Latest Breast Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/breast-cancer/1,0,119,1.htm Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I had a double masectomy 4 years ago, but the cancer came back and I had to have all the lymph nodes removed on my right side.Here's the problem.  After a PET scan, I had swelling on my right side.  I could feel the swelling under my arm as well as in my right breast (implant).  It gradually went down by itself after about 3 weeks.  Well, a couple of months later, after my last chemo treatment, I have the swelling again as well as pain off and on.Has anyone else experienced this? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26375,0.htm Srfrgrl Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT My doctor recently diagnosed me with having this rare cancer. I sked her to write it down for me, so I could research it online. But so far I can not understand this medical jargon. Is anyone familiar with the out come of this cancer?This is the list she gave meChondroid Cartilage Metaplastic Carcinoma 1 x 1 x 0.5ER(-) PR (-) her 2 neu (-) http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26370,0.htm delphi Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mom's backgrounds - 67 yrs old, had a mastectomy of LB last week, neighboring lymph nodes negative for cancer, prescribed Arimidex 1mg/day for 5 years, bone scan result from last year prompted family doc to prescribe Fosamax but she did not take it (sorry, I do not know the details of the bone scan result).My questions are:In my mom's case, is it better to take Arimidex or to just remove the other breast ... considering her age and the possible severe side effects of the drug?Are all side effects of Arimidex reversible? (In case she decides to take the drug and later to stop before the end of fifth year)Thank you for your help.Mei    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26360,0.htm HelpnMom Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi All - Does anybody have insight to the chemo drugs Cytoxan and Taxotere? Everything I read seems to be negative. In a nutshell, my 46 y/o wife had stage 1, lymph node-negative breast cancer , with the tumor being under 2cm. The oncologist has informed us that she wants to administer this Cytoxan and Taxotere cocktail every three weeks for a total of 4 treatments...this along with the usual tamoxifen treatment and radiation. We're not sure what to do because my opinion is that this seems to be a bit extreme based on the circumstances...or maybe not. Any opinions?Thanks for the help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26351,0.htm Gator Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,  I had a lumpectomy and Sentinel Node biopsy in April, and felt like my breast and under arm had healed... I just finished chemotherapy and am starting radiation.  About a week ago I started having pain under my arm, on my side, and in my breast (which feels swollen, like just before one's period--but I'm post menopause)--it started soon after the simulation for the radiation, so I assumed it was due to the long period of time I had to lie with my arm in an uncomfortable position, but it isn't going away.  I called my surgeon who agreed that was probably the issue, as it wouldn't be post-surgical pain at this point.... but as I say, it's been over a week since the simulation... and it's not getting any better... I don't know who to ask about this--the medical oncologist, the radiation oncologist or??? Or, am I just being dumb and it will go away on its own?  Any ideas? Thanks so much. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26285,0.htm baseballmaven Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed 9/26/05, mastectomy 10/05, chemo 11/05-2/06, tamoxifen 3/06-3/08, femara 3/08-early 6/08 (side effects aches in knees, legs and fingers and swelling of legs and ankles, 10+ weight gain), amromasin - pain in knees singificant, no swelling, quality of life in jeopardy, thus waiting for prescription of arimidex, however after hearing everyone's comments, I don't expect comfort.  I did go off femara for 1 week before going onto aromasin and I was great.  Terrific timing,since I was preparing for and having my youngest daughter's graduation party from high school.  Before changing to arimidex, I will be off aromasin for 1 wk and look forward to comfort.  I am planning a trip to London in August and my oncologist has approved going off the drug 3 days prior and all during the 8 day trip. Another break from pain. I do take glucosamin/chodroidan, advil and acetaminiphen.What excercises have you found helpful?  I tried biking (stationary bike) and can barely get 30 minutes in at level 5 strength and not the terrific speed, but then am in pain just getting my right leg off the machine at the end.     http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26283,0.htm LTCInsCPA Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi there,My favorite Mother-in-Law is battling breast cancer.  A new problem has arisen and I was wondering if anyone has seen this and had any experience.  She has been undergoing chemo and radiation for mets in her spine and other areas.  One area of radiation treatment was in the area of C1 on her neck.  She had pretty serious burns and sores around her ears and there was much peeling in and around the ears.  She has had a severe hearing loss during this time.  