Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Hi Barb, Sounds like you got some questions answered and are now thinking of the next stage for your cancer journey. I think anytime nodes are involved that puts you in Stage II at least. But it's good they got the tumor out and you don't need follow-on surgery. You're right that each person's treatment is different based on their staging, type of tumor (is it estrogen/pregesterone positive or negative, is it her2Neu positive/negative, is it aggressive growth, etc.) Based on that info which should be in your pathology report, your oncologist will recommend a treatment. A port is useful if a) you have small veins or hard to find veins, you're receiving drugs like Adriamycin that can damage your veins, and/or c) you're receiving chemo over an extended period (like Herceptin for her2Neu positive women which is administered over a year). The port really bothered me when it was put in, but now I am use to it and I am glad I have it. My port was put in when I had a mastectomy, so I was completely under. I was very aware of it the first few weeks, possibly more so because I am thin. It does not hurt. If you're just having a port put in, I believe it's local anesthesia, so you're awake when they do it. It shouldn't hurt putting it in, just have to get use to it. My chemo schedule was Adriamycin/Cytoxan 4 times every 2 weeks. This is called dose-dense. Usually it's given every 3 weeks. The theory behind dose-dense is the chemo hits any remaining cancer cells before they have a chance to recover. The negative is that the rest of your cells don't have a chance to recover so it's more fatiguing and maybe more side effects. I am now on a year of Herceptin once a week. I am Stage 1, her2 positive, esterogene/pregesterone negative, aggressive tumor. My treatments are Wednesdays, and I'm sure your hospital will give you a choice of day of the week and time. Generally, for the longer chemos (AC takes 2-3 hours) they will want you in the morning. That way you can call in the afternoon if you have any problems. Some women who work prefer treatments on Friday and the weekend to recover. I chose Wed because I could call or come in if I had a problem. There's always someone on call, but it's faster to get treated during the week when there's more staffing and the oncology dept. is open. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 , Thank you so much. That is just the response I wanted. I know the tumor is Estrogen/Progesterone negative and Her2Neu negative but I believe it is also aggressive. My surgeon said they will treat this very aggressively, so I think that's telling me that it is probably going to kick my butt! I'm hoping they will let me pick the day as it sure will make things easier around here. My grandson is 6 (he lives with us as well as his father -- we have guardianship) and I take care of him when his dad works and goes to school, and when grandson is not in Kindergarten. He's a pretty helpful guy when you are ill, so I imagine he will help me a lot, but it would be nice to have the weekend to recover (when both Grandpa and Dad are available) so the beginning of the week isn't so bad on Grandma when I spend time with my grandson. I know I'll just have to wait and work it all out with the DR, but I am a planner, so I'm trying to get all my ducks in row. Thanks for your response. Barb Re: Update/Questions Hi Barb,Sounds like you got some questions answered and are now thinking of the next stage for your cancer journey. I think anytime nodes are involved that puts you in Stage II at least. But it's good they got the tumor out and you don't need follow-on surgery.You're right that each person's treatment is different based on their staging, type of tumor (is it estrogen/pregesterone positive or negative, is it her2Neu positive/negative, is it aggressive growth, etc.) Based on that info which should be in your pathology report, your oncologist will recommend a treatment.A port is useful if a) you have small veins or hard to find veins, you're receiving drugs like Adriamycin that can damage your veins, and/or c) you're receiving chemo over an extended period (like Herceptin for her2Neu positive women which is administered over a year).The port really bothered me when it was put in, but now I am use to it and I am glad I have it. My port was put in when I had a mastectomy, so I was completely under. I was very aware of it the first few weeks, possibly more so because I am thin. It does not hurt. If you're just having a port put in, I believe it's local anesthesia, so you're awake when they do it. It shouldn't hurt putting it in, just have to get use to it.My chemo schedule was Adriamycin/Cytoxan 4 times every 2 weeks. This is called dose-dense. Usually it's given every 3 weeks. The theory behind dose-dense is the chemo hits any remaining cancer cells before they have a chance to recover. The negative is that the rest of your cells don't have a chance to recover so it's more fatiguing and maybe more side effects.I am now on a year of Herceptin once a week.I am Stage 1, her2 positive, esterogene/pregesterone negative, aggressive tumor.My treatments are Wednesdays, and I'm sure your hospital will give you a choice of day of the week and time. Generally, for the longer chemos (AC takes 2-3 hours) they will want you in the morning. That way you can call in the afternoon if you have any problems. Some women who work prefer treatments on Friday and the weekend to recover. I chose Wed because I could call or come in if I had a problem. There's always someone on call, but it's faster to get treated during the week when there's more staffing and the oncology dept. is open.- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Hi Barb, I was Stage II, one positive node out of 26. I had chemo, no radiation or reconsturction. I got the Methotrexate and 5FU the first two Tues. of the month. Took the Cytoxan pills the third week and rested the fourth week. This was back in 1990 and they have better regimines now. The reason I went on Tues. was because because that was the only day he was at my clinic. I would imagine most oncologists would work with you. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Update/Questions Had my follow up with the surgeon. He took out the drainage tube (yeah!), gave me permission to shower (double yeah!) and drive. Was some confusion on the pathology report. He thought margins were okay but something came up that they weren't. He talked with Radiology Oncologist, then his Resident who assisted. They agreed that the margins were fine, they just cut into the tumor which when stained showed no margin (that's the explanation I got). Dr. claimed they took out a lot of tissue for the size of the tumor. So Radiologist said okay. Also found out 5 out of the 7 nodes they took out tested positive for cancer cells. Has it gone beyond the lymph nodes? He couldn't say. I think that is left up to the Medical Oncologist to determine. It definately means Chemo. But, I figured that when the Sentinel Node was positive. I asked about staging... and I got the letters and numbers, etc. He felt probably between a I and a II. But, I assume that can change if it has spread beyond the lymph nodes.So as we all do, I'm preparing for the next year being a real journey and trying prepare for what might be ahead. Appointments will be set up tomorrow with Radiology Oncologist and Medical Oncologist who will have the answers as to what, when, where, and how.Now I realize every person, every cancer, every treatment is different so I'm just asking what happened in your own case so I have a better idea of what to plan on my end.Can someone tell me what exactly is done to put in a port? Will I have one, I don't know, but I'm curious.Also, is there a certain schedule to chemo? Now I know it can be every 2-3-4 weeks for so many treatments, but do I get some latitude as to what day of the week I go in ( & I know this can depend on the center)? I just wonder if there is any choices here. All this has to do with planning my schedule. The DR says I am #1 but when you have others depending on you, it makes it hard to let that go.Thank you for any responses. I'm sure I'll have many, many, many more questions as I go.Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Barb, based on your er/pr/her neg status you won't be a candidate for oral chemo - those pills you can take for up to 5 years. Since you're her2 neg you also won't take Herceptin. So it sounds like you'll do chemo and radiation. Others in our group can tell you about radiation - because of my mastectomy I'm not doing it. You'll probably experience fatigue during chemo and radiation - maybe you can take naps with your grandson! There were some women in my chemo group who continued working and walking several miles a day. Each woman responds differently and you just have to listen to your body and know when you need to rest. Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Can someone tell me what exactly is done to put in a port? Will I have one, I don't know, but I'm curious. hello, My port was a 15 minute operation under general anesthetic. I read in my groups that several people had it done while they were awake. My surgeon didn't give me that option but I don't think I would have chosen that one anyway. Not after having a BOTCHED sonogram led biopsy... uh-uh... that was waaaaay more than I want to know about. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Can someone tell me what exactly is done to put in a port? Will I have one, I don't know, but I'm curious. What exactly is a port? Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 A port is put in under your skin near the collar bone usually and you can get your chemo through it and also I believe they can take bloods tests. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: Update/Questions Can someone tell me what exactly is done to put in a port? Will I have one, I don't know, but I'm curious. What exactly is a port? Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Barb, I don't know about your doc, but mine let me choose the day. My chemo is on Friday mornings. I'm also ER/HR Neg and Her2Neg and node negative, but they are going to treat this aggressively also. Mine begins on Friday. I go Wednesday to have the port put in. Lee Anne Reply-To: breastcancer2 To: <breastcancer2 > Subject: Re: Update/Questions Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2006 12:26:23 -0500 , Thank you so much. That is just the response I wanted. I know the tumor is Estrogen/Progesterone negative and Her2Neu negative but I believe it is also aggressive. My surgeon said they will treat this very aggressively, so I think that's telling me that it is probably going to kick my butt! I'm hoping they will let me pick the day as it sure will make things easier around here. My grandson is 6 (he lives with us as well as his father -- we have guardianship) and I take care of him when his dad works and goes to school, and when grandson is not in Kindergarten. He's a pretty helpful guy when you are ill, so I imagine he will help me a lot, but it would be nice to have the weekend to recover (when both Grandpa and Dad are available) so the beginning of the week isn't so bad on Grandma when I spend time with my grandson. I know I'll just have to wait and work it all out with the DR, but I am a planner, so I'm trying to get all my ducks in row. Thanks for your response. Barb Re: Update/Questions Hi Barb, Sounds like you got some questions answered and are now thinking of the next stage for your cancer journey. I think anytime nodes are involved that puts you in Stage II at least. But it's good they got the tumor out and you don't need follow-on surgery. You're right that each person's treatment is different based on their staging, type of tumor (is it estrogen/pregesterone positive or negative, is it her2Neu positive/negative, is it aggressive growth, etc.) Based on that info which should be in your pathology report, your oncologist will recommend a treatment. A port is useful if a) you have small veins or hard to find veins, you're receiving drugs like Adriamycin that can damage your veins, and/or c) you're receiving chemo over an extended period (like Herceptin for her2Neu positive women which is administered over a year). The port really bothered me when it was put in, but now I am use to it and I am glad I have it. My port was put in when I had a mastectomy, so I was completely under. I was very aware of it the first few weeks, possibly more so because I am thin. It does not hurt. If you're just having a port put in, I believe it's local anesthesia, so you're awake when they do it. It shouldn't hurt putting it in, just have to get use to it. My chemo