I have breast cancer. :-(((

[simple girl]

Thanks everyone for the kind words of support and also the validation that this sucks!

Sorry about the ongoing obstacles, SG. Forge ahead - there is a light at the end of the not-so-long tunnel.

I wouldn't worry about future radiation having any significant effect on lung function - I am not a radiation oncologist, but they are very good at sparing uninvolved tissue.

Thank you Rich! I'm so glad I have a top-notch facility here - I know they will do everything they can to minimize side-effects. I'm lucky in that the site is only 15-20 minutes away. Some people have to drive in over an hour each day (and back home) for their treatment, which can be 30+ days for some. (I don't know what mine will be yet.)

SG, pls take very good care of yourself. Be careful with the radiation at the site of the surgery scars. My sis went thru this about 4 years back, and ended up having problems. The radiation on the scars was too much to handle, and she ended up with a couple of spots that would not heal. She had to have a skin transplant from her thigh to replace the damaged skin. This was well over a year post surgery and rad. All of that said, sis knew she had a problem...kinda hard to miss a grapefruit sized tumor, but did nothing about it from the time she figured out she had a golfball sized mass until it was grapefruit sized. Then when the skin was having trouble healing, she also put it off and put it off. So, take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to check in with the doc at any hint that somethings not right.

R

This is sage advice. I have a friend who developed a nasty burn from radiation - hers did heal up well, but she was on it right away. I will definitely be watching my skin like a hawk! I sunburn very easily and turn red as soon as any tape is put on me...doc says that doesn't predict who will have problems with rads, but regardless, I'm concerned!

 

[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).

 

[Dreamer]

Setbacks do suck, but I am so glad that you have a top notch facility that close. Hopefully everything will work out this time. You have such a super attitude.

 

[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.

 

[simple girl]

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).

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!

 

[simple girl]

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.

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.

 

[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

 

[GregLee]

No chemo because I have no signs of invasion into the lymph nodes or my body anywhere else.

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.

 

[FIREd]

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!

That's exactly what my step mom was told by specialists in France and Switzerland.

Wishing you the best SG.

 

[Alan]

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

+1

I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Alan]

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).

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.

Please stick to stuff that you know about. I can't decide if you are just plain insensitive or something more invasive.

 

[GregLee]

Please stick to stuff that you know about. I can't decide if you are just plain insensitive or something more invasive.

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?

 

[Alan]

What does it have to do with sensitivity?

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.

 

[Moemg]

SG, Sorry you recovery will be slower than you thought but you will recover and heal and dance some more !

 

[ls99]

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!

Well done.

As my DW is a cancer survivor, know the the process.
Am still with the muppets prediction and full recovery for you.

 

[bbbamI]

Did I hear someone mention dancing?

I just can't help mahself.......

 

[ls99]

Did I hear someone mention dancing?

I just can't help mahself.......

Lemme mention Ice Dancing.

 

[simple girl]

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.

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]

Did I hear someone mention dancing?

I just can't help mahself.......

That bear's got some serious boo-tay shakin' goin' on!

I love this board! Thank you all so much!

 

[Dawg52]

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.

 

[GregLee]

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.

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.

 

[MichaelB]

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.

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.

 

[Coolius]

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

 

[DangerMouse]

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.

 

[toofrugalformycat]

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.