Preventing chemotherapy without evidence |
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cg--- 
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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 Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 4:37am |
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Dear Tofu,
Yes, I took the Taxol and the "numbness, tingling" they call peripheral neuropathy from taxanes (Taxol or Taxotere). The peak period is 3-5 months after your last chemo treatment and slowly improves.
One thing that is recommended by many doctors is to take vitamin B6. All the B vitamins have impact on the central nervous system...but especially B6 for the nerve endings.
There are strategies to deal with hand-foot syndrome and possibly with the lower dosage it will not even bother you. I will find out more from others who took the Xeloda what they used and what dosage they were on.
I will get back to you with an update.
Connie
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Joan2844
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Joined: Jul 03 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 163 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 1:47pm |
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When I started Xeldoa, my oncologist specifically told me to take B6 AND to buy the best hand/body/foot lotion I could find, and use it day and night. It was good advice -- I really didn't have any major issues.
My MRI was today... the doctor was able to take a biopsy; about 6 samples. The area of suspicion -- very close to my lumpectomy incision-- didn't have any definite boundaries, so it was hard for him to know exactly where to draw from. I'm hopeful that it is just scar tissue and residual fluid from the surgery, and that this is a "false positive."
He drew more fluid than tissue when he did the biopsy, and that can be a good sign.
He expects the results by Thursday afternoon... |
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9/06 Stage2B. Pos Nodes; Neg BRAC; TAC/Lumpectomy/Rads/Xeloda.
4/08 Local Recurrence; Mast w/ Latissimus Flap;Taxol/Gemzar/Carbo. Zometa. NED since May 2008 :-) www.wow-matt14.blogspot.com |
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jsouthy
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Joined: Apr 02 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 51 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 1:52pm |
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I have had 3 rounds of Abraxane (a taxol drug) and so far have had no neuropathy. Would I have it by now if I was going to get it? I really haven't had any bad side effects at all. (not like I did with epirubicin/cytoxin!!!)
Joanne
PS. Love your verse Joan! He is certainly carrying out His purposes in the midst of this trial! AMEN and AMEN
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dx 8-06 Triple negative
stage 2B 1+ out 19 nodes grade 3 lumpectomy re-dx 1-07 stage 3 epirubicin/cytoxin 3 rounds mastectomy re-dx 1-08 liver, skin, bones mets stage 4 AGE 47 |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 2:02pm |
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Dear Tofu,
There is a cream called Bag Balm - that seems to be recommended by those who develop the hand-foot syndrome and Udder Cream.
I found this very good website on hand-foot syndrome perhaps you will find it of some help.
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 2:02pm |
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Hi Joan2844 I was thinking about you today and wondered how things went.
So you'll know Thursday, well that's not too bad of a wait.
Yes I heard one of my docs say that getting fluid out of there is a good sign, fingers crossed.
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 2:05pm |
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Dear Joan,
I was waiting to hear how you made out...six areas is a good biopsy sampling and I pray they are all scar tissue.
Thanks for letting us know.
I have to wait until next Wednesday to find out my CAT scan results....and the waiting is hard.
Connie
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trip2
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 2:11pm |
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Connie the waiting is very hard. I wish there was something I could do to help you with distractions.
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Apr 08 2008 at 3:04pm |
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Dear Pam,
You help every time I come to the latest of "findings". You have advanced research skills that benefit all of us and I am always grateful!
Connie
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Joan2844
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Joined: Jul 03 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 163 |
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Posted: Apr 11 2008 at 2:45pm |
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Ladies,
Received some discouraging news last night -- biopsy results show DCIS. Since I've had lumpectomy/radiation already, this means a masectomy. Considering a double M, just to get this completely behind me. We're doing well... just coping with the news and trying to look on bright side (i.e. found early). Chin up! Joan |
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9/06 Stage2B. Pos Nodes; Neg BRAC; TAC/Lumpectomy/Rads/Xeloda.
4/08 Local Recurrence; Mast w/ Latissimus Flap;Taxol/Gemzar/Carbo. Zometa. NED since May 2008 :-) www.wow-matt14.blogspot.com |
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Elaine
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Joined: Feb 02 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 61 |
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Posted: Apr 11 2008 at 5:14pm |
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I'm sorry to hear that Joan. I'm sure it's a shock to you and your family. But you're right, chin up. Will be thinking of you!
Lots of Hugs from California!
Mary's Mom
Elaine
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tofu
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Joined: Feb 22 2008 Location: Yokohama, Japan Status: Offline Points: 37 |
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Posted: Apr 11 2008 at 6:14pm |
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I'm sorry to hear you. I cried a while, excuse me. But you are strong and cool.
I had mastectomy and reconstruction two months ago and I almost recovered in a few weeks. You live far from me, but my heart is always with you and your family. God bless you. Tofu in Yokohama, Japan |
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Aug/07 age:48 IDC TNBC Neo-adjuvant EC+T Feb/08 Mastectomy & reconstruction with DIEP-flap. 4.7x2.7cm N0 g3 May/08-Apr/09 Xeloda to4f.blog110.fc2.com |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Apr 12 2008 at 4:11am |
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Dear Joan,
I am so sorry for the latest setback...but I went investigating to see the reconstruction pictures on the site Caryn mentioned and I was absolutely amazed at the beautiful reconstruction the women had. Please, visit the site. The pictures are password protected but well worth the few moments to contact Sue for the password.
