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Jane, hope things go well today!

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Posted 8/31/2009 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Let us know...
Hugs...BEV
Posted 8/31/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bev,

How sweet of you to remember, such a comfort to me.

It's 11:30 AM in Glen Mills, PA just called and neither biopsy thyroid and breast is back from Quest Diagnostics, but expected today. When it comes in the doctor will call me.

Really shaky this morning probably a combination of Lyme tremors and waiting for results plus not knowing if positive what the next step is.

I have a list of questions for the doctor and of course most of all want to know if it's cancer, what kind and what chemo will I have. According to Lori treatment depends on type and how extensive it is.

Why oh why didn't I have a yearly mammogram, last one was in 2005.

Could you tell me a little about your experience and outcome or direct me to a thread where I can read about it. Hope your not still on chemo.

Just took a 5 mg Valium to try to stop shaking and settle down.
Posted 8/31/2009 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane-
I too found that the day of test results was often a hard day to get through, and with all the waiting of the weekend, the anxiety is hard to manage!
Lists are a great tool, I'd recommend writing them down, and if needed, bring a tape recorder to your appointments to really get the answers down pat without having to worry about writing it accurately.
And Bev can tell you her own experiences, but from what I know, the traditional "chemo" drugs are time limited for most people, but there are other hormonal (oral or IV) drugs that people can take for years and years. If cancer has spread outside the breast, then the chemo and medication choices are different, with a different goal and can be for longer times.
Hang in there....you can do this!
Lori
Posted 8/31/2009 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane,

I have been thinking about you as well!  I'M praying for good results!

Michelle

Posted 8/31/2009 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lori, Michelle, nice to hear from you.

I know I can do it, have to and the support I've found here will pull me through.

Just received a call a few minutes ago............thyroid biopsy.

Colloid Goiter was told to come back in six months.

Got any opinions on that and do you think it's good advice. The call was from the doctor who did the biopsy. Am planning to call my endo and see if she also got the report and see what she has to say.

Post Edited (mcjane) : 8/31/2009 1:14:43 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/31/2009 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
cross fingers...hoping for good news!
Posted 8/31/2009 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know what a colloid goiter is, but like the fact that it is not cancer! One down, one to go!
Posted 9/1/2009 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Good news on the thyroid. Still have fingers crossed for you breast biopsy.

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 9/1/2009 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Google: (Now we know :-))


A colloid nodular goiter occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to meet the metabolic demands of the body with sufficient hormone production. The thyroid gland compensates by enlarging, which usually overcomes mild deficiencies of thyroid hormone.

If the thyroid gland is then re-exposed to iodine, the nodules may produce thyroid hormone independently. Occasionally, the nodules may produce too much thyroid hormone, causing thyrotoxicosis. This is called a toxic nodular goiter.

Jeeze does this mean I should avoid iodine...confusing.

BC doctor didn't call, called her secretary twice and she said the report wasn't back yet......maybe tomorrow.

Yes good news and one more to go. Feeling better.
Posted 9/2/2009 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
The doctor called me around noon I have breast cancer.

The tumor is 2cm (3/4") and is a HER2/NEU (human epidermal growth factor receptor) From what I gather this is fast growing and usually treated with Herceptin as well as surgery. I do not like what I read about Herceptin or HER/2 tumors.

She says my chances of bone cancer are in her estimation less than 2%

I will be having an MRI, chest xray and a bone scan before surgery expect them to be done very soon.

Oh well......

Edited because I forgot to add I have decided on a lumpectomy and my doctor said she will also have a plastic surgeon working with her to cosmetically repair where the lumpectomy will be as well as lift both breasts which is something I would like to have done and it will be covered by my insurance.

After that I will have 6 weeks of radiation five days a week followed by some chemo, but not sure just what she will be using.

I also agreed to volunteer to be part of three trials, one she will do with an ultrasound and that is to insert a core biopsy tube and instantly freeze the tumor then later take blood tests to see If I am making antibodies the will kill cancer cells. She wants me to watch this one says it's fascinating to watch the tumor instantly freeze.....!

 The second will be done in the OR and they will take a small piece of the tumor and a vial of blood to study for future cancer treatment.

The third also done in the Or will be to take some bone marrow from my hip to study.

She said the first two they will tell me any findings, the third they cannot.

 

Post Edited (mcjane) : 9/1/2009 9:53:02 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2009 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
Jane, I'm really sorry that you had to get bad news. HER2/NEU + tumors do tend to be more agressive, but, thankfully, we now have Herceptin, which is very effective in fighting these. I haven't had Herceptin, so I'm sure other people will tell you about their experiences with it.

Sounds like your surgeon is very active in breast cancer research, so she will be up to speed on all the latest. That is wonderful.

When are you leaving for your trip?