Is this something anyone else has encountered? (She also has COPD and has spent part of this week in the hospital receiving breathing treatments because she had gotten some virus that caused a horrible cought.  Don't know if this is related, but the hearing loss had begun before this started.)Thanks for any help.Wynette http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26258,0.htm mrsscott Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Just wondering if anyone else having herceptin treatments are experiencing a low reading on thier CBC's.  I am having herceptin treatments every three weeks as is usually scheduled for this treatment and of course I always have my CBC before the treatment..  my red blood cell reading is almost constantly a 3.85 or something and the normal readings are suppose to be within 4.5 and 10.0K/mm3..  I do experience being tired and run down feeling, cold..even now with it being hot summer time I am sitting with a blanket throw on me in the house.    Is anyone else on this breast cancer treatment regimen having similar experiences.  My feet are cold alot..and I am having the awfullest pain in my legs..calves, upper thigh in the back..  I have mentioned the pain in the legs to the nurses and the dr. did give medication for that but it isnt helping me..   When the nurses go over my CBC counts with me prior to my treatment they always say that they look good..my hematocrit was 36.1 and the norm is suppose to fall within 37.0- 47.0.  I have repeatedly asked the nurses if the low red blood cell count would account for my tiredness and of course they say yes but never offer much else as to whether it really should be this low..  and if I should be doing anything to bring it back up more to norm before my next treatment..  with the pain in my legs and this coldness to my extremities.. I am always wondering about whether the herceptin is causing my heart to not pump normally.  I have had a muga scan last month and as far as I know it came back ok..  so I am just curious if anyone else on this herceptin is experiencing similar pain and low red blood cell counts?  My best to all of you..Jodie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26233,0.htm Jodie Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone,I have a question for you all that.  One month after surgery on my breast to remove the big C I've now developed a new problem.  I have pain. My Radiation/Oncologist stated that this is fluid build up and I may need an aspiration.  Has anyone else had this problem?  I'm wondering why this would cause such pain.  Is it because I was sewed to tight, etc.  I'm curious on how many of us need an aspiration post surgery.  Is this on the rise or is this a rare problem... http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26229,0.htm JaeAnn Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone - it's been a while since I've posted a message BUT I have a real problem.  I have been on Arimidex for 3 years now.  I didn't do well on Arimidex for the 1st 6 months but then everything got better - no pain anywhere!  The only thing I suffer from occassionally is joint stiffness - but that's not really an issue.  THEN in March of this year, my left rib cage began to hurt.  It has persisted until now (July).  I had breast cancer surgery (right side) in 2004.  But it is my left rib cage that is hurting.  I have had x-rays and a bone scan done and nothing is showing up.  So, now I wonder if it could be a side effect from the Arimidex?  Have any of you who are or have taken Arimidex experienced this problem?  The rib cage itself is tender to touch but mostly it just feels like a HUGE catch in my rib cage area - like something is in there.  This is worrisome to say the least.  Please write me back if any of you have experienced this kind of pain.  I can't imagine what it is as many of our vital organs are on our right side.  I look forward to hearing from any of you when you have a mintue to write.  Thanks!!  Carolyn in Washingto state http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26201,0.htm Carolina Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had a left mastectomy with lymph node removal and it was two and a half months before I could start doing exercises to improve the range of motion of my left shoulder.  I still only have about half the range of motion.  I was told this never happened to any of my doctors patients before.  Please tell me did it happen to you?? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26200,0.htm needotheropinion Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my mother (66) just finished her treatment of Tamoxifin for 2 1/2 years then Aromasin for 2 1/2 years for breast cancer. She has been off of Aromasin for a week and half. She has been complaining of being very tired and dizziness, light-headed and not feeling herself since being off the medicine. She never had any problem while she was on it besides joint pain.   Did any one here  have any side effects  of going off of Aromasin. Thanks in advance.. Cindy D http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26199,0.htm darkhol Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am a 7year survivor, and am due an annual check up very soon.   