Common Questions

  • I'm facing My first round of chemo at end of April .. Does one gain weight from the steroids ? Should I try to loose a few pounds before just in case ? I heard weight gain attributes to estrogen levels increasing .. I'm estrogen and Her2 positive ,...

    Asked by anonymous

    Patient
    about 1 year ago 9 answers •
    • View all 9 answers
    • anonymous
      Stage 4 Patient

      Hi Celien, I'm sorry to hear about you diagnosis. Most of us here have been in your shoes. Yes, steroids given during chemo can make you gain weight. I gained weight, but some women don't. My Onc. Told me she'd rather see me gain than lose. I'm estrogen positive as well...but HER neg. I have two...

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      Hi Celien, I'm sorry to hear about you diagnosis. Most of us here have been in your shoes. Yes, steroids given during chemo can make you gain weight. I gained weight, but some women don't. My Onc. Told me she'd rather see me gain than lose. I'm estrogen positive as well...but HER neg. I have two more radiation treatments left & I'll begin slowly getting the weight off. I really don't think it's a good idea to lose weight before chemo. But I'd ask your Oncologist for their advice.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      For me the steroids helped me keep the weight on, chemo would have had me frail thin.

      Comment

  • Lymphedema? Can anyone please explain how to get the swelling down for better quality of life?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    over 1 year ago 2 answers •
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2011

      I had the same thing and I was advised to go to physical therapy. I did and it was one of the best things I did. Swelling is gone and I have full range of motion in my arm again. I even had some cording which they took care of too. Your doc can write the order so your insurance picks up the...

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      I had the same thing and I was advised to go to physical therapy. I did and it was one of the best things I did. Swelling is gone and I have full range of motion in my arm again. I even had some cording which they took care of too. Your doc can write the order so your insurance picks up the bills. Please go see physical therapy it will help. Let me know how it goes...praying for you.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Traci, mine gathered on the front and back of my under arms, my bra contribute to some of the swelling.exercise is a must and gently learn go rub your area like you are moving it downward and across the chest. Exercise is a must

      Comment

  • I'm about to start Adriamycin & Cyclophosphamide and was wondering with your immune system being so low is it safe to work with the general public? And if I were to get sick how would that affect my treatment?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    about 1 year ago 9 answers •
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    • anonymous
      Stage 1 Patient

      My oncologist prefers me to not work, but says there are plenty of people who have to work during treatment. It is imperative you make sure no one is sick around you, and above all, washing your hands at every turn is a must.....for you and the people you come in contact with. It would be a...

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      My oncologist prefers me to not work, but says there are plenty of people who have to work during treatment. It is imperative you make sure no one is sick around you, and above all, washing your hands at every turn is a must.....for you and the people you come in contact with. It would be a good idea to carry a little bottle of hand sanitizer as well. Any kind of infection you get while on chemo can be a detriment to your already weakened immune system. I'm about to start chemo this next week, and I am lucky to not be working. I don't want to get sick from other people who may not mention they are not feeling well.

      1 comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Your immune system is weaker, but I think working with people beforehand is beneficial. With me, I have worked in a kindergarten classroom for 6 years before I was diagnosed. I continued to work through my treatments and came down with 1 sore throat/ cough- that was it! I think that being...

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      Your immune system is weaker, but I think working with people beforehand is beneficial. With me, I have worked in a kindergarten classroom for 6 years before I was diagnosed. I continued to work through my treatments and came down with 1 sore throat/ cough- that was it! I think that being around the " germs" of 5 year olds made me able to ward off more serious infections. Everyone is different though, so run it by your oncologist beforehand.just to get his/her opinion. Best of luck to you!

      Comment
  • Missing

    My oncology nurse told me I shouldn't kiss my husband for 3 days following my chemo. Is this normal?

    Asked by anonymous

    Stage 1 Patient
    about 1 year ago 5 answers •
    • View all 5 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2012

      I'm not familiar with this, but it's probably not a bad idea. "Swapping spit" can subject you to possible infection, and your white blood cell count drops after chemo. So kiss him/her on the cheek and wait the three days, would be my suggestion!

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Stage 2B Patient

      I was told the same thing ! Also to close the toilet seat when flushing . It is because they have no positive facts yet but they think our chemo can go into some one else by kissing or if someone wAs to sit on our pee. Also use a condom of your having sex within 3 days of chemo .

      Comment

  • I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer last March. I had a double mastectomy, have gone through 8 cycles of dose dense chemotherapy as well as radiation. I am now on Tamoxifen 20 mgs daily. What is my chance for recurrance?

    Asked by anonymous

    Survivor since 2012
    about 1 year ago 5 answers •
    • View all 5 answers
    • anonymous
      Stage 4 Patient

      Hi Lori, our stories are very similar! I was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer last May. I went through 8 cycles of dose dense chemo, a double mastectomy, then 8 more cycles of code dense chemo with 2 different drugs than before which took place 3 weeks after my mastectomy. She used stage 4...

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      Hi Lori, our stories are very similar! I was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer last May. I went through 8 cycles of dose dense chemo, a double mastectomy, then 8 more cycles of code dense chemo with 2 different drugs than before which took place 3 weeks after my mastectomy. She used stage 4 drugs on me the second time due to extensive lymph node involvement, & other things that were found. Then I went through radiation. It's been 1 week ago today since I had my final rad treatment. I've been on 20 mg of Tamoxifen for 1 week now.
      On my visit last week I asked my Oncologist the same question. What are my chances for reoccurrence? She told me basically that there's always going to be a chance for reoccurrence. But there's no way to predict that with percentages. It's impossible. Each woman is different. A lot of women live years & years who have had stage 3 cancer. I'm not going to lie...there have been times in the past where I've looked at the survival stats online with our stage of cancer. But it brought no good doing so. No one knows for sure when our time on earth is finished. My Oncologist is such an upbeat person. Very caring with her patients. I just can't say good enough things about her. And I respected her for saying what she did. There's always going to be a part of me that wonders if it will ever return. I know this sounds cliche but I'm going to do the right things health wise, and live the rest of my life (however long that may be) with purpose. AND abundantly. Hugs Lori

      1 comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Seems to me that you won the war!! Good for you!!!

      1 comment

  • My name is Terri and I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. At post op I was told stage 1b which started at a. The doctor said chemo or radiation. Please some one out there give me a little input.

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    11 months ago 5 answers •
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    • anonymous
      Stage 2A Patient

      Radiation treats the breast tissue; chemo treats the whole body. Breast cancer.org has lots of good info

      1 comment
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2010

      Hi Terri, I think you should get a list of questions together for surgeon and oncologist. I had dcis, stage 1 n went they did the surgery, they found a very small tumor that was invasive ductal carcinoma. Because I was her 2 positive, I needed chemo n herceptin. There are a lot of variables here...

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      Hi Terri, I think you should get a list of questions together for surgeon and oncologist. I had dcis, stage 1 n went they did the surgery, they found a very small tumor that was invasive ductal carcinoma. Because I was her 2 positive, I needed chemo n herceptin. There are a lot of variables here and you need a lot more information. Get the biopsy notes, are you her 2 or estrogen/ pr positive? I really felt I needed a second opinion, which I got before proceeding with treatment. Keep us posted

      Comment

  • What is an oncotype DX score?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    12 months ago 3 answers •
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2007

      Sylvia, I found a very comprehensive and updated, easy-to-understand explanation in the following link. Take care, Sharon
      http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx.jsp

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      It is a customized test of your specific tumor. It will provide a score which is a predictor of recurrence. It is used for those u

      Comment
  • Missing

    How long does it take an axillary node dissection to heal? I'm having pain and numbness, plus, it's difficult to sleep at night. Should I go to a PT?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    12 months ago 7 answers •
    • View all 7 answers
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Yup it hurts more than the mastectomy. I had nasty lymph webbing like a "cord" from my armpit to wrist. I went to Physio and it got me full range, reduced the pain, etc. But find a good one with experience in it.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Just yesterday I ask the R.N. when will the numbness and hurting go away. I put a soft down pillow up under my arm to hold it away from me when I'm sleeping. And of course Tylenol. I had my surgery May 14.

      Comment

  • I had a routine mammogram that showed a lump in the right breast 1..2 cm in size. Will be having core biopsy on Monday. Has anyone had that with conscious sedation and if so how painful was it after you woke up?

    Asked by anonymous

    Stage 1 Patient
    about 1 year ago 6 answers •
    • View all 6 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2007

      Hi Linda, I had this done and for me, it wasn't a big deal, at all. To me, a dental appointment is10 times more difficult. BUT... EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT. The initial numbing stings, I felt pressure when they took the core but that was about it. It was a very, very, quick procedure. I think...

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      Hi Linda, I had this done and for me, it wasn't a big deal, at all. To me, a dental appointment is10 times more difficult. BUT... EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT. The initial numbing stings, I felt pressure when they took the core but that was about it. It was a very, very, quick procedure. I think the entire thing was done within about 20 minutes (30 minutes at the most) and that was including the time it took to get numb and wait for the doctor to get back in the room. Afterwards, the discomfort can be minimized by icing the area. The area was sore but not even uncomfortable enough to need any OTC pain medication. We live on a little farm so afterwards, I just went about my normal activities of taking care of animals. Again..... everybody is different and I am sure there are plenty of women out there who had a more difficult time than I did. Hang in there, gal! We are all supportive of each other on this board.

      2 comments
    • Missing
      anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I had a core biopsy without anything to numb the area or any sedation. It is only the skin surrounding the breast that feels pain the breast tissue itself doesn't so once the needle has penetrated the skin you won't feel anything. I agree with Sharon about the dentist. Good luck with it and let...

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      I had a core biopsy without anything to numb the area or any sedation. It is only the skin surrounding the breast that feels pain the breast tissue itself doesn't so once the needle has penetrated the skin you won't feel anything. I agree with Sharon about the dentist. Good luck with it and let us know the result.

      Comment
  • Missing

    How come when I was diagnosed my Dr. couldn't tell the stage of cancer and said only after surgery I would know, but a friend has just been diagnosed today with no surgery just a biopsy at Stage 2?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    11 months ago 5 answers •
    • View all 5 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2003

      Morning A' It all depends on how much tissue was Removed during the biopsy. The type of biopsy done. And the other factor being the surgeon wants to have a complete pathology final report before giving you your staging diagnosis. The doctor I worked for was very thorough and had the tissue...

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      Morning A' It all depends on how much tissue was Removed during the biopsy. The type of biopsy done. And the other factor being the surgeon wants to have a complete pathology final report before giving you your staging diagnosis. The doctor I worked for was very thorough and had the tissue evaluated by two pathologist before giving a patient a cancer staging diagnosis. She felt it was devastating enough for the patent to hear they had cancer and wanted to be as accurate as possible with treatment options after surgery

      Comment
    • Missing
      anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I learned my grade and type from the core biopsy my surgeon performed, talked of reconstruction, and he told my husband the preliminary pathology while I was in recovery from a partial mast.( was to have been lumpectomy but had to take more tissue), but nothing was in stone until the second path...

      more

      I learned my grade and type from the core biopsy my surgeon performed, talked of reconstruction, and he told my husband the preliminary pathology while I was in recovery from a partial mast.( was to have been lumpectomy but had to take more tissue), but nothing was in stone until the second path came in. He called me with that good news. I never asked about staging and he never said, but I had read enough on staging to feel comfortable in waiting until all the tests came in. My onc methodically and clearly explained each step beginning with what's the purpose of the breast and how it works to the size of the tumor, hormone receptivty, recurrence(oncoDX test which he ordered before I saw him so he would have the results on my first visit). He was so effecient and thorough. When he finished I knew everything about my diagnosis including stage and treatment-except for the# of radiation treatments. He said my radiologist would make that dicision based on my full report. I know my surgeon would have talked about staging but it would have been preliminary and was subject to change. Of course, I had my usual list of questions.

      Comment

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