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 9/2/2009 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Bev, yes bad news and I guess like everyone else when you hear you have IDC BC you think not me there must be some mistake.

Been doing some reading on Herceptin and am concerned about heart problems so hearing from others on HW is what I'm hoping for.

My doctor is Jennifer L Sabol MD FACS and she is very much into research and I'm more than willing to be part of the trials.

http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/pab/jennifer_sabol.jsp

My trip will be after I have my surgery and I'm not sure how soon after that radiation starts so it might fall between the two or be after the radiation.



Wondering where Lori is and if she's OK.
Posted 9/4/2009 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane, sorry you had to join our club, but it sounds like you are in a good place...and doing a great job of keeping control of things. That helped me cope, control. I read, researched, asked questions, took charge on what I could take charge on, not wanting to give one more ounce of time to cancer than I had to. Don't be alarmed if you have some good days and some bad while you go through the testing process...not to say you will, but just take it in stride...emotions can run the gammut during this time.
As for Her 2 status, it is a mixed blessing I think....Herceptin is an amazing drug in the arsenal against breast cancer and it makes it not so bad to have the positive traits. And keep in mind too, that the stats are just stats...just a way to try and predict what will be, bit not indicative of what you'll experience.
Take good lists of questions with you and a tape recorder too...don't rush into any decisions, take the time to feel comfortable with your decisions. And let us know how we can help!
Lori
Posted 9/18/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Update:

Had all my testing done, bone scan great no cancer.

MRI shows my cancer to be almost twice the size (3.7mm) as opposed to what the mammogram shows (2mm)

MRI also shows slight lymph node enlargement so had a needle biopsy on Wednesday...results probably on Monday.

Saw the plastic surgeon this visit was fun the doctor had a great sense of humor. and he will do a breast lift (only thing I'm looking forward to :-) sure could use one) same time as my lumpectomy.
He said he will make my left breast larger than the right because radiation will shrink the tissue so when I'm finished my boobs will match up. So far with this exception all my doctors are women.

Saw my cardiologist yesterday at the hospital...cleared for surgery...as if I had a choice!!!

While waiting for his secretary to type up the report I decided to find the cancer center and talk to someone about radiation treatments was told after surgery I would see the radiaologist and treatment would start wnen my surgery healed. Picked up lots of pamphlets and business cards.

Should be having my surgery within the next three weeks and will stay overnight in the hospital.

September 21st I will finally meet with my onco Marisa Weiss and am looking forward to meeting her.

Thanks to my two mentors Lori & Bev and to Michelle and MMMNAVY for your help and good wishes and helping me by sharing your experiences.....will keep you posted.

Jane
Posted 9/19/2009 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Jane,

 Sorry to hear about your DX, sounds like your being well taken care of.

 I took Herceptin for a year and had no issue at all from it. I would get aches and pains like I had the flu but nothing a tylenol couldn't handle. this is very doable.

I wish you best.

donna

Posted 9/19/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Jane... sounds like things are falling into place for you, and you're in good hands. Let us hear how the visit with the oncologist goes. And when your surgery date is. Are you still planning to go on that trip?

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 9/21/2009 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Bev & everyone things went beautifully today. Met Marisa Weiss my onco, loved her, very upbeat and willing to answer all questions and sure to give you a hug before you leave. She was pleased when I told her I found out about her web site breastcancer.org from posters on HW.com She is somehow involved with HW probably writing articles. Would be nice to see her as a poster.

Great news...she told me my cancer is NOT HER2+...it's HER2-
100% estrogen R +
60% progesterone R +
I asked Lori on another post if she knew what that really means, wondering if you do Bev, I have no idea other than it's good and I have a lesser chance of occurance.

I will not have to take Herceptin.

No date for my surgery as of yet, but expect to hear anyday.

Yes, still planning to take a two week vacation and Dr Weiss is all for it she said I'll have plenty of time.

So I'm wondering how I will feel a few days after my surgery and reconstruction. Was reading on BC.org many were in recovery in agony were given morphine and the next morning were almost pain free. Need to find out if I will gave drains too, saw lots of complaints about them.

My L node biopsy report is not back, there telling me Wednesday.

To everyone thanks so much for your support and concern. makes things easier and soon I will be ably to do the same for newly diagnosed patients and be able to share my experience.

Jane

Post Edited (mcjane) : 9/21/2009 3:10:14 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/22/2009 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane,

I think of you often and I find myself searching for your posts. Thanks for the updates!  Keep that upbeat attitude and know that you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers! Have a wonderful vacation!

Michelle

Posted 9/23/2009 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelle,
Nice to hear from you and it helps me to write down my feelings which seem to jump from a high to a low, right now a low.
Funny thing about me I'm upbeat at night when I usually post, but not so much in the daytime. I still wake up thinking none of this is happening and I know it is. Of course this a daytime post.

