Diagnosed this month

[Lien]

Hi Raz,

I had a similar diagnosis almost 9 years ago now. I only did rads, followed by hormonal therapy at my own request. My children were 3, 7, 11 and 15 at the time and I just wanted to make as sure as humanly possible to do everything I could to be there while they were growing up. I never did herceptin. I did ask my doc about it, and he said the side effects were not worth the risk reduction in my case. At the time Herceptin was not commonly used in the Netherlands, where I live, so I trusted my doc and my still being here proves that at least some of us can do without it.

There has been some research on Herceptin for very early stage Her2 positive disease and it seems to improve one's chances. So that might be something to discuss with your medical team.

I was very concerned about the lumpectomy too, as it would be my first surgery. I recoverd quickly and barely needed the painkillers I was offered. I did develop and abcess at the lymph node resection scar a few weeks after surgery, but that's probably due to the fact that I have lots of allergies. I think my body reacted to the stitches. Actually, the abcess was much more painfull than the surgery.

You have an excellent prognosis and it sounds as if you are doing everything right. You got a second opinion, you follow medical advice, you eat well. Now if you make sure you get enough sleep and exercise regularly you will most likely be fine.

Jacqueline

[lasarles]

Hi Raz, I completely sympathize and understand how you are feeling...was there not too long ago. I was so weak that I could barely get up to go to the bathroom, let alone anything else. I cried and told my husband that I didnt think I could do this. I remembered my oncologist guaranteeing me that I would go through it with little difficulty, but to allow him 1 treatment so he would know how to adjust the dosages. He made some changes to 2nd treatment and it made a huge difference. I was still weak (it was still chemo) but much more tolerable. I personally think he hit me hard the first round to see if I could take it. The saying is "they try to kill you before making you better". Luckily I only had 4 treatments, I see you are having 6...not sure why as my tumor was a little bigger. I am now on Herceptin alone and have hardly no side effects. It will get better and I am here to help you through it however I can. Stay in touch.

[jaykay]

Hey Raz,

I also started chemo on 11/29, same protocol as you (TCHx6, H for 1 year every 3 weeks).

This is my 2nd time with the beast but first with chemo. I hate to complain since there are others who are far worse off then me - but I didn't think I wouldn't feel like myself this soon.

I'm also lucky enough to work at home and am also experiencing the "weak" feeling. But someone's got to walk the dog!.

Hang in there, we'll both make it. 1 down, 5 to go

Janis

[Cathya]

Raz;

I also had a lumpectomy and my tumor was 3 cm with negative node involvement. On my first visit to my oncologist he pulled out a printed sheet that seemed to prove that radiation alone was sufficient treatment for my situation. Having a microbiology degree (very old but still....) I was not comfortable with this but before I could state my case he found on physical exam a tumor in my supraclavicular node. Everything changed and I then received chemo, radiation...and this was before I was tested for her2. My point is that I believe everyone who is her2+ should have chemo as this type of cancer is sneaky, aggressive and likes to travel. I would get a second opinion or insist on chemo. It's not that bad really and I think it's better to give it all in the first go around. My very best to you.

Cathy

[Raz]

Hi ladies. How are ou all doing?
I just had chemo 5 and it is rough. Only one more to go.

However # 5 is a ough one for some reason.
Any advice?

[jaykay]

I just finished chemo 5 this past Thursday (2/21). 3rd was the worst for me, 4th & 5th dosage reduced due to very nasty side effects.

But every round brings something new, doesn't it? The gift that keeps on giving.

I'd call you doctor or nurse if it is really rough for you this time.

Sorry I can't offer any advice, just one more to go.

Janis

[BonnieR]

Raz, one reason it's rough is because it is cumulative. At least for me, each time was worse than the prior one. But you are doing it!! One more to go. What an accomplishment! And do report side effects because adjustments can be made and treatment offered. But most important, your are coming out on the other side! Keep the faith

[Jackie07]

Raz,

Try walking 30 minutes a day. It does wonders.

I know... It seems impossible when you are already feeling weak. But exercise not only strenthens our muscles, build up our bones, it also help release endorphin from our brain.

Sending you good vibes. Hang in there. You are almost there!

[greenacres]

It looks as thought my diagnosis back in December 2009 is/was exactly as yours and I had chemo, radiation, lumpectomy, Herception, the whole ball of wax and I was also Grade 3 and also had some "DCIS" in there as well and no spread to my lymph nodes. By now you've already begun treatment and I hope you are doing well! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Be strong, you can get through this, I did! My checkup is tomorrow with bilateral MRI of the breasts and then thur checkup with bloodwork and results of MRI with oncologist. GOOD LUCK!

[Raz]

Ladies,
Thank you for reading and writing. I finished my last chemo with your help and support.
Now I have radiation for a month and Herceptin until the end of the year.

I feel more like a chemo survivor than a cancer survivor.
All down hill from here. I hope.
Robyn

['lizbeth]

Robyn,

Exactly the cure is worse than the cancer, eh?

So glad you finished with chemo. Radiation might be a bit of a challenge, but Herceptin is usually not bad at all.

Doing good, smooth sailing for you!

[jaykay]

Hi Robyn,

I think we're on the same schedule. I finished my last chemo on March 14th and start radiation on April 8th for 28x.

I feel exactly the same as you - survived the chemo. Wish the side effects would disappear, too. In time...

Best

Janis

[Raz]

Hello Ladies,
Just checking in. How is everyone doing?

I'm on day 14 of 20 of my rads. Starting to get some redness and itchy but it is bearable.
The only issue I'm having is joint pain in hands feet and hips.
I think it is from herceptin. I still get that every three weeks.

Hope everyone is doing well
RAZ

[Pray]

Glad to hear your rolling along. welcome back. Your doing great. Gods blessings to you, keep up the good fight.

[jaykay]

Hi Robyn,

Glad to hear you are doing well. I just finished #27 out of 28 rads but I think my ro is going to have me do 2 more (just for the hell of it!) to bring me to 30. That is assuming my skin doesn't get any worse over the weekend. What's 2 more days in the grand scheme of things?

My really important question is: Where are my eyebrows? ;-) I didn't lose brows and lashes during chemo but they did thin. They have gotten thinner since completing chemo over the past 2 months. I'm really no good with a pencil. Hate to complain over a minor thing like that, but...

Other than that, hair is growing (never fast enough), stamina is back and I do feel like me before chemo. A little neuropathy in my fingers but Vit B6 has been helping. Have had my herceptin infusions and don't seem to be having any ill effects (probably just jinxed myself)

Glad you are doing well and have a great weekend

Best

Janis

[SusanN]

Hi Raz!

Yes, when I learned of my diagnosis, I was beyond overwhelmed as you are!! However, I was so very fortunate to have found this group of inspirational, positive, knowledgeable, group of women who are here to support and encourage me!!! You have found that, too!!

Keep your chin up with a positive attitude!! I'm doing this, so I know you can!! I've just begun my journey...it is my hope that one day this will be my "Test"imony!! Sending prayers your way!!

[SusanN]

Janis...I haven't lost my eyebrows or lashes yet...going on my 3rd treatment tomorrow...wondering if I'll keep them...???

Hope all of you beautiful gals are well...my son is graduating next Sat...BEEN CRAZY BUSY!!!!

[Pray]

I say run with every piece of good news. You and zyingy are doing great gods blessing to you both!