Recent Questions
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Intraoperative radiation therapy. What are your thoughts? Any issues or problems you had with it.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
High oncotype score
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
What actually is your question? My Oncologist ordered the test to see if I needed chemotherapy or not. Your team should be going over the results and explaining what the number means.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2014
Hi Diane, What was your number?? Mine was 32
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When does survivorship start? I've always used my date of diagnosis according to my Oncology personnel.
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2013- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2013
cont.) I saw my Radiation people today for a one year followup and asked them. They said once treatment(s) is/are done so that throws me back 7 months but in saying that I was told you are a survivor from whatever date you use. My Christmas card reflects the day I got my diagnosis, oh well.
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
I haven’t asked any of the doctors on my team, but I was going to use the date of my surgery as that was the day I became cancer free.
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Just had my 6 month follow up mammogram and it show my calcification s have grown and I need a biopsy. What can I expect?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
There are numerous ways to do a biopsy. My place offered a biopsy guided by Ultrasound, Stereotactically, or MRI. I imagine they also did a needle localization but not sure. Any of the methods the Dr. will numb the area first, then numb it deeper before either removing sample(s) or placing a...
2 comments 1There are numerous ways to do a biopsy. My place offered a biopsy guided by Ultrasound, Stereotactically, or MRI. I imagine they also did a needle localization but not sure. Any of the methods the Dr. will numb the area first, then numb it deeper before either removing sample(s) or placing a needle. He will most likely place a clip in the area and they will do a "gentle" mammogram to make sure the clip is where they want it. By "gentle" I mean it's the regular 2 views but with just a little compression. I had 2 done of 2 different areas 2 different ways about 10 days apart even though the first was positive, they wanted to check the other area even though he captured a little of it with the first biopsy. Keep us posted as we are here for you.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Unfortunately this happened to me. Cancer found in micro calcifications in 2012 had Lumpectomy & 35 radiation treatments. 2014 more suspicious calcifications found biopsy confirmed cancerous so my Oncologist recommended mastectomy so I did a double with immediate reconstruction.
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For my bilateral mastectomy w/ breast recon gals - any of you ever ruptured an implant? If so, how did you know?
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2012- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I can only answer from experience as a retired Mammographer. I have seen it occur and the patient knew it had probably happened as there was a size difference and they had some pain involved. You need to be seeing your surgeon or whoever put them in to have it checked.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2014
I have silicon implants in both breasts. I had them done in 2014. When I was diagnosed the 2nd time in May, they did an MRI that showed one side had a rupture. I had no idea and they must have seen something in the ultrasound that I had before the MRI. They say it’s recommended you get your...
Comment 1I have silicon implants in both breasts. I had them done in 2014. When I was diagnosed the 2nd time in May, they did an MRI that showed one side had a rupture. I had no idea and they must have seen something in the ultrasound that I had before the MRI. They say it’s recommended you get your implants checked every 5 years. I guess the ruptures are more common than you think.
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Is breast or nipple pain normal?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I'm not a doctor but it could be the time of your menstrual cycle or pregnancy as excess hormones can cause pain. Have you talked with your doctor about it as some tests may be needed?
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Why breast or nipple pain happens?
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Is it common to gain weight when starting tamoxifen? If so is there a diet that allows you to lose weight?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2014
Hi Jacqueline, I have lost and gained weight while be on Tamoxifen, if I watch what I eat and exercise, I lose weight, if not, I have gained, I do seem to have a hard time with losing weight around my middle area while being on it.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thank you for you answer. I’m really struggling with this despite diet and 6 days a week at the gym
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Is it safe to use eveing primrose oil for hot flashes
Asked by anonymous
Patient -
What is the beat lotion fir radiation
Asked by anonymous
Patient-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
Every place has their own protocol of what lotion to use during rads. My place recommended pure aloe vera gel and I didn't have any issues. One of the techs. told me on the first day what they wanted me to use.
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
I was told to use Aquaphor. I greased up immediately after each radiation treatment and then again at night, and it worked like a charm!
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Diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma. Had 3 lumoectomies since margins weren't clear 1st 2x. Sentinel node negative. Finished radiation 4 months ago. Now on tamoxifen. Was wondering.. am I still considered to have breast cancer?
Asked by anonymous
stage_1 Patient-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I feel the same way; yes I had breast cancer but am an almost 5 year survivor at this point. My diagnosis was just a bump in the road of life.
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
Sharla,
1 comment 2
Breast cancer will forever be a part of your history, but now you can claim to be a breast cancer survivor. Embrace it, stay on top of your follow up appointments, and live your best life. Best of luck.
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Does anyone still have fatigue after radiation
Asked by anonymous
stage_1 Patient- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I never had fatigue to speak of during my radiation treatments. Have you talked with your doctor(s) about it and make sure there isn't anything else going on?
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
I was fatigued the entire time. Still am. Not as bad and it's been 4 months since my last radiation treatment. How long has it been for you?
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I’m still waiting “patiently” for my mammogram tues. I still have armpit, shoulder to my clavicle pain. I’ve read you normally don’t have pain? Is this a good sign..
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Also the sides of both breasts hurt not necessarily the lumps but the sides are painful
3 comments 0
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I'm a man of 20,I have different chest as compared to other. It was from the age of poverty. Should I checkup for this????
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
I'm wondering if you have had breast cancer to you have to have a diagonsic mammagram for the rest of your life
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I've been told since I only had a unilateral mastectomy I still need a yearly screening mammogram on the breast I have remaining and nothing done to the surgical side unless there are issues of some kind and imagine then it would be an ultrasound study since there is no tissue left. The first...
