Breast Cancer Community and Breast Cancer Forums - National Breast Cancer Foundation

Diaharria

Talochka — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:25:17 GMT

I have to ask again ladies.

I am going thru chemo - have one more carboplatinum-taxol treatment left.

I have diahrria all the time. I can control it now with Immodium, but even when I had 4 weeks between treatments it did not go away.

My question is - does it EVER go away?????

For some reason I think I will have it now for ever. Hope I am wrong. Anybody been in my shoes?

How soon the hair starts growing?

Talochka — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:13:55 GMT

I have one more treatment to go with Taxol (next week). I would like to know when my hair will start growing back? I would like to be able to travel in March of 2011. Hate to do that without hair......

Fifth year mam 9-8-2010

redwingrose — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:25:28 GMT

How do I begin? I have had four great reports and I pray that the next one will be great. BUT I get scared a week before and all the what ifs keep going thru my mind? Last February when I had my six month checkup, the doctor and I noticed a lump right under my scar. It turned out to be old scar tissue from the radiation. Sometimes my left breat where the scar is still gets sore, but most of the time its ok. Its just the whatifs that I fight? Anyone feel this way? I would love to hear from you!

Dannon Light & Fit, will donate 10 cents to the BCF for every "Like"

Justin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:22:48 GMT

Dannon will donate 10 cents for every "Like" it receives. Please support the cause, by going to http://www.facebook.com/lightandfit and clicking Like!

Thanks!

treatment after surgery

pammy — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:10:34 GMT

Had surgery a week ago Monday. Lumpectomy (partial masectomy) also tested 3 lyph nodes. I am still very sore mostly in my underarm and experiencing a lot of numbness. Not taking anymore pain meds and unsure if should get more?? The results came back last Friday and no cancer was found in the lymphnodes or the surrounding tissue taken. The lump was 1.5cm was also told was told hormone receptor pos for estrogen, So I was told stage 1 and should do just fine. But I saw the oncologist today and he said although they got all the cancer and none spread that he is recomending that I have chemo, raditation and tamoxifen. I was taken back a bit I was not expecting to have to undergo such a radical treatment plan if the cancer had not spread. Does anyone any advice on whether or not this is the only way? I asked if this was the only way to go and he said no but did not go over any other plan with me only what he recommended. So? I have so many questions and I feel I don't know enought about my options to make an informed decision. I need to decide by end of the week so chemo can start a week from Monday. 4 sessions every 3 weeks so total of 12 weeks, then 4 weeks of radiation 5 days a week. then meds this is the treatment plan suggested to me I need advice please help...

pammy

Other ways of handling breast cancer

Positive1 — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:15:56 GMT

To all of you here: There are alternative ways to deal with Breast cancer, to radiate, slash and poison does not have to be: my sister had terminal ovarian cancer and using natural methods now has seen her cancer markers reduced twice.

Think about taking vegetable Broccoli pills, think about making your body more alkaline with alkaline water, think about the Johanna Budwig diet.

Check some of this out at http://www.howcurecancer.com

Marielou

Scared to Death do not know who to turn to RSD and Cancer

Ked — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:13:05 GMT

I am so scared and have no idea how I should fight this. I keep getting bad news after bad news. At first it appears to be good and then it goes bad.

I had been having mamograms on my left breast every 6 months for 2 years. They said one more time and then back to once per year.

Well then they found a 8 mm spot and a 1 1/2 centimeter spot. Went for another mamo and then ultra sound. Not good. Then had the needle biopsi. It was found that the little one was cancer and the other one was not.

I also have reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy syndrome which is a very very rare reaction to surgery where no pain meds will work if I come out of remmission. I battled that for 10 years and I am now pain free an have my life back to only get hit with this now even more scarier.

Anyways they told me maybe it was stage 0 and they caught it early and I would need a lumpectomy and nothing more. 85% chance of nothing more. Not true. The path report came back after the surgery and my cancer cells are not showing on the Mamogram or ultra sound but tested to the margins. In other words now they think it is a possibility that both breast might be infected and it can not be detected because of dense breast tissue.

I had a MRI a week ago and it was read and my doctor has still not called me to give me the results. They are now saying they do not know what stage or how extensive it is.

Possibly a double masectomy. I really do not know if I can do this. I am so scared. It is a high probable because of my RSD condition that zero pain meds will work. Has anyone out there had this kind of surgery with zero pain meds. Can it be done without pain meds???

Really really scared to the point I just might not do anything and try to eat things in my diet to slow it down. The holistic approach.

It is hard to talk to people who have not been there. Try to find a RSD patient who also has cancer even tougher.

I really need support and advise I really am feeling quite week and not sure I am up for the fight. I am a single mom with 14 year old daughter who needs me.

Kathy

lump & lymph nodes

laffycat4 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:46:47 GMT

Hello everyone!

