Black and Brown Thrivers

Why did my breast cancer stage keep changing from 1 to 3?

They had been telling me that I had stage 1 in my left breast, and my lymph node was benign. However, in January, they took a few lymph nodes and said that they were stage 2.... I did not make sense. They told me I would only need radiation. However, now that I received a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, they are telling me it was stage 3 and spreading at 35% rate. Now I need 5 months of chemo and then 28 episodes of radiation, but there is a hole in my left breast they want me to get a port in and start chemo asap. I'm nervous and do not know what to do or feel at this time Any advice??

Can I skip lymph node removal if there's no cancer in them?

Hi! NEW to the community. I am Stage 2 (unsure of grade) Breast Cancer diagnosed in Feb. Triple NEG-aggressive form. So my treatment is aggressive in that I have 16 rounds of chemo followed by radiation postsurgery. Partially through my tumor has shrunk to the team being barely able to locate it. Surgery has told me that there is zero cancer in the lymph nodes, but has told me he will be removing 3 lymph nodes from axillary-?complete dissection. So far my levels have been off to include Potassium. I've also corrected that by diet. And most recently my Thyroid has gone for a loop of don't have to treat to -Get on this Levothyroxine. My experience so far is that I have not been told alternatives and just being told what to do. Surgery the same. Ask my Oncologist Lymph node questions and she directs it back to Surgery whom told me and I quote-'This is what you are going to do."-And walks out. NP: '' If I was you I would."-removal of Lymph nodes. Nurse: "If I was you I would."- related to Levothyroxine " No real answers to my questions. Just very dismissive. How has your journey been? Q. Can I forego complete Axillary Lymph Node dissection if there is no cancer and radiation treatment will follow surgery. Or have you noticed it as necessary and common practice to remove all 3 axillary lymph nodes ?

How long do biopsy results take when lymphoma is suspected?

Hi, hope all is well. I’m waiting for biopsy results—how long does it usually take? My name is Rodney. I just had an appointment with my doctor, who mentioned possible lymphoma.

Has anyone had voice box removal surgery after cancer returned?

Hi friends, I found out 5/20/26 my cancer has returned, completed chemo and radiation 7/2026,biopsy showed no cancer, now facing major surgery to remove my voice box, has anyone been in this situation before.

Has anyone tried acupuncture for chemo neuropathy symptoms?

I'm currently receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel and dealing with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy - the numbness, tingling, and burning in my hands and feet. I came across an article about how acupuncture might help manage these symptoms. The research is still developing, with larger studies underway, but many oncologists are already suggesting it to patients since it has minimal side effects. I'm curious about others' experiences with neuropathy and what has helped you manage it. • Have any of you tried acupuncture for neuropathy symptoms? What was your experience like? • What other approaches have you found helpful for managing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations? Link: https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/assessing-acupuncture-feasibility-in-the-oncology-treatment-paradigm

What is whole breast radiation like after lumpectomy for stage 0?

I recently had a lumpectomy for stage 0 breast cancer and my doctor is recommending whole breast radiation therapy as the next step. They explained that this uses targeted x-rays to help eliminate any remaining cancer cells that surgery might have missed and reduce the chance of cancer returning in the same area. I'm trying to learn more about what this experience is like from people who have been through it. If you've had whole breast radiation after breast-conserving surgery, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. • What was the day-to-day routine like during your radiation treatments? • What helped you manage any side effects or prepare for the process?

How to stop ostomy bag leaking after colon cancer surgery?

Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in march they say (I’m close to stage two). I had a really bad infection in my colon so they had to remove some of it right now I currently have a ostomy bag which I’m having a problem with leaking does anyone have any idea of how to fix or at least minimize that problem. I was diagnosed March 8th 2026. So I’m fairly new to this still on trial and error to figure this out. Thank you in advance

How do I tell my young adult children about my stage 2 breast cancer?

Good afternoon,my name is Shaletha, I was just diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. My son is 22 and daughter 19, I am grateful to have found this community, sending hugs and strength to everyone.❤️❤️❤️

What supplements are safe during chemo for stage 4 prostate cancer?

Greetings, I’m Wilson yes that’s my first name. Within the past 30 days I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4B metastatic prostate cancer that has traveled from the prostate to the lower diaphragm above the diaphragm and up to the subclavian of lymph nodes. The cancer has not reached any organs or bones. I’ll have a bone scan the 26th of this month. My Gleason score is nine. My biopsy was positive for 11 out of the 12 samples and the PET scan confirm the locations. A week ago I started at Chemotherapy therapy three days before that I started hormonal therapy along with the chemotherapy came a shot in my abdominal region that’s designed to slow the process or the processing of testosterone, I also received a shot to elevate my white blood count, and another shot to elevate my red blood count as I’m writing this note. I am on the sixth day after the initial chemo treatment which I did have a reaction to and it was caught in time. I’ve been using AI to ask a lot of questions and get a lot of different scenarios. The biggest question that I have and if anyone has any further information on please let me know is how to integrate the use of supplements. My one concern is since chemo, prevent prevents the creation of any new cells for at least seven days. That’s my understanding that the chemo is in the body for seven days which supplements can be used to augment energy since my body doesn’t will not be naturally creating any?

What happens when one breast mass responds to chemo but the other doesn't?

My name is Arlene, I was diagnosed on 1/28/2026 , I have two masses one is responding to the chemo the other one did not respond so it’s now larger. I’ve had mammograms and ultrasound done m, will have emergency MRI done next Wednesday and meet with surgeon next Friday. I’m scheduled for my last chemo on the 20th but at the rate they are moving I was told it’s possible that I will not have that treatment. I meet with my oncologist on the 19th. Anytime you see your oncologist office number on your phone 8:35pm, you know it’s not anything positive and then the next evening at 5:30! I cried and after that I prayed and asked God to give me guidance and allow my team of doctors to come up with the protocol that they think is best for me.