1. < Breast Cancer

Starting on targeted breast cancer meds.

Posted by ginny100 @ginny100, Aug 13, 2024

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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LisaY1 | @lisay1 | Feb 14 7:27pm
In reply to @lucylocket "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Aug. 2024. Had unilateral mastectomy in Oct. I was..." + (show)
@lucylocket

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Aug. 2024. Had unilateral mastectomy in Oct. I was given a nerve block so I thought “oh , pain is not bad at all!” Of course it wore off but I’m so thankful my doctor did the nerve block to get me thru the first few days. Only took Gabapentin and alternated Tylenol and Advil.
I can’t imagine why your doctor did not use nerve block !
I’m still having some nerve pain but hopefully it will be gone SOON !
Hang in there.

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I wish I had known about the nerve block option.

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LisaY1 | @lisay1 | Feb 14 7:36pm
In reply to @chickenmom10 "I had lump and 4 sentinel node removals in the same surgery. Only 2 had cancer...." + (show)
@chickenmom10

I had lump and 4 sentinel node removals in the same surgery. Only 2 had cancer. My surgeon was able to get clear margins I did 6 weeks of radiation and taking anastrozole for the next 5 years-or 7.
My surgery was May of 2022 and still going strong. Since Al’s take a toll on my bones I am taking fosamax 70mg once a week.
Stage 2. Invasive ductal breast cancer.

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Our case is similar. I had a double mastectomy with 4 cancerous lymph nodes. On Anastrazole for the next ten years. Finished radiation after one month. I take calcium daily and have bone density tests yearly to make sure my bones are not being depleted. Stage 2 invasive duct breast cancer as well. Wish you the best!! Stay strong🌷

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LisaY1 | @lisay1 | Feb 14 7:40pm
In reply to @ginny100 "Hi all again, my quality of life has now deteriorated to the point I am considering..." + (show)
@ginny100

Hi all again, my quality of life has now deteriorated to the point I am considering starting on Palbociclib CDK 4/6 inhibitor together with an anti aromatise like Letrozol. What has anyone’s experience been with these drugs? I am concerened about my bones, jawbones and hair. How did you feel on these drugs and what positive effects did they have? Did they shrink your cancer?
My quality of life is lessened as my lung capacity has diminished by 20% and my arm movement is restricted to the point I find it really difficult to put my hair up. I also feel nauseous quite a lot and constant pain , soreness and irritation from the radiation fibrosis. All the docs think I have Stage 4 cancer. Next week I will finally have a couple of MRIs so we can find out what is really going on inside my axilla and brachia plexus. Also I have developed a large breast cancer in my other breast and the lymph nodes in that axilla. The docs think they can shrink my cancers with these hormone blockers. What is your experience??
Would be very grateful for your responses

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I am so sorry for what you are going through. I don't have experience with those particular medicines but it may be best if you try them. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong!!🌷

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myoga | @myoga | Feb 14 7:43pm
In reply to @lisay1 "I am sending you gentle hugs and best wishes. I had a double mastectomy with cancerous..." + (show)
@lisay1

I am sending you gentle hugs and best wishes. I had a double mastectomy with cancerous lymph node removal in my right arm in 2021. I had radiation but no chemotherapy. I'm currently on Anastrazole (generic for Arimidex) for 10 years post surgery. If there is any way I can possible help, please contact me. You've got this!!!!🌷

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Thank you! Your words are so comforting already. I was diagnosed with IDC and had lumpectomy and radiation. Should have gone with DMX when I found out about my brca. It took 2 years to decide on mastectomy. I had Bilateral salpingo oophorectomy last year with a very good doctor, no pain med needed! So I thought I’d be lucky this time. It’s getting better every day. Thank you so much! Hugs.

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