About a month ago, they found a very painful lump in my left breast. I ended up having a biopsy that came back benign. Since then, I still have alot of pain. The pain shoots up into my armpit and almost feels like my whole arm gets numb. Has anyone had this? I go to the doctor in 2 days and she said she might send me to a breast specialist in case they missed something. And, I've been sooo tired for the past month or so. Seems like it takes everything I have to stay awake. Could this also be a sign of something? Anyone been through anything similar to this??

Thanks all and God bless!!! Laffycat4

Where is everyone from?

CHRISTAN — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:39:39 GMT

We haven't done this in awhile so since there are alot of new people I was just wondering. I am from Georgia and it has been to darn hot here you can't hardly breath when you walk outside.

cream aafter radiation

Talochka — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:41:11 GMT

I found a note about what cream to use after radiation and lost that post anybody can help please?

Taxol side effects

Talochka — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:05:43 GMT

I am few days before my last Taxol treatment and all this time I have non stop diaharria. Very exosting. I wonder how long it is going to take after the last treatment to return to normal. Also my taste is completly messed up. Nothing tastes or smells right. If anybody having same problems, please let me know how you deal with it.

Thanks all for help !!!!

Recurrence?

SusanShank — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:02:30 GMT

5 years out, very last visit with surgeon then back to regular yearly exams. Except she felt something. Mammogram was clear, so she did a sonogram, and saw what she felt. Did a biopy right then, and said it could be scar tissue.

I am just so disappointed, as I kept hoping I would reach the 5-year milestone, and thought I had. It just hurts.

I had stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer, was treated with lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Have been good for 5 whole years!

Sitting here wondering

Tuck — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:31:48 GMT

Just signed up. Checked around a bit. And figured maybe this was the best place to put this.

I have a retired Husband and we live on his SS and a small retirement. I am not old enough to get SS or medicaide. We have 2 boys 15 and 17. We are still paying for a house. and can not afford health insurance. So the boys and I have none.

We bring in right over the limit by $300 a year to qualify for state aide for the boys. We live in Oklahoma.

I have a tennis size lump in the upper aprt of my breast.It feels like it is attached to the chest wall. I went to the local Heath department and the lady confirmed it. I qualified to see them at no charge. But that is as far as they can go with anything.

My regular doctor has left town. I called the hospital to see what a mammo would cost me. I have to be refurded to them by a doctor. I called doctors and they want me to come in for a physical and blood work. They told me about 400 to 500 as a new patient. Then the mammo and the reading will be another 300 or more.

I have tried to explain I do not have an extra 1000 laying around for just a start. Hospital told me the next step would be to go find me a surgeon. Another new patient fee and exams.

I have been to so many sites looking for free mammos. I have been to many sites looking for some type of help. I read all the donates I see all the help heres.

But where is the help for me?

Links to sites for low cost mammograms or free

Seaver — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:49:06 GMT

Sorry, I couldn't find the post about the lady who lives in OK but, I do hope you read this. This was I got back after emailing sites for info on the low cost or, free Mammograms. I hope there is some helpful info here.

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/78/15110/faqs-women/

http://imagesofhealth.com/facility_finder.htm

http://www.abcf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp&page=mammogram

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp

I wish you luck and keep us posted ok?

Marcia

Chest protectors for athletes post-mastectomy with reconstruction

Granis — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:43:45 GMT

Hello to any athletes out there who might be wondering how to protect your new implants after mastectomy with reconstruction.

I just found 3 great products by searching "chest protectors" online. I was referred to several martial arts and boxing sites and found: a pliable plastic full chest and underarm protector that has straps like a bra; a pliable plastic chest and underarm protector that has a bra that it fits into like a pocket; and, lastly, a bra that you can put individual plastic cups into to protect each individual breast and underarm. The last product would be best for people doing really active sports because it gives the greatest freedom of movement. The first two I mentioned would provide the best overall protection but might be cumbersome for certain sports. Just thought I would pass this along.

Granis

Things you like to do........

CHRISTAN — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:45:51 GMT

You know we spend so much time talking and worring about cancer, treatment, and all the other bad things that goes along with it that I thought it would be nice to start a thread about things we love to do. Also I thought it would help us get to know one another a little more and maybe take our minds off some of the bad stuff if only for a moment. soooooo...................

It Looks like we have alot of gardeners in the house. I love to roll around in the dirt myself lol. Haven't been able to do much of it this year yet but am gearing up for some fall planting. Sounds like some of you live in really beautiful places with alot of relaxing scenery. I am a sucker for mountains and beaches myself. When I am in the mountains I love to listen to the wildlife and when on the beach nothing better than leaving the doors open at night and falling asleep to the sound of the waves coming in. OH and I am so ready for it to start cooling off because I ABSOLUTELY love to sit out back on a cool night wrapped up in a blanket by the firepit with a sweet glass of wine. That sounds so good I just might not wait for it to cool off I may just have the glass of wine lose the blanket and firepit and bribe my kids into fanning me while I sit outside and if my kids won't do it I will have to find a couple of pool boys like they have in the movies HUMMMMMM sounds like a plan to me lol.

Help with Taxol treatment

melissa16 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:37:09 GMT

I just had my third treatment of AC one more to go.....YEA!!

