WHY Chemo? |
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Tamara 
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Joined: Jun 24 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 162 |
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 Topic: WHY Chemo?Posted: Jun 24 2014 at 8:25am |
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I was diagnosed with TNBC, Stage I, Tumor Grade 3 - tumor was 1.8CM
Had a lumpectomy on 4/25/14 and chose to do the 5 day radiation that was completed on 5/7/14. I am 48 years old. Met with oncologist and he said that I had to have chemotherapy. I go for round 3 of A/C on Friday followed by the neulasta shot on Saturday. I have lost my hair and have only had mild flu-like symptoms but my question is why Chemo if the tumor was removed and radiation complete? I hate the way I feel after chemo & neulasta -- right down on the couch achy and nauseous for about 3-4 days after. I do get out for short walks but end up right back on the couch. I go into the office but have cut back my hours. Told my husband I do not want to go for round 3 on Friday but he convinced me otherwise. I know these are mild symptoms compared to many of you but I just feel so down after the chemo. Is it really necessary??
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Jun 24 2014 at 8:53am |
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Tamara,
Unfortunately surgery, chemo and radiation are all we (TNBC) have to fight this beast. Chemo is used to try and systematically kill any stray cells that might have escaped the tumor. This is the real fear of breast cancer. Not the original tumor, but the cells that escape through the blood or lymphatic system. As you can see from my signature, I was stage 1, small tumor, bilateral mastectomy, no nodes (0 our of 5), clear margins and still ended up with a recurrence. Not all tumors drain to the sentinel node and in my case some cells got out and drained to an internal mammary node. I know chemo is hard and no one wants to go through it, but you only get one chance to fight this beast the first time. Give it everything you have. You're half way through the A/C. Many report the side effects from Taxol much easier. Hang in there, you can do it! Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Jun 24 2014 at 8:57am |
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Tamara,
Please check out this link to a good brochure on TNBC: Have you had your Vitamin D level checked? Most of us diagnosed are found to be deficient in Vitamin D. Here's a link to a thread on the subject: |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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MomMom44
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Joined: Apr 27 2014 Location: Alexandria, VA Status: Offline Points: 138 |
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Posted: Jun 24 2014 at 10:04am |
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Tamara,
My DX is similar to yours and I'm going through any and all treatment offered to have no regrets down the road. As Donna said so well, TNBC is a beast and as others have told me their MOs have said - "Your first chance (at treatment) is your best chance not to have a recurrence." Back in February I met with the RO and was told she did not feel comfortable with partial breast radiation simply because of my TN status. I fit all other criteria for it. It's good to hear that some ROs feel otherwise. I tolerated the 4 rounds of DD AC pretty well except for loss of tastebuds and lower energy levels. I'm told that because I've exercised a lot for most of my adult life, and could continue to do so, that helped me tolerate the chemo as well as I have. You only have two more ACs to go! I encourage you to follow your husband's advice and do ALL you can to beat this. For most everyone, Taxol is much more tolerable. The thought of having weekly chemo for 12 weeks scared me for sure, but it's been much better than I imagined. I go to a Life With Cancer yoga class directly after chemo each week. When my blood counts return to normal (hope it's only 2 weeks or so), I will begin 6 1/2 weeks of radiation Mon-Fri. Hang in there and know that many are here to support you!! Paula
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DX TNBC 1/14; age 66; Stage 1; Grade 2; 1.2 cm; 0/2 nodes; lumpectomy; BRAC Neg; 4 DD AC; Completed 12 weekly Taxol July 2014; Radiation August 2014
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Lillie
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Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
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Posted: Jun 24 2014 at 10:07am |
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Dear Tamara,
Welcome to the site nobody wants to join. I second the motion on everything that Donna said in the above post. My Stage was IIB and 1 lymph node had cancer cells. If we don't fight "in the very beginning" with all that we have, we can regret it later. Hang in there and know that you have a lot of SUPPORTERS here and "we understand" what seems to be the unfairness of being TN. But it is doeable and thank God you have an oncologist who was savvy enough to steer you in the right direction. Believe it or not, not all oncologist know how to treat Triple Negative. Love and God Bless, Lillie |
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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belleb
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Joined: May 27 2014 Status: Offline Points: 16 |
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Posted: Jun 25 2014 at 11:00pm |
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I agree with all the other posts. A/C made me feel how you describe it too, but Taxol (I did 12 weekly doses) was much, much easier. I lived my life pretty normally during the Taxol months, whereas I spent a lot of time in bed and miserable on A/C. You're halfway through, and it really is SO important. You can do it!!