I am more hopeful than I was before...especially since I had mastectomy, radiation and I was so disappointed to hear my options and see the work I had looked at by other surgeons. But....as I have seen for myself after reviewing the reconstructions done by gifted surgeons...God would have a hard time telling some of them from the pre-mastectomy breasts.
Whatever you decide...I will pray the answer comes easily.
Love and prayers,
Connie
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Apr 24 2008 at 12:50pm |
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Oh Joan2844 I am so very sorry to hear about your biopsy results.
I know this is a jolt to you and your family.
I hope things have calmed down a bit by now and I understand deciding on a double M is very hard, my heart goes out to you.
You are right, they did catch it early!
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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thinkpositive
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Joined: Jun 24 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 111 |
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Posted: Apr 24 2008 at 4:22pm |
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Joan - I did a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal in left breast with a 2.8 cm tumor. I have never regretted my decision. I have met or talked to at least 6 women who had recurrences in their other breast. At least I know that I do not have to deal with a second surgery and reconstruction. My focus can be on living not image or boobs.
I wish you well. Hugs and prayers. chris
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dx 3/06 stg II 0/7 lymph
bilateral mastectomy 7/06 AC/Taxol lung mets 1/08 Avastin Abraxene 02/08/9/08 Brca neg Avastin Xeloda 10/08 Curagen 2/09 Ixempra 6/09 Lung Mets Gemzar/ Carboplatin 9/09 |
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tofu
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Joined: Feb 22 2008 Location: Yokohama, Japan Status: Offline Points: 37 |
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Posted: Apr 27 2008 at 10:56pm |
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Dear Joan and other friends,
I will start my follow-up anti-cancer drug, Xeloda next month (2008/05/23), because my foot-numbness is getting better. My doctor wants to continue Xeloda a year long, but I am not sure to have it so long time without serious side-effect. But TNBC members adviced me many good methods for the side-effect hand-foot desease, thanks. I will report my preventing chemotherapy after starting it. See you again, and God bless you, Joan |
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Aug/07 age:48 IDC TNBC Neo-adjuvant EC+T Feb/08 Mastectomy & reconstruction with DIEP-flap. 4.7x2.7cm N0 g3 May/08-Apr/09 Xeloda to4f.blog110.fc2.com |
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Joan2844
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Joined: Jul 03 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 163 |
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Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 4:12am |
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Dear Tofu,
I am glad you have made a decision about the Xeloda -- decision making can be the hardest part sometimes! And I would advise you to see how things go, and decide during your treatment if a year is too long or is manageable. One thing I have learned with cancer treatment is that you have to roll with the punches and not get too far ahead of yourself on planning. See how the first round goes, and take things from there. No one wants to be on medication longer than necessary, but Xeloda was something very manageable for me. I would not have wanted to have been on it for as long as your doctor is suggesting, but I think it would have been okay for me. Speaking of me... I've decided to have a single mastectomy with a lattismus (back) flap for reconstruction. This will be on May 19. It will be a 4-5 hour surgery, and that is part of the reason I opted only for the single M. Plus, my surgeon said I have a "1% chance per year" of cancer forming in my "healthy" breast. For now, I'll keep my breast and take my chances. Thank you all for your support and prayers. I hope and pray that this is a residual cancer that is "left over" and that M. will completely take care of it. That is a possibility. But we will not know for sure until after the pathology is done after the M. Take care ladies, and enjoy your day! |
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9/06 Stage2B. Pos Nodes; Neg BRAC; TAC/Lumpectomy/Rads/Xeloda.
4/08 Local Recurrence; Mast w/ Latissimus Flap;Taxol/Gemzar/Carbo. Zometa. NED since May 2008 :-) www.wow-matt14.blogspot.com |
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trip2
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Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 4:49am |
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Joan2844 I hope your surgery goes well for you and everything is ok and that it is only residual c.
Think positive and let us know,
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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trip2
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Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 4:52am |
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Tofu, that's good news that your foot-numbness is getting better.
Try your best to not look ahead too far as Joan2844 suggested, just see how things go and let us know how you are doing,
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Joan2844
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Joined: Jul 03 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 163 |
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Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 5:29am |
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Thanks, trip2. We've had a few conversations over the last year or so. We haven't met, but I consider you a friend. I'll be on-line after my surgery.
Take care, Joan |
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9/06 Stage2B. Pos Nodes; Neg BRAC; TAC/Lumpectomy/Rads/Xeloda.
4/08 Local Recurrence; Mast w/ Latissimus Flap;Taxol/Gemzar/Carbo. Zometa. NED since May 2008 :-) www.wow-matt14.blogspot.com |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 5:53am |
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Dear Joan,
That will be one crowded operating room! I am reserving my seat in the prayer and best wishes for a speedy recovery gallery.
Hugs,
Connie
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