My next 4 are TAXOL and right now I am going every 3wks.my oncologist suggested yesterday that I might want to go everyweek for 12wks. smaller doses less time about a hour. I told him how tired I have been, but the kids started school and I'm getting up early everyday and went back to work ( just part-part time)

The question I need help with is has anyone gone once a week and did you still feel tired? I am all for anything that is going to be easier and better for the body . My other question is did anyone still have to take the steriod and zofran because I take the steriod now for three days and no side effects but I don't know if I want to take it once a week??? my brother is getting married in Nov. and I dont want to look like a puffed out steriod mess in a wig!!! LOL

hot tub temperature

Kim 2010 — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:51:27 GMT

Hello All~ I have had my lymph nodes removed and I read that you are not suppose to go in hot water or hot tubs. Does anyone know the temp that you CAN go in? We just got a hot tub, and we can set it to whatever.I search the web but cannot find any answers. I know they dont want you to because of prevention of lymphedema. Thanks for your help. I have 4 more radiations left and looking to do a little relaxing. Then continue on with reconstruction.

9/1/10 QUOTE OF THE DAY

CHRISTAN — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:48:00 GMT

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. —Buddha

Femara/Pain/Help

fighter — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:03:22 GMT

Hello Ladies,

I am close to being a two year breast cancer survivor. I am on femara and I am in alot of pain, alot of my waking hours. Especially in my hips and legs. I can't seem to lose any weight and I have fluid retention in my upper abdomen. Has anyone else had this much trouble????? I am ready to throw in the towel and crawl in a hole!!!!! HELP!!!!

Why me??/

Norma Wright — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:46:43 GMT

I am a seventy year young lady who had breast cancer surgery two weeks ago...I am stil in a daze....I have always had lumps in my left breast so was not surprised when a new Dr ordered more tests...Been there/////done that....I was surprised when they found a lump in my right breast...followed by surgery...now I am facing possible radiation and am not sure what to expect as you can never think of questions when you are in the Drs office...now I am about to panic....Will I really be OK????

NEED ADVICE!!! Mother-In-Law diagnosed TODAY (8-16-10) with aggressive breast caner.

FIGHTINGFORGRANDMAS — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:55:11 GMT

Mother-in-law had cyst drained in January (just found out today, that the fluid was never tested!). The cyst grew back bigger and faster and was removed on 6th of this month. She was told on 12th that it was cancerous and today was told that it was an aggressive form of cancer. Her next apt is on 19th with the Oncologist. Does anyone have any advice as far as what questions should be asked at this appointment or what she should do for treatment. Personally, I would want her to just have a mastectomy ASAP, but that's just me. She has basically "checked out" mentally with the shock of the news so her daughter, son (my husband) and myself are the ones doing all the research. ANY HELP/ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! THANK YOU!

nasuea

Rose2233 — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:43:50 GMT

I had a lumpectomy on 8/9/10 and then surgeon needed to go back in on 8/19/10 to take more tissue and since the last surgery I am experiencing major nausea issues. I am taking an anti nasuea pills but they dont really help the nausea that I am experiencing all day long. Have anybody else suffered with the nausea after the surgery? Then I read that with radiation treatment - which I haven't started yet- will also cause nausea?

newly diagnosed

debbie p — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:47:52 GMT

dianosed 5 weeks ago have had 3 surgeries in that time. start chemo thursday scared to death! would like to chat with someone whos doing same chemo drugs etc.

have good support but they can't possibly know.

debbie

Just been diagnosed 7 days ago, still in denial

tammie — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:05:27 GMT

I lived in a county that women 40-50 couldn't get mamo's anymore without ins. It didn't matter not only did my mom die of this 5 yrs ago at 62 7 other women in the family have had it.

So I went to a new doc and she ordered a mamo. There was no lump,,it is a gland mass I sitll cant feel it. So these programs that someone just decides to pull the plug on should not be allowed to put a age on anything. ever.

I am in denial, I am having a double masectomy and hoping to find a reconstruction doc that takes this ins. I am still in a 4 yr divorce, I was married 23 yrs and found out he did something to his neice; I walked. Lost my ranch I bought with my inheritance, lost car, have lived here thre and everywhere. All because I wouldn't forgive him ..He doesn't pay alimony; and has just gotten a hold of my 13th phone number. I fired my atty after first yr for doing absolutely nothing.....I do have 2 awesome sons and a 16 months old grandson.

As you see I'm a survivor. I went from having it all to having nothing. I got a great job 6 weeks ago that I could actually get my own place; they let me go last thursday; day after I was diagnosed. However this afternoon I was offered my job back, guess they must of talked t o company atty.

That s why I thouoght god would never give me bc at this tme in my life after all I've been thur.

Feels good just to write my story; basically it says I have survived loosing absolutely everything,,,,I will surivive this also.

Don't have surgery for 2-3 weeks I am doing a double masectomy ; trying to find a reconstructive doc that takes this ins.

please, tell me your story , what was happening in your life when you got your info