I finished 4 rounds of AC and started dd Taxol last week. The back of my gum is swollen. It’s not mouth sores so not sure if it’s related to chemo but feels like the side effects list is endless. Switching btwn salt water and baking soda rinses. Did anyone have swollen gums during chemo and if so, what worked?

Hi there - have any of you who are ++- and brca+ been given a choice between verzenio and lynparza? (For adjuvant treatment after chemo, DMX, and radiation.). How did you choose which one to take? Have you seen any data directly comparing one vs the other?

I will discuss with my doctor this week, but wanted to get a sense of some personal experiences here & help inform the questions I ask. I already started verzenio a few weeks ago, but just learned I am brca2 positive.

Thanks!

Have recently been diagnosed with IDC ER+ PR+ Her2- pT2pN1. Have only seen Dr. Tadros the surgical oncologist but no one else aside from plastics. Prior to surgical pathology that showed 1 positive lymph node that was removed along with the tumor, treatment was the partial mastectomy, then reconstruction 2 weeks later then radiation 4 weeks after that. They still have not consulted a medical oncologist to review a treatment plan...is this normal? I figured the plan would change after the sentinel node biopsy was positive (original MRI showed no node involvement). Also, the surgical oncologists office has not been very helpful or informative. The surgical pathology also showed extensive lymphovascular invasion and the surgeon did not mention this when discussing the results, but after researching it, it seems to significantly worse. The prognosis. She is stating it is still stage 1, but I just don't se how this is possible. I guess I am just looking for people with experience there or at other places and how everything works. I just assumed that for being one of the top cancer centers in the U.S. that this would be a much more efficient and organized process. And and all experiences and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

Today marks my second cold capping and bc tx. It was so tough. This just kept happening that weren’t planned. Nothing detrimental, but still.

My only point was.. I had to end up wearing the cold cap for an extra 2 hours than expected. I have the last cap on now with only 12 minutes left, so I needed to vent.

The last cold cap hurts more than the 5th or 12th cap. It’s the last cap, you’ve hyped yourself up for the last 6-8 hours about how you’re going to rock this cap! And the. The anticipation knocks you out with the last cap on your head.

This is almost over!

Happy Friday 😩😆

Hey 35f I’m IDC stage 3a + - - (also is anyone else progesterone negative and estrogen positive don’t see it often)

Anyway I get port surgery 11/5 and then start chemo next Friday at noon sound AC-T. 4 rounds of AC and then 12 of taxol before surgery.

I had a moment and you guys helped ground me and encourage me! Anyways wanted to see if anyone in the group was starting chemo next week as well to chat and commiserate together? Or anyone willing to chat that just started? Figured it’s nice to find folks who are going through what we are and chat about it

Thanks :)

My radiation oncologist has offered me 16 ‘lighter’ sessions of radiation or 5 ‘more intense’ sessions instead. Did anyone else have to make this choice and what sources did you use to decide? I do work a full time job so going every day for 16 days is more of a time suck, but I happen to be working a job where I could likely take things a little easy in the days during and following 5 intense sessions if need be. If anyone’s opinions advice or stats to share, I’d be grateful to hear your thoughts.

Hello Everyone, need to get two more treatments of Taxol to get to 85% of chemo done, but am having acute neuropathy, tingling/numbness of hands/feet. Have taken complex B, and glutamine vitamins daily.

Does anyone have any tips/tricks to get me through two more treatments?

Backstory; June 2024 diagnosed with IBC, ++-, stage 3c, have done 4 AC and need to do 12 Taxol. Just did number 6 and numb hands/feet are acute now.

Thank you for anything you can suggest that helped during this time with regards to nerve flairs or neuropathy ~ bless you all 🤍

Hi All, I had a double mastectomy 5 weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear the results of my oncotype test. Is this a typical wait time? How long did you have to wait?

So I've had a lot of time to wonder and think about the possible score scenarios. I had multicentric (2 idc tumors in left breast) with 13 cm of DCIS. Tumor #1 was 1.5cm, grade 1, ++- and tumor #2 was 6mm, grade 2, ++-. My lymph nodes were clear. Anyone with a similar situation of multicentric? Would you be willing to share your score? Thank you!

Hey,

I think many of us struggle how to cope (even using coping skills), be happy, or enjoy anything in life being in active treatment or on on hormone blockers. Let's share what helps you to be happier, calms you down, gives you joy, or makes this abit easier to handle. It may help or give ideas to people who struggle so much. Thank you!

