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Stage 2 breast cancer: What treatments decisions did you have to make?

Posted by penpen @penpen, May 9, 2019

Just thinking how did you all decide between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy? I just don't know. I know I would not like to worry about this coming back but yet a mastectomy is sure a lot more to over come.

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penpen | @penpen | May 13, 2019

Yes, I am just taking that for 4 weeks then they did another bio, test and we are waiting for the results. If this drug is not working I will go on chemo. It's hard waiting for the results!!! I think I have decided to do a bilateral mastectomy sparing the nipple. I want to have all done in one surgery, no spanders stuff!!! What are you doing?

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1 reply
farmgirl1556 | @farmgirl1556 | May 13, 2019

I had a lumpectomy and radiation( followed by reconstruction) was on tamoxifen for 4 years and now trying anastrozole ( don’t really like it but giving it a try for now)
I wish u well 😊💕

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penpen | @penpen | May 13, 2019

Why do you not like anastrozole? Are you happy with your Lumpectomy?

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Wendy Hanson | @wendyhanson | May 14, 2019
In reply to @100154 "I am concerned that my breast cancer could come back. I am trying to do everything..." + (show)
@100154

I am concerned that my breast cancer could come back. I am trying to do everything I can that will help ensure that will not happen. One thing that I think my be extremely helpful is diet. If any of you get the chance and are at a Mayo Clinic Rochester (Cancer Education Center - Gonda Building) go to the seminar given by John Shin, MD, Hematology/Onocology, Mayo Clinic Rochester. The name of the class is “Diet and Cancer: Does it Matter What I Eat?”. The class is exceptional and has incredible research on how diet can make a huge difference. Independently, I purchase the book “How Not To Die” by Michael Gregor, MD, FACLM. This talks specifically about breast cancer and diet along with other diseases. It outlines foods, spices, etc that helps stop Cancer. This gives us another tool to help combat reoccurrence. Hope this helps along with the other decisions you need to make.

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Thank you for attending Dr. Shin’s session! We are glad you found it helpful. While this session is not planned to be offered again for a while, the Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center does have a variety of other daily classes that you may find equally as helpful. There is a nutrition-specific session each morning at 10:15am. You can visit our Cancer Education Center page on Connect for additional cancer-related information and opportunities: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/.

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penpen | @penpen | May 15, 2019

Ok I am doing anastrozole and I color my hair can we color while on this med?

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 16, 2019
In reply to @lisman1408 "You’ve likely already sought out the guidance of your oncologist. My doctor did a mamma-print to..." + (show)
@lisman1408

You’ve likely already sought out the guidance of your oncologist. My doctor did a mamma-print to know the characteristics of my cancer cells and how were reproducing. My cancer was pretty slow growing, so she felt radiation was enough and I could be spared chemo. I had 19 treatments of radiation, and did not have severe burning or skin issues. My skin was tender, but not really ‘burned’ with blistering. For me it was the fatigue as the radiation treatments progressed that was the hardest. The fatigue lasted about 6 weeks after treatment, and then slowly started to improve. It’s been a year now since I was diagnosed, and treatment ended last year in early August. Now my issues are with the side effects of the estrogen lowering medications, Anastrozole, or Tomoxifin, that have been difficult for me. These medications can be challenging for cognitive function. There are many articles available on-line from various reputable sources such as this one, the Mayo Clinic, and others to gain valuable information from.

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I had a lumpectomy in January, radiation, and 2 different AIs with bone pain side effects with each. My mammoprint results just came back with a very low reocurrence rate. Because I hate these AIs, the recommendation is now to put me on tomoxifen since tomoxifen does not have the bone pain side effects, just hot flashes

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 16, 2019
In reply to @farmgirl1556 "I had a lumpectomy and radiation( followed by reconstruction) was on tamoxifen for 4 years and..." + (show)
@farmgirl1556

I had a lumpectomy and radiation( followed by reconstruction) was on tamoxifen for 4 years and now trying anastrozole ( don’t really like it but giving it a try for now)
I wish u well 😊💕

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What were your side effects on tomoxifen? Why did they take you off after 4 years?

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baby99 | @baby99 | May 21, 2019

I chose to remove both breasts. I ask my Dr., "what would you tell your wife to do". He said remove both of breasts because it will come back in other breast. So decision made. Not sorry.

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3030strong | @3030strong | May 26, 2019

I just went thru a bilateral mastectomy and even though it was a lot to go through , I am glad I did it , I don't think a would be at peace knowing I would have to worry about it in the future I am starting chemo here soo and that seems a little scarier for me because of the side effects .

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sandyjr | @sandyjr | May 27, 2019
In reply to @baby99 "I chose to remove both breasts. I ask my Dr., "what would you tell your wife..." + (show)
@baby99

I chose to remove both breasts. I ask my Dr., "what would you tell your wife to do". He said remove both of breasts because it will come back in other breast. So decision made. Not sorry.

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That is very interesting. I did have cancer in both breasts and was not told that. I know another person that was told that by her doctor. The second time around was even more terrifying...probably because I knew so much after the first time. May I ask what type of cancer you had...stage and all that?

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