Hey all,

I started dose dense Paclitaxel on Monday after 4 x EC, all went well until Wednesday where I have had the most excruciating bone/joint/muscle pain. I've tried to get in contact with my triage and breast nurse (I'm in UK) but so far all they recommend was paracetamol but tbh they haven't been the best to contact.

I developed a rash on my hand that triage told me to get checked by my GP - GP says nothing to do with them which made it feel like a waste of time. While I was there she took my heart rate and it showed it was quite high so she had me do an ECG then referred me to the same day emergency care unit who think I have an infection and now I'm on antibiotics so can no longer take paracetamol. I'm taking the antibiotics to be sure but I feel fine in myself.

I just can't deal with the pain in my legs and hips, it's keeping me up at night and I'm so tired and feel like I'm getting no help at all :(

I have seen some people recommend Vicks Vapour Rub but I'm not sure if that would be ok? I have a meeting with my oncologist on Thursday so I'm defo bringing it up then but can anyone advise? I would really appreciate it as it's knocking me for six 😭

Hr+, her2- 8 lymph nodes

Anyone else similar? What's your treatment plan looking like? I am trying to avoid chemo if possible. Everything I read says no chemo, but of course dr are all for chemo, then hormones, then surgery.

I have TNBC with a BRCA2 pathogenic mutation and underwent DMX. I just received my HPE result today, and unfortunately, I didn’t achieve a PCR 🥺. The staging is ypT1c(m)N0. I’m feeling so sad because I went through neoadjuvant chemo with no response. Next steps are radiation and oral chemo. Has anyone gone through something similar? You take Xeloda or Olaparib? #sad

I was diagnosed with DCIS in September. Still await surgery.. lumpectomy and reconstruction plus radiation unless more is found. Just had thyroid US to check on 5 yr old nodules and they've were noted as tirads 5. Just had biopsy, so await results. Crossing fingers it's not a new cancer and if so, that it's not connected. Either way, it may push breast treatment out further as I was told more scans will be needed if it does return positive. Just here to vent. Sorry we're all here.

I’m 42 and I was diagnosed with ++- cancer in Nov and had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 2. I randomly just felt it one day less than a year after a clear mammogram. Each step of the way it’s just gotten worse every time. Luckily it didn’t spread but my tumour was 7.5 cm and in there was cancer in 2 of the 6 lymph nodes they removed. Margins were cleared but I was told now I would need radiation and chemo, but my surgeon couldn’t give me very much info and I haven’t been given a new dr yet. I’m in Canada. I feel like every time I go for an appt I’m left with more questions than answers. The next step is getting a bone scan, but no one has told me why I need this. I’ve done my own research but it still doesn’t definitively give me an answer. Anyways I just feel like there’s been so much time spent in limbo, not knowing who to turn to or who to even ask these questions to and it sucks. I have no idea what type of chemo I’ll need, or when it will start. I know I will get the answers eventually, but I hate not knowing the plan. I’m still coming to terms with the way my body looks and now I’m so scared of the next steps and what it will be like physically.

I always find the stupidest stuff to worry about for a week I complained about losing use of my primary right hand because of breast surgery ding ding ding not losing the breast. I was like how will I function?

American living in Windsor, Ontario right across from Detroit, Michigan. Here’s my rap sheet, if important to my question: Diagnosed in October 2023 at age 38 - IDC/DCIS stage IIB/grade 2, 18 nodes removed, only 1 positive for cancer. Unknown KI-67 score, just told it was over 20 and considered high enough for my oncologist to recommend targeted therapy. I had DMX in Nov 2023, 8 rounds dose dense chemo Jan-April 2024, 25 rounds of radiation on breast, collarbone, and middle upper back to zap any lymph node travel. Hormone therapy (daily Letrozole and monthly Zoladex injections) and targeted therapy (twice daily Verzenio) for another 15 months. I asked my oncologist about follow-up scans, since I’ve read about others getting these every 6 months, and she said that this is only done if I come to her with something or basically have symptoms of recurrence. This is very concerning to me for reasons I feel as obvious. My spouse has tried to comfort me and say that if it will make me feel better we can cross to Michigan and pay for scans every 6 months, but I’m just wondering if anyone else in Ontario has been told about similar protocol or if I should be speaking up more at my cancer center. I’m also tremendously stressed about the tariffs proposed by Trump and the potential economic disasters we could face in Canada, which could threaten savings for said US scans or my and my spouse’s jobs, which provide me with the insurance that covers my $6,900/month Verzenio. Just feeling very frightened and thought I was done feeling like this. I’ve been working with a therapist and made strides through crippling recurrence fear, but this all has me feeling like I’m moving backwards.

