Re: Sentinel node biopsy Elle

[Guest guest]

Just as a clarification - normally, radiation goes for 33 treatments - which

works out to about 6 1/2 weeks. Phew

Re: RE: Sentinel node biopsy Elle

Hi Sue,

I feel a bit like I'm swimming here. It's a whole new language to learn and I

don't understand these things: CAF and Taxol. I recall that Taxol is a

medication. Is this chemotherapy? 33 weeks of radiation! Sheesh! <striking palm

to forehead> That's a long time considering I have to drive one hour each way to

get radiation. Oh, well, one must do what one must do.

I appreciate your helping me though and hate to come off as stupid. I'm really

not. Have quite a good career, etc. But, this cancer treatment and terminology

is just a world of its' own with a vocabulary of it's own. Ya know?

Lori

mawmaw75938 wrote:

Lori,

I had a lumpectomy (clear margins) with SNB. First pathologist read it

as 2 positive nodes of 11 seen. My oncologist had it reread by the

pathologist at the hospital where is on staff (in same town, but

different hospital). The second path said 2 positive nodes seen..none

other seen. So that leaves the question if there could have been more

positive. I had 4 treatments of CAF and am now on my 3rd of 12 of

Taxol. After this I will have axillary lymph node dissection to check

things out. Then 33 weeks of radiation. I would question whether they

say any lymph nodes. Write down any questions you can think of and

stop the Dr. until he explains things to your satisfaction. I had to

do that. If he can't do that, look for someone else.

Good luck to you. May you gain the peace you need with your treatment.

I will pray for you.

Sue R. in Texas

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori,

Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with you, if you have

to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want everyone on this list to

e-mail him? snicker.

As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not recommended because

it removes so much healthy tissue, but no treatment needed afterwards; 2.

lumpectomy and traditional, external radiation - supposed to have the same

success rate as mastectomy, as long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin "

(no cancer cells found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I investigated all

three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might consider the mammosite

technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7 weeks. But check into all the pros

and cons.

I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist considered it

unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report (the one after the

lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS (DCIS is non-invasive,

confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no chance of getting into the lymph

nodes). But, a friend who had stage I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none

were cancerous - now she has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy,

which would have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll see.

So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an oncologist,

preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more overall picture.

As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say that I'm

enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different; for me, the side

effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as the radiation oncologist

said is typical. That's life. I don't like pouring poison into my body either,

but then I don't want to have to deal with this again.

Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in this - so much

to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they have been great!

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

OK, this settles it. I'm calling right now and have them send a copy of my path

report because I know I read DCIS, but hubby also knows that he said invasive.

So, I've just got to get that report and have all the facts and not rely on our

memories.

But, at any rate, I'm sure I will do the radiation. I did have 1 cm of clear

margin, so I will investigate the mammosite, but it sounds kind of intense to me

also. I will probably do the external and work my rear off afterwards to push

for and fund more breast cancer research, cause these are just not good options,

albeit all we have, but something new needs to be discovered that is less toxic

to us.

And perhaps the doctor is going to give me those options at my next appt, but

he did not really give me options when we did the lumpectomy, he just told me we

can get it all with lumpectomy and take some lymph nodes out. Hubby then asked

" No radiation or chemo? " And he made an arm motion indicating no and said, " Nah,

not necessary. "

At which point, I should have grabbed him and said, wait a

minute..................

But didn't.

Lori

wrote:

Dear Lori,

Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with you, if you have

to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want everyone on this list to

e-mail him? snicker.

As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not recommended because it

removes so much healthy tissue, but no treatment needed afterwards; 2.

lumpectomy and traditional, external radiation - supposed to have the same

success rate as mastectomy, as long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin "

(no cancer cells found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I investigated all

three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might consider the mammosite

technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7 weeks. But check into all the pros

and cons.

I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist considered it

unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report (the one after the

lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS (DCIS is non-invasive,

confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no chance of getting into the lymph

nodes). But, a friend who had stage I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none

were cancerous - now she has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy,

which would have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll see.

So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an oncologist,

preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more overall picture.

As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say that I'm

enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different; for me, the side

effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as the radiation oncologist

said is typical. That's life. I don't like pouring poison into my body either,

but then I don't want to have to deal with this again.

Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in this - so much

to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they have been great!

