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Old 11-19-2016, 07:50 AM   #1
Hadit
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 50
Alcohol ban? Really?

I've read many reports of alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer. BUT........ does anyone here ever drink a little? I don't want to give up a glass or 2 of wine a couple of times a week. I read a tip where I pour 5 oz of Pinot Noir in a glass and fill it with 8 oz of chilled mineral water. How can that lil bit do much damage? Anyone?
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Old 11-19-2016, 08:34 AM   #2
jaykay
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 645
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I have not given up drinking my 2-3 glasses of wine a week. Honestly, a bottle lasts me for over a week! I did not drink during chemo because alcohol tasted horrible!.

So, yes. I drink.
__________________
March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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Old 11-19-2016, 09:49 AM   #3
Hadit
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 50
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

jaykay, thanks. I'm trying to exercise, eat as much organic produce as possible and very lil meat ( no red meat or soy). I'm within my reccomended BMI , tho I'd like to loose another 10 lbs as estrogen feeds my cancer, BUT I just like to have a couple glasses now and then and not feel like I"m killing myself. I don't like discussing this with my onc dr as he doesn't drink at all ( never drank ever). I think that's part of his problem, hahaha.
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Old 11-19-2016, 07:22 PM   #4
jaykay
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Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Lol. I'm not an expert but I believe in moderation with occasional chocolate cheating:-)
__________________
March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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Old 11-20-2016, 12:02 AM   #5
Pamelamary
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 494
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I would go with moderation, with all aspects of nutrition - we are meant to be living with this disease, and a little pleasure can't go astray.
Best wishes....Pam
__________________
Diagnosed 2004: Lumpectomy - 2 tumours, both grade 1 infiltrating duct carcinoma, about 12mm. ER+,
C-erbB-2 status 3+.
Clear margins, no nodal involvement.
Radiotherapy, i year Tamoxifen, 4 years Arimidex.
Rediagnosed 2012: Multiple bone metastases.
3/12: began on Marianne trial - T-DM1 + Pertuzamab/Placebo.
5/12:Unexpected development of numerous bilateral liver mets. Came off trial.
Started Docetaxol/ Herceptin + Zometa.
8/12:Bones stable +major regression in liver (!)
9/12:Can't take any more Docetaxol! Start on Herceptin and Tamoxifen. Cross fingers!
Changed to Denosumab.
11/12: Scan shows stable - yay!
11/13: Still stable :-) !!!
1/16: All stable, but lowered calcium, so switched to Zometa 3 monthly.
2/19: Happily still stable on Herceptin, Letrozole and 3 monthly Zometa.
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Old 11-25-2016, 11:52 AM   #6
TiffanyS
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 459
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

My doctor told me to limit how much I drink while getting chemo, but she never told me that I should quit drinking. I like a cold beer every once and a while, and she told that one or two drinks a week won’t kill me. I’m not a big drinker, and tend to only drink on special occasions, such as birthdays or holiday gatherings, etc.

I was also never told to eat organic food only, nor was I told not to eat red meat, just to make sure that it was cooked well while getting chemo.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s normal. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for one year).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar.
08/16 – I am told that I have a “local recurrence” and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments.
10/16 – Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-3 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
12/16 – CT Scan scheduled for December 14. I can’t wait to find out if the Perjeta is working!
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Old 11-28-2016, 01:10 PM   #7
snolan
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: El Paso ,Tx
Posts: 436
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Though I didn't drink during chemo due to tasting bad. I am 6 years out and I still drink 1-2 times a week. One drink only as I am a light weight.
__________________
dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41
Double mast w reconstruction
6 TCH w 1yr herceptin
Tamox.
25 radiation tx
Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway.
Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011
Finished chemo 12/2010
Finished Herceptin 8/26/11
Reconstruction 12/21/11
Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12
Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12
Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay!
11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.
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Old 11-28-2016, 03:59 PM   #8
Hadit
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Posts: 50
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

thanks for sharing. And congrats on your journey.
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Old 12-11-2016, 11:33 AM   #9
Gabrielle
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Posts: 46
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I drink about 2-3 drinks a week. All kinds of alcohol. 17 years out, stage 3.
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Old 12-12-2016, 06:46 AM   #10
Mtngrl
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,427
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I drink, just about every day, 2 glasses of red wine. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. I don't "have" to drink but I enjoy it.

There's a slight increase of breast cancer risk associated with alcohol. Since my risk is 100%, that ship has sailed. If they could promise to cure me if I quit drinking, of course I'd do it.

