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Old 07-25-2009, 01:22 PM   #1
Westcoastgirl
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 128
No idea where to post

My husband went to the family dr for me today as his office had called, wanting to see me, having received some results from my bone density test done a week ago. Just one week from my last chemo I did not want to brave a clinic waiting room. As my breast cancer tumor tested positive for estrogen it is advised I take an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years. One of the side affects is loss of bone density so they wanted to establish a base line. I had never considered myself a person that would develop osteoporosis but it seems I have osteoporosis. The dr does not have the numbers yet so we are not aware of how serious it is but that I am in that range. I am devastated, this is very hard to deal with...all those years of wt training, walking, good diet......then breast cancer, 6 months later, now osteoporosis. It feels a little unreal but to tell you the truth I have been feeling "fragile" for a few years. Not sure how this will work in the treatment of my cancer, have my next oncologist appt in two weeks. Frightening times for me. I did not know where to go for advise but wonder if any of you out there are in the same situation as me. When do the cons outweigh the pros of aromatase inhibitors if I already have osteoporosis? Carolyn
__________________
12/17/08 biopsy after two 6 mos mammo recalls
12/30/08 diagnosed high grade IDC & DCIS
ER/PR +, Her2 (+++) post menopausal/age 57
1/15/09 double mastectomy/skin sparing; no evidence of vascular/lymphatic invasion, 8neg/8 nodes (tumor 8.0mm)
2/16/09 given portacath/removed 4/30/10
2/18/09 "surprise" 2.0mm tumor/positive borders~
completed 28 rads 10/09.
2/23/09 until 4/19/10~treatments every 3wks (4 Cytoxan + Adriamycin, 4 Taxol + Herceptin, 13 Herceptin alone)
8/09 osteoporosis diagnosis/Zometa 3 yrs of 1x/6 months
Chemo side effects; Deafness, kidney function loss
11/09 began Aromatase Inhibitor (Femara)/Feb2014, stopped Femara early/after 3 mos began Tamoxifen for 8 mos to complete 5 years
11/10 Reconstruction, directly to silicone implants
12/11 nipples by skin graft/Right breast size reduced

I have heard th
ere are troubles of more than one kind

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!
Dr. Seuss
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Old 07-25-2009, 02:14 PM   #2
hutchibk
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Posts: 3,519
Perhaps you are osteopenic, which is pre-osteoporosis. Both osteopenia and osteoporosis are pretty common among bc survivors... please don't feel like you are facing this alone. Chances are you had a propensity before dx, because 6 months sounds to me like it might be a bit too fast to see full blown osteoporosis. It's also the result of a combination of being forced into menopause by chemo and side effect from AIs. There are plenty of treatment options (in the US anyway) and one is Zometa (zolendronic acid) which shows very good protection against bone metastasis along with treating osteoporosis. Take your calcium and D3 supplements everyday along with Zometa.

A few things I have adopted since being dxed with osteoporosis:
1. I don't get aggressive "cracking" chiropractic adjustments anymore (which I use to love), only gentle non-cracking ones (which seem to work just fine).
2. I don't ice skate or roller skate with my neice anymore, or do anything that could obviously result in a fall.
3. I continue to exercise lightly as I am able, riding bike, walking, hula hoop, shooting basketball.

Let us know what you find out.
__________________
Brenda

NOV 2012 - 9 yr anniversary
JULY 2012 - 7 yr anniversary stage IV (of 50...)

Nov'03~ dX stage 2B
Dec'03~
Rt side mastectomy, Her2+, ER/PR+, 10 nodes out, one node positive
Jan'04~
Taxotere/Adria/Cytoxan x 6, NED, no Rads, Tamox. 1 year, Arimadex 3 mo., NED 14 mo.
Sept'05~
micro mets lungs/chest nodes/underarm node, Switched to Aromasin, T/C/H x 7, NED 6 months - Herceptin only
Aug'06~
micro mets chest nodes, & bone spot @ C3 neck, Added Taxol to Herceptin
Feb'07~ Genetic testing, BRCA 1&2 neg

