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Starting on targeted breast cancer meds.
Hi all, hope you are coping well with your situation🙏. I am 12 years on from right sided mastectomy and SN biopsy. Last year I started developing cancer in the lymph removal scar, which spread up my arm and down my chest wall. Had it treated with radiotherapy 4 months ago. My onco radiotherapist said the treatment had gone well and he was pleased with the result. However, the CT scan showed a nodule in my left lung had doubled in size from 8mm to 19mm in 6 months. I have been referred to the thoracic clinic who wants to do a biopsy, which I think seems rather risky. Also the lumps in the skin under my arm and on my chest wall are coming back. My right arm movements are somewhat restricted. It is hard to pull a jumper off my body! I am considering starting treatment with CDK4/6 Palbociclib, Tamoxifen or AI Letrozole. I also have Osteoporosis. So, I would be very grateful for any response from anyone who have used these meds and what was your experience . For instance did you loose hair, were your bones affected, were you able to live a normal life whilst on them and how long have you been on them. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would be most grateful for any responses🙏🙏🙏🙏
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@kblioce for those of us reading this, can you clarify whether you took tamoxifen or did chemo or both? Generally tamoxifen doesn't cause hair loss like that and it is usually taken for 5 years.
Sorry I think I posted my question in the wrong place. Hopefully someone will find it.
@kathyoung the sentinel node biopsy is standard for all of us. That node is the gateway to other lymph nodes so of the sentinel node is okay, they don't probe further with other nodes.
I am wondering why a 1.6 cm tumor is stage 2. Let us know what you find out!
https://www.verywellhealth.com/know-your-breast-tumor-size-4114640
Thank you for the quick reply. I thought anything under 2 cm was stage 1. I guess I’ll find out :)how was the pain after your lumpectomy. I have such a terrible time with heavy pain meds (narcotics)
Thanks again.
I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removed at the same time 12 years ago. I didn’t have a lot of pain afterwards and didn’t take any pain relief.
Wishing you all the best🙏
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1 ReactionI’m so sorry!! Thank you for catching that. I got Tamoxifen confused with Taxotere - it’s been a long time. I’m sorry for any confusion. I take a drug similar to Tamoxifen (Anastrazole) for my estrogen +/ progesterone + cancer and have been taking it for 10 years with no hair loss.
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2 ReactionsI’m so sorry. I had to correct myself. I was taking Taxotere which is the drug I took for 6 months that made my hair fall out. I take Anastrazole for my estrogen +/progesterone + cancer which does not make my hair fall out. I’ve taken that for 10 years.
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1 ReactionI had a lumpectomy about 18 months ago. I believe three lymph nodes were removed--one in my armpit. I was given something like 3-5 days of narcotics for pain relief. Then I went on to Advil. I have chronic pain, and frankly the pain control felt pretty stingy, not even a prescription level dose of naproxen. However, it was manageable. I still have pain and tightness in the armpit and at times around the incision. I have ongoing PT for it (part of my usual PT regime that I need to keep mobile). I also stretch and exercise it each day. I was 69 at the time, and retired. I don't think I could have gone back to work in just a few days as is usual. I was pretty wiped out, but my general level of pain and fatigue is already high, so that was probably the cause. It sounds from one of your other posts that narcotics don't work well for you. I'm guessing you should be fine with Tylenol/Advil but try and get some advice as to how much to take, and when. They can work well together. I was quite frightened myself, but really the surgery went quickly and smoothly. My husband claims I was chatty in the car, but repeating myself! But in any case I was extremely glad to see him and go home. I'll be thinking of you. Lumpectomy is minor as surgery goes, and should go well. I told myself I wanted that surgery to get the cancer out--so I felt motivated. Check in with us when done?
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1 ReactionI had a Lumpectomy 4 months ago. They removed 6 lymph nodes also during the same procedure. My experience was good , I tried to walk during the days after the surgery , even went to the movies the second day after the surgery. I was with medicine for the pain during the first 5 days . I still feel pain in my breast but is more related to radiotherapy. After the surgery I repeat my self every day , my body is strong , my body is healthy, I’m cured . Try to connect only with positive thoughts and don’t let your mind go to dark places … that’s my piece of advice…
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5 Reactions@kathyoung
I can tell you for my body, abdominal surgery is sooo painful, but my mastectomies and later tumor resection from my chest wall were very tolerable and narcotics do nothing for my pain but do make me sick. I’m allergic to NSAIDS as well so I’m on my own after surgery. So if you had a painful experience with your colon resection, I wouldn’t assume it will be the same experience for your lumpectomy. You may be pleasantly surprised. Prayers for you.