Breast Cancer

What's it like having breast-conserving surgery and radiation for DCIS?

I have DCIS (stage 0 breast cancer), and I have surgery scheduled but haven't started treatment yet. I've been learning about breast-conserving surgery followed by whole breast radiation. The surgery removes the cancer while keeping as much healthy breast tissue as possible, and radiation treats the whole breast to lower the chance of cancer cells growing back. I'd love to hear from others with a similar diagnosis or treatment path. - What was your experience with breast-conserving surgery and radiation for DCIS? - What do you wish you had known before you started? Thank you for sharing anything that comes to mind.

What should I expect from Taxotere chemotherapy?

I found out today I will need chemotherapy. I have 2 routes to consider. Can anyone share with me your experience with taxotere?

Does Tamoxifen cause joint pain and stiffness?

I am taking Tamoxfin. Is anyone else who is taking that experiencing joint stiffness and pain?

Can you work during chemo without FMLA coverage?

How many here are working while doing chemotherapy? I don't qualify for FMLA because I don't work enough hours but I do have short term disability. The doctors nurse or assistant sent in the paperwork and put possible neutropenia and that was it. I start chemo tomorrow. If I have bad side effects I can't just take off work as needed. I'd get fired quick. And I'm a cashier and self checkout attendant so I'm touching hands and am up close to customers the whole time. A lot of people. I'll be at risk for infection from all the contact. And it would be quite embarrassing losing hair while working. Im stressed. If my STD doesn't get approved I'm screwed.

Can you get COVID and flu shots while on Zometa?

I am currently taking Zometa and had a 15 minute infusion about a week ago. I was in Walgreens and they had openings for COVID and flu shots. I proceeded to get both. I feel sort of horrible today. Yuck. I will send a MyChart inquiry to my doctor but curious if others have had the same experience? Thank you!

How do I cope with anxiety while waiting for oncology appointments?

Hi, I have a month and 5 days until I see the medical/radiation oncologists. I'm trying to keep busy but as I have time on my hand I do think about it and am scared, nervous and anxious. Today was busy a bit but now waiting for my clothes to dry I'm think what if I need chemo or hormone blocker. I will not do as my personal reasons. Gosh this waiting is a drag.

How do I tell my sons about my cancer progressing?

I have metastatic breast cancer that has spread to my spine. The doctor told me with treatment I have a 20% chance to live 5 more years. I have 2 grown sons that know I have cancer, but I need to talk with them about the progression of the cancer. How have you approached this conversation?

Does letrozole cause delayed joint pain years later?

I have been on letrozole for 2.5 years. The side effects were present initially for a few months then subsided. Now, 2 years in, my joints and bones are aching so much. Has anyone else had this delay of side effects?

Why do I panic about every pain after lumpectomy?

Is it normal to get really freaked out when I get occasional pains in the breast that had the lumpectomy ? I’m fine 3 1/2 years clean so far but not matter what I do this cancer is always in the back of my mind so I jump to the wrong conclusions all of the time.

Why am I overheating and having breast pain during radiation?

5 of 16 days into radiation for breast cancer. Seem to be overheating when sleeping, breast tender and warm. Thought?