topic Re: Breast Cancer in Among Friends

Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:42:56 GMT

I found out before Christmas that I have breast cancer in my left breast. I have very dense breasts so I have been getting ulrasound along with my normal mammogram for years now. If it hadn't been for the ultrasound they wouldn't have found the tumor. I feel very blessed because the tumor is so very very small. The surgeon said she has never seen one so small. I am having a lumptacomy on the 20th of January. My onocoligst/surgeon said I feel you will need just radiation 5 days a week for 2 months. Or maybe it was 1 month. You know you hear her but I am just overwelmed. I have been looking up about what to eat with getting radiation and was wondering if anyone could recommend how they or someone else delt with eating. I know it's fruit and no hard crackers etc. I was just wondering. Also, if you could give me any adivice on how you handled the radiation. I know some people that have had it and they said it knocked them off their butt. I am 67 so I am retired which is a blessing right now. I can come home and rest.

Also appartently Medicare no longer covers ultrsounds for breasts for annuals which is how they found my tumor. They will cover it only if you have part D I think it is. So now Medicare wants me to pay them more money for what you were already covering before. I hate that everything is about money is this world. Especially insurances. I am blessed though I know this. Thank you for letting me vent. I pray for a Happy and Healthy New Year for each and everyone of you.

Re: Breast Cancer

Lucky Charm — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:47:28 GMT

@friendscafe Sending you a gentle hug and praying you don't have any issues with radiation. The very best wishes to you going forward!

Re: Breast Cancer

Goldengate8361 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:48:13 GMT

@friendscafe @So glad it was caught early! I have no experience with cancer or radiation; I just wanted to send you my heartfelt best wishes to you! Hang in there; you've got this. There are many wonderful people who post in this forum, so I'm sure you'll get some good tips.

Re: Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:49:41 GMT

Thank you so much for your kindness. It means a lot to me

Re: Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:51:12 GMT

Thank you for your happy thoughts. I am very grateful for the eary detection. It's all very scary and I sure didn't seen this coming. But then who does, right!

Re: Breast Cancer

Tissyanne — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:59:02 GMT

@friendscafe ,

My breast cancer was also found early. I had a lumpectomy three years ago, and the tumor was 5 mm, the size of an English pea.

The radiation I had was Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation, and was 2x a day for five days. I qualified because the tumor had been small, and was low Luminal A.

I didn't have any problems with radiation, except redness for quite some time. I ate a normal diet.

I pray for you to have the same easy experience as me.

Re: Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:06:23 GMT

Oh thank you so much for your experience. They say mine is like 3mm and the surgeon even said the radiologist might have pulled it all out when he did the biopsy but not taking any chances. I will try and eat what I normally do except for some things I do know aren't probably good for me on a good day. I wish for you continued health always!

Re: Breast Cancer

Tissyanne — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:09:35 GMT

@friendscafe ,

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you, based on my experience.

My best to you.

Re: Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:23:31 GMT

Thank you so much. I will do

Re: Breast Cancer

spiderw — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:44:32 GMT

Many years ago I had uterine cancer. I had a hysterectomy and four radiation treatments. I didn't have any side effects or issues with the radiation. I am fine and considered cured.

I can relate to your fears as I had the same. I went through much anxiety but got through it all and so will you. I wish you the best and know that good health will come your way and this ordeal will be behind you.

Re: Breast Cancer

CAcableGirl2 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:45:02 GMT

@friendscafe I will keep you in my prayers, it sounds like its very small, they are taking care of it early and you are in good hands. Pleae reach out as there are many on this site who can offer great advice from their own experiences.

I agree with your earlier post about ultrasounds. They really should offer it as part of the normal annual tests. I've had several over the past few years, had 4 biopsies in the last few years. I also have dense breasts and think that the ultrasounds are so much better for a more thorough check when combined with mammograms.

Be strong, ask for help whenever you need it, ask lots of questions to your medical team, and we will all be here cheering you on and sending you good vibes and prayers.

Re: Breast Cancer

friendscafe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:35:32 GMT

Thank you so much and I am so glad you are doing so well. Happy and Healthy New Year!

Re: Breast Cancer

Zaimee — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:36:55 GMT

@friendscafe @Six years ago,I had 28 radiation sessions following chemo and surgery for breast cancer. I was 63. The treatments were quick and not painful. My skin did become red and very itchy. I put Acquaphor cream on immediately after the treatment and wore a soft loose t shirt to drive home. I went for treatment everyday after teaching. Not a walk in the park but definetly doable. I was never told to avoid any foods.

Good luck with your surgery and future treatment.

Re: Breast Cancer

docsgirl — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 08:17:31 GMT

I wish you the absolute best and am so glad it was caught early. Like you, I have dense breasts and always receive a letter stating so. The letter even states that regular mammograms do not always detect tumors in women with dense breasts so I've often wondered why an ultrasound was never suggested by my doctor or the breast care center. I'm going to ask for one this year. If I'm charged extra, so be it. Nothing is worth the cost of my life. Good luck to you. docsgirl

Re: Breast Cancer

char1976 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:28:51 GMT

Yours sounds so very similar to mine. Same side and everything. I was 54 at the time and now coming up on my 10 year survivor date. I had no special diet. I had no problems with the radiation except towards the end of my treatments my skin started to burn some and had to use a cream. My mother had breast cancer a year after I did at 63 and had no problems at all. And she is doing great and her skin didn't even burn. I did my treatment at 7:00 am and then went on to work for 5 weeks. Just remember not to use deordorant, lotions, perfumes or soap on the side receiving radation before each treatment. Praying for you and stay positive.

Re: Breast Cancer

Lilysmom1 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:42:48 GMT

@friendscafe , I have no advice for you but want to send best wishes. It is so kind that others, especially those who have been through this, are reaching out to you. 🙏🙏🙏 for you. I hope your journey is a good one. LM

Re: Breast Cancer

meallen616 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:15:44 GMT

@friendscafe,

So glad they caught it early for you. I will be praying for you, keep us posted,

Re: Breast Cancer

catter70 — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:30:33 GMT

Prayers for you for a full recovery. Bless you, @friendscafe.

Re: Breast Cancer

Roscoe the Rascal — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:24:24 GMT

I also get both exams and runs in my family as well.

My sister had a lumpectomy and radiation. Not sure what she ate and not much of an ester to begin with.

My husband has had radiation and chemo. Can't remember what he exactly ate for which treatment. But he did like mashed potatoes with gravy. Puddings, eggs, soups and some heartier stuff as well. Drank protein shakes as well. Just have a variety on hand is what I would suggest.

With his last radiation treatments he was pretty tired as it went on. So rest and take it easy. Tired is normal.

Glad you found it early. Always scares me but early detection is the key for sure. Good luck and you got this.

I'm 67 also.

Re: Breast Cancer

ScrapHappy — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:05:40 GMT

I also have dense tissue and family history. I now have MRI's done every year. It was suggested to me to have MRI and 3D mammogram schedule in 6 month intervals so something is being done every 6 months. Hopefully get MRI done next month (dependent on approval, scheduling, etc) and then 3 mammorgram in August. My Mom had breast cancer, found small and early, and had a lumpectomy with radiation. She also took medication (one pill) for 5 years afterwards. God bless. Thoughts and prayers being sent.