Where to get info about recurrence rate? Very afraid.

Cancer in one breast. Would mastectomy reduce chances of recurrence (vs lumpectomy)? Would double mastectomy reduce chances of cancer on the other breast?

I finished rads last week on Wednesday. The previous Saturday, I noticed that the skin in my armpit and the fold under my breast were bright red rather than the light pink of the rest of the treated area. It also seemed to stay moist (still summer weather in Texas) and would stick to my bra. I brought it to the attention of my RO who said it was a normal side effect of radiation. It is just more irritated because of skin-to-skin contact and chafing from my bra. He said to go braless as much as possible and to allow them to air out. I can’t go without a bra while I’m at work but I can at home, so it has gotten better but not by much. It is also physically painful for me to go without a bra so I really don’t like doing it. A couple days ago, the area under my breast started peeling big, thick pieces of skin (like after a really bad sunburn). Any suggestions that might speed up healing?

Title says it all - I had AC (red devil) last week and my white blood count was 1000 on Wednesday, even after neulasta 😵‍💫 Since then I’ve been laying low but temp has been climbing a bit today.

Can you share your stories and tips with neutropenia? I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to avoid hospitalization if my fever climbs. My doctor says if it’s 100.5 I have to go in and I really don’t want to go to Lenox Hill ER on a Friday night 👻

I obviously will follow my oncologists orders just curious if there’s anything I can do proactively to mitigate fever or if I should even try to do that?

I am 7 weeks out from finishing TC chemo (Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide) and still mostly bald. I know Docetaxel is hard on hair follicles, but when can I expect my hair to actually start growing? If you were on the regimen, when did your hair really start growing back?

I went to ER early sept due to heads and video cjanfes. Well since then I met with UAB about and clinical trial and did 5 rounds on brain mass which according to last MRI looked like it's respondong. Well yesterday I was sipposed to start the clinical. Unfortunately I had shortness od break, high heartrate, and my tumor on my heart grew quite alot. What did yall do for heart treatment? Was there certain meds that worked neen easier on body? Did the treatments work on other areas as well overall?

I was just notified that I do have breast cancer. I have an appointment later today with my doctor to go over the biopsy report but the imaging center was kind enough to tell me over the phone so I wouldn’t have to wait. I don’t remember the conversation too much but I think she said something about a milk duct and carcinoma. I just had the biopsy yesterday so I knew when they called it wasn’t good. I never even felt anything, my Dr never felt anything in my yearly exam but sent me for my yearly mammogram. I guess I will see a breast specialist and get an MRI??? I’m 51 female. I have been having a horrible, horrible time with peri then menopause and would come to Reddit for knowledge and an occasional kind word. So here I am now on this page….

I have a question about breast pain. I had a SMX back in Jan of 22, and then had 3 reconstructions since then to get things looking as good as I could. I had implants on both sides and a little fat grafting. I am very active and workout hard with strength training 4x a week. Every so often, and it feels like it’s increasing— the SMX side has this weird pain. I can’t tell if it’s in the chest wall/muscle, but it’s annoying and it’s like something is off. I don’t see anything visible on the outside as far as shape or color or anything. And I think it feels like it always does. I was ruling out capsular contractor bc the external appearance hasn’t changed. Although the mastectomy side has always seemed to be a slightly different shape and size than the other but I figured this was due to lack of breast tissue on that side. Is this normal? Are random pains in the mastectomy side with implants just par for the course? Thanks for any input. I’m curious what early or “less severe” symptoms folks may have had and then they found out something was wrong or it was CC.

I’m HER2+ only. I’ve done TCHP. Waiting on surgery and radiation. Then will also continue Phesgo or Kadcyla based on pathology. Is anyone on any additional meds during this time or after the year is up? My doctor has noted about Zometa in my chart. I’m guessing to reduce the chance of bone mets…although I’m not sure. I’m wondering if there are supplemental meds I could take to reduce my chances of future reoccurrence or spread. Do we just fly free? Or can I opt for something?

Hi Everyone! I am currently scheduled to received a DMX on 12/12 and I am in the process of prepping for my recovery. I've seen many recommendations for things that I will need after, but I've also heard people discuss items they didn't actually use. What are some items that you wish you would have purchased or would NOT have purchased for your DMX recovery?

I'm hesitant to make this post, but this sub is undoubtedly the kindest corner of the internet, so here goes.