Apr'07~
MRI - two 9mm brain mets & 5 punctates, new left chest met, & small increase of bone spot C3 neck, Stopped Aromasin
May'07~
Started Tykerb/Xeloda, no WBR for now
June'07~
MRI - stable brain mets, no new mets, 9mm spots less enhanced, CA15.3 down 45.5 to 9.3 in 10 wks, Ty/Xel working magic!
Aug'07~
MRI - brain mets shrunk half, NO NEW BRAIN METS!!, TMs stable @ 9.2
Oct'07~
PET/CT & MRI show NED
Apr'08~
scans still show NED in the head, small bone spot on right iliac crest (rear pelvic bone)
Sept'08~
MRI shows activity in brain mets, completed 5 fractions/5 consecutive days of IMRT to zap the pesky buggers
Oct'08~
dropped Xeloda, switched to tri-weekly Herceptin in combo with Tykerb, extend to tri-monthly Zometa infusion
Dec'08~
Brain MRI- 4 spots reduced to punctate size, large spot shrunk by 3mm, CT of torso clear/pelvis spot stable
June'09~
new 3-4mm left cerrebellar spot zapped with IMRT targeted rads
Sept'09~
new 6mm & 1 cm spots in pituitary/optic chiasm area. Rx= 25 days of 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the tumors.
Oct'09~
25 days of low dose 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the bone mets spot on rt. iliac crest that have been watching for 2 years. Added daily Aromasin back into treatment regimen.
Apr'10~ Brain MRI clear! But, see new small spot on adrenal gland. Change from Aromasin back to Tamoxifen.
June'10~ Tumor markers (CA15.3) dropped from 37 to 23 after one month on Tamoxifen. Continue to monitor adrenal gland spot. Remain on Tykerb/Herceptin/Tamoxifen.
Nov'10~ Radiate positive mediastinal node that was pressing on recurrent laryngeal nerve, causing paralyzed larynx and a funny voice.
Jan'11~ MRI shows possible activity or perhaps just scar tissue/necrotic increase on 3 previously treated brain spots and a pituitary spot. 5 days of IMRT on 4 spots.
Feb'11~ Enrolled in T-DM1 EAP in Denver, first treatment March 25, 2011.
Mar'11~ Finally started T-DM1 EAP in Denver at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center/Rose on Mar. 25... hallelujah.

"I would rather be anecdotally alive than statistically dead."
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Old 07-25-2009, 02:19 PM   #3
StephN
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Location: Misty woods of WA State
Posts: 4,128
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Hello Carolyn -

I am a "west coast girl" too. Live just south of you.

What many of us have found is that after chemo we get a baseline Dexa bone density scan and find that we are deficient in our bones. My onc told me that the chemo is part of the cause and can put someone at risk for osteoporosis over the line.

One other thing you might have checked is your vitamin D level, which many of us here have tested low. So, you will want to at a minimum get that level up and take probably more calcium than you might get now. (You can look up a few recent threads on this topis.)

Another thing you can take that is actually a bone rebuilder is called Zometa. It is by infusion and several of the gals here get it 2 or 3 times per year. Threads on this topic as well.

If you should be on an AI, then there are things to do to counteract the effect on your bones. So, look hard at your diet and make some changes if that would help. Youir clinic should have a nutritionist that could help guide you.

Small boned women are at higher risk anyway. Keeping the tendons and muscles in tone will help protect your joints.

Let us know how you do. And try to educate yourself about some lifestyle and diet changes that can reverse this trend with your bones.
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.

MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
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Old 07-25-2009, 02:26 PM   #4
alicem
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Posts: 430
I would also visit your dentist before taking any drugs to combat osteoporosis. See the following link to an article about it:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...dental+healing
__________________
9/15/08 (age 52) - Mammo: calcifications
9/22/08 - Biopsy: DCIS, grade 3. ER,PR status: Pos. in 75-90% of tumor cells.
10/01/08 - Ob/Gyn appt.: found complex, mostly cystic mass on right ovary - 11cmx12cmx 8cm
10/15/08 - Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy, Lumpectomy: Cyst on uterus, not ovary - all was benign. Breast - 5 of 6 bad margins. 2 Sentinel Lymph nodes removed, both negative. Stage 0, Tis, N0
12/11/08 - Mastectomy & DIEP reconstruction: Surprise! 2 cm Invasive DC, grade 2 found. One benign internal mammary lymph node. Stage 1, T1c, N0, all clean margins. ER+ (Proportion Score = 2/5, Intensity Score = 2/3) and PR+(Proportion Score = 3/5, Intensity Score = 2/3)
HER2 score = 3+
1/09/09 - Oncotype DX: Recurrence S/core of 60 !?!?! ER status is NEG!! PR staus is NEG! HER2 score = 12.2 (still positive, greater than 11.5 is positive).
1/20/09 - Started chemo: TCH
5/26/09 - FINISHED CHEMO!
1/05/10 - FINISHED HERCEPTIN!
1/22/10 - Port-a-catheter removed!
3/07/18 - Still NED
9/10/23 - Still NED
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Old 07-25-2009, 02:30 PM   #5
hutchibk
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Posts: 3,519
Yes - you need to get all dental work attended to and healed before starting Zometa. Then you have to keep up with your dental visits. Make sure your dentist is apprised and up to speed on bisphosphenates and potential for osteonecrosis of the jaw/teeth/gums.
__________________
Brenda

