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10-28-2011, 10:38 AM
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#281
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,066
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bestwifeever
Wow, SG, tough news, but I am so in awe of your medical team and the very clear path they've set up for treatment of something that could have slipped right through the cracks. All good wishes that the treatments go well and you're back on the dance floor soon after.
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I am sooooo happy my gut (and extensive research) told me to get a 2nd opinion on the pathology report. Otherwise, I would have gone on my merry way thinking everything was fine. Scary!
Thank you for your encouragement.
__________________
simple girl
less stuff, more time
(55, married; Mr. Simple Girl, 59. FIRED 12/31/19!)
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10-28-2011, 10:53 AM
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#282
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hooverville
Posts: 22,983
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SG, I am sorry that you must deal with this additional matter. You are the best though, and I feel sure that your ability to focus and stay calm as well as your fine doctors will assure success with this challenge.
Ha
__________________
"As a general rule, the more dangerous or inappropriate a conversation, the more interesting it is."-Scott Adams
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10-28-2011, 10:54 AM
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#283
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Waimanalo, HI
Posts: 1,881
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simple girl
No chemo because I have no signs of invasion into the lymph nodes or my body anywhere else.
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Yes, but speaking only in general terms, not about your case, there doesn't have to be evidence of non-local cancer for chemo to be used. I had chemo for rectal cancer (stage 2a), even though there was no evidence of cancer outside my rectum, including none in the lymph nodes, and my surgery achieved clean margins. Because just because there was no evidence of non-local cancer (for me) doesn't mean there wasn't any. You have to look at the odds. I was told that chemo given in addition to radiation boosts the 5 year cancer-free survival rate over that found for radiation alone for patients with my particular type and stage of cancer.
__________________
Greg (retired in 2010 at age 68, state pension)
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10-28-2011, 11:20 AM
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#284
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 12,901
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simple girl
No chemo because I have no signs of invasion into the lymph nodes or my body anywhere else. Chemo is a systemic treatment - treats the whole body. Radiation is more focused on the local breast area. Thank you for the encouragement!
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That's exactly what my step mom was told by specialists in France and Switzerland.
Wishing you the best SG.
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10-28-2011, 11:48 AM
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#285
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Administrator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: N. Yorkshire
Posts: 34,130
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Quote:
Originally Posted by haha
SG, I am sorry that you must deal with this additional matter. You are the best though, and I feel sure that your ability to focus and stay calm as well as your fine doctors will assure success with this challenge.
Ha
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+1
I couldn't have said it better myself.
__________________
Retired in Jan, 2010 at 55, moved to England in May 2016
Enough private pension and SS income to cover all needs
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10-28-2011, 11:53 AM
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#286
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Administrator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: N. Yorkshire
Posts: 34,130
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregLee
Though I know that some patients don't approach things this way, I am the sort that always follows the doctors' advice, so I would have proceeded as you are. I wonder why they aren't prescribing chemotherapy for you, in addition to surgery and radiation (not that I have any idea what breast cancer therapy is like).
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregLee
Yes, but speaking only in general terms, not about your case, there doesn't have to be evidence of non-local cancer for chemo to be used. I had chemo for rectal cancer (stage 2a), even though there was no evidence of cancer outside my rectum, including none in the lymph nodes, and my surgery achieved clean margins. Because just because there was no evidence of non-local cancer (for me) doesn't mean there wasn't any. You have to look at the odds. I was told that chemo given in addition to radiation boosts the 5 year cancer-free survival rate over that found for radiation alone for patients with my particular type and stage of cancer.
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Please stick to stuff that you know about. I can't decide if you are just plain insensitive or something more invasive.
__________________
Retired in Jan, 2010 at 55, moved to England in May 2016
Enough private pension and SS income to cover all needs
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10-28-2011, 12:17 PM
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#287
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Waimanalo, HI
Posts: 1,881
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan
Please stick to stuff that you know about. I can't decide if you are just plain insensitive or something more invasive.
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I do know something about it, in fact, from my own case and reading about a number of others'. Chemo is often recommended and often given for state 2a rectal cancer, in addition to surgery and radiation. As I said. I was careful to not leave an implication that that says anything about breast cancer therapy but only about the generality that chemo is not given in the absence of evidence for non-local cancer. What does it have to do with sensitivity? Should I not be referring to rectums or something?
__________________
Greg (retired in 2010 at age 68, state pension)
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10-28-2011, 12:28 PM
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#288
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Administrator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: N. Yorkshire
Posts: 34,130
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregLee
What does it have to do with sensitivity?
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The lady is going through a lot, and following the advice of her doctors at a highly rated cancer clinic. The last thing she needs is someone with no medical background trying to make her doubt the treatment she is receiving.
It is unfortunate you don't see that, and are worried that discussing rectums might be the issue I'm raising.
__________________
Retired in Jan, 2010 at 55, moved to England in May 2016
Enough private pension and SS income to cover all needs
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10-28-2011, 12:28 PM
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#289
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Gone but not forgotten
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sarasota,fl.
Posts: 11,447
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SG, Sorry you recovery will be slower than you thought but you will recover and heal and dance some more !
