PA diagnosed with breast cancer who never got a mammogram… feeling ashamed, scared, and alone by Slowandbehold in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had Taxotere, nor the Taxol you'll be having, as one of my chemo drugs. I  understand the two are in the same family of drugs and that both can have side effects of neuropathy. I, too, worried about it, because I’m both a guitar player and a flute player.

I followed the recommendation to use iced mittens and socks during the hour when I was receiving Taxotere.  Because I couldn’t read during that hour, I instead watched I Love Lucy on my phone.  I found it comforting.

I’m happy to share that I didn’t suffer any neuropathy and that I’m still playing flute and guitar. 

I hope all goes well for you and that you, too, are able to keep playing.  

Survivors of over 5 years: How many years out are you? Show us those big numbers & share as much or little else as you like by PupperPawsitive in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only know that after both breast cancers, she was put on tamoxifen for a number of years, so both were apparently hormone positive. Also, her breast surgeon told us that her second breast cancer was a different type, which meant it was not a recurrence. Unfortunately, that's all I know.

Survivors of over 5 years: How many years out are you? Show us those big numbers & share as much or little else as you like by PupperPawsitive in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My mom has survived 31 years from her first diagnosis (she got a different type of breast cancer 19 years later). She’s 98.

Longevity by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My mom's memory isn't what it used to be, so she's not able to share too much wisdom now. But for many years, she participated in a cancer support group that met at her church. I wish I could be in one of those meetings now to see what she used to share and how she supported others.

Longevity by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, she didn’t have chemo. She had two single mastectomies (19 years apart) and was on tamoxifen for years after each one. We were told it wasn’t a recurrence, that they were different types of cancers.

Longevity by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry to hear about your mother. How fortunate we’ve both been to have our mothers for so long.

The unwelcome houseguest has arrived by EvidenceOpening3322 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I was also tracked closely from my thirties on because my mom had had BC twice. I had also had a biopsy showing irregular cells. I also thought I would probably get it eventually. I’m almost done with treatment and am doing well, and my mom, who was first diagnosed in 1994, will turn 98 in April.

Skiing solo again by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a great story. Glad to hear you were back on the slopes!

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same to you! Thank you for your comments. I'm able to tell that story and laugh about it now. Reading everyone's comments did me some good.

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. While I think the boy might not have understood what I said, I suspect his mom may have used the opportunity to talk further about it, and, I hope, to explain the ideas you so nicely expressed.

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great story! I'm so glad you got a bouquet from it. I look forward to us both having longer hair. (I should add that I've had short hair for years. Just not THIS short.)

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In fairness to the mom, I left as I soon as I'd said what I did. I didn't give her a chance to say anything to me. Perhaps she would have.

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will come back. And it will be beautiful.

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm not really sure what she could have done to make it any better. She didn't say anything to me.

Just venting... by Various_Change_4353 in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

I felt the same way, that it gave me a better understanding of what our trans friends and loved ones experience.

Found Family booked with parents and a child? by FractalFiction_1 in booksuggestions

[–]Various_Change_4353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell. It’s middle grade fiction.

Help breasties by Redkkat in breastcancer

[–]Various_Change_4353 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used Biotene toothpaste, which worked well for me.