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Dx 1/2/2014, Age 35, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, TNBC * LX-SNB-Port Placement 1/9/14
4 x A/C (Dose Dense) 12 x T (last dose will be 6/9) BMX July 2014 No Recon; BRCA Neg |
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Natalie
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Joined: Nov 11 2011 Location: Bay Shore NY Status: Offline Points: 473 |
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Posted: Jun 25 2014 at 11:44pm |
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I agree with all of the above. I would also like to add ... might seem simplified but here goes. Given all the years you have ahead of you, this is really only a blip on the radar. I know it seems horrible because it is as if time has stopped., but it's not... Each treatment is closer to the end. Your count down has already started.
I would also like to suggest as someone did above... yoga, gentle yoga can help a lot even if you never did it before. I also had a dear friend of mine giving of himself dureing those feeling crappy times to do Reiki on me, this also really really helped. Have heard accupuncture works also, unfortunately I could not afford that or I would have done that too. Please keep posting, we are right here for you <3
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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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Tamara
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Joined: Jun 24 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 162 |
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Posted: Jun 27 2014 at 8:25am |
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Thank you for keeping me motivated to keep going! The hardest part is the fact that this disease knocks me down temporarily. With 4 children and a very active life - it is so hard for me to be right down on the couch. I just want my life back!! Today I will go for #3 of A/C. No one understands the effects of this disease unless you are in our shoes so I thank you for your support and reminding me why I have to keep going.
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belleb
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Posted: Jun 27 2014 at 3:57pm |
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Stay strong, Tamara! I have kids too (only 2, though) and not being able to do things with and for them was the hardest part of A/C for me too. I hated it and I hated them to see me in such a state. Just remember, though, you're doing this for them as much as for you so you can be around a long time!! ((hugs))
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Dx 1/2/2014, Age 35, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, TNBC * LX-SNB-Port Placement 1/9/14
4 x A/C (Dose Dense) 12 x T (last dose will be 6/9) BMX July 2014 No Recon; BRCA Neg |
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nancykind
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Joined: Mar 15 2012 Location: so adks, nys Status: Offline Points: 192 |
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Posted: Jun 27 2014 at 7:05pm |
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i used sea-bands for the nausea, they really helped! you're doing great Tamara. onward! <3
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Lg lump never visible on any films but found 9mm. Lump 1/25/12, DX 1/31@50yrs IIIC/TN/DCIS/INV, Margins Unclr, Ki67 40%,Gr2. MX L 2/24. 3.1cm total. 11/17nodes. AC/T 2xWk,33rads. 12/12 MX R. 9/13 NED!
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Natalie
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Joined: Nov 11 2011 Location: Bay Shore NY Status: Offline Points: 473 |
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Posted: Jun 27 2014 at 9:47pm |
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Tamara,
Don't take on anything that is not there. I mean, don't perceive something that is not likely there. We as women and Mothers tend to over analyze, worry about & for others which comes naturally. The four kids you have if old enough just want there mom to get better, the younger ones don't understand very well BUT ALL will recognize the fight in the war that Mom had when they were young. Just look forward to when you do feel well enough to parrticipate, and getting past this crap and onto MANY more happy days filled with blue skys filled with laughter and love. Yeah we think of this thing when we get done, but there is an appreciation for each good day that comes along with this. <3
Edited by Natalie - Jun 28 2014 at 12:33am |
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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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lizziealberta
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Joined: Apr 23 2014 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 17 |
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Posted: Jun 30 2014 at 4:31pm |
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The best explanation I got for Why Chemo came from my radiologist. Say you dropped a glass in the kitchen. Sugery picks up the big pieces, radiation gets more of those shards near where you dropped the glass, but chemo gets those nasty little shards that flew across the room. Would you rather find it with a broom (chemo) or step on it in 6 months?
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ER+ misdiagnosed 09, was ER+/TNBC,lumpectomy, C/T, rads, AI. TNBC in node 4/14, in neoadjuvant A/C then carbo/gemzar, complete path response. double mastectomy.
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sweetjam
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Joined: Jan 24 2014 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 44 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2014 at 5:09pm |
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I totally get why you don't want to continue. I got so anxious the Sunday nights before my chemo I had to take a sleeping pill and take a Valium the morning of chemo. I did not want to do it but I got through 6 treatments. If I can do it any one can. It stinks but your almost there. Good luck!
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DX 1/17/14 TN IDC, Stage 1 Grade 2, 1.4cm, Age 50, BRCA -, Started Chemo 2/10 C/T, every 3 weeks. Last Chemo 5/23/14. Double Mastectomy 6/23 3/4 nodes all negative. 6/23 final path tumor ER+, PR+,
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Tamara
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Joined: Jun 24 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 162 |
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Posted: Jul 12 2014 at 7:06am |
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Here I am - got through the last A/C now 2 weeks off before 12 weekly Taxol treatments. Today we will celebrate our sons high school graduation with a party. Thankfully I am blessed with family and friends that are doing the food and decorating! Nurse coming this morning to give me Neulasta shot. Thank you for your encouragement to continue with chemo. I was not sure I would continue even though side effects were mild compared to so many others. I feel anxious the day before and day of chemo but got through it with you all. Thank you so much.
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MomMom44
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Joined: Apr 27 2014 Location: Alexandria, VA Status: Offline Points: 138 |
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Posted: Jul 12 2014 at 7:20am |
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Tamara, Good for you!!! Congratulations on your son's graduation. This is what our treatment is all about. Doing whatever we have to do to be there for these precious times. Taxol will be easier than AC. Only 2 more for me, then onto rads! Enjoy the party!
Paula |
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DX TNBC 1/14; age 66; Stage 1; Grade 2; 1.2 cm; 0/2 nodes; lumpectomy; BRAC Neg; 4 DD AC; Completed 12 weekly Taxol July 2014; Radiation August 2014
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Lillie
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Posted: Jul 12 2014 at 10:27am |
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Congratulation to you Tamara. Putting one foot in front of the other and getting through A/C. Forward Ho!
Also congratulation to your son graduating high school. Thank God for friends and family who step up for us when we are down. The party goes on. Thank God for this site. I am so glad you found the courage to keep getting your treatments. We are all here to help one another. WE UNDERSTAND. Love and God Bless, Lillie |
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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MLindaG
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Joined: Feb 16 2013 Location: Pittsburgh PA Status: Offline Points: 380 |
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Posted: Jul 15 2014 at 12:00am |
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Congrates Tamara on getting through your Chemo!! I remember the day of my last A/C all too well (That was almost 2 years ago!! Yeah!) I did not want to go......got up that morning and cried as I got ready and told my dh.....I'm not going to go to Chemo (lots of side effects)....got in the car crying some more and told him I'm going to tell them I just can't do it. Saw the Dr. before and cried talking to him and he gave me a new prescription for nausea (my 4th) that he said would make me sleepy and I said.......sounded good to me as I would like to sleep through the next week anyway. Got in the room (aren't the nurses just the best) started crying there too.......they were so kind and helpful. It was one of two emotional breakdown days that I had! But I did it......slept a lot for a week and somehow survived it. It was much better than after the 3rd treatment. Next was the Taxol weekly and it wasn't near as difficult. I'm so glad you stuck it out!!! You are strong!
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Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative.
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Tamara
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Joined: Jun 24 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 162 |
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Posted: Aug 02 2014 at 6:28am |
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Started weekly Taxol. Yesterday was #2. It is now 6:25 AM Saturday morning and I have been up all night!! I am having trouble sleeping since starting the Taxol. Did any of you experience insomnia? I amstill working but not sleeping through the night - last night was a first where I was up all night.
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MomMom44
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Joined: Apr 27 2014 Location: Alexandria, VA Status: Offline Points: 138 |
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Posted: Aug 02 2014 at 7:11am |
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Its the steroids and for me the Benedryl in the IV prior to the Taxol. Benedryl makes most sleepy but it hypes me up. I took Decadron pill the night before and 2 hrs before Taxol which also contributed to sleep issues that night. I found that OTC Unisome which is only OTC sleep aid I know of that has NO Benedryl worked like a charm the night before. however on Taxol day, even 2 Unisome taken an hr before I still woke up at 2 or 3 am. Still though the 2 Unisome gave me about 5 he's of sleep if I went to bed at 9.
Had my last of 12 Taxol on july24!Did well with it ex except taste buds still not back to normal. More energy though. On to rads next week. Yay! Best to you. |
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DX TNBC 1/14; age 66; Stage 1; Grade 2; 1.2 cm; 0/2 nodes; lumpectomy; BRAC Neg; 4 DD AC; Completed 12 weekly Taxol July 2014; Radiation August 2014
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MLindaG
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Posted: Aug 05 2014 at 7:15am |
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I would stay up almost all night the night after chemo with all those pretreatment........post treatment......I don't usually always sleep well normally all those drugs made me kind of crazy. This too will pass!!! LOL I often wondered how some would work through it all!! I never took anything just slept when I could but then again I wasn't working and I didn't have any kids or family to take care of.....I would talk with your oncologist.
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Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative.
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