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10-28-2011, 12:35 PM
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#290
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 6,506
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simple girl
I am sooooo happy my gut (and extensive research) told me to get a 2nd opinion on the pathology report. Otherwise, I would have gone on my merry way thinking everything was fine. Scary!
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Well done.
As my DW is a cancer survivor, know the the process.
Am still with the muppets prediction and full recovery for you.
__________________
There must be moderation in everything, including moderation.
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10-28-2011, 12:46 PM
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#291
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Collin County, TX
Posts: 9,296
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Did I hear someone mention dancing?
I just can't help mahself.......
__________________
There's no need to complicate, our time is short..
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10-28-2011, 12:49 PM
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#292
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 6,506
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Quote:
Lemme mention Ice Dancing.
__________________
There must be moderation in everything, including moderation.
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10-28-2011, 12:50 PM
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#293
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,066
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregLee
Yes, but speaking only in general terms, not about your case, there doesn't have to be evidence of non-local cancer for chemo to be used. I had chemo for rectal cancer (stage 2a), even though there was no evidence of cancer outside my rectum, including none in the lymph nodes, and my surgery achieved clean margins. Because just because there was no evidence of non-local cancer (for me) doesn't mean there wasn't any. You have to look at the odds. I was told that chemo given in addition to radiation boosts the 5 year cancer-free survival rate over that found for radiation alone for patients with my particular type and stage of cancer.
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My stage is earlier than yours - my type of cancer, fortunately, does not have the ability to metastasize. There was a chance that they would find a later stage lurking in my breast, the kind that had the potential to metastasize, so they did a lymph node biopsy to be sure (you can't effectively do a lymph node biopsy after a mastectomy - so it had to be done as a precaution - this is complicated, and I won't go into it - but trust me on this one). After the final pathology was completed (both times), there was no sign of the later stage cancers in my tissues - so no chance (reasonable) that it could have metastasized.
Now, if you want to get into the more nitty gritty - yes, a few stray cells may have mutated into the invasive type, and they may have been missed by both pathologists, and yes they may be floating around my body as we speak. The risk of that happening is far lower than the risks associated with chemo. Chemo plain and simple is not a prudent decision in my particular case.
I do have some cancer cells remaining in my breast, as noted. There still is the chance they could mutate and metastasize. Hence, they need to get rid of them before they can mutate (no one knows how long that takes - could be years, could be months). So they will do local treatments to try to eradicate them (surgery, radiation).
I hope this helps you understand. I hope I've explained it properly and clearly...at least to the best of my understanding! These things are much more complicated than they appear on the surface...that's why we've got amazing docs who know all the in's and out's and can help weigh the risks associated with the various treatment options. At some point, you've gotta trust the hands and minds of your docs and pray for the best.
__________________
simple girl
less stuff, more time
(55, married; Mr. Simple Girl, 59. FIRED 12/31/19!)
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10-28-2011, 12:58 PM
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#294
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,066
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Quote:
That bear's got some serious boo-tay shakin' goin' on!
I love this board! Thank you all so much!
__________________
simple girl
less stuff, more time
(55, married; Mr. Simple Girl, 59. FIRED 12/31/19!)
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10-28-2011, 01:15 PM
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#295
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,072
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Sorry for the setback, but at least they are finding it now. Sounds like they know what they are doing. Best of luck and keep us up to date.
__________________
Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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10-28-2011, 01:35 PM
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#296
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Waimanalo, HI
Posts: 1,881
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simple girl
The risk of that happening is far lower than the risks associated with chemo. Chemo plain and simple is not a prudent decision in my particular case.
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Thank you, that seems very clearly explained. Lay people who haven't been through the cancer experience don't always understand that such decisions come down to a comparison of risks.
__________________
Greg (retired in 2010 at age 68, state pension)
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10-28-2011, 04:03 PM
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#297
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Administrator
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 40,726
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Yes, you have explained it well, and along the way shown an amazing attitude. Pray, trust the docs and your own good sense as well, and don't let up.
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10-28-2011, 05:25 PM
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#298
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 862
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You will see this through just fine. Your positive attitude in approaching this disease is important - I am confident you will emerge from all this stronger, healthier, and more full of the joy of living.
Coolius
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10-28-2011, 09:34 PM
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#299
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 1,812
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I'm sorry to hear that yet another challenge has been thrown your way. However, the positive to take out of this is it is better to know and deal with it, rather than think everything is ok when it isn't.
You have been a true inspiration with your attitude and your sharing of what you have researched. I am sure that one day somewhere someone is going to do a search on breast cancer and find your posts which will enable them to make decisions based on your sharing of this info.
__________________
I be a girl, he's a boy. Think I maybe FIRED since July 08. Mid 40s, no kidlets. Actually am totally clueless as to what is going on with DH.
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10-28-2011, 10:44 PM
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#300
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Anchorage
Posts: 731
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Simple Girl, sorry to hear that you've got one more switchback on your path to the top of the mountain of complete health, but with your great attitude and medical team, you'll get there. Thanks so much for keeping your massive crowd of well-wishers informed.
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