All my details are on my profile but, briefly, I had invasive lobular bc, lump including satellites about 1.9cm, Stage 1, Grade 2 - strongly ER+ (7/8). This is why I can’t understand why Letrozole didn’t work for me. Clear sentinel node. This time ER+ 8/8, apparently.
Jan - Was yours strongly ER+?
How are you getting on with Capecitabine? The oncologist did mention an oral chemo, for if the Tamoxifen doesn’t work.
Ann x
Hi Ann
Yes mine has always been ER positive so like you don’t know why Tamoxifen and Fermara hasn’t worked. My first diagnosis was in 1986 I had no Hormone treatment then and was OK for 20 years.
Capecitabine is not too bad,as with most things there are side effects, the plus is you don’t loose your hair. I have felt slightly nausea at times but never been sick, also have tummy cramps occasionally. The thing is with this chemo it seems you can stay on it indefinitely or untill it stops working, I have just finished my 8th cycle.
Jan
hi jan,
just reading your post, did you have mx originally then in 86, what other treatment did you receive back then.
TTM xxx
Hi again
In 1986 I had a lumpectomy and rads that was all. In 2005 I had mastectomy with immediate LD reconstruction and Tamoxifen. In 2009 I had a lump removed from under my arm,with a local anesthetic, this turned out to be cancer, had rads again as it was on opposite side, it was then I was put on Fermara. In 2010 I had recurrence on my reconstruction side and had surgery, no chemo. Last year recurrence on both sides and for the first time was put on chemo, why I have never had it previously I don’t know.
It just goes on and on, the only good thing is it does’nt appear to have spread our of the breast area yet!
Jan
Jan Has anyone offered you any explanation as to why the hormone therapies have not worked?
Ann x
I was told at one point that hormone therapy does’nt work for everyone (obviously) but they have no way of knowing who will benefit and who wont so they are given to everyone.
I think its all trial and error.
Jan
Hi ,
I’m 14 months since diagnosis of grade 3 invasive ductal bc, 1 node, had lumpectomy, chemo, ax cl and rads over the last 12 months and im almost at the end of herceptin now.
Im on tamoxifen but only started it 6 months ago, I suppose its too early to say whether its working for me. Im certainly getting the hot flushes from it!
I had fairly good news after seeing my oncologist yesterday, as since