Hello, lovelies! Question, if I may. I had a lumpectomy on Tuesday, with three nodes removed. Pain is manageable, but I’m noticing a weird numbness in a couple of areas. The right side of the breast around where the incision was made is kind of numb to the touch. Like I can feel my fingers but it’s a bit numb. Same going around the bottom of my armpit, where that incision is, but going around my back is oddly numb. Is this normal? Will this continue, or wear off? 🤔

It’s odd - the incisions seem to be minimal, and the steristrips are neat and immaculate. But the size of the bruise is shocking. My sons are horrified….and I’ll definitely milk that for a while.

Finished first 4 rounds of chemo (AC) and due to start Taxel on Monday. I have had almost no side effects but noticed a headache and ache around my ears last weekend and saw that I had a slight fever in Sunday. It has been up and down all week, twice getting to 38 C but then dropping back down a bit each time. It is hovering right under 38 now 37.7-9) and I am unsure if I should suck it up and call the on call oncologist in the morning (not sure if this constitutes “urgent”), go ahead and get my bloodwork done in the morning as scheduled and then call when the cancer center is open on Monday, or go to ER in the morning even if my temp is a bit below the point where I was told to go (38). I realize my treatment is likely not going to happen Monday afternoon regardless but just wondering whether some kind of treatment at the hospital would be smart so I am not further delayed.

Thoughts? Obviously would not be posting this if it were an actual emergency. I don’t really even feel sick, just like super mild flu symptoms (achy and tired but no congestion, etc)

Hi all. diagnosed HER2+ January 2021 at age 25. Had a double mastectomy (nipple sparing), did chemo, and done 4 out of 5 years of tamoxifen so far. Had my regular 6 month chest exam with my GP and he felt a very small nodule near my left nipple in some remaining tissue. I’ll note that my left breast right beside the nipple is where my lump/cancer was found initially. This nodule is hard, painless, and maybe 1/3 the size of a pea.

He felt it a few times and then very non-chalantly said he wasn’t worried about it at all, but to keep an eye on it. He seemed totally at ease and unbothered. In the moment, I was too. But now my thoughts are spiraling.

I’d appreciate hearing any anecdotes from anyone who has felt any new lumps after treatment, and they turned out to be nothing. I’m just freaking out. 😞 Thanks all.

I was diagnosed Monday but still waiting for HER2 FISH to come back. Today I find I’ve a fever of 101.5. Is this something to be concerned about with the cancer or likely unrelated?

Hi Fellow Tiddee Twisters. I am 40 years old IDC ++- Stage 2. I finished ACT chemotherapy two weeks ago 1/14/25. My eyes are puffy AF. Going to send my doc a message on the portal, but Has anyone experienced this? When did it resolve? Did it resolve??

-No underlying organ function issue -No alcohol or sodas -No added salt -Unprocessed, low carb diet -Tried lymphatic drainage massage -Tried Gua Sha -Tried compresses

Thanks! I'm still incredibly vain and desperate to keep my baaeline, even if it my puffy eyes!

Hi everyone!