I think we should each do what seems best for us. I feel good most of the time on a mostly-plant based diet, plenty of water, green tea, lots of fruits and vegetables. I wake up alert and energetic. And I'm in my 6th year since being diagnosed "stage iv de novo."
__________________
Amy
_____________________________
4/19/11 Diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast; 2.3 cm tumor, 1 axillary lymph node, weakly ER+, HER2+++
4/29/11 CT scan shows suspicious lesions on liver and lungs
5/17/11 liver biopsy
5/24/11 liver met confirmed--Stage IV at diagnosis
5/27/11 Begin weekly Taxol & Herceptin for 3 months (standard of care at the time of my DX)
7/18/11 Switch to weekly Abraxane & Herceptin due to Taxol allergy
8/29/11 CT scan shows no new lesions & old lesions shrinking
9/27/11 Finish Abraxane. Start Herceptin every 3 weeks. Begin taking Arimidex
10/17/11--Brain MRI--No Brain mets
12/5/11 PET scan--Almost NED
5/15/12 PET scan shows progression-breast/chest/spine (one vertebra)
5/22/12 Stop taking Arimidex; stay on Herceptin
6/11/12 Started Tykerb and Herceptin on clinical trial (w/no chemo)
9/24/12 CT scan--No new mets. Everything stable.
3/11/13 CT Scan--two small new possible mets and odd looking area in left lung getting larger.
4/2/13--Biopsy of suspicious area in lower left lung. Mets to lung confirmed.
4/30/13 Begin Kadcyla/TDM-1
8/16/13 PET scan "mixed," with some areas of increased uptake, but also some definite improvement, so I'll stay on TDM-1/Kadcyla.
11/11/13 Finally get hormone receptor results from lung biopsy of 4/2/13. My cancer is no longer ER positive.
11/13/13 PET scan mixed results again. We're calling it "stable." Problems breathing on exertion.
2/18/14 PET scan shows a new lesion and newly active lymph node in chest, other progression. Bye bye TDM-1.
2/28/14 Begin Herceptin/Perjeta every 3 weeks.
6/8/14 PET "mixed," with no new lesions, and everything but lower lungs improving. My breathing is better.
8/18/14 PET "mixed" again. Upper lungs & one spine met stable, lower lungs less FDG avid, original tumor more avid, one lymph node in mediastinum more avid.
9/1/14 Begin taking Xeloda one week on, one week off. Will also stay on Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks.
12/11/14 PET Scan--no new lesions, and everything looks better than it did.
3/20/15 PET Scan--no new lesions, but lower lung lesions larger and a bit more avid.
4/13/15 Increasing Xeloda dose to 10 days on, one week off.
7/1/15 Scan "mixed" again, but suggests continuing progression. Stop Xeloda. Substitute Abraxane every 3 weeks starting 7/13.
10/28/15 PET scan shows dramatic improvement everywhere. All lesions except lower lungs have resolved; lower lungs noticeably improved.
12/18/15 Last Abraxane. Continue on Herceptin and Perjeta alone beginning 1/8/16.
1/27/16 PET scan shows cancer is stable.
5/11/16 PET scan shows uptake in some areas that were resolved on the last two scans.
6/3/16 Begin Kadcyla and Tykerb combination
6/5 - 6/23 Horrible diarrhea from K&T together. Got pneumonia.
7/15/16 Begin Kadcyla only every 3 weeks.
9/6/16 Begin radiation therapy on right lung lesion that caused the pneumonia.
10/3/16 Last of 12 radiation treatments to right lung.
11/4/16 Huffing and puffing, low O2, high heart rate, on tiniest bit of exertion. Diagnosed as radiation pneumonitis. Treated with Prednisone.
11/11/16 PET scan shows significant improvement to radiated part of right lung BUT a bunch of new lung lesions, and the bone met is getting worse.
11/22/16 Begin Eribulin and Herceptin. H every 3 weeks. E two weeks on, one week off.
3/6/17 Scan shows progression in lungs. Bone met a little better.
3/23/17 Lung biopsy. Tumor sampled is ER-, PR+ (5%), HER2+++. Getting Herceptin and Perjeta as a maintenance treatment.
5/31/17 Port placement
6/1/17 Start Navelbine & Tykerb
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Old 12-12-2016, 08:28 AM   #11
Hadit
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 50
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

thanks ladies for chiming in. I've decided that I want to live and be normal but will have just 4 glasses a week. I learned a trick to mix 2.5 oz of wine with about 1 cup Mineral water "San Pelligrino" ( chilled). I do this twice to enjoy the equivilant of 1 glass total . I now only drink Pinot Nior as it has less sugar. thanks
__________________
Dx Sept 2015, triple positive, stage IIA, grade 3, Her2++. right breast, no family history (only 54)

