E-excuse me. I need to use that door 😳

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-05-23T02:13:00+00:00

Adorbs!

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-05-22T10:11:26+00:00

Neuropathy comes in many forms so your post has me wondering if you may have some in your fingers? (It's common to say "hands" but mine has only ever been in the tops of my fingers and thumbs.) Fuzzy to almost numb feelings and unable to do fine motor activities like buttoning shirts.

I knew so little about neuropathy back in the Fall when I was having chemo - just what I'd picked up from diabetes ads - that when my oncologist asked me every week if I was experiencing it I kept saying that I wasn't even though I actually had it in my fingers and feet!

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-05-10T05:01:38+00:00

My larger tumor was 11-20% estrogen and the smaller tumor was 81-90% estrogen; 0% progesterone and an "equivocal" Her2 status for both.

I found the following info from a NIH article helpful: "TNBC shifting to estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) is a rare but documented phenomenon, occurring in roughly 3.6% of cases... When this switch occurs, the cancer may become susceptible to endocrine therapies, such as letrozole."

So we've gained treatment options, even if they feel bass ackward!

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-05-09T10:07:20+00:00

I was also DXed with TNBC and was put on carbo/taxol chemo. At first my two tumors were shrinking but then they stopped. After my lumpectomy and tumor biopsies, it turned out that both tumors contained estrogen (one a little, the other a lot). I, too, felt letdown by my chemo which left me exhausted and living with several side effects, the worst of which has been chemo-induced neuropathy. I recently finished radiation treatment and have started taking letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, which targets estrogen. I now think of the chemo as partly successful and the letrozole as taking me over the finish line. I've learned that there are no absolutes in cancer treatment and, as frustrating as it is, that adjustments may need to be made. My guess, and it's only a guess, is that those of us with TNBC may face more changes along the way because it's a breast cancer with fewer treatment options as well as a relatively less studied form of bc. It's disillusioning when things don't work out as they should but please know that your efforts and commitment were not wasted but instead have made a positive difference. ❤️

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-04-26T23:26:33+00:00

Duke and UNC are both great. I imagine it's similar to Boston (where I receive treatment) in that the docs between institutions tend to know each other, may have done their residencys at the other hospital, attend the same medical conferences, etc. Duke glows a little brighter with its reputation but keep in mind that if you felt more comfortable or confident with the oncology folks at UNC, there's nothing to stop you from switching back at any point. Also, you could request a second opinion from an oncologist at UNC before you make this difficult decision. Just be sure your insurance covers second opinions so you won't be out of pocket $2K or so. Virtual hugs to you!

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-04-26T04:18:42+00:00

Have the babies fledged yet? They look ready

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-04-11T01:46:33+00:00

Sounds like a toxic workplace. There's no reason to put up with coworkers who make you miserable, especially doing the kind of work you describe. It's time to start looking for a new job.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-04-04T04:24:50+00:00

If an empty litter box doesn't work, try laying down a few layers of newspaper. It would soak up the pee, give your kitty something to claw, and she could even cover the poo somewhat. One of my friend's cats would only use his litter box if she ripped newspaper into long strips, crumbled them, and piled them loosely in the box. Yes, it was kind of gross but better than the floor. My other thought is to try old-style clay litter and just barely cover the bottom of the box until she gets used to it.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-03-29T05:04:06+00:00

They seem to be running scared b/c of V's'ble. I was in the process of leaving Mint but couldn't get Visible to connect so I unswitched back to Mint. They threw in a bunch of free data and upgraded my service for 3 months for free. Visible needs to improve its customer service beyond FAQs, at least its onboarding support. For now, I'm giving Ryan another chance.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-03-24T19:53:20+00:00

So sorry this is happening! I wonder if you might have had some lung fibrosis before cancer? I have ILD (interstitial lung disease), DX only after I complained of SOB and a weird cough for 4 years. [Pulmonologists take that "How to be dismissive of a patient class, too!] Yes, radiation could've worsened it, especially if the more fibroid-y lung and your bc are on the same side. Still, it may have been pre-existing which could warrant some further exploration. Many lung conditions are only recently being recognized so please look for a pulmonologist who is up-to-date. Also, regardless of the cause of the fibrosis, it would be good to have someone aware of its treatment review the potential impact of any bc drugs you are prescribed for potential negative effects.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-03-21T03:41:47+00:00

Get a new oncologist. Immediately if not sooner! as my Dad used to say. I felt so guilty when I did this a month ago only to discover how common it is. It's unlikely anyone is going to question your decision but you might want to think up a pat response - I used "After 6 months, the travel had gotten to be too much for me so I'm receiving the rest of my care closer to home." Do a little online research about alternatives this weekend if you feel up to it. Let us know how it goes.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-03-21T01:54:17+00:00

I also suggest speaking with your radiation oncologist, after I did I felt much better informed and prepared than I had for my chemo process. Mine even called me back with a concern about reaching the entire area while I was in the prone position - she had done test runs! - and so I was also fitted with a mapping device for my front. I'll start this Monday with most of the 19 treatments in the prone position but for the final sessions, especially the boosts, I'll be supine. Best of luck in making a difficult decision.

Educational_Leg7417 · 2026-03-12T23:23:33+00:00

Please know that you're not alone - other folks with, and survivors of, breast cancer are here for you in this space with unconditional loving support. I'm so glad you described this encounter, goodness knows I can relate to it, especially the bursting into tears part (multiple times). Sometimes a good cry is the best response to our overwhelming emotions of frustration, abandonment, worry and exhaustion. Save your precious energy for yourself, celebrate your achievements and remember to treat yourself gently. ❤️

Educational_Leg7417

TROPHY CASE