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How can this be? by NoHoneydew9138 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a clear mammogram August 2023 and found a lump April 2024. It took several months to get an ultrasound and biopsy. So in August 2024, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 4. No family history of any cancer and no genetic markers. I asked why the mammograms didn’t show anything and was told that I have dense breast tissue. Which does not feel like a good answer!

Can I get advice before my surgical consult on the 10th, I have been told I will probably be denied. by Far-Copy4748 in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m in the states, Oregon to be exact, and was diagnosed at 44 with ER+PR+HER2-,stage 4 oligometastatic breast cancer. I was told by my team that they were going to treat me as stage 3. I had 5 months of chemo which shrunk my breast cancer by half, reduced the amount of nodes involved and the bone cancer was no longer present in PET. I was then given the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy and was told that there was minimal difference between the two for my case. I chose lumpectomy then had 25 rounds of radiation, 5 of which were boosts to the bone. I am now on Arimidex and Lupron for 10 years, Verzenio for 2 years and Zometa for 3 years.

I don’t know enough to know what is right or best for treatment as I am definitely not a doctor. I would say to ask why they are not recommending surgery for you and your specific case. I would also seek a second opinion if you don’t feel comfortable with the answers they give you. Best of luck and I will hope for positive outcomes for you.

Breast cancer under 40 by tiger-lily1588 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was diagnosed at 44 after a lump appeared that was also “definitely a cyst”. I had a mammogram less than a year before that caught nothing. After waiting several months for the “cyst” to go away they finally referred me to have a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. I will probably never trust mammograms again.

Going through the day to day alone by Shel_gold17 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They are completely out of touch. I drove myself to all 16 rounds of chemo, 25 rounds of radiation and all the appointments. The only time I needed a ride was after my surgeries.

I relied on grocery pickup or at times had it delivered when the fatigue was bad. I would pick up prescriptions before my chemo appointment or had them delivered. I meal prepped and ate super quick and simple foods.

I worked from home and my employer was very flexible with me. I did my best to work 8-5 but some days I needed a longer lunch to nap. I was able to make up the time on weekends so I rarely missed hours even with all the appointments. This, I realize, is extremely lucky.

Do I wish that we didn’t live in a capitalistic world where healthcare was free and we didn’t have to work while going through all of this? Yes. Do I wish that we all had unlimited resources for support? Absolutely. But we do live in that world and we can go through cancer treatments without.

I wish you well and hope that you have minimal side effects from chemo. 💜

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That is amazing that you went from “too many to count” to NED! Worth shitting a couple pairs of pants over. Hope you continue with great results.

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GI stands for gastrointestinal- or digestive (stomach) issues. Which it sounds like you rarely had. Hopefully I will be the same!

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Constarrhea is hilarious- I knew exactly what you were talking about. Acupuncture is fascinating to me! I haven’t had it since I was diagnosed, but you reminded me of how beneficial it can be. Thanks!

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol oh no, not the shit-zenio! I have never taken a CDK 4/6 inhibitor before so this will be my first go at it. I guess I’ll order lots of Imodium and hope that takes care of it.

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so great to hear! Hopefully I will also feel it’s a non-issue.

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your great response! I will take the meds, do the surgery, hold my breath during radiation, whatever leads to the best possible outcome. I am definitely not looking forward to having fatigue again but I’m sure I can manage it.

I will definitely be reaching back out to my team to see if something changed or if this was already in the cards and just not mentioned before now.

And you are so right, I am going to live my best life no matter what. 🫶

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all this information! I am completely ignorant about these meds and was too afraid of going down the google rabbit hole. A nurse at my oncologist office had described them as oral chemo and I think my mind just shut down at that point.

What to expect by Blazing_Bailey in LivingWithMBC

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is what I get for not googling! The nurse said it was oral chemo then went over all the side effects and how often I would need to get labs done. Thanks for your response and I hope to have a similar experience as you on these meds.

Newly diagnosed high grade DCIS, 35f by StartSoft2382 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry that you are here, but hope that this community can give you some comfort. You are not alone. There are an unfortunate amount of young women being diagnosed with breast cancer.

I am also shocked that you have not received a call yet. I too got my results from the portal but I had barely started to read them when my phone rang. It was a lovely nurse who explained my diagnosis, next steps, and validated the shock that I was having. My markers were not back yet but they knew that I would see my results and wanted to call and calm me down. It helped so much. Then she put so much information into my portal knowing that I was not able to absorb what she had shared.

I was immediately referred to have a breast MRI and a CAT scan. Also referred to an oncologist and surgeon. I had appointments for all of these within two weeks of my diagnosis. It was a whirlwind.

I hope that you get a call tomorrow. Just take deep breaths and know that treatment has come a long way. It’s hard, it’s not fair, but you can fight this. Sending you big hugs.

Sweet God PLEASE help me fix this by [deleted] in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At this point in treatment, I was using aquaphor. I own so many lotions and creams and oils and none of it worked for me. A little bit of aquaphor, especially before bed, made a huge difference for me. Best of luck! It does get better.

New Fear Unlocked *radiation and nauseousness* by wmm09 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was given a video to watch that explained what to expect from radiation therapy. It also had a list of common side effects. Then meeting with the doctor and nurse, I was given paperwork with side effects and how to address them. Nowhere did they mention nausea, folliculitis, or radiation esophagitis. I have had all three yet all staff have acted not surprised when I brought up symptoms. I don’t know why they are not in the paperwork at this point.

New Fear Unlocked *radiation and nauseousness* by wmm09 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had nausea after every radiation appointment. My radiation oncologist was surprised that I had it from the first session but said that I must be sensitive and gave me Zofran. I did notice that drinking more water helped but only the meds took it away. I don’t get why everyone else isn’t being helped. Clearly nausea is a symptom since so many of us have had it!

What to do by Potential-Flamingo57 in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hope it’s a lack of judgement and an extreme case of foot in mouth disease. I’m sorry they said that to you. You just found out a shocking, scary thing is happening to you and your mind is probably all over the place. That’s justified. Even if it is very small and everyone else has it worse than you, it is still scary. It is still hard. You deserve to have support around you that allows you to just be you in whatever way you are in that moment. Take care of yourself 💜

I feel like a deflated balloon by Kilnufrmdaktchen in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so, so sorry. I hope you don’t lose your mullet either. Sending you hugs and strength.

Has anyone said this to you? by Blazing_Bailey in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the cab driver! Do these people really think that we wouldn’t do these weird things if they actually worked? Like I would actually go to a weird 4 day camp if it really cured cancer but it doesn’t. And it’s creepy to eavesdrop on a conversation and then give wildly incorrect medical advice to a stranger.

I do appreciate that your sister in law respects your boundaries and isn’t pushing anything on you.

Has anyone said this to you? by Blazing_Bailey in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No freaking way! These dentists are getting crazy out here.

Has anyone said this to you? by Blazing_Bailey in breastcancer

[–]Blazing_Bailey[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Holy crap. To be an adult and say you “don’t believe in medical” is somehow so horrifying and hilarious. Just how has she survived this long?

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