NOV 2012 - 9 yr anniversary
JULY 2012 - 7 yr anniversary stage IV (of 50...)

Nov'03~ dX stage 2B
Dec'03~
Rt side mastectomy, Her2+, ER/PR+, 10 nodes out, one node positive
Jan'04~
Taxotere/Adria/Cytoxan x 6, NED, no Rads, Tamox. 1 year, Arimadex 3 mo., NED 14 mo.
Sept'05~
micro mets lungs/chest nodes/underarm node, Switched to Aromasin, T/C/H x 7, NED 6 months - Herceptin only
Aug'06~
micro mets chest nodes, & bone spot @ C3 neck, Added Taxol to Herceptin
Feb'07~ Genetic testing, BRCA 1&2 neg

Apr'07~
MRI - two 9mm brain mets & 5 punctates, new left chest met, & small increase of bone spot C3 neck, Stopped Aromasin
May'07~
Started Tykerb/Xeloda, no WBR for now
June'07~
MRI - stable brain mets, no new mets, 9mm spots less enhanced, CA15.3 down 45.5 to 9.3 in 10 wks, Ty/Xel working magic!
Aug'07~
MRI - brain mets shrunk half, NO NEW BRAIN METS!!, TMs stable @ 9.2
Oct'07~
PET/CT & MRI show NED
Apr'08~
scans still show NED in the head, small bone spot on right iliac crest (rear pelvic bone)
Sept'08~
MRI shows activity in brain mets, completed 5 fractions/5 consecutive days of IMRT to zap the pesky buggers
Oct'08~
dropped Xeloda, switched to tri-weekly Herceptin in combo with Tykerb, extend to tri-monthly Zometa infusion
Dec'08~
Brain MRI- 4 spots reduced to punctate size, large spot shrunk by 3mm, CT of torso clear/pelvis spot stable
June'09~
new 3-4mm left cerrebellar spot zapped with IMRT targeted rads
Sept'09~
new 6mm & 1 cm spots in pituitary/optic chiasm area. Rx= 25 days of 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the tumors.
Oct'09~
25 days of low dose 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the bone mets spot on rt. iliac crest that have been watching for 2 years. Added daily Aromasin back into treatment regimen.
Apr'10~ Brain MRI clear! But, see new small spot on adrenal gland. Change from Aromasin back to Tamoxifen.
June'10~ Tumor markers (CA15.3) dropped from 37 to 23 after one month on Tamoxifen. Continue to monitor adrenal gland spot. Remain on Tykerb/Herceptin/Tamoxifen.
Nov'10~ Radiate positive mediastinal node that was pressing on recurrent laryngeal nerve, causing paralyzed larynx and a funny voice.
Jan'11~ MRI shows possible activity or perhaps just scar tissue/necrotic increase on 3 previously treated brain spots and a pituitary spot. 5 days of IMRT on 4 spots.
Feb'11~ Enrolled in T-DM1 EAP in Denver, first treatment March 25, 2011.
Mar'11~ Finally started T-DM1 EAP in Denver at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center/Rose on Mar. 25... hallelujah.

"I would rather be anecdotally alive than statistically dead."
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Old 07-25-2009, 02:48 PM   #6
Westcoastgirl
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 128
I knew you would be there for me

I did not know where to go, was upset so came here. This dx today feels more frightening to me than breast cancer. I thought I could beat the bc. I have never had a bone density done before last Friday and went through menopause 3 years ago. About 1 year ago I upped my calcium and vit D and have been conscientiously taking 1500 mg Calcium and 1000iu Vit D spread through the day. In years before I mostly just had my one a day vitamin. I questioned my husband's visit to the dr and suggested I was borderline but the dr was adamant I had osteoporosis. What you are telling me is my life is not over. I am afraid to take AI's. Have discussed beginning them after my radiation, so in the fall. I see that you have posted some warnings about bisphosphonates and that daily doses are considered safer than longer acting meds. I just had my last chemo this past Monday and it was cause to celebrate so this new dilemma is most unwelcome and I am back to grieving.
__________________
12/17/08 biopsy after two 6 mos mammo recalls
12/30/08 diagnosed high grade IDC & DCIS
ER/PR +, Her2 (+++) post menopausal/age 57
1/15/09 double mastectomy/skin sparing; no evidence of vascular/lymphatic invasion, 8neg/8 nodes (tumor 8.0mm)
2/16/09 given portacath/removed 4/30/10
2/18/09 "surprise" 2.0mm tumor/positive borders~
completed 28 rads 10/09.
2/23/09 until 4/19/10~treatments every 3wks (4 Cytoxan + Adriamycin, 4 Taxol + Herceptin, 13 Herceptin alone)
8/09 osteoporosis diagnosis/Zometa 3 yrs of 1x/6 months
Chemo side effects; Deafness, kidney function loss
11/09 began Aromatase Inhibitor (Femara)/Feb2014, stopped Femara early/after 3 mos began Tamoxifen for 8 mos to complete 5 years
11/10 Reconstruction, directly to silicone implants
12/11 nipples by skin graft/Right breast size reduced

I have heard th
ere are troubles of more than one kind

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!
Dr. Seuss
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Old 07-25-2009, 03:40 PM   #7
alicem
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Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 430
You should try and get your "scores" from your Bone Mineral Density test. When my oncologist called with my results, they read off the scores to me and told me what that meant. Some of my bones were fine, some fell into the "mild" osteopenia range. Here is a good link to tell you what the range of the scores mean (scroll about half way down) . . .

http://www.spineuniverse.com/display...ticle3148.html

This would help you determine just how bad it is. Maybe like Brenda said, you are just in osteopenia.

Regardless, you SHOULD be celebrating the end of your chemo. You have accomplished quite a lot!! There are things that can be done to help with the osteoporosis/osteopenia as well. Please try to hang in there!
__________________
9/15/08 (age 52) - Mammo: calcifications
9/22/08 - Biopsy: DCIS, grade 3. ER,PR status: Pos. in 75-90% of tumor cells.
10/01/08 - Ob/Gyn appt.: found complex, mostly cystic mass on right ovary - 11cmx12cmx 8cm
10/15/08 - Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy, Lumpectomy: Cyst on uterus, not ovary - all was benign. Breast - 5 of 6 bad margins. 2 Sentinel Lymph nodes removed, both negative. Stage 0, Tis, N0
12/11/08 - Mastectomy & DIEP reconstruction: Surprise! 2 cm Invasive DC, grade 2 found. One benign internal mammary lymph node. Stage 1, T1c, N0, all clean margins. ER+ (Proportion Score = 2/5, Intensity Score = 2/3) and PR+(Proportion Score = 3/5, Intensity Score = 2/3)
HER2 score = 3+
1/09/09 - Oncotype DX: Recurrence S/core of 60 !?!?! ER status is NEG!! PR staus is NEG! HER2 score = 12.2 (still positive, greater than 11.5 is positive).
1/20/09 - Started chemo: TCH
5/26/09 - FINISHED CHEMO!
1/05/10 - FINISHED HERCEPTIN!
1/22/10 - Port-a-catheter removed!
3/07/18 - Still NED
9/10/23 - Still NED
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Old 07-25-2009, 04:07 PM   #8
ElaineM
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Posts: 3,142
Wink No idea where to post

Hang in there. Having osteoporosis is not the end of the world. It is not life threatening like some health problems are. There are many things that can be done. Most of them have been mentioned in previous posts.
I have osteoporosis. I had it before my breast cancer diagnosis and still take armatose inhibitors which do not seem to making it worse. I get around very well. I take calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. I do not have much bone pain. I do all the things I did before my diagnosis, except I don't climb on things to reach things in high places anymore. I try my best to eat healthy. I exercise. However, I don't take zometa, because I have dental issues I am still working on.
My doctor told me during dexa scans they measure our spine and hip bones against what are normal bones for a 18-21 year old which is supposed to be the best time for bones. He said no adults, including most marathon runners do not have the bones of an 18 year old after the age of 30. Also different bone areas may have different levels of osteoporosis and/or pre osteoporosis, so all the bones may not have reached the point where they have osteoporosis. Some of your bones might be totally normal for someone your age.
__________________
Peace,
ElaineM
12 years and counting
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48247
Lucky 13 !! I hope so !!!!!!
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=52807
14 Year Survivor
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57053
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." author unknown
Shared by a multiple myeloma survivor.
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Old 07-25-2009, 05:26 PM   #9
suzan w
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Location: Naples FL
Posts: 1,744
I have a lot (and I mean A LOT!!!) of experience with osteoporosis, E+ breast cancer, supplements, dexa scans, aromatase inhibitors...see my signature!!! Started breast cancer treatment, already diagnosed 10 years earlier with osteoporosis. Hormone repl. therapy and actonel ( and calcium vit. D and weight bearing ex.) for 10 years, osteoporosis got worse. Then breast cancer dx (I am convinced bc caused by hormone repl. treatments). Arimidex for 5 years...still Actonel (caused upset stomach) switch to Fosomax...for 1 year, still stomach issues. osteoporosis about as bad as it gets. Went to rheumatologist who recommended Forteo, daily injections for 2 years. 18 months of forteo, significant bone improvement (15%), To stabilize the bones, now will have an infusion of Reclast (zometa) once a year for 2 years. In a "nut"shell that's my story! Please feel free to contact me with any ??'s!
__________________
Suzan W.
age 54 at diagnosis
5/05 suspicious mammogram-left breast
5/05 biopsy-invasive lobular carcinoma with LCIS,8mm tumor,stage 1 grade 2, ER+ PR+ Her2+++
6/14/05 bilateral mastectomy, node neg. all scans neg.
Oncotype DX-high risk
8/05-10/05 4 rounds A/C
10/05 -10/06 1 yr. herceptin
arimidex-5 years
2/14/08 started daily self administered injections..FORTEO for severe osteoporosis
7/28/09 BRCA 1 negative BRCA2 POSITIVE
8/17/09 prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy
10/15/10 last FORTEOinjection
RECLAST infusion(ostoeporosis)
6/14/10 5 year cancerversary!
8/2010-18%increase in bone density!
no further treatments
Oncologist says, "Go do the Happy Dance"
I say,"What a long strange trip its been"
'One day at a time'
6-14-2015. 10 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!
7-16 to 9-16. Extensive (and expensive) dental work done to save teeth. Damage from osteoporosis and chemo and long term bisphosphonate use
6-14-16. 11 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!!
7-20-16 Prolia injection for severe osteoporosis
2 days later, massive hive outbreak. This led to an eventual dx of Chronic Ideopathic Urticaria, an auto-immune disease from HELL.
6-14-17 12 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!!
still suffering from CIU. 4 hospitilizations in the past year

as of today, 10-31-17 in remission from CIU and still, CANCER FREE!!!
6-14-18 13 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!! NED!!
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Old 07-26-2009, 07:55 AM   #10
Diane H
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 208
Don't have much input for you. Sounds like it would be as suggested a good idea to get a more definitive explanation of your test results. Am going for my bone scan too in a few weeks and am anxious. Have been on the AI's for almost four years and this is the first bone scan since the beginning.
LOVE your Dr. Suess quote, really cute!

Diane
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Old 07-28-2009, 10:55 AM   #11
Westcoastgirl
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 128
Thank you

I thank you for all your replies. I was feeling overwhelmed, needed help, came here and was helped. I was able to go to my onc and talk to my dentist yesterday. In two weeks when I do my next Herceptin (notice I did not say chemo....done, done!!!) I will also start on Zometa. I do not have the bone density numbers yet but perhaps it will be as you have suggested, some bones will be stronger than others. We will see, but I am reading up a storm, have encorporated jumps into my exercise regime and I have to admit my walking pace has been much more inspired these past few days. I suspect when next I wt train it will be with a more invested effort. I will be postive and work with what I have. I feel foolish though that I have allowed this to happen, thought it would not happen to me...now where have I heard that before....thanks for making me feel it was not the end of the world, that it was something I could manage. I see a plan shaping up and with grace I will hope to respond well to Zometa. Sincerely, Carolyn
__________________
12/17/08 biopsy after two 6 mos mammo recalls
12/30/08 diagnosed high grade IDC & DCIS
ER/PR +, Her2 (+++) post menopausal/age 57
1/15/09 double mastectomy/skin sparing; no evidence of vascular/lymphatic invasion, 8neg/8 nodes (tumor 8.0mm)
2/16/09 given portacath/removed 4/30/10
2/18/09 "surprise" 2.0mm tumor/positive borders~
completed 28 rads 10/09.
2/23/09 until 4/19/10~treatments every 3wks (4 Cytoxan + Adriamycin, 4 Taxol + Herceptin, 13 Herceptin alone)
8/09 osteoporosis diagnosis/Zometa 3 yrs of 1x/6 months
Chemo side effects; Deafness, kidney function loss
11/09 began Aromatase Inhibitor (Femara)/Feb2014, stopped Femara early/after 3 mos began Tamoxifen for 8 mos to complete 5 years
11/10 Reconstruction, directly to silicone implants
12/11 nipples by skin graft/Right breast size reduced

