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07-28-2008, 10:41 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Posts: 48
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Surgery on Wednesday - Think good thoughts
Even though I have only been reading this message board for a few weeks it has helped my frame of mind tremendously to know there is support and no oneis alone in this. I was interested in the "stress" and the mindbody connection and have been trying to keep myself on an even keel at least until my surgery, path report (although I have the biopsy report) and staging. None of my friends have gone through this but everyone wants to tell me how their "cousin, aunt, friend of a friend" had breast cancer and it was all just fine. I understand their reasons for saying this but it feels like my fears are being dismissed.
That being said, my surgery is finally 2 days away and I am glad to get it over with but so worried about the results. I would appreciate your kind thoughts as I do believe that we gain from the positive energy of others. Thanks so much for the information you all contribute and for this forum.
__________________
Dx June 2008, Age 44
Mother Dx age 54, deceased
1.2 cm tumor right breast, grade 3, ER 4+; PR 3+
HER2 +, invasive ductal carcinoma
Quadrantectomy right on 7/30/08
Path report, all 3 nodes taken were clear!!!!!!
Lymphatic/vascular invasion and sent out BRCA testing
Port in on 9/2/08. Chemo began 9/3/08. TCH (MUGA wrong - echocardiogram says 65% cardiac MRI 59% 9/10/98 elevated liver enzymes, PET scan 9/16/08 all clear.
TC ended 12/17/08
Port blood clot and hosp. 1/2/09
radiation begins 1/8/09
BRCA testing done - results NEGATIVE!
cardiologist said go back to coreg as it helps counteract heart effects of herceptin and slowly increase dosage - now 40mg daily.
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07-28-2008, 12:52 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 823
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prayer's going out for your surgery on Wednesday.
__________________
Vicki
Texas
Biopsy Dx'd 3-23-05 Age 48
MRM 4-5-05 w/ 2 tumor's 5cm, and 6 cm (right side)
IDC (poorly differentiated infiltrating ductual carcinoma)
5+/16 nodes
Stage III A
Grade 3
ER/PR-, Her2/neu ++
Ki67 78%
Begin Chemo 5-2-05 4XAC Dose Dense , 4X Abraxane Dose Dense (ended August 05)
28 Rad's ended October 13 2005
Started Herceptin Weekly August 2005 for one year
Had a Simple mastectomy left side after Mamo showed incresed micro-calcifications. Jan. 17 2006.
Brain MRI Feb.2006--All Clear
August 28, 2006 Last Weekly Herceptin.
October 2006--Colonoscopy, 6 Polyp's removed--all B9
PET Scan July 2007
Abdominal MRI Oct. 2007---2 Right Kidney Cysts
Core Biopsy-- Lump on Scar Line 1-10-08---B9
Brain MRI 6-2008--All Clear
PET/CT Scan 6-2008
Sept. 8 2008, 4CM area removed from mastectomy scar line. Proved to be B9.
PET/CT Scan-- July 2009 --All clear
August 17,2009 ---Had Port Removed
6 Years NED -- April 5,2011
DX'd with Melanoma left arm 10-10-2011
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07-28-2008, 01:43 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 2,511
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Rebecca, First of all I am so glad you found this board because I know it was the first thing that really helped me when I was first DX. I believe most of us felt the same way you are right now when we were DX. The first thing I heard from everyone I knew was about their aunt, uncle, brother, sister, long lost friend etc that had cancer and was doing great. (So I wasn't suppose to worry.) Ha! The stories I heard...I'm sure they all meant well but that didn't help me! Seriously the only thing that helped me at that time was this board. Everyone so "gets it" as we say here.
So I have a very good idea of how your feeling about now. Your fears are real and very normal. Your world has been turned upside down overnight and its frightening. (It was for me anyway.) All the unknowns. But that being said as hard as it is to believe now...you will get through this and we our here to help support you in any way possible. This is all so overwhelming when you first start. But try to just take one day at a time and not jump ahead. (Easier said then done!)
I know all this is so hard to deal with but you will get through this. (Don't let anyone dismiss your fears!) You are off to a great start just by posting here on this board. We will all be here for you every step of the way...you are not alone. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for your up coming surgery. You hang in there.
Chelee
__________________
DX: 12-20-05 - Stage IIIA, Her2/Neu, 3+++,Er & Pr weakly positive, 5 of 16 pos nodes.
Rt. MRM on 1-3-06 -- No Rads due to compromised lungs.
Chemo started 2-7-06 -- TCH - - Finished 6-12-06
Finished yr of wkly herceptin 3-19-07
3-15-07 Lt side prophylactic simple mastectomy. -- Ooph 4-05-07
9-21-09 PET/CT "Recurrence" to Rt. axllia, Rt. femur, ilium. Possible Sacrum & liver? Now stage IV.
9-28-09 Loading dose of Herceptin & started Zometa
9-29-09 Power Port Placement
10-24-09 Mass 6.4 x 4.7 cm on Rt. femur head.
11-19-09 RT. Femur surgery - Rod placed
12-7-09 Navelbine added to Herceptin/Zometa.
3-23-10 Ten days of rads to RT femur. Completed.
4-05-10 Quit Navelbine--Herceptin/Zometa alone.
5-4-10 Appt. with Dr. Slamon to see what is next? Waiting on FISH results from femur biopsy.
Results to FISH was unsuccessful--this happens less then 2% of the time.
7-7-10 Recurrence to RT axilla again. Back to UCLA for options.
