

Hey ladies,

Ferne!

Hello all.

My bone scan is clear!!

There is still some concern with the brain, though. If the headaches, blurry vision, etc. continue into next week, they need to do another MRI sooner than later. We're hoping it's lingering side effects from the radiation and decadron.


Edited by fd411 - Feb 07 2008 at 3:38pm

CalGal, do you expect to get results from you CT scan on Monday, or do you normally have to wait a few days?  Please post on both boards as soon as you know.  I'm trying to spend more time here and less there, it's been getting a little confrontational over there!

Ferne..I hope it's residual rads and decadron..please keep us posted.

I think it was Brenda who asked that this thread be started. 

Looking for Breast Cancer Oncologist in Northern California (preferably):  Diagnosed 2002, left breast mastectomy, originally thought to be "only" DCIS, 2 cm mass w/blood supply discovered in surgery, 11 nodes removed, 1 node infected, 4 rounds A/C 2003, no Taxotere because I just couldn't take more discomfort and was about to lose my job (a woman's life is never easy).  Recurrence diagnosed 4/07 after complaining for nearly a year about neck pain and having to fake a cough just to get a chest x-ray (never given more than a bone scan and one chest x-ray in 2002; nothing in between) mets to liver, lungs, and bone discovered.  10 daily radiation hits to neck zapped T1,T2 tumor but neck damage severe.  4 rounds (3 on, 1 off) Avastin and Taxol which ended 09/21.  Two clear PET scans since.  Tumor markers went from CA 15-3 @ 160 in 4/07 to 7 in 01/08 and then 14 in 2/08; CEA @ 284 in 4/07 to 2.2 in 01/08 and then 3.4 in 2/08.  Oncologist is a general onc, not breast cancer oncologist.  Spoke w/MDA breast cancer specialist who said MDA won't take me w/o active mets and even when (not if) it comes back (probably soon since longest away from Taxol infusion is 11 months and I'm 6 months on "chemo vacation"), MDA has months-long waiting list, doesn't like out of state patients because they must treat there (too expensive) and non-MDA onc doesn't follow program if MDA sends patient home with a plan.  MDA recommended (1) find a breast cancer specialist, (2) consider low-dose Taxol when it comes back, (3) get FISH analysis of tumor to rule out all possible HER2, (4) consider Zometa (phonetic) when Taxol eventually becomes ineffective, and (5) don't make long-range plans because this is beginning of end.  Who, out there has experience in Northern California with good breast cancer specialist?  There doesn't seem to be a list.  With my tumor markers slowly climbing, I can only assume that the cancer soon will become in need of chemo -- again.  Had much neuropathy w/Taxol before, but MDA doc says it might be less with low dose.  I have to hand it to MDA.  That doc offered to consult for free w/my generalist onc, but emphasized that a breast cancer specialist would be my best bet.  Oh, and about nutrician.  What does anyone know about Tumeric?  I hear it's a good adjunct to Taxol.  What about other supplements?  Do you have Northern California connections regarding what combinations might help.  Tried some, ended up with liver inflammation, which I'm sure was from overdoing it.  Anyone out there with a successful recipe that doesn't overtax liver? Thanks to any info possible.