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

Hi Elle,

This shows how important it is to have someone with you when you talk to

your doctor, since there's so much info to absorb. Also, as many women

have said, get a copy of your pathology report. There is so much new

terminology and you need time to read it and then follow up with your

doctor about questions.

breastcancer.org has a free booklet on reading your pathology report,

and explains it on their website as well.

You should ask your oncologist if he or she can run the Oncotype DX test

to see whether you'd do better with chemo, radiation and/or oral drugs.

I think you mentioned you were ER/PR+, so at stage 1 it's unlikely chemo

would be recommded.

As for your doctor thinking you'd remember what he told you when you

just got out of surgery, I'm just glad your husband was around!

take care,

[Guest guest]

Well, can anyone tell I have cabin fever? Now I'm answering my own posts. <grin>

I did call and I can drive over and pick up a copy of my reports because I

have to sign for them (thanks HIPPA). The weatherman is only predicting 4 to 6

inches of snow before tomorrow morning and OKC is already turning white. Think

I'll not do that today.

BUT, we did go to the Mayo site and National Cancer site (I think?) and they

were giving descriptions of the types and Stage 0 is noninvasive ductile cancer,

that hasn't spread outside the milk duct; Stage 1 is invasive Ductile cancer

that has spread outside the milk duct, but not outside the breast tissue and so

on for the remainder of the stages, so I guess my hubby did hear it right. It

had invaded the breast tissue but had not invaded the lymph nodes (outside the

breast). He recalls the surgeon saying it was also very early Stage 1. So, that

is good.

My husband is a fairly good researcher. I on the other hand follow all links

until I am hopelessly lost, but making good time.

I just love you ladies. Blessings on all.

Lori

Elle Pea wrote:

OK, this settles it. I'm calling right now and have them send a copy

of my path report because I know I read DCIS, but hubby also knows that he said

invasive. So, I've just got to get that report and have all the facts and not

rely on our memories.

But, at any rate, I'm sure I will do the radiation. I did have 1 cm of clear

margin, so I will investigate the mammosite, but it sounds kind of intense to me

also. I will probably do the external and work my rear off afterwards to push

for and fund more breast cancer research, cause these are just not good options,

albeit all we have, but something new needs to be discovered that is less toxic

to us.

And perhaps the doctor is going to give me those options at my next appt, but he

did not really give me options when we did the lumpectomy, he just told me we

can get it all with lumpectomy and take some lymph nodes out. Hubby then asked

" No radiation or chemo? " And he made an arm motion indicating no and said, " Nah,

not necessary. "

At which point, I should have grabbed him and said, wait a

minute..................

But didn't.

Lori

wrote:

Dear Lori,

Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with you, if you have

to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want everyone on this list to

e-mail him? snicker.

As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not recommended because it

removes so much healthy tissue, but no treatment needed afterwards; 2.

lumpectomy and traditional, external radiation - supposed to have the same

success rate as mastectomy, as long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin "

(no cancer cells found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I investigated all

three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might consider the mammosite

technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7 weeks. But check into all the pros

and cons.

I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist considered it

unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report (the one after the

lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS (DCIS is non-invasive,

confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no chance of getting into the lymph

nodes). But, a friend who had stage I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none

were cancerous - now she has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy,

which would have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll see.

So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an oncologist,

preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more overall picture.

As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say that I'm

enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different; for me, the side

effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as the radiation oncologist

said is typical. That's life. I don't like pouring poison into my body either,

but then I don't want to have to deal with this again.

Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in this - so much

to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they have been great!

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

Well, can anyone tell I have cabin fever? Now I'm answering my own posts. <grin>

I did call and I can drive over and pick up a copy of my reports because I

have to sign for them (thanks HIPPA). The weatherman is only predicting 4 to 6

inches of snow before tomorrow morning and OKC is already turning white. Think

I'll not do that today.

BUT, we did go to the Mayo site and National Cancer site (I think?) and they

were giving descriptions of the types and Stage 0 is noninvasive ductile cancer,

that hasn't spread outside the milk duct; Stage 1 is invasive Ductile cancer

that has spread outside the milk duct, but not outside the breast tissue and so

on for the remainder of the stages, so I guess my hubby did hear it right. It

had invaded the breast tissue but had not invaded the lymph nodes (outside the

breast). He recalls the surgeon saying it was also very early Stage 1. So, that

is good.

My husband is a fairly good researcher. I on the other hand follow all links

until I am hopelessly lost, but making good time.

I just love you ladies. Blessings on all.

Lori

Elle Pea wrote:

OK, this settles it. I'm calling right now and have them send a copy

of my path report because I know I read DCIS, but hubby also knows that he said

invasive. So, I've just got to get that report and have all the facts and not

rely on our memories.

But, at any rate, I'm sure I will do the radiation. I did have 1 cm of clear

margin, so I will investigate the mammosite, but it sounds kind of intense to me

also. I will probably do the external and work my rear off afterwards to push

for and fund more breast cancer research, cause these are just not good options,

albeit all we have, but something new needs to be discovered that is less toxic

to us.

And perhaps the doctor is going to give me those options at my next appt, but he

did not really give me options when we did the lumpectomy, he just told me we

can get it all with lumpectomy and take some lymph nodes out. Hubby then asked

" No radiation or chemo? " And he made an arm motion indicating no and said, " Nah,

not necessary. "

At which point, I should have grabbed him and said, wait a

minute..................

But didn't.

Lori

wrote:

Dear Lori,

Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with you, if you have

to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want everyone on this list to

e-mail him? snicker.

As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not recommended because it

removes so much healthy tissue, but no treatment needed afterwards; 2.

lumpectomy and traditional, external radiation - supposed to have the same

success rate as mastectomy, as long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin "

(no cancer cells found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I investigated all

three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might consider the mammosite

technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7 weeks. But check into all the pros

and cons.

I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist considered it

unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report (the one after the

lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS (DCIS is non-invasive,

confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no chance of getting into the lymph

nodes). But, a friend who had stage I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none

were cancerous - now she has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy,

which would have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll see.

So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an oncologist,

preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more overall picture.

As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say that I'm

enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different; for me, the side

effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as the radiation oncologist

said is typical. That's life. I don't like pouring poison into my body either,

but then I don't want to have to deal with this again.

Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in this - so much

to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they have been great!

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

My tumor showed some dcis, some invasive - wish i had it with me

now...but it was all contained it that 2cm tumor ;)my lumpectomy went

well - clear margins, negative sentinal node, no lympho/vascular

involvement...but, like I said before, her2+...

Oh--regarding what you write: " At which point, I should have grabbed

him and said, wait a minute.................. But didn't. "

I didn't start even *thinking* about questions to ask till after I

started chemo ...I've said it before here, I felt like I was

walloped across the back of the head with a two by four when the

surgeon told me " you have breast cancer " ...HOLY SH*T! WHAT THE

F*CK!! - that was what was running through my mind, along with " how

am I going to take care of my son??? "

peace -

MArisa

> Dear Lori,

>

> Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with

you, if you have to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want

everyone on this list to e-mail him? snicker.

>

> As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not

recommended because it removes so much healthy tissue, but no

treatment needed afterwards; 2. lumpectomy and traditional, external

radiation - supposed to have the same success rate as mastectomy, as

long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin " (no cancer cells

found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I

investigated all three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might

consider the mammosite technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7

weeks. But check into all the pros and cons.

>

> I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist

considered it unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report

(the one after the lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS

(DCIS is non-invasive, confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no

chance of getting into the lymph nodes). But, a friend who had stage

I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none were cancerous - now she

has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy, which would

have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the oncologist

before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll

see.

>

> So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an

oncologist, preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more

overall picture.

>

> As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say

that I'm enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different;

for me, the side effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as

the radiation oncologist said is typical. That's life. I don't like

pouring poison into my body either, but then I don't want to have to

deal with this again.

>

> Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in

this - so much to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they

have been great!

>

> Good luck,

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In regards to full body hair loss..I had 4 cycles of AC and 4 cycles

of Taxol...lost all hair...armpits, head, eye lashes, eye brows, arm

hair, chin hairs (woo hoo!)...I think the last to go was the leg

hair..kinda pissed me off...still having to shave my legs thru most

of chemo, I hope the leg hair never comes back!...lol

> > Dear Lori,

> >

> > Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with

> you, if you have to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder.

Want

> everyone on this list to e-mail him? snicker.

> >

> > As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not

> recommended because it removes so much healthy tissue, but no

> treatment needed afterwards; 2. lumpectomy and traditional,

external

> radiation - supposed to have the same success rate as mastectomy,

as

> long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin " (no cancer cells

> found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

> lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I

> investigated all three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might

> consider the mammosite technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7

> weeks. But check into all the pros and cons.

> >

> > I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist

> considered it unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report

> (the one after the lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was

DCIS

> (DCIS is non-invasive, confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no

> chance of getting into the lymph nodes). But, a friend who had

stage

> I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none were cancerous - now she

> has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy, which would

> have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist

> before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are

great

> but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll

> see.

> >

> > So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an

> oncologist, preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a

more

> overall picture.

> >

> > As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't

say

> that I'm enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is

different;

> for me, the side effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later,

as

> the radiation oncologist said is typical. That's life. I don't

like

> pouring poison into my body either, but then I don't want to have

to

> deal with this again.

> >

> > Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started

in

> this - so much to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they

> have been great!

> >

> > Good luck,

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Lori for replying. These doctors should have these situations figured

out by now.

When I family doctor told me she had the results and that I had Invasive

Ductal Car., and asked me if I had any questions.. I simply asked... WOW... I'm

not sure... if you were sitting in my position what types of questions would you

ask.. And her remarks was... I really don't know...

How could a Doctor that tells this kind of news to her patients all of the

time ... not know what kind of questions to ask...

She was also incorrect in telling me, if you have to get cancer, this would be

the one to get... again she was wrong.... Ductal Cancer is apparently easier

because is stays within the Ductal system... Invasive Ductal Carcenoma can

spread like wild fire, which mine has done.

This is a real learning curve isn't it?

Louise

Elle Pea wrote:

Even though my family has a history of bc, no one ever took chemo.

They all had mod. rad mast. with no radiation, no chemo. But, I can identify

with the numb arm, well at least arm pit. I wondered aloud if my armpit would

stay numb for a while and my hubby told me my mother said hers is still numb

after 15 years, so my doc never mentioned that either. I suppose you do what you

have to do though. But, surely he could have told you about lymphedema and how

to be careful of it? That just is not right. Of course, now that I'm talking

about it, mine didn't tell me either, I read it on the internet. These docs need

to get themselves together.

I guess my standard questions now will be:

1. Why?

2. What are my options?

3. What are the side effects?

4. What can I do to avoid them or make them less troublesome?

I can't believe they didn't tell me to take off my estrogen patch either. I

luckily knew that. It's a shame. I'm sorry he didn't tell you all you needed to

know.

Lori

Louise Krueger wrote:

Hi Ladies, I'm laughing at Marisa's comment about... thinking she got hit in the

back of the head.

I took haven't had any questions until after the fact.... My surgeon didn't

explain anything about lymphadema, when he stated he would be removing some

lymph nodes... now here I site 2 months later feeling as though I have a tennis

balled tucked inside my armpit and upper arm.... nor did he tell me I'd have

loss of feeling in my upper arm because of this....

I wish that my doctor's were more upfront... just tell me the problem, what

their solution is and TELL ME what the down side or complications might be!!!

I'm learning!!... My Chemo (might) start next tuesday, and the nurse that I've

been assigned to, her name is Trish.. well Trish went through Chemo in June and

is just now getting her hair back. We met for the first time on this past

tuesday and she CALLs it like she sees it... she took one look and my medication

list and looked right at me and said... you might want to have you hair cut

fairly short and soon, because this medication will definately NO QUESTION about

it... make you lose your hair...

That being said... regarding hair loss. Did anyone experience full body hair

loss?

I've hear about eyelashes and eye brows, (my son 18, stated " well you won't have

to worry about your moustache) LOL, I do a lot of laughing, it is my best way of

getting through this...

Thank you ladies for sharing your stories. I truly appreciate your comments.

Hugs and you'll all be in my prayers. Louise

Elle Pea wrote:

I hear ya. I was sort of like, just put me on the conveyor belt and do the

thing, whatever..............until now. I didn't know at the beginning that I

had any choices, except I remember telling my husband you go with me and make

sure I don't sign anything giving them permission to just go ahead and do a

mastectomy while I'm under. I want to make that decision if I have to when I am

wide awake.

That's about all I knew to say.

marisa wrote:

My tumor showed some dcis, some invasive - wish i had it with me

now...but it was all contained it that 2cm tumor ;)my lumpectomy went

well - clear margins, negative sentinal node, no lympho/vascular

involvement...but, like I said before, her2+...

Oh--regarding what you write: " At which point, I should have grabbed

him and said, wait a minute.................. But didn't. "

I didn't start even *thinking* about questions to ask till after I

started chemo ...I've said it before here, I felt like I was

walloped across the back of the head with a two by four when the

surgeon told me " you have breast cancer " ...HOLY SH*T! WHAT THE

F*CK!! - that was what was running through my mind, along with " how

am I going to take care of my son??? "

peace -

MArisa

> Dear Lori,

>

> Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with

you, if you have to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder. Want

everyone on this list to e-mail him? snicker.

>

> As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not

recommended because it removes so much healthy tissue, but no

treatment needed afterwards; 2. lumpectomy and traditional, external

radiation - supposed to have the same success rate as mastectomy, as

long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin " (no cancer cells

found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I

investigated all three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might

consider the mammosite technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7

weeks. But check into all the pros and cons.

>

> I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist

considered it unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report

(the one after the lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was DCIS

(DCIS is non-invasive, confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no

chance of getting into the lymph nodes). But, a friend who had stage

I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none were cancerous - now she

has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy, which would

have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the oncologist

before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are great

but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll

see.

>

> So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an

oncologist, preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a more

overall picture.

>

> As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't say

that I'm enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is different;

for me, the side effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later, as

the radiation oncologist said is typical. That's life. I don't like

pouring poison into my body either, but then I don't want to have to

deal with this again.

>

> Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started in

this - so much to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they

have been great!

>

> Good luck,

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing... you have me laughing...

Though it's kind of upsetting too. I have long dair brown hair(dyed of

course) now it's doing grow back ... pretty grey.. I've never seen myself with

grey hair, I'm 46 now.

My son joked about... (well if you lose your hair you won't have to worry

about you moustache or chin hairs) my son has just turned 18 ha ha ha funny

kid.. He does know however that I would laugh at his comment.. which I did..

But the leg hair.. was the last to go.. ggeeesssshhhhhh Good thing I have

short legs, it won't take me that long to shave them.

Hugs Louise

ginaleeusa wrote:

In regards to full body hair loss..I had 4 cycles of AC and 4 cycles

of Taxol...lost all hair...armpits, head, eye lashes, eye brows, arm

hair, chin hairs (woo hoo!)...I think the last to go was the leg

hair..kinda pissed me off...still having to shave my legs thru most

of chemo, I hope the leg hair never comes back!...lol

> > Dear Lori,

> >

> > Really sounds as if your surgeon is not communicating well with

> you, if you have to read that you have DCIS over his shoulder.

Want

> everyone on this list to e-mail him? snicker.

> >

> > As far as DCIS goes, I had 3 options: 1. mastectomy - not

> recommended because it removes so much healthy tissue, but no

> treatment needed afterwards; 2. lumpectomy and traditional,

external

> radiation - supposed to have the same success rate as mastectomy,

as

> long as you get a 1 cm or greater " clean margin " (no cancer cells

> found by pathologist for 1 cm around the affected area); 3.

> lumpectomy and internal radiation (mammosite radiation). I

> investigated all three and chose #2 for various reasons. You might

> consider the mammosite technique, since it only takes a week vs. 7

> weeks. But check into all the pros and cons.

> >

> > I did not have any lymph nodes taken because my oncologist

> considered it unnecessary - as long as the final pathology report

> (the one after the lumpectomy) indicated that all the cancer was

DCIS

> (DCIS is non-invasive, confined to the milk ducts, and therefor no

> chance of getting into the lymph nodes). But, a friend who had

stage

> I bc, had 22 lymph nodes removed and none were cancerous - now she

> has lymphedema to deal with. No sentinal node biopsy, which would

> have saved her the lymphedema. She advised me to go to the

oncologist

> before I had surgery, to get the " big picture " - surgeons are

great

> but their solution is, naturally, take it all out! and then we'll

> see.

> >

> > So I think you will be happiest with a second opinion from an

> oncologist, preferrably from a breast center. He can give you a

more

> overall picture.

> >

> > As far as radiation goes, I hate it but am enduring it. I can't

say

> that I'm enduring it gracefully. But everyone's body is

different;

> for me, the side effects started immediately, not 2-3 weeks later,

as

> the radiation oncologist said is typical. That's life. I don't

like

> pouring poison into my body either, but then I don't want to have

to

> deal with this again.

> >

> > Everyone feels like it's a whole new world when we get started

in

> this - so much to learn - that's why I joined this group, and they

> have been great!

> >

> > Good luck,

> >

> >

> >

> >