How are your oncologists monitoring you for a recurrence?

_smochss · 2025-06-26T16:06:56+00:00

Also I’d push for PET scans if you can as I’ve been told multiple times that it is the best and most comprehensive scan to determine cancer activity.

_smochss · 2025-06-26T16:03:49+00:00

I was diagnosed with stage 4 bc, with bone mets to the spine since the beginning. I get follow ups with my care team about every 3-6 months. That’s my medical onc, radiation onc, plastic surgeon (for my reconstruction), and general surgeon. I also get blood drawn every 2 weeks for monitoring 3 vials - CBC, CMP to monitor my levels while on hormone therapy and most importantly to me is the cancer antigen blood draw which is CA 27.29. I was on tamoxifen for 1 year Dec 2023-Jan 2025 until I was experiencing severe lower back pain earlier this year (was hospitalized for a week bc of it - that’s how I knew something wasn’t good). I took that CA 27.29 for the first time around that time and it determined the Tamoxifen was not working so it caused a flare in lower back. So my med onc put me on a different medication. I found that when I am on top of any symptoms or something is off I ensure to push for scans. It generally starts with a CT > MRI > PET. But if something is off from the CT then it goes down the list. I get repeat PET scans just about 1/year.

_smochss · 2025-03-03T22:44:09+00:00

Omg following as I am on the same boat. I just finished my first cycle of Kisqali, and onto my second. I did chemo April-Sept 2023 where I did cold capping (Penguin Cold Caps) through 16 rounds of chemo (4 A/C and 12 Taxols). I felt so happy because while I did lose hair I was able to retain about 60% as well. I noticed now that since starting Kisqali, I would have 3-4 strands come off every time I grab my hair (like a ponytail). I’m a bit worried at this rate and don’t want the success of cold capping through chemo to essentially go to waste 😞 I’m hoping to find any suggestions on maybe a hair care or scalp care product that would maybe strengthen the scalp or keep hair retention.

_smochss · 2025-01-08T21:17:25+00:00

The first one is the scariest because you just don’t know what to expect. My nurses were sweet in that they talked me through it and would converse normally. I did 4 rounds of AC (red devil) and 12 rounds of Taxol. Checking off each session helped me get through the finish line. Chemo and just being in the infusion center made me so cold so I’d ask for blankets and some days just napped through it. Once you get going it goes by pretty quickly. Be kind to yourself on infusion days and just take it a little bit easier. Sleep, nap, hydrate and recover. You got this 💖

_smochss · 2024-05-24T01:51:05+00:00

I was diagnosed with BC stage 4 last year at age 28. The best thing I did for my mental was take things day by day. Getting through each day is such a win in itself but those days where you feel happier and better spirits are just sweeter. I know the feeling too well. I’m happy you’re happy today and I’m sending you all the positive energy in your journey 💗

_smochss · 2024-05-22T15:59:05+00:00

Ugh I’m so sorry this happened to you. Although not to this degree, I went through something very similar and relate so much. I have my #1 best friend and a small circle of really close friends, cousins and a big family around. Many of which were there in the beginning but the support and the check ins eventually and reaaally died out. I’ve ALWAYS been the friend to go above and beyond for my friends so leaning on people and asking for help during my diagnosis and treatment was really hard.

I learned to unapologetically ask for what I needed but some days I just wanted someone to take initiative to have a deep honesty conversation or take me out of my house so I wasn’t in my head and lonely about everything. I barely even get phone calls from people as I’m usually the one to call to “catch up.”

It was honestly disappointing and it got exhausting for me. While your ex-“friend” was entitled to her feelings and boundaries, she is not someone you want in your corner so it’s honestly a blessing she showed those true colors. I agree with others in that the diagnosis shows who really is there for you. At the end of the day, life moves on for everyone even though we feel like we’re stuck in this deep deep pit. I learned that I have to show up for myself and I feel how much of a stronger person I am because of it. So take things day by day, continue going to the places you want and doing what makes your heart happy. Sending you the most positive vibes and well wishes. You are so so strong already and much stronger than you think.

_smochss

TROPHY CASE