I was diagnosed last year at 45. I was in a new relationship; I don't have kids and was pretty ok with that. My onco suggested a fertility consult before starting 5 years of Lupron/AI "even if you have a 1% chance you think you might want children in the future." Ok, so I took the consult, only for them to tell me they don't harvest eggs after 44. (Um, you couldn't have told my onco this and saved me the pain of "You've got breast cancer AND you're old!"?)

Cut to now - that new relationship turned out to be the love of my life and our 1 yr anniversary is in a few weeks! I never really cared so much about having children until meeting him. And now I'm mourning the loss of time and choices.

It seems that donor eggs+surrogacy are our closest-to-biological option. Or I guess technically me carrying w/ donor eggs is an option, but I had HR+ IDC so I'm afraid of carrying a baby, particularly since I'd be so old. (Success stories w/ post-cancer older moms are SUPER welcome!) Adoption is something we may also consider, but I'm just talking about surrogacy here.

I've seen some programs that help with free donor eggs or give grants for IVF, but none that help with the high costs of surrogacy. Do they exist? I have good insurance, but I can't seem to get a definitive answer on what's covered or not.

Of course, hovering behind all of this are doubts about my ability to be a good mother at my age, stupid f*cking breast cancer and the risk of recurrence, and maybe I should be thankful I'm alive and call it a day.

I see folks writing carefully about whether their new breast cancer is actually "new" versus "recurrence." And I don't get it. Can you explain or point me to resources?

Hello beautiful people! One month before diagnosis I had a total hysterectomy (keeping ovaries) to correct heavy bleeding from large fibroids. I've had my surgery and radiation, and as my diagnosis is hormone positive I need endocrine therapy and my oncologist took some hormone tests a month ago to see if I was in menopause.

I explained to her that pre-hysterectomy I had heavy but regular periods and showed no signs of menopause other than weight gain (I became anemic and excersized little). I figured she would just prescribe tamoxifen but the nurse called and said we would discuss aromatase inhibitors.

My test showed low estrogen but it was my understanding that it would take months for my ovaries to "wake up". In fact. I had my usual PMS symptoms this week (bloating, cleaning excessively, crying at everything, chocolate cravings) for the first time since the hysterectomy.

Has anyone else experienced this dilemma? For reference, I am 50 years old, hormone positive her negative stage one grade one no lymph nodes oncotype 13. I don't think I am in menopause and I know my hormones were affected by the hysterectomy.

It’s not the same nausea of eating something bad, it’s more like a home sick nausea that feels connected to my wound. That feeling if you’re over stimulated and it kind of gives you a sick feeling? Maybe I only get that. But it feels like it’s either the wound/my emotions/ or hormones or all of it. It’s so hard to describe but it is kind of an uncomfortable depressing feeling. I’m a little over 2 weeks out of the lumpectomy.

Hey all,

The title says it all. I’m 42 and prior to diagnosis was in my absolute prime. Best shape of my life, intimacy was off the charts with my husband, etc. Since starting Lupron, dry as a bone, zero sec drive, etc. Aside from getting lube, what else can I do? The sexual health of my marriage is extremely important to me. Thanks in advance, I’m sure others have been there. I need help.

Two years ago, I started HRT for menopause. I honestly have to say that was a really good thing at the time, it helped all of my hot flashes and terrible symptoms, I made the informed decision to go on it because we had no breast cancer in my family, but we did have some osteoporosis. I discussed these risks and benefits with the doctor, I was comfortable taking it, and they were comfortable prescribing. Even though it might seem strange at this point, I would make the same decision again then with the information that I had.

I was just diagnosed with ILC, hormone positive. Stopped the HRT obviously, dealing with menopause symptoms coming crashing back, still think HRT can be great for some folks. Was anyone diagnosed after spending some time on hrt? Obviously I can’t take it now, but it was great for quality of life.

I finished active treatment about 11 days ago now. I did ACT Chemo for 16 cycles, and then 20 days of radiation. Now I just feel…broken and alone. I’ve told my support, and just get a shrug or told ‘well you’ve had depression. that has been an issue for you in the past’.

It’s like…I don’t know. I feel so broken, and everything is just hitting me. I’ve had a moment to breath and sit with everything and it just sucks.

How have you coped?

Music has always been a way for me to give voice to my feelings, and going for walks helps me to clear my mind and get past that negativity.

I go see my oncologist in a couple weeks for my first Lupron shot, and I think I may ask for an antidepressant.

He said my cancer is aggressive. Er + pr + (low) and Her2 equivocal. Minimum grade 2, 2cm mass with lymoh node beside it that shows some lymphoid follicles and mostly cancer but can't be ruled a metastatic node at this time with limited sample.

He said we need to check my lungs and bones because it's likely spread.

I'm so lost. Doesn't it need to go through lymph nodes before your body? They can't see anymore on ultrasound that are suspicious but we know that's not reliable.

Any experiences to share. I'm terrified and can't eat. I'm a young mom. I don't know where to put my energy. I'm shaking and worried for my young boys

******************,

Edit. Online pathology translation tool gave me this ...

This lab report is describing a tissue sample that has been largely taken over by invasive carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that spreads into surrounding tissues. The report notes that there are no visible mammary ducts, which are part of the breast tissue, suggesting that the normal structure of the tissue has been significantly altered by the cancer.

Additionally, the report mentions the presence of a few lymphoid follicles, which are small clusters of immune cells, but it does not clearly identify any lymphoid tissue. This makes it unclear whether the cancer has spread to a lymph node, which is a common pathway for cancer to spread to other parts of the body. The report suggests that further clinical evaluation is needed to understand the full extent of the cancer's spread.

Here are five questions you might consider asking your doctor:

1. What does "invasive carcinoma" mean for my diagnosis and treatment options?
2. How significant is the absence of mammary ducts in this tissue sample?
3. What are lymphoid follicles, and why is their presence important in this report?
4. What additional tests or evaluations are needed to determine if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes?
5. How will this report affect my overall treatment plan and prognosis?

This information should not take the place of medical advice.

has anyone here developed a rash from chemo and/or immunotherapy? my mom is currently going through treatment for TNBC and shes on taxol/carbo (weekly) + keytruda (every 3 cycles). this wednesday will be her 4th treatment with the keytruda again. after her 2nd treatment, she started developing this rash on her back that has now started eeking into a full body rash. red spots, not raised. she sent a pic to her oncologist who has prescribed hydroxyzine and triamcinolone as a topical and told her to take zyrtec and pepcid. (weird, i know)

just wondering if anyone here had experience with a rash during their treatment and what your experience was like! im hoping they dont discontinue her keytruda because ive read great things.

Sorry for this totally random somewhat stupid post, lol. My DMX is scheduled for Monday. My husband and older child are out of town this weekend so it's kind of my chance to anything done that I want done before surgery/recovery. I'm anticipating November being a pretty low-key month in terms of arm movements, so now I'm considering just doing all the Christmas decorating this weekend. Is that insane? Will I be able to do some of it at the end of November? I'm a day-after-Thanksgiving girl but he's a bit Grinchier.

I saw this short this morning and now I'm like hmmmm... 😂

I had a single mastectomy in January 2024 and will have my exchange surgery in early next year (over the muscle silicone). I'm 45 and am a fairly perky 36 C. The PS did not have a strong opinion on whether to do a breast lift on the other non-cancer side, and any advice or stories about your experience would be appreciated.

On one hand, it looks a bit uneven right now with the expander even in a bra, as the expander sits much higher, and I'm sure the difference will increase as I get older. On the other hand, the PS assured me that there will be minimal scarring, very little, if any, loss of sensation, and no drains.

I didn't ask the PS how exactly the lift would be done, but it seems like it involves the repositioning of the areola/nipple, which is making me cringe a little.

I generally would prefer to leave things as is (without the lift), especially if this means I will have noticeable scars on both sides and significant loss of sensation. Every nurse I've seen has commented on how nicely the mastectomy scar has healed and that I've tolerated radiation very well, but to me, the scars are still quite visible after 10 months and I still have moderate hyperpigmentation from the radiation.

So, my questions are:

1. Did you experience permanent loss of sensation with the breast lift? If so, how much?

2. Would the silicone implant sit much lower than the radiated expander?

3. Compared to the mastectomy side, how visible are your scars on the lifted side?

4. Anything else I should consider or ask my PS?

Thank you!

I was diagnosed yesterday. Stage 2/IDC with one lymph node testing positive for cancer, too. I just looked on my online portal, and the lymph node results state “Metastatic Adenocarcinoma”.

is this the standard term? Or does it suggest something more serious than the “positive lymph node” discussed on the phone when I got my results?