Apart from my routine mammogram  i have not had any other scans etc., i wonder if your medical people or anyone for that matter thinks i should ask for a scan? Or leave well alone i come from scotland and am on the wonderful national health  i do mean this as my husband and i have had wonderful care and treatment.  Lady rumpers http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26195,0.htm Ladyrumpers Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Ok heres the skinny! I have gone back to work for now as my surgeon called last Friday and was very exited about my insurance paying at least part of that Oncotype DX test I was telling you all about earlier.  Results should be back in about 2 weeks the tumor was sent off this week to the lab.  I have an apt with the cbc docs on 8/1 and with the radiation team on the 5th, so still not knowing what my tx regiman is going to be still alittle on edge. Finding myself falling slightly into a depressed state I am trying to stop it before it gets worse, upped the dosage on my antidepressant for the time being.  Hubby still holding strong and my mom and my sister where out for a visit this week. My mom was glad to see I looked so good not that she is bias or anything but I think actually seeing me has put her mind at ease alittle.  She left me with encouraging words and told me if I need her to come out again once tx starts she will be there in a flash. I have a good support team I think.  As I said I have gone back to work for now but only working 6-7 hours a day and very tired when I get home, my breast is swelling again, called the surgeon she said it is to be expected and not to worry but if it is not better next to call and she will see me just to be sure.  My incisions are healing (slowly) but they do look better.Bruising is still present but healing time is very slow she tells me.  My rigth breast is still lack and blue from the biopsy done like 4 weeks ago, bruising from iv's still very pronounced as well.  I guess I will close for now. Love to all and God BlessKristine http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26147,0.htm tomslady Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with DCIS, stage 1 breast cancer in April of 2006. I had 2 lumpectomies in May and 30 radiation treatments that summer.  From 9/06-6/06, I took arimidex, as recommended by my oncologist.  Weight gain, fatigue, and especially nausea with vomiting were my symptoms during that whole period.  I took myself off of it, but my oncologist convinced me to try aromasin beginning in Dec. of 07.  I have been taking it for 7 months now, and I've never felt so bad daily for so long before.  My first trigger finger developed while on the aromosin.  I have had 2 cortisone shots to help temporarily and only slightly relieve that one.  I have same digit, middle finger, on right hand now, with very limited movement and lots of pain. The pain and stiffness in both hands and feet, is probably the most debilatating symptom for me.  I have trouble walking and using my hands normally.  I too, am so stiff after sitting for even a few minutes or when getting up in the morning, I feel like someone might feel at 100 years old.  My arms and legs hurt, as do my rib area and hips at times.  I go back to my oncologist for a regular check-up in a week, but I am quitting the aromasin TODAY!  My mammogram recently came back clear.  I don't know about the bloodwork yet, until my appt.  My fingers are so swollen.  I am CONSTANTLY tired, regardless of how much sleep I get, which has been about 8-9 hours a night this summer, since I am a teacher.  I rarely have any energy to do anything, but force my self too.  But I also find myself on the couch much of the time, if I really don't HAVE to do anything.  I hate being and feeling like this.  I will post another message in a few weeks to reflect on what I notice about being off the meds.  I'm 52, going on 92! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26120,0.htm Pat52 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had stage one breast cancer and had 16 weeks of radiation. At this time (Feb 08) my doctor put me on Arimidex. I had side effects like weight gain (16lbs) in two months. No sleeping and horrible increase in my arthritis. I couldn't hold a pencil. When I saw my oncologist he put me on Aromasin that I have been on for 6 weeks. My arthritis is somewhat better and my weight gain has slowed but I still have hair loss and depression not to mention i don't sleep anymore. The doctor told me I could opt to not take any drug and take my chances. I am totally confused and feel so alone. So do I stop everything? I am sixty-five and would be on it till I'm seventy. Besides all that Aromasin costs me $390 a month. I am a wreck. I would appreciate any input.ThanksRosalie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26115,0.htm Biscotti Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, y'all.I'd love to say it's nice being here, but......53 years old, married, two children, one still at home.  I'm a RN and found a lump in my left upper chest wall at work one day in late February.  Asked one of the docs to check it out and he sent me to a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer.  Biopsied the spot, and low and behold it was invasive ductal breast cancer.  Then began my journey to the land of oncologists, radiologists, plastic docs, etc.  We elected to do bilateral mastectomies and the first surgery date was March 18th.  