Worried

Hello, I am new to the forum... I have been going through treatment for almost 4 months now.  I am fortunate enough to live in AZ and I have been going to the Tucson Cancer Center on a monthly basis.  It is about a 3 hour drive from where I live and then we spend about 8 hours there and drive home!  I am worried about a recurrence when I am all "done" with this.  We are in the second week of taxol after AC already.  I don't know if anyone else had this but I have been doing chemo first, then surgery then radiation.  I know it is uncommon.  On top of all this, I am only 30!  And trying to get married too.  We are discussing whether to do a single or double mastectomy.  Any suggestions?  I would love to talk to someone in a similar situation! 

Edited by kwiencek - May 23 2009 at 8:48pm

Hi Kristie, it's a tough one for sure. I too share the long distance question. I live 160 miles one way from my care center and then in winter when the pass closes it becomes a 6 hour drive. One learns to get the most out of every trip.

I want to thank all of you for getting back to me....

Mainy,

another thing that works well is the seat belt protector that is used for babies... you can get them at babies R Us... They work great! Beth Anne

Edited by Beth Anne - May 25 2009 at 2:23pm

Hi Kristie and welcome!

You are asking all the right questions already! May I suggest you post your "stats" with your signature--that will give us a little more information about you that may help in responding. Nancy, you'll have to show her how :)

Doing chemo then surgery is not uncommon--there are many on this board who have done that.

Single vs. double--also a daunting one. May I also suggest you go back through the archived discussions over the past 6 months or so, as there have been many interesting posts and valuable information passed along regarding this topic.

It seems that we often see the same few subjects pop up on the board, and those who have been around a while kinda feel like we've given our two cents on them. We forget how fresh and scary it can be to each new person!

So here's my two cents--On single v. double, ask your oncologist flat out to tell it like it is! It seems like being brca- may be a good thing in your case, but they also take into account the stage, size and position of tumors, age, family history, node biopsy, and other factors.

My onc. had a computer model that he entered these factors in, that predicted I would have an 80% chance of it showing up in the other breast eventually. That did it for me! Decided on bilat.

Again, those were based on my stats and you can only make that decision with real and useful information that pertains to your case. Ask for it. Demand it.

Lots of love, light and tranquility your way!

Donna

Kristie,