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07-28-2008, 02:05 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Rebecca,
Hope all goes well with your upcoming surgery. Your fears are real, but try to keep them in check. It is always the fear of the unknown that we have a hard time dealing with. Once you get your results you will be able to move on to the next step.
Keep us posted.
Take care,
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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07-28-2008, 02:59 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Louisville KY
Naples FL
Posts: 665
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I will be sending healing thoughts your way for your
surgery. I had lumpectomy two years ago and all
is well. Take care.
patb
__________________
patb
Diagnosed June, 06, Stage I, Grade3, ER+PR- Her2positive, No Nodes. A/C X 4. Radiation 33 with boost, Herceptin every two weeks until Nov.
07, Arimedex for 5 years. Mugas and Echo and chest xRay. Bone scan of whole Body, and Back of Brain and spine MRI.
CT scan of Lungs every six months
due to two small places. December
2009, bone scan due to bone pain.
Follow up test in 2010.
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07-28-2008, 04:04 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Hi Rebecca! You will be in our thoughts and prayers, especially on Wednesday. Please keep us posted and feel free to talk about anything here. I'm sure you will do fine. There are so many of your sisters here that can help with any question you have. Peace to you, Bill
__________________
For Nicola
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07-28-2008, 04:23 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: indianapolis, indiana
Posts: 1,544
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Hope that all goes well with your surgery. I'll send positive thoughts your way on Wednesday.
__________________
dxd 9-04, lumpectomy,
st 1, gr 3, er,pr-, her2 +,
2 tac,33 rads,6 cmf
1 yr herceptin,
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07-28-2008, 07:40 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Rebecca, I'm praying for an uneventful surgery and diagnosis. I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. It's a little tough, but you'll come through just fine. You're young and strong and will recuperate well. Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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07-28-2008, 08:28 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Rebecca,
I'm confident you will do well with your surgery. I pray for a good outcome for you.
We all "get it" here so you found a safe place. I'm so happy you have found us and we are very happy to encourage and support you as you begin your journey.
Asking God to hold you close and give you His peace and protection.
Hugs....
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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07-28-2008, 08:36 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: me & my three HANDSOME grandsons!!Jacksonville, Arkansas
Posts: 354
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Rebecca, good luck Wednesday.
It's okay to be afraid. This is your body, your surgery, and don't allow anyone to take this away from you. But know this: you will be fine... really.
What i wanted most of all before my surgery, was someone to just listen to me cry, and not try to cheer me up. I found that....... right here.
Take care, sister
__________________
Terri B.
46 yrs. young
Dx IDC 3/6/08
1.5 cm & .6 cm grade III, Stage IIA
es/pr- Her2+++, 9/9 richardson
Double Mast w/expanders 4-14-08
3/9 nodes positive.
additional excision rt breast 4-25-08
weekly T/H x 12 (6-2-08) Done!
FEC x4 (9-8-08) Last one 11-10-08!
Herceptin complete 8/10/09!!
33 RADS DONE 2/13/09!
rt. breast biopsy 3/20/09 .. B9!!
reconstruction complete!
DEEEEEEported on 5/19/10!!
almost 5 YEARS NED!!
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07-28-2008, 08:51 PM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 7
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Hi Rebecca,
Just wanted to let you know that I can completely relate to how you're feeling, both your fears and the reaction of others who seem dismissive of those fears. I remember how scared I was prior to my mastectomy, not so much about the surgery or loss of my breast, but about learning the status of my nodes. I had neoadjuvant chemo and was hoping for a complete response. That wasn't the case; I had 8 positive nodes. I also remember searching for hopeful stories, and I'm happy that I can share with you that I am now more than four years out and doing great! Praise God!!
I'll be praying for you as you undergo surgery and get a more complete picture of what you're dealing with. We're all here for you. Please let us know, when you feel up to it, how you're doing.
Take care and God bless,
Lynn W
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07-29-2008, 01:27 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Hi Rebecca,
I think the worst part is the waiting!
Try to keep this thought in mind...once your surgery is over you will be on the road to recovery.
Yes, there will be bumps in the road, but please know that your new family of sisters will be here to help you.
I think that when people hear about a dx. they are afraid and just don't know what to say and often times say the wrong things. All you want to hear at this point is, "I am sorry this has happened to you" or/and/
"I will be here to support you "....we have all heard some wrong things Rebecca and they hurt like heck. Try to close your mind off when around anyone saying the wrong things. Just know they do not understand that what they are saying is upsetting.
Set your mind on this thought: You will beat this, it will not beat you!
Knowledge is power. The more educated you become, the less frightening the unknown is....and yes some of the new information will worry you. But keep in mind you are now treating your bc and on the road to recovery.
Know you will be in my prayers for a speedy surgery with great results.
Please let us know how you are....sending you healing energy.
Hugs,
jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
Last edited by Jean; 07-29-2008 at 01:42 AM..
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07-29-2008, 03:32 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Dear Rebecca
This is another adventure on the road to survivorship. Surgery was the scariest part for me because it was the first time I was going to be put out (had C-section with an epidural). The surgery is not bad and at least you will know when you awaken that the cancer is GONE.
One step at a time and you'll be there.
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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07-29-2008, 05:02 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Rebecca
You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow...I think most of us dread surgery, its natural, but you are taking a necessary step to begin your healing from this disease....and one step closer to fighting this with all you have....like Jean said, knowledge is power, fill yourself, know everything you can, and take the lead at fighting this disease. We will all be there with you in spirit.
Sending you a big hug.
__________________
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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