I have heard th
ere are troubles of more than one kind

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!
Dr. Seuss
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Old 07-28-2009, 03:15 PM   #12
hutchibk
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Posts: 3,519
If you suspect you need any dental work done, i.e. fillings, gum cleaning, root canal, crowns, etc... you should identify, treat and heal completely before starting Zometa. Just some friendly advice.

Interesting that you referred to Herceptin as "not chemo" - LOL, I did the same thing yesterday when talking to my doctor and he corrected me telling me that Herceptin and Tykerb are indeed chemotheraputic agents... targeted ones, but chemo nonetheless. I learn something new everyday.
__________________
Brenda

NOV 2012 - 9 yr anniversary
JULY 2012 - 7 yr anniversary stage IV (of 50...)

Nov'03~ dX stage 2B
Dec'03~
Rt side mastectomy, Her2+, ER/PR+, 10 nodes out, one node positive
Jan'04~
Taxotere/Adria/Cytoxan x 6, NED, no Rads, Tamox. 1 year, Arimadex 3 mo., NED 14 mo.
Sept'05~
micro mets lungs/chest nodes/underarm node, Switched to Aromasin, T/C/H x 7, NED 6 months - Herceptin only
Aug'06~
micro mets chest nodes, & bone spot @ C3 neck, Added Taxol to Herceptin
Feb'07~ Genetic testing, BRCA 1&2 neg

Apr'07~
MRI - two 9mm brain mets & 5 punctates, new left chest met, & small increase of bone spot C3 neck, Stopped Aromasin
May'07~
Started Tykerb/Xeloda, no WBR for now
June'07~
MRI - stable brain mets, no new mets, 9mm spots less enhanced, CA15.3 down 45.5 to 9.3 in 10 wks, Ty/Xel working magic!
Aug'07~
MRI - brain mets shrunk half, NO NEW BRAIN METS!!, TMs stable @ 9.2
Oct'07~
PET/CT & MRI show NED
Apr'08~
scans still show NED in the head, small bone spot on right iliac crest (rear pelvic bone)
Sept'08~
MRI shows activity in brain mets, completed 5 fractions/5 consecutive days of IMRT to zap the pesky buggers
Oct'08~
dropped Xeloda, switched to tri-weekly Herceptin in combo with Tykerb, extend to tri-monthly Zometa infusion
Dec'08~
Brain MRI- 4 spots reduced to punctate size, large spot shrunk by 3mm, CT of torso clear/pelvis spot stable
June'09~
new 3-4mm left cerrebellar spot zapped with IMRT targeted rads
Sept'09~
new 6mm & 1 cm spots in pituitary/optic chiasm area. Rx= 25 days of 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the tumors.
Oct'09~
25 days of low dose 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the bone mets spot on rt. iliac crest that have been watching for 2 years. Added daily Aromasin back into treatment regimen.
Apr'10~ Brain MRI clear! But, see new small spot on adrenal gland. Change from Aromasin back to Tamoxifen.
June'10~ Tumor markers (CA15.3) dropped from 37 to 23 after one month on Tamoxifen. Continue to monitor adrenal gland spot. Remain on Tykerb/Herceptin/Tamoxifen.
Nov'10~ Radiate positive mediastinal node that was pressing on recurrent laryngeal nerve, causing paralyzed larynx and a funny voice.
Jan'11~ MRI shows possible activity or perhaps just scar tissue/necrotic increase on 3 previously treated brain spots and a pituitary spot. 5 days of IMRT on 4 spots.
Feb'11~ Enrolled in T-DM1 EAP in Denver, first treatment March 25, 2011.
Mar'11~ Finally started T-DM1 EAP in Denver at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center/Rose on Mar. 25... hallelujah.

"I would rather be anecdotally alive than statistically dead."
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