Post-Treatment / Survivorship

Why can't I accept that I had cancer as a bladder cancer survivor?

I am a 2 time bladder cancer survivor, November 2023, June 2025. As my treatments were fairly easy, I can't wrap my head around having had cancer, the strong possibility that it will return and why I have put all of this in the back of my mind. I can't acknowledge that I HAD cancer, and I won't let myself feel the deep feelings I think I should!!

How did you handle weight gain and fatigue during breast cancer treatment?

Hi, my name is Juanita, and I'm a breast cancer survivor. 🎀 I just had a tiny tumor in the duct that they removed with surgery as well as my lymph nodes to be safe. I only had 4 chemotherapy treatments, of course, and my hair fell out after the first time. Took a break for a month, then did one month of daily radiation. My treatment was very easy. I didn't get sick. I gained 30 pounds during chemotherapy, causing issues at home with the boyfriend. I slept a lot. I was so very tired. My boyfriend moved me in with him bcuz he said living alone behind my son, nobody would be taking care of me if I needed it. My son is an excellent young man. Very caring. He brought me to my surgery. He brought me to meet each oncologist. He wanted to know each detail. I am officially cancer free. Im very thankful that they caught it so early

Has anyone else been treated for HER2+++ triple negative breast cancer?

Hello, Anyone here also been diagnosed with or been through treatment for HER2+++ ER-zero, PR-zero, Grade 3, Stage T3-N3-M0 breast IDC? I was diagnosed 2022 but still can’t find anyone else with exactly my subtype. People might be HER2+++ but lower grade or ER+ so that is not the same. It would be great to chat with someone who’s been through the same. My treatment: 4 cycles EC chemo 12 infusions Paclitaxel prescribed but anaphylaxis and side effects meant 2 Paclitaxel then 2 Abraxane then stopped 18 Cycles Phesgo Mastectomy and full lymph node clearance levels 1, 2 and 3. 15 days radiotherapy My ongoing side effects include: Cognitive issues (very noticeable and problematic) CIPN but thankfully greatly improved over time Joint pain and stiffness Feeling ancient Lack of self confidence; anxiety; terror of stage IV. Thanks for reading

How can I manage severe neuropathy and chemo brain after breast cancer?

Hi, my name is Tracey and I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on my right breast August 18, 2019. I did chemotherapy. approximately five months of chemotherapy and then surgically removed the cancer and one lymph node. My surgeon said he got all the cancer out of my breast and there was nothing in my lymph nodes. Praise the Lord. my surgeon gave me a high five and told me I was cancer for that day then I went through radiation and I rang the bell January 23, 2020 since my cancer I have came over brain and severe neuropathy and it’s been almost 6 years. Praise the Lord that I have been cancer free. although my neuropathy is so bad that it has changed my life and I had to retire early and I’ve tried several different things to help with my neuropathy and nothing but pain medicine has been able to help me. It has changed my life forever and it hurts so bad. I’m really curious if anyone out there has severe neuropathy like me. If they’ve had any help with her Neuropathy and maybe they could give me some ideas to help because my feet are very very bad and my chemo brain is not well either but I am cancer free so if anybody has any ideas they could help with I would appreciate it thank you very much Look forward to talking with other women that has had my cancer and my post symptoms and what helps them with their chemo brain and neuropathy. Sometimes I know I go on and on because my brain doesn’t work the same. So bear with me please thank you for listening.

How do you cope with follicular lymphoma relapse and RCHOP side effects?

Hi! First diagnosed in August 2022 in Southern CA with follicular lymphoma 3A stage 4. Had chemo (R and B) for 6 months and appeared to be cancer free!!!! Moved out of state. Relapsed in October 2024. A new doctor chose RCHOP. Am currently in wait and see mode struggling with the effects of the more aggressive chemo. My POV....really research any type of treatment and the long term side effects of each. Can be a game changer. As we come into this new year I'm working very hard to maintain nutrition, exercise (when I'm not totally exhausted) and working on having a positive attitude. Remember to take care of yourselves!! It can be hard sometimes but we can overcome this adversity!! Best to all this holiday season!!! Karen

How do you balance functional medicine with oncology for cancer prevention?

Looking for others who want to balance "functional medicine" which is cancer reoccurrence preventative with sound internal medicine and oncology info.

How long can remission from stage 4 lymphoma last after clinical trial treatment?

Hello. I was diagnosed with stage 4 non Hodgkin's lymphoma is 2017. I did 6 months of chemo and went into remission just after Christmas. In two months it was already back stage 4 and had spread into my lungs. Ice chemo didn't kill enough of the cancer to allow me to get the stem cell transplant so they told me to get my affairs in order and figure out who was going to take care of my kids there was nothing else they could do. I had already done chemo 4 different times and had most lymph nodes on left side of my body removed. About 2 or 3 months before I was supposed to die Dana farber came out with a trail, I was one of the first of a handful of people to have it tested on. They were hoping it would slow the cancer down if anything but it put me in full remission and I have been for five years now

Hi I am a cancer survivor. I had stage 3-4 vulvar cancer in 2001 and since then I’m in remission. I would like to be an emotional support for someone who is going through this type of cancer. I had radiation, chemotherapy and brachytherapy so I can relate to you. Please feel free to reach out to me. I am here for you!

Why don't doctors do scans after breast cancer treatment is finished?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2020, it was very small, it was removed with no further treatment. In March 2023 I was diagnosed with a new cancer same breast, not considered reoccurrence. After double mastectomy and a year of targeted therapy I am considered cancer free… but no one does scans anymore so….. I don’t know, I feel wierd about that. I’ve been told, come back if I have symptoms… but I felt great having cancer the last 2 times…. So there’s that! God bless all who are going thru treatment now💜

How do you manage severe chemo neuropathy pain without medication?

Im new here. I was diagnosed will stage 3 endometrial cancer in Nov 2024, in December I had a radical hysterectomy and had everything removed. In January of 2025 started chemo followed by radiation. I have had immunotherapy starting in January along with my chemo. I will have my last one in January 2026. I was starting to fell better until the last 2 months or so. Ive had neuropathy in feet and hands all through treatments but has now gotten worst with a burning pain in my arches, pain, tingling and freezing feeling in my toes and knees ache. When I've asked I've been told its a side effect of chemo and takes time to go away if it even does. Only relief offered is pain pills. Don't want them. I have now fought to try pt to help since losing balance. Anyone have this and have any advise for relief?