Recurrence rate with triple negs

Hello Lori,

I like your attitude. I feel like I looked death in the eye a couple times too. Formerly I had Hodgkins Disease at the age of 24 and broke my back when I was 16 (Body Cast) needed.

There's been a few stumbling moments and it all went off without a hitch. However, this triple negative thing has put a bit of a wrench in my side -- I think I've been tough for the most part and maybe I'm just not in shape at 45 years old -- formerly I was an Olympic Gymnast and body-builder. Since my early 30's I started living as quote "normal". I am no longer an exercise junkie. It's been a year since my diagnosis and I keep waiting to feel better to start exercising again, but it's been awhile.

I recently gave up smoking -- that's a start. I am triple negative - Grade 3 with no nodes... I have had chemo and lumpectomy but cannont get rads due to former radiation with Hodgkins. I refuse to do a masectomy at this point with reconstruction. I just can't wrap my head around it. Is anyone else out there in a similar position?

Everyone does seem to have a wonderful attitude which I think is key.  I was first diagnosed in 02/06, had a lumpectomy with 8 rounds chemo and 38 rads.  Stage I, no lymph.  One year after finishing treatment I had a local recurrence in the same breast.  I opted for a double mastectomy with more chemo.  Chemo seems harder this time physically and emotionally, but I'll beat this thing.  As far as the mastectomy goes...I had LAT flap reconstruction at the same time and it was really a piece of cake.  If anyone wants details I'm happy to share. 

Hi Pam Good luck at your check-up!  Someday, we might be able to go for these checkups with no anxiety!  Looking forward to that day!  Did I tell you this past Sept 3rd, hubby and I were biking around an island in Lake Erie when I fell off bicycle and dislocated elbow, fx'd radial bone, fx'd radial head, and all ligaments in elbow "frayed" as surgeon opened the skin?  Was in OT 3 mos - just finished the therapy 12/31 and arm is "working"!!!  Have plate and 3 screws in arm - I'm so thankful it wasn't my "at risk lymphadema" arm!!!  What a blessing!  Our daughter wonders if we have a "black" cloud hanging over our house!  6 mos after we moved into our newly built home, my mother became very ill and had massive stroke - passed away 6 days later.  Was then diagnosed with Br CA 3 wks after her burial and surgery 2 wks after dx!  2005-06 was not my best year, or my hubby's!!! Enough about me - That's my "life" story!!!   Have a great week and pray all will be good news for you!

Oh Carmen, the bike accident sounds awful!  I am so glad your arm is "working" now. 

I feel the same way you do!  my 2 cm tumor in  my lymph nodes that was missed for 9 months after my double mastectomy. Then another surgery to remove 22 more nodes with 13 being positive.  I did a/c and taxol without skipping a beat.  I also did natural based therapy including detoxing foot baths, vegetarian, no drinking, no smoking, positive attitude, CoQ10 to protect my heart with the a/c.  I suffered through the taxol thinking that it would not be that bad (that is what the chemo nurses said) because I was rally nauseated with a/c.  I didn't expect the muscle and bone pain.  I was waiting to see when I start radiation (something I hadnt made an uneducated/partially educated guess.  They called today and I start Monday.  We will see....... I have to think......and research.................feeling beat up, but .....still going. Stacy

Stacy-good luck with your rads.......I just finished last week and I felt pretty good.  It was a piece of cake next to chemo.  Now that I finished everything (lumpectomy and 2 re-excisions, 6 TAC treatments every 2.5 wks apart, followed by Neulasta and 6.5 weeks of radiation) My doctor told me to go out and live and that is what I intend to do... Stay strong and positive, it really does help

Nancy

Hi Nancy J,

Hey all :) Started rad this week, and DANG I am TIRED. It seems to be kickng my butt off to nap land! Just seems like I cannot get enough sleep. I went to bed at 3pm, didnt wake up till I had to go back in the next morning! Saw my rad onc. today, said all looks good, andI should getmore used to it by the end of next week. Hope all of you ladies are doing well, and keep up the fight!

I have to drive about 45 minutes, which isnt bad at all, but Michigan weather has not been friendly at all lately. We are supposed to be snowed in by morning, so I told them today, not to expect me there in the morning. I drive a tiny Cabrio convertable, and my road isnt on a priority list to get plowed. We are expected to get around 12 inches over night...ugh.