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My Mets Breast Cancer Story: Questions about Low WBC, spots on liver

Posted by maliamd @maliamd, Sep 4, 2023

I was dx with a small HER+ breast cancer 4 years ago. Had lumpectomy . No lymph node involvement. Radiation done. I am a runner and for years, after a run, I have been sore in the hips and lower back. I had my annual physical in June and they took X-rays of my lower back to see if my lower back area had arthritis or spondylosis. Xray showed a 5cm lesion on my left femur. Went to surgery asap to stabilize the femur with rods and screws placed. Biopsy showed HER+ breast cancer cells. Bone scan, Pet scan and CT with contrast done. Showed breast cancer in my shoulders, lower back, and small single spots on 2 of my ribs. Radiation done on lower back, shoulders, and leg. Now starting 3 meds...Ibrance, Fulvestrant, and Zometa. So far no side effects. My lower back, shoulders and leg feel great after radiation. Back to running!! My prognosis is good and as my doctors say this is just a hassle and an inconvenience!! Now to the question...my WBC has decreased to 3.4 after the radiation. I want to go to some outdoor fall events in the area. Is is safe to go

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myoga | @myoga | Nov 21, 2023

That explains why chemo was not prescribed. My sister's cancer was her2 positive. So no oncotype. She went through lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo. She denied AI. 8 years out and still clear. Your met is probably due to cancer cells resistant to AI. Mine was small, no lymph node involved, her2 negative. I'm taking Anastrozole and wonder if there is a way to test the effectiveness of Anastrozole. Wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks you all for sharing your experiences. Best wishes.

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2 replies
maliamd | @maliamd | Nov 21, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

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maliamd | @maliamd | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @myoga "That explains why chemo was not prescribed. My sister's cancer was her2 positive. So no oncotype...." + (show)
@myoga

That explains why chemo was not prescribed. My sister's cancer was her2 positive. So no oncotype. She went through lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo. She denied AI. 8 years out and still clear. Your met is probably due to cancer cells resistant to AI. Mine was small, no lymph node involved, her2 negative. I'm taking Anastrozole and wonder if there is a way to test the effectiveness of Anastrozole. Wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks you all for sharing your experiences. Best wishes.

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I think the only way to know would be Pet, Bone or CT scanning.

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Sue Ellen Murrey | @semurrey | Jan 24 12:06pm
In reply to @myoga "That explains why chemo was not prescribed. My sister's cancer was her2 positive. So no oncotype...." + (show)
@myoga

That explains why chemo was not prescribed. My sister's cancer was her2 positive. So no oncotype. She went through lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo. She denied AI. 8 years out and still clear. Your met is probably due to cancer cells resistant to AI. Mine was small, no lymph node involved, her2 negative. I'm taking Anastrozole and wonder if there is a way to test the effectiveness of Anastrozole. Wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks you all for sharing your experiences. Best wishes.

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I thought I would pass along the link to this recent article!
https://today.ucsd.edu/story/ai-harnesses-tumor-genetics-to-predict-treatment-response
We all worry that our AI (I''m on Letrozole after ILC Jan 2023) is not enough and perhaps this Artificial Intelligence algorithm is more for chemo but pretty great! xo

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pbnew | @pbnew | Jan 25 12:58pm
In reply to @maliamd "I met with my rad onc today to discuss the Pet Scan. Will meet with med..." + (show)
@maliamd

I met with my rad onc today to discuss the Pet Scan. Will meet with med onc tomorrow to discuss treatment going forward, I have only been on treatments for 3 months and all ready see improvements in my bones.

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Congratulations on doing so well. May I ask what hospital you use for all of cancer care? I know a senior citizen in Asheville who is driving to Florida twice a year for her care. I think she would like to find somewhere closer to home.
Thank you.

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1 reply
maliamd | @maliamd | Jan 25 1:39pm
In reply to @pbnew "Congratulations on doing so well. May I ask what hospital you use for all of cancer..." + (show)
@pbnew

Congratulations on doing so well. May I ask what hospital you use for all of cancer care? I know a senior citizen in Asheville who is driving to Florida twice a year for her care. I think she would like to find somewhere closer to home.
Thank you.

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As a RN.....I have been very impressed with Messino Cancer Center here in Asheville. I go to Dr. Charles Bryan. I get most of all my care there. PET scans, CT, infusions, shots, lab work and follow up by Dr Bryan and his NP. The staff is wonderful and caring.

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1 reply
pbnew | @pbnew | Jan 25 4:29pm
In reply to @maliamd "As a RN.....I have been very impressed with Messino Cancer Center here in Asheville. I go..." + (show)
@maliamd

As a RN.....I have been very impressed with Messino Cancer Center here in Asheville. I go to Dr. Charles Bryan. I get most of all my care there. PET scans, CT, infusions, shots, lab work and follow up by Dr Bryan and his NP. The staff is wonderful and caring.

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Thank you very much.

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