Oct 2015, started chemo including Herceptin &Perjeta
Jan 2016, stopped chemo after 5 of 6 rounds due to ulcer
Feb 2016, developed gout from chemo , lumpectomy, clear nodes, went on strong meds for gout
April 2016, started radiation
May 2016, had to stop radiation due to severe reaction to gout meds and radiation. Rushed to ICU, on morphine for 3 days with severe infection
June 2016, Started Arimidex
Aug 2016, Developed a severe case of Telangiectasia
Nov 2016, Sclerathearpy (weekly injections) for gross bloody spider viens from radiation.
Awaiting approval for Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Thearpy
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Old 12-12-2016, 01:45 PM   #12
Carol Ann
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,045
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Hadit,

I was thinking of you last night when my husband made some homemade Bailey's Irish Cream (sweetened with stevia, so basically no sugar and carb free!) and I had a very small glass.

YUM!! Gotta enjoy life and a glass of spirits sometime!!

Your wine trick sounds good!

Carol Ann
__________________
July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 12-13-2016, 05:53 AM   #13
TiffanyS
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 459
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

They way I see it, we are still alive, and need to live! If that means having a drink or two every once and a while, then I say go for it!

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s normal. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for one year).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar.
08/16 – I am told that I have a “local recurrence” and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments.
10/16 – Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan scheduled for December 14. I can’t wait to find out if the Perjeta is working!
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Old 12-13-2016, 06:38 AM   #14
Hadit
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 50
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I like how you ladies think. I read an ariticle from a lady who had recurrence 18 years later and the only thing she did was drink 2-3 glasses of red wine a night. No one ever told her not to. She got useful info from a very informed dr who said to refrain from alcholol to just 1 glass/day. I hope to have some peppermint schnapps in my Nuetlla hot chocolate by the campfire next month when I meet up with my college roommate I haven't seen in 26 years. Camping is my happy place
__________________
Dx Sept 2015, triple positive, stage IIA, grade 3, Her2++. right breast, no family history (only 54)

Oct 2015, started chemo including Herceptin &Perjeta
Jan 2016, stopped chemo after 5 of 6 rounds due to ulcer
Feb 2016, developed gout from chemo , lumpectomy, clear nodes, went on strong meds for gout
April 2016, started radiation
May 2016, had to stop radiation due to severe reaction to gout meds and radiation. Rushed to ICU, on morphine for 3 days with severe infection
June 2016, Started Arimidex
Aug 2016, Developed a severe case of Telangiectasia
Nov 2016, Sclerathearpy (weekly injections) for gross bloody spider viens from radiation.
Awaiting approval for Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Thearpy
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Old 12-13-2016, 01:27 PM   #15
Carol Ann
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,045
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Yay, have a wonderful time ... putting peppermint schnapps in Nutella hot chocolate sounds REALLY good!!

Carol Ann
__________________
July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 12-14-2016, 12:00 PM   #16
jacqueline1102
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 183
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Greetings all,

This link might address some of the questions about alcohol. I love my red wine on Saturdays. Nice dinner and bottle of wine with the hubby.

www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
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Old 12-14-2016, 02:56 PM   #17
Hadit
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 50
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

Jacqueline, thanks for the link, I did read that 1 glass of wine a night should be ok, I drink about 4 glasses a week. With the holidays coming up , it's hard. I posted a tip earlier where I put 1/2 a serving of Pinot Noir in a big glass and top with chilled San Pelligrino. I do this twice to make me think I"m getting 2 big glasses but only one serving. It works!
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Old 12-23-2016, 12:52 AM   #18
ArthGreen
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 2
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I think lowering the intake of alcohol is a good idea. I have read somewhere that alcohol may increase the risk of breast cancer as they damage your DNA cells.
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Old 05-29-2017, 04:05 AM   #19
ivette.carlier
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

To me, it's all about moderation. Drink but do not loose your mind!
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Old 05-29-2017, 11:44 AM   #20
donocco
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 474
Re: Alcohol ban? Really?

I doubt moderate alcohol consumption will affect breast cancer one way or another. Women drank alcoholic beverages in the 1930s? after prohibition was lifted in probably much larger quantities. Yet the breast cancer incidence in say 1935 was much less than it is today. If alcohol consumption were a major cause of breast cancer that probably wouldnt be so.

As far as the woman who had a recurrence after 18 years that probably is do to a reactivation of dormant breast cancer stem cells than anything else. While its not impossible that the drinks she had daily played a small, small part in this reactivation it
is not that likely. The stresses of life that are continuous probably played a larger role than anything else. Stress increases body cortisone and cortisone decreases immunity If anything the relaxation of the wine kept her alive longer. Just a guess.

Paul
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