schedule was Adriamycin/Cytoxan 4 times every 2 weeks. This is called dose-dense. Usually it's given every 3 weeks. The theory behind dose-dense is the chemo hits any remaining cancer cells before they have a chance to recover. The negative is that the rest of your cells don't have a chance to recover so it's more fatiguing and maybe more side effects. I am now on a year of Herceptin once a week. I am Stage 1, her2 positive, esterogene/pregesterone negative, aggressive tumor. My treatments are Wednesdays, and I'm sure your hospital will give you a choice of day of the week and time. Generally, for the longer chemos (AC takes 2-3 hours) they will want you in the morning. That way you can call in the afternoon if you have any problems. Some women who work prefer treatments on Friday and the weekend to recover. I chose Wed because I could call or come in if I had a problem. There's always someone on call, but it's faster to get treated during the week when there's more staffing and the oncology dept. is open. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Thank you. I have a meeting this week with a group.... radiology oncologist, medical oncologist, nurses, and whoever else they put together. It's a team effort thing. Hopefully I will know then what the course of action is. Update/Questions Had my follow up with the surgeon. He took out the drainage tube (yeah!), gave me permission to shower (double yeah!) and drive. Was some confusion on the pathology report. He thought margins were okay but something came up that they weren't. He talked with Radiology Oncologist, then his Resident who assisted. They agreed that the margins were fine, they just cut into the tumor which when stained showed no margin (that's the explanation I got). Dr. claimed they took out a lot of tissue for the size of the tumor. So Radiologist said okay. Also found out 5 out of the 7 nodes they took out tested positive for cancer cells. Has it gone beyond the lymph nodes? He couldn't say. I think that is left up to the Medical Oncologist to determine. It definately means Chemo. But, I figured that when the Sentinel Node was positive. I asked about staging... and I got the letters and numbers, etc. He felt probably between a I and a II. But, I assume that can change if it has spread beyond the lymph nodes.So as we all do, I'm preparing for the next year being a real journey and trying prepare for what might be ahead. Appointments will be set up tomorrow with Radiology Oncologist and Medical Oncologist who will have the answers as to what, when, where, and how.Now I realize every person, every cancer, every treatment is different so I'm just asking what happened in your own case so I have a better idea of what to plan on my end.Can someone tell me what exactly is done to put in a port? Will I have one, I don't know, but I'm curious.Also, is there a certain schedule to chemo? Now I know it can be every 2-3-4 weeks for so many treatments, but do I get some latitude as to what day of the week I go in ( & I know this can depend on the center)? I just wonder if there is any choices here. All this has to do with planning my schedule. The DR says I am #1 but when you have others depending on you, it makes it hard to let that go.Thank you for any responses. I'm sure I'll have many, many, many more questions as I go.Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Lee Anne, I go in to see the Oncologists on Wednesday. It is a group meeting with all involved persons. I would imagine every thing will be set up then. You'll have to let me know how it went to have the port put in. I'll find out Wednesday, I'm sure, if/when they want to put that in and what they are going to do when. Good luck next week. Unfortunately, my nodes were positive so they will probably be putting in that extra kick in whatever they do. Will be thinking of you. Barb Re: Update/Questions > > > Hi Barb, > > Sounds like you got some questions answered and are now thinking of the > next stage for your cancer journey. I think anytime nodes are involved > that puts you in Stage II at least. But it's good they got the tumor out > and you don't need follow-on surgery. > > You're right that each person's treatment is different based on their > staging, type of tumor (is it estrogen/pregesterone positive or > negative, is it her2Neu positive/negative, is it aggressive growth, > etc.) Based on that info which should be in your pathology report, your > oncologist will recommend a treatment. > > A port is useful if a) you have small veins or hard to find veins, > you're receiving drugs like Adriamycin that can damage your veins, > and/or c) you're receiving chemo over an extended period (like Herceptin > for her2Neu positive women which is administered over a year). > > The port really bothered me when it was put in, but now I am use to it > and I am glad I have it. My port was put in when I had a mastectomy, so > I was completely under. I was very aware of it the first few weeks, > possibly more so because I am thin. It does not hurt. If you're just > having a port put in, I believe it's local anesthesia, so you're awake > when they do it. It shouldn't hurt putting it in, just have to get use > to it. > > My chemo schedule was Adriamycin/Cytoxan 4 times every 2 weeks. This is > called dose-dense. Usually it's given every 3 weeks. The theory behind > dose-dense is the chemo hits any remaining cancer cells before they have > a chance to recover. The negative is that the rest of your cells don't > have a chance to recover so it's more fatiguing and maybe more side > effects. > > I am now on a year of Herceptin once a week. > > I am Stage 1, her2 positive, esterogene/pregesterone negative, > aggressive tumor. > > My treatments are Wednesdays, and I'm sure your hospital will give you a > choice of day of the week and time. Generally, for the longer chemos (AC > takes 2-3 hours) they will want you in the morning. That way you can > call in the afternoon if you have any problems. Some women who work > prefer treatments on Friday and the weekend to recover. I chose Wed > because I could call or come in if I had a problem. There's always > someone on call, but it's faster to get treated during the week when > there's more staffing and the oncology dept. is open. > > > - > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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