All ready to go to surgery when a critical lab was reported:  blood glucose was 517 :(Surgery was rescheduled for March 28th..spent one night in Observation, discovered a hematoma and had to have surgery again the 31st.  So far I still have the tissue expanders (I call them my hockey pucks) in place.  Implant surgery is scheduled July 30th.  Had the Oncotype DX testing and scored a 43...sigh. I got my Bard PowerPort yesterday.  I see the oncologist next week to discuss type of chemo, schedules, etc.  I also see a gyno doc for the lovely and exciting transvaginal ultrasound as I'm having a complete hysterectomy (prophalactic) and my doc doesn't want to go in blindly.  Honestly, I think the thought of losing my hair is my biggest worry.  I've decided to shave it and get a spray on tan..heheAnd I'm seriously considering foregoing the nipple tattooing and get a hummingbird on one breast and a flower on the other.  I've never had tattoos and love the thought of being a secret rebel ;)I've had great family/friend support, but it's great to have a place like this with people that KNOW what I'm going thru.  Thanks, y'all :-) http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25965,0.htm smitten Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have battled mild lymphadema for 22 years.Suddenly a month ago my lft arm was severly swollen with some oozing.then my hand swelled up to the point of discomfort.I'm going through treatments again! The lymphedema is not budging.In the past it has gone down immediately after treament has begun.I do have two bad heart valves and moderate pulmonary hypertensionThe whole left side of my body has swelled,I'm very depressed. My therapist and surgeon think that there somethong hindering my recovery.I also have SLE. Doyou have any ideas for this sudden attack on my body?Thank=you, Marsha Mcelwee                  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25948,0.htm seamus Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had bi-lat mastectomy 5 months ago. I had drain in for 6 weeks on left side. Since the surgery, I've had a large swelling just under where my left breast had been. The surgeon didn't really make much comment after I asked him what it was and if it would go away. He just said "Maybe in about 6 months it will be gone."  The GP doesn't know what to tell me either. It is very uncomfortable.  I cannot wear my prosthesis  because the mastectomy bra irritates the "bulge".  I had not planned to have reconstruction  surgery. The bulge is hard. It doesn't seem to be fluid-filled. It feels like muscle but the doctors are not saying that it is. If anyone has had a similar problem after mastectomy, could you please let me know if you have found out what this could be. I don't feel comfortable going out in public without my prosthesis, yet, I cannot wear it. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25945,0.htm cookieT Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words.  I have had a very deep discussion with my husband since my posting and he has made himself very clear that he is here for the long hull. He loves me and we will get through this together. If all of this is for just one day longer it is worth it. He is wonderful husband and my very best friend. I have spoken with my surgeon today and we are going to have this new test done to find out if chemotherapy will even help me in the future other wise they will simply just do radiation. This is the first time my surgeon is doing this test she is very excited and thinks I am the perfect canidate for this study. It is something they do with the tumor they removed that helps to determine reaccurance risks. If there is not a great risk of reaccurance they will decide on whether it would be worth going through chemo or not. It is an expensive test but she is trying to figure out a way to get insurance to pay for it since it would be less expensive then chemo if it shows that that is not neccesary.  The only thing very frustrating right now is I can't get in to see the cbc until 8/1 and the radiology team on the 5th. The waiting is the hardest part right now. I am going back to work on Monday until we find out the next step we need to take. Not looking forward to all the questions and how are you's but the alternative sucks too. Well I will close for now and thank all you for your kind and encouaging words. I will kepp you posted on the progress made and let me know how all of you are doing as well. Thanks and God Bless,K http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25942,0.htm tomslady Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have recently been dx with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. Had the lumpectomy and setinal lobe disection last week and now have to wait until next week and meet with the oncologist to find out what the next step is going to be. My husband has been very supportive through all this but i feel guilty putting him through this. We have been married just over a year and now all this. I don't know that I want to go any farther with treament. I have been cut open 4 times in the last 6 weeks and I am feeling very sick when i look at my scares, I know they are new and they will fade but right now I cannot even look at myself in the mirror without wanting to scream.  