bonjour

So happy you made the right decision re: 3rd lumpectomy vs. mastectomy. I hear reconstruction is a process. You'll take a while to heal, so listen to your body and rest when you need to. Chemo was not easy, but it's do-able because there are meds for every side effect. I filled all the Rx's and stocked the "arsenal" before my first chemo. Plus, I did everything the doctor said. People would say, "Are you sure you're undergoing cancer treatment?" so I'd say I came through it virtually unscathed (except for the hair loss about 15 days into treatment).

Hi, Martee. I see that we have similar journeys. I'm 65, was diagnosed just over a year ago with Invasive Ductal cancer. 2.2 cm tumor. Had lumpectomy, re-excision, 4 cycles of chemo (Cytoxan + Taxotere), 35 radiation treatments. In January, my oncologist said I am in complete remission. I am soooo thankful. How are you progressing? How can I help you?

Sadie, mine was the same situation. No lymph nodes involved. Lumpectomy. Still recommended 4 cycles of chemo and 35 treatments of radiation. Sometimes chemo is because of the size of the tumor (over 2.0 cm) or just because they want to get it all and reduce risk of recurrence. Also, we are both pretty healthy for our age and no serious comorbidities. Ask your oncologist about it. Best wishes for a quick recovery!

Sadie, fight like a girl! You have so many things going for you. Stage 1, good early detection. Age 66 and healthy, congrats to you! And you heard about WhatNext early, even better. Like you, I am mid-60's and am healthy. Feb. 2011 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, Stage 1, 2.2 cm. tumor. The shock sent me in a tailspin at first, especially since my husband and I were set to go to Italy on a long-awaited trip. Well, we took the trip between surgery and chemo. After getting a 2nd opinion on treatment and armed with information up the wazoo we forged ahead. With a lot of trust in God and leaning on friends and family, I made it through 4 cycles of chemo (Cytoxan + Taxotere), then 35 days of radiation, the last 9 being a boost. My advice to all survivors: do some exercise every day, even if you don't feel like it, and drink water, water, water. One year post-cancer, my medical oncologist said I am in complete remission. I'm a little slower than I was pre-cancer, but that's a good thing--I have more awareness of how sweet life is. Attitude is 99% of healing and dealing! You will succeed.

I am so sorry to hear the Stage IV diagnosis and metastasis. Your spouse/partner is so blessed to have you at her side as a caregiver. Now is the time to support any educated decision that she makes on her journey. She is so young and, if no other serious conditions, let her fight back as much as her will and physical strength allow. Maybe ask her what she needs the most from you right now. Don't forget the American Cancer Society (see phone number at right). They have a terrific Caregiver Kit and information for you at this time. God bless both of you!

Thanks for sharing your experience with Arimidex. Maybe some of the aches I'm experiencing are not age, but side effects of the drug. I agree with you, "Keep the monster at bay!" Good luck to you in your continuing recovery.

any side effects from Arimidex? I seem to have plenty, being on it for 2 months now...

I'm sorry you've had such a hard time with nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. I don't know how old you are, how healthy you were when cancer hit, or what part of the treatment process you are in right now. When I was asked how easily I get nausea or motion sickness, I told them VERY easily. So I was given an Rx for Emend, a 3-day medication that I found to be extremely helpful & $$$. I took it the day of chemo (1 hr. before infusion) and the 2 days after. I also was prescribed Decadron (Dex), Ativan, (Lorazepam), & Zofran (Ondansetron) with specific instructions for each. I took some of them through Day 8 of a 21-day cycle. I also had Phenergan suppositories prn, but never had to use those. I never had a bit of nausea during my four cycles of chemo (Taxotere & Cytoxan), so I feel the arsenal of meds I had was adequate. I am 65 and not experienced with marijuana, so I haven't considered it an option. I hear about it in California, but not much locally. Hope you find a solution to all the side effects. Bummer.

Hello! I see you were diagnosed over 4 yrs. ago, and you are 70 yrs. old. Congratulations on both counts. I hope to have such good news in a few years. I'm 65 and finished my cancer treatments Oct. 12th. I will take Arimidex for 5 yrs. and be monitored by my oncologists in the meantime. What kind of adjuvant therapy are you undergoing? Is your cancer in remission? You said you live with cancer as a "chronic illness"? What kinds of problems are you having? I hope to come through my Dec. 29 CT scans and say, "Yea! I'm cured!" Do you find that too optimistic?

Five cycles of Taxol--wow! You're a strong cookie. Glad you're doing OK, except for chemo brain. I have it somewhat, too. It takes me about a minute to think of the name of a restaurant or someone I talked to last week. Kind of a delayed reaction, like when they dub movies and the word comes out a second after the lips formed it. Oh well, they say "This too shall pass." Have a great holiday season!

Heatherbelle, how are you doing now? It looks like the major part of your diagnosis and treatments finished about a year ago. Are you back to all activities of being a young, active mom? Are you happy with the reconstruction? I would have made the same decision as you if I were 30 yrs. younger. But a lumpectomy sounded like the least invasive option with my history of complications post-surgery. I'm a little lop-sided, but the prosthesis does wonders. Have a healthy holiday season. Best wishes.

Allison, at Stage IV and with chronic pain you are an angel to want to "keep being a mom" to your children. Do you have friends or family to support you so you can do only the essential things for your kids that others cannot do? I can't make a decision for you to continue treatment or stop altogether. All I can do is pray you will be at peace with whatever choice you make. God be with you. Fight back!!!

Rachel, I see you were diagnosed almost 12 yrs. ago. Looks like you had a rough road with your mastectomy and reconstruction. I have a friend your age who just had her first surgery and will have reconstruction soon. She said too it was harder than she expected. It's nice to see you have had 12 years to enjoy in the meantime. You are a survivor. I will tell her I hear good news every day! Have a wonderful holiday.