Breast Cancer
Questions + Answers
Anyone stop taking the 5 year pill? I cant take the side effects anymore!
We are the same age, Claire. But I was only diagnosed in June last year, and recently completed chemo and radiation. The oncologist has now given me the… read more
What was the stupidest thing someone said to you when you announced your diagnosis?
I know that we are all supposed to focus on the positive only so if this question is out of line please just disregard or ask Mary to delete it. I know that I personally started to cringe at some of the things "well meaning" friends/family/perfect strangers would say when they found out I had BC. I always tried to temper my outward response by thanking them for their kind thoughts and words because I know cancer makes most people… read more
How public are you about your cancer diagnosis?
I recently diagnosed and have surgery scheduled for this Friday. Obviously my immediate family (so now extended family) know; my close friends know; and my employees know. But I'm struggling with whether to tell others... Like my regular customers, other friends I don't see often, etc. On the one hand, I hate the pity I see when I tell people. But on the other hand, I want to shout it out on facebook for all women to check themselves because it can happen to anyone.… read more
Are you afraid of a recurrence of your cancer?
I am among the women who was first diagnosed with breast cancer that was Stage 2 with nothing in the sentinel nodes and then 2 1/2 years later found out the breast cancer had spread to bones, liver, lung (Stage 4). The first time I didn't want to know anything about women whose breast cancer had recurred and metastasized. It was too scary. The reality is that many of us (~30%) will have a recurrence.
Just curious - Who is having thinning or hair loss from a hormone blocker?
Ok just curious - some are saying they are experiencing hair loss or thinning from the various hormone blockers. My question is - which blocker are you taking and are you losing hair or seeing some thinning? Just want to see how prevalent this actually is. Thanks!
What is everyone doing to combat stiffness and fatigue?
I find when I'm sitting around the house, I have all kinds of ambition to get out and do things. Once I'm out though, especially outside in the heat, I can't walk far without having to sit down. It's very frustrating! I'm still having walking problems with my knee and hip but this is more than that - I just don't have enough energy. Sitting on the sofa, I have all kinds of "energy" and ambition. Also very stiff when I first get up from sitting awhile - any… read more
I get up stiff and move as much as I can. I take or teach a line dance class most days and I stretch. I keep up with my steps on a Fitbit . I strive for… read more
Chemo alternatives
Hi, I just got a call from my surgeon with oncotype score of 28. My oncologist had told me if it came back 25 or higher she would recommend chemotherapy. I know chemo saves lives, but I am terrified of it because I know it does a lot of damage in the meantime. I'm not saying I will refuse chemo, but just wondering if there is anyone out there who has heard of or used an alternative method to chemo. I have a double mastectomy coming up as well, another challenge that I am not looking forward… read more
For everyone - check out www.forefronthealth.com and search on breast cancer There is some interesting information in there. As someone else said,… read more
How do you get over being so tired?
I find that I get so tired from doing everyday things and can't do a lot 2 days in a row. I am 8 months out of lumpectomy and 4 months out from radiation ? Any helpful hints or ideas. I am on tamoxifen
Why chemo?
I know I might ruffle a few feathers but why do people go thru chemo just because doctors say it's part of cancer. I realize there are many of you who absolutely need it but I'm also seeing it being done with women who are stage 1 or 0 or who score low on onco testing. Some are being told right at the time of dx without any further tests being done. It seems so unnecessary for some considering the side affects and long recovery time. I don't mean to anger anyone but does anyone else feel the same?
So I am about 6 month cancer free. What I am struggling with is people seem to think you get back to normal like the flu.
Especially at work and with my teenagers. Sometimes I feel depressed. Emotionally its like a bit of Past Tramatic Stress Syndrome combine with a body that will take a year or two to get back to normalish. How do you deal with this?
Great response ! Tired of hearing "well you're fine now", I'm far from fine.