Right now I'm thinking what happened to me all of a sudden, been healthy for years, never sick and now three biggies within months...Lyme, Thyroid, Breast Cancer. I try to stay positive and if I don't I'll fall into a depression. Right now I feel like saying the hell with it I'm not going to have surgery, rads or possible chemo...all will make me sick and why would I do that even though I know I will.

What is really helping me is the support and positive experiences of HW posters and sometimes I feel I am making way too much of it all because most of the people here have gone through their own hell much worse than I.


I know I'm rambling on and on, not making sense and probably because I'm having a bad day thinking about what's to come and I know I have to quit it because if you all can do it so can I.

Now about my vacation. I know someone who owns a condo in Saint Petersburg, FL it's empty right now that's where I'm going to stay for two weeks....free. I also have a very good friend in Brandon, FL, Carolyn Yoss, who owns a bed & breakfast called Behind The Fence and will spend a few days with her. I love her place it's like stepping back into the 1800's and the most peacfull place I've ever been.

Then I will come home and back to reality and start rads and whatever.

Have to say Michelle your post was good for me just knowing your thinking of me was a very nice thing to see.
I feel better. :-)

Jane
Posted 9/23/2009 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane,

The highs and lows that you are experiencing are totally understandable.  Have a wonderful vacation and while you are on vacation try not to think about the things to come but concentrate on the here and now so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.  When do you leave? Florida sounds wonderful!  I wish I could join you!!

Posted 9/23/2009 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelle,

Your right about highs & lows and the more I read the lower I get and even more confused. Have to say again I had no idea BC was so serious.

I was happy to hear I was HER 2 negative, E P +
So I thought I'm not in big trouble, no drugs just radiation and it would be all over....not the case. Yes, better that HER 2 plus, but still not good.

Then I keep thinking if I had of only had a mammogram even last year instead of way back in 2005 how much smaller would my tumor be. So now am playing the 'what if' game.

My vacation will be right after my surgery which is not yet scheduled., but expect to be soon.
I'm still waiting for the results of my lymph node biopsy which I'm sure will be positive. :-(

Since I'm having a 'much needed & wanted' breast lift the same time as my biopsy I have no idea how I'll feel, how sore I'll be, but I'm determined to get away....run away from it all, all by myself. Always wanted to do that, never did.

I do know people near St. Petes in case I don't like being alone.
Wish you could come with me too would be so nice to meet you.

Jane
Posted 9/24/2009 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thursday:

My doctor called and said the biopsy report said no cancer in my lymph nodes Great News.

She did say that the only way to be 100% certain is in the OR when she sends a sample to pathology and waits for results. She expects my nodes to be cancer free..

I'm wondering what effect this will have on treatment if it's negative. I know I will still have six weeks of radiation and hoping that's all.

So I am HER 2 negative and estrogen/progesterone R positive.
Both good so I'm told, but don't know why.
Posted 9/25/2009 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I've been following your posts, so I thought I would just pop in to tell you that ERPR+ is good because those types of tumors respond very well to treatment. HER2 positive tumors in the past have not responded well to treatment, but that is all changing with the drug Herceptin. I, too, was ER+ and I am approaching my fifth year. I hope that I get to celebrate wildly, ha, ha, on or about November 12th.

Judy

 

Posted 9/25/2009 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy,

Wow five years you'll make it I know you will so celebrate and go crazy you earned it.

Well that clears it up for me. I was thinking more like HER 2 minus was more like going into remission, wrong guess.

Having a lumpectomy so that means rads and rads cause cancer...go figure.
Not sure about chemo, but do know it will not be Herceptin.
Hoping I don't need any at all, don't want it.

How was the five years ? were they difficult for you ?
Any after effects of chemo and/or rads if you had them ?

Having a breast lift same time as lumpectomy and my doctor is going to fax an Rx to Bosombuddies.com (a place near me) where I can be fitted with a special comfort bra and my insurance will pay for it.
Amazing how well the medical profession looks after you with BC, wish it were that way for all diseases. Check the Lyme Forum if you want to see what I mean many go through Hell even getting a doctor to believe they are sick.

Jane
Posted 9/26/2009 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Jane, the highs and lows are so very normal. :)
It is quite the roller coaster, one step up, one back, two forward...sometimes the change in emotion and unexpected feelings can throw us for a loop, until you realize that whatever you feel, it is all normal....just put it in perspective and allow it to be what it is.

After my treatment ordeal, I set a goal of trying to go a whole day without thinking about BC. Then I realized that was not the right goal, instead, I set my sights on getting through a day without letting my feelings take over....and that worked much better for me.
Hang in there, sounds like you are doing really well!

Lori
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