Intamacy has become a thing if the oast since all this has started and I think that is the hardest part of all this, I need to feel close to my husband, i need hito touch me and love me the way he used to before I got sick. How so I relay this to him without pushing him. It is going to happen sooner then later that I will not physically be able to love him and feel close to him but now while I can he is scared. Does anyone have any advice for me or encouraging words of wisdom. I need something to hold on to right now.  Thanks for listening. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25872,0.htm tomslady Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Studies in recent years have highlighted a possible link between the aluminium and parabens used in antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer in women. Some scientists believe this link is significant enough to warrant further research; others completely dismiss it. Confused? Join The Deabte. Your comments are valuable as it may save someones life.  http://www.bodyhealthdebate.co.uk/join-the-debate http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25869,0.htm shaanjh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, i am 49 was diagnosed with breast cancer on Novemer of 2006. I am now cancer free Thankfully. My treatment was 6 months of chemo and then was put on tamoxifen. 10mg of tamoxifen in the morning and 10mg at night. I am expieriencing TERRIBLE hot flashes. So much so that water comes out of my nose at night and wake up drenched. I complained to my doctor and he then put me on Tramadol. I did some research on his drug and it seem to do the opposite of tamoxifen.Anyone else going through this as well ?????    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25847,0.htm sweatylady Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have been living with breast cancer for 13 years. During this time I have not had 5 years cancer free. Therefore, I have been through a lot of surgeries and treatments which have lead to my most recent dilemma. I started my journey with a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo therapy (A/C) and started on Tamoxifen. Three years later the cancer came back in the same breast. At this time I had a bilateral mastectomy, chemo (Taxotere), reconstructive surgery, and changed to Femara for the hormone therapy. Approximately one year after my last chemo treatment we found the cancer had metastasized to my bones. My hormone treatment was changed to Aromasin, I had my ovaries removed and I started on monthly I.V. treatments of Aridia for my bones. I enjoyed a little over 4 years of remission with this treatment alone. Unfortunately, in Jan '08 we discovered that the cancer had spread throughout my spine, hips, skull, pelvis, etc and several spots were seen on my liver.This was devastating news but, the doctor was very hopeful that a pill form of chemo (Xeloda) would do the trick. They warned me of the possible side effects of the burning hands and feet. Well, these side effects were more than I could handle. They were so severe that I could not walk or function normally. The treatment was reduced several times to get to a level where I could tolerate it. After about 4 months we repeated the scans only to discover that not only did this treatment not work in reducing the cancer that was there, the cancer spread like mad. My liver now has extensive disease and the disease in my bones has spread as well. In June I started on Abraxane and Avastin with three weekly treatments of Abraxane, two weekly treatments of Avastin and one week off. After one completed round (three weeks) and one additional week of treatment my tumor markers have doubled. It appears as though the treatment is not working. While I know some people experience false negatives and positive from tumor marker tests mine have been a pretty good indicator over the last 13 years. So, I know it is a long shot but I am wondering if there is anyone out there that has had a similar experience and have gone on to find something else that has worked. I have read a few things about Cancer Treatment Centers of America on this message board and for the most part it sounds rather promising. Many well intentioned friends and family tell me to get another opinion or to go to MD Anderson or the many other cancer centers. It is so hard to start all over with doctors, tests, and scans! But, I know it is probably the best thing since to this point I have only had very traditional treatment. If anyone has information that might help me I would greatly appreciate you sharing it with me. I remain hopeful! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25832,0.htm Dovie Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello i'm 36 year old and i have breast cancer. I'm not sure what to do. (scared) i have went to alot of doctors and i'm numb. Can't believe this is happening to me. I have a brain tumor that i found out about when i  was 28. I have been dealing with that just don't know what to do with this now. I don't understand why i know that i need to be positive about this but  i'm just scared i've nerver had to deal with cancer. My father passed away of gbm-4 brain tumor. Is there question i need to ask. I want a mastectomy. I have 15 to 20 masses in my left breast they did a biopsy on 6 and 4 came back positive for cancer. Any suggestions would help. My life. Hope        http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25831,0.htm my Life Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT