Wellness

[Zaimee]

@JaneMarple 

I had breast cancer surgery in 2016.  Triple negative  big tumor popped out left breast.
Had annual mammogram and ultra sound 4 months prior).

Opted for a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction.

Was thrilled with results and NED no evidence  of disease.

Developed capsular contracture with left breast  and had surgery to correct. Didn't go according to plan so.... ended up with left prosthesis.

Not like your own. Yes, it is heavy after hours of wearing. When I was busy teaching I didn't really think about it.. But, n ow, retired, I am more conscious and can't wait to take it off.  My brand is Anita.Have gotten many bras ( also free with Medicare 6 a year?) but still searching for a truly comfortable one. But, looks good in clothes, no one can tell.

Every 6 months I have bloodword to check status. No medication has shown to be beneficial for Triple Negative tumors. 

But, so many more survivors now. Sorry that you have joined this club but happy that you are here.

[JaneMarple]

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@Zaimee wrote:

@JaneMarple 

I had breast cancer surgery in 2016.  Triple negative  big tumor popped out left breast.
Had annual mammogram and ultra sound 4 months prior).

Opted for a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction.

Was thrilled with results and NED no evidence  of disease.

Developed capsular contracture with left breast  and had surgery to correct. Didn't go according to plan so.... ended up with left prosthesis.

Not like your own. Yes, it is heavy after hours of wearing. When I was busy teaching I didn't really think about it.. But, n ow, retired, I am more conscious and can't wait to take it off.  My brand is Anita.Have gotten many bras ( also free with Medicare 6 a year?) but still searching for a truly comfortable one. But, looks good in clothes, no one can tell.

Every 6 months I have bloodword to check status. No medication has shown to be beneficial for Triple Negative tumors. 

But, so many more survivors now. Sorry that you have joined this club but happy that you are here.

Thank you @Zaimee, I opted out for the reconstruction, at 63 it didn't seem important to me. While wearing the prosthesis it does look natural and I'm happy with my bras. Sometime in the spring I'll be looking for one to go under a bathing suit. 

I'm glad you're here too. 

[Zaimee]

@JaneMarple  I was 63  when diagnosed too!

[JaneMarple]

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@Zaimee wrote:

@JaneMarple  I was 63  when diagnosed too!

My doctor told me that this is common in our age group, in December of 2021 I was told that I had dense breast tissue. My diagnosis was Her2 negative.

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[bargainsgirl]

Just wonder what changes, if any,  anyome has made in their "lifestyle" to increase better health after breast cancer.  I know I asked all of my team if any changes were nesessary such as diet, exercise, alcohol drinks, etc.  For the most part I am considered very healthy so for me I did not need to focus on any changes.  I am not overweight, don't smoke, eat healthy most of the time, only take Simvastatin, exercise and have an alcoholic beverage socially or 1-2 per week.  I've been "clean" for 7 years ( Stage 1, lumpectomy, tamoxifen 5 years) and hopefully things stay that way.  I was given a very good prognosis and I hope that holds true!!

[ID2]

I just had my yearly mammogram, but this time I got the dreaded phone call afterward. They are keeping an eye on some calcification in my left breast. They want me to get another mammogram in 6 months, then again next January so they will have 3 scans to compare. To all of you...did your diagnosis start out with calcifications? Thanks

[bargainsgirl]

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@ID2 wrote:

I just had my yearly mammogram, but this time I got the dreaded phone call afterward. They are keeping an eye on some calcification in my left breast. They want me to get another mammogram in 6 months, then again next January so they will have 3 scans to compare. To all of you...did your diagnosis start out with calcifications? Thanks

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Mine did not.   Just a routine yearly discovered my less than 1cm. tumor.  My neighbor who had same DX as me (stage 1 lumpectomy etc.)  had some calcification watched about 10 years after her initial dx.  It turned out to be nothing.  But do keep an eye on it and advocate for yourself!!  My next mammo is March and I get so nervous when that comes up.  Guess that is something we have to live with when we are in this "club"!

[shy bobcat]

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@embgm wrote:

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@JaneMarple wrote:

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@Stelladorable wrote:

I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction 2 years ago. I have never gotten feeling back and I still have phantom itches which can't be scratched. Ugh.

but I'm alive and my new bosoms are spectacular. I'm on anastrozole for 3 more years and that is by far the worst part of my experience. Wishing you complete healing and ongoing good health.

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@Stelladorable, that's the medication that I take, I started taking it in September and my doctor said that I'll be on it for five years. No side effects for me, how about you? 

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            I took anastrozole for 5 years and was completely miserable while taking it. The frequent hot flashes were unbearable, followed by chills and nausea. The pain in my legs was awful and I was exhausted. I felt my body was just out of control. My doc did give me Paxil and that really slowed down the hot flashes, but it was a tough 5years.

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@embgm  I am sorry you had a bad experience with Anastrozole and glad that that therapy is over for you.  I take Anastrozole and felt supported to read your experience.  I have awful leg pain especially at night along with joint discomfort. I no longer can sleep on my side. I mentioned this to my oncologist a few days ago, wondering if my symptoms were age or medication related and was told, probably both. It's often hard to know what is causing the discomfort since I had joint discomfort prior to dx. I hope you have continued wellness.

[JaneMarple]

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@ID2 wrote:

I just had my yearly mammogram, but this time I got the dreaded phone call afterward. They are keeping an eye on some calcification in my left breast. They want me to get another mammogram in 6 months, then again next January so they will have 3 scans to compare. To all of you...did your diagnosis start out with calcifications? Thanks

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@ID2 I had my yearly mammogram in December of '21 and the doctor told me that same day that he saw some calcification and to wait until 6 months later for a followup mammogram and ultrasound. in June of '22 it t was noticed that what was in my left breast breast. Within a week I had 2 biopsies and the following week I was told on June 21st that it was cancer. No lumps, the cancer was in my milk ducts in several places so it was advised to have a mastectomy. 

I had another Ct scan the week before surgery and it picked up another cancerous spot in my lymph node so before my surgery a wire was inserted to mark where the new growth was located. this was biopsied and was positive and I had a second surgery a week later.

I don't ever. ever want to do this again!