I’ve completed 2/16 of my radiation treatments and am exhausted - listening to my body and napped all afternoon after exercising this morning. I started with Mepitel but my skin didn’t like that, so I’ve switched to Strata XR for skincare along with calendula/rosehip oil. I’ve had reconstruction already and am diligently massaging to try to keep things mobile. Any tips/tricks/coping skills to cruise through the next 3 weeks as easily as possible?

<3

My surgeon is adamant that since my BC had inflammatory factors and I'll be doing radiation that I not doing anything for a year after my SMX. No dental work unless I get her go ahead, no reconstruction or removal of the other breast (I can't decide which I want atm), and no tattoos.

I'm new to the boards and I keep reading about other people doing reconstruction within months of a DMX. Is my surgeon being unusually strict?

I'm an F cup and I'm going to be incredibly lopsided during my year.

Hello everyone,

after 6 cycles of TCHP when did your hair start to grow back?

Thank you.

I am on my 5th of 6 TCHP....I've lost so much weight...132lb to 99.5lb....can't eat, weak, mouth sores, I'm currently laying in bed the past 4 days, haven't had anything but two three bites of something...having a hard time drinking water cause water tastes nasty....fainted a couple times. ...weak...dizzy.... help me with food...something you were able to tolerate. The texture and tastes are all nasty to me. I only have one more to go then I'm done with this harsh chemo, but I don't know if I'm gonna make it. I haven't gone to work in 4 days. #4 and #5 chemo has hit hard. 🥴

I’m planning to get a new wig with human hair, as my current synthetic wig is a huge pain. Of course I look through my plan documents and find that they only cover human hair wigs if I’m allergic to synthetic. I’m sure my doctor would write something for me, especially since the wig is itchy and uncomfortable, but knowing how insurance is these days I’m wondering if they’ll make me jump through more hoops.

Has anyone had to do something like this for their wigs?

Also, I just have to roll my eyes at whoever comes up with these policies. You’ll cover $22k in chemo, labs, and visits so far this year but nickel and dime me on real hair?? It must be really frustrating for women with alopecia on this plan.

++- diagnosed in October with DMX in November and started chemotherapy (4 rounds of dose dense TC) 3 weeks ago. I did cold capping for the first treatment just to see if I could keep enough of my hair to make it through - only 4 treatments. I’m following alllllll the recommendations - wash hair only 2x week, no heat styling, no products, no coloring.

Next treatment is Tuesday. This morning in the shower, what felt like a ton of hair came out. After air drying, it still looks fine, but I wonder is this futile.

For those who have used cooling, is this typical (even if the cooling is successful)? I had not noticed much loss before today so I was hoping it was working. Even if I lose a lot of hair and end up shaving it off, is it worth continuing the cold capping for better regrowth

Had BMX on Nov 15. Developed bilateral seromas. I’ve had them drained 3 times and it’s come back. This time I’ve had it 3 weeks, not said anything this time…hoping it would go away on its on. It’s not!! I’m going to call tomorrow. Has anyone dealt with reoccurring seromas? What did you do? 😫

Hi,

I was initially diagnosed with 1.6cm +++ but post surgery it was finalized to be 2.2 cm, no node involvement (slnb)

MO is recommending TH treatment only for 12 weeks followed by radiation. I thought the standard practice for >= 2 cm is to do THCP.

Anyone has similar diagnosis? What did you end up doing?

Thanks

Hello , I’m 23 with stage 3 breast cancer. I have 3 more rounds of chemo overall I have had 16 treatments. Taxol has put me into early menopause… Before I have started my treatments, I wasn’t able to freeze my eggs. I just want to know is it any hope for me in the future :( will menopause go away ??? I pray that this has not taken away my chances of carrying a child :( I would be devastated.

Hi new community, it’s even surreal just posting on here. I’m 33 and got my diagnosis 3 days ago. This only came about due to just a small lump that I noticed maybe 2 months ago. My mom has had some removed throughout the years but they have all been benign so I was expecting the same.

I’m still in shock but I want to be prepared for my consult with the oncologist this coming Monday. If anyone has a similar diagnosis and would like to share their experience, I’d appreciate it.

What are some questions you wish you would’ve asked in the beginning?

INVASIVE MAMMARY CARCINOMA, NO SPECIAL TYPE (DUCTAL)

• DCIS, NUCLEAR GRADE 2 WITHOUT NECROSIS, SOLID PATTERN

(ER): Positive (3+, greater than 90%) (PR): Positive (3+, greater than 90%)

HER-2: Equivocal (Score = 2+); results of HER2 FISH studies will be issued in a separate report

Have any of you lovely ladies come to a conclusion that you need a divorce while going through breast cancer? I feel so beaten down physically and emotionally. I’m still going through treatment and while that’s extremely challenging, I have been fighting with my partner. The fights stem from issues we have had for years. But this on top of cancer, is just too much. 🥺

My surgeon has said this is a possibility, but it would involve sending some of the skin for testing and if there are cancer cells present near any of the skin they kept, I would need revision. The idea of going through another surgery after chemo seems daunting as of this minute- but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to feel comfortable with the results. Anyone sit at this crossroads before? How did it go for you and how do you feel about your choice now?

My question is why get one? I went thru chemo, my signature test went from 80 to .015. My oncologist said radiation is not needed, but the surgeon said yes i will need radiation. From what I read, 3-15% chance of BC coming back from chemo alone, no change in the odds with a DMX and I lowers is a few points with radiation.

With all of that, why get the DMX if it doesn't change my odds of reoccurrence?

I'm very fortunate to have been diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS and have the option (that I'm taking) of breast sparing surgery/lumpectomy. I'm to wear a zip up sports bra after surgery and wondering if anyone has suggestions for reasonably priced ones, since I expect to get several?

Also, how long does it take to get back to some kind of a normal exercise routine for those of us who are pretty active in the gym? Thank you and good luck to all!

How do you cope with doing too much and not enough at the same time?

Hi, 25 Y/o here, I got my single mastectomy of my left breast on 27th Dec 2023. During surgery my expanders were very minimally filled, almost nothing tbh. . Post survey i’ve also had radiation- and just to add, I’ve quite small breast like an almost B cup.

Now, it’s been more than a year and my surgeon says my skin is not ready to even start filling the expanders. Is this normal? He says my skin is still too tight to start filling the expanders.

I honestly don’t understand how will my skin automatically get loose.

The nurse that helped me on my first day is amazing. We vibe, and when I was in for fluids she buzzed by on her way out for the night and asked into what was going on. Remembered my regimen and suggested some things. I heart her. She says emotional things in a way my autism responds to and I feel comfortable with her in a way that lowers my stress level.

Would it be inappropriate to request I be assigned to her if she’s on shift for my next infusion?

I have/had TNBC, finished chemo in early December, had a lumpectomy, PCR achieved. I have 20 rounds of radiation and immunotherapy for a year from diagnosis left to go.

I did fine with chemo, drove myself to and from almost all of my treatments. I’ve been going to all of my appointments by myself, taking care of myself and my kids while working full time. They go to their dad’s house almost half the time.

I got through with help from some friends and family, and coworkers. And I just kept going.

Now that it seems to be slowing down, I am really struggling with emotions and feeling very down.

It feels like my life was hard enough before, and it’s just going to keep being even harder now that I am a cancer patient, even though my tumors responded so well to chemo.

I love my kids, and they are a big part of how I made it through, just knowing how much they need me.

Today I am struggling with guilt, like my cancer ruined their childhood. I was the divorce initiator, and I feel personally so much better off, but maybe I ruined their childhood with that as well.

Anyone in my support group has just gone back to treating me like before, of not actually contacting me even less.

I had one friend who was really helpful during chemo, but they have been really distant and it feels like they hate me for me being so emotional.

Before I had cancer, I was so strong and independent. I feel like I am not capable of that anymore, and just humiliated and sad that I might not be able to keep it together, even though my treatment went as well as seems even possible.

If you read this thank you so much!