Comment 1I've been told since I only had a unilateral mastectomy I still need a yearly screening mammogram on the breast I have remaining and nothing done to the surgical side unless there are issues of some kind and imagine then it would be an ultrasound study since there is no tissue left. The first time I had one done after surgery I had to call the place I had it done as it was charged as a bilateral screening, I was told unless there are problems there is no such charge for a unilateral diagnostic unless you're called back for additional imaging so they charge less for the one but it's coded for both. Your doctor should be telling you about the schedule for you as some do studies every 6 months or so after surgery for a year or two and then go to annual ones.
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anonymous
Patient
Yes I do every year diagnostic exam
1 comment 0
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I’m 33 and I was having bad pain under my armpit and right breast. I went to the doctor and they found 2 lumps in right breast and 1 in left. They said I’m swollen under the arm & in the breast and scheduled a mammogram& ultrasound. I had benign fibroaden
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
You did the right thing by going to your doctor. Try to take a deep breath and relax as stress won't help you. Keep us posted and you will be OK.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Continued...
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. I had benign fibroadrmonas over 10 years ago removed. I’m very anxious over this and nervous about the mammogram. Does it seem concerning?
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Has anyone a double mastectomy and a reconstruction the same day? I’m wondering how long you were off a physical job . I just hope if I decide to go this route it’s not to much down time. I do normally recover from everything rather quickly
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
Brenda,
I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. They put temporary implants called spacers at that time. Your plastic surgeon then gradually puts saline or air in the implants on a routine schedule until you reach the size both you and the surgeon find acceptable. Once...1 comment 3Brenda,
I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. They put temporary implants called spacers at that time. Your plastic surgeon then gradually puts saline or air in the implants on a routine schedule until you reach the size both you and the surgeon find acceptable. Once that is done, they exchange the spacers with permanent implants. Everyone is different with recovery, but I found it easier than I thought. The saline or air filling is painless. It does ache a few hours later, but not uncomfortable in 24 hours. I had no pain when they exchanged implants. You really have very little feeling in the breast area. You will have drains which will stay in 1-3 weeks. Not painful, but they are annoying. Once my drains were removed (3 weeks), I was released to resume working out with limited weighs, and chest work. While not a picnic, much easier than expected. Best of luck.
Janet -
anonymous
stage_1 Patient
One other thought. Unless you have a very physical job, once the drains come out, and your surgeon releases you a desk job should be easy if you have a history of easy recovery. The final decision will be your surgeons.
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My mom was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Her tumor is 2.5 cm and doctors are recommending a partial mastectomy. My mom is 79 years old (we would like to do a hormonal therapy to shrink the tumor first). What drugs are used for that & how long?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
If you are stage 1 and mass is 2cm , and breast cancer runs in the family I have been thinking of going ahead with double mastectomy instead of lumpectomy am I crazy ?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2013
You need to do what you are most comfortable with. You will be OK.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
NOOOO. I had stage 0 cancer 2cm. Had a little lumpectomy & radiation in 2012 & 18 months later had a reassurance & ended up getting a double mastectomy with reconstruction in 2014. Breast cancer on my mom side ovarian on dads side. Probably would have been smarter for me to get a mastectomy from...
Comment 0NOOOO. I had stage 0 cancer 2cm. Had a little lumpectomy & radiation in 2012 & 18 months later had a reassurance & ended up getting a double mastectomy with reconstruction in 2014. Breast cancer on my mom side ovarian on dads side. Probably would have been smarter for me to get a mastectomy from the beginning. It's a hard decision to make in a short period of time. Because I had a low grade & small area lumpectomy made sense @ the time. I'm grateful to be alive 5 yrs living strong & loving life.
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My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days ago. I am terrified. I don't know much, just that they found cancer at her mammogram, but it looks like it is contained. Can someone tell me what to expect for treatment?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
Everyone's cancer is unique to them so a treatment plan will be based on her case and her case only. That being said it may include surgery, chemo, radiation, and perhaps a hormone blocking pill. She may have some of these or all of these but most likely a combo. of them.
She will be OK and...7 comments 1Everyone's cancer is unique to them so a treatment plan will be based on her case and her case only. That being said it may include surgery, chemo, radiation, and perhaps a hormone blocking pill. She may have some of these or all of these but most likely a combo. of them.
She will be OK and she's in my prayers.
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my questions is related to Cancer but not breast Cancer... i am sorry but i need your help. i have a lump but on the legs, it changes positions and then leaves black spots. it is hard and painlesd inless it is squeezed. please help, what may be the cause?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
Any changes to one's body should be checked by their doctor as some testing may be in order.
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
You should see your primary care doctor. If you don't have one, an urgent care clinic in your area should be able to help you. I'm sorry I can't be more help but you will need to see a doctor.
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How do you know when your expanders need air
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Survivor since 2013
I would think you need to be asking your doctor about it as I know someone who had the saline used and was on a schedule with her doctor's office.
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anonymous
stage_1 Patient
I had expanders that air, not saline was used to stretch the skin. I went every week for more air. A small amount of air leaked out, but not enough to worry about. You should be on a schedule with your plastic surgeon to add more air. They can put hundreds of CC's of air in at a time compared...
Comment 0I had expanders that air, not saline was used to stretch the skin. I went every week for more air. A small amount of air leaked out, but not enough to worry about. You should be on a schedule with your plastic surgeon to add more air. They can put hundreds of CC's of air in at a time compared to only 40-60 CC's of saline. I loved that it only took 4-5 weeks for enough air to stretch the skin. Had mastectomy 9/29/2016, drains came out 3 weeks later, air in expanders started week after that. I had my expanders exchanged for permanent implants 11/25/2016. 2 months start to finish. Very easy. Good luck.
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I felt a large lump in my left breast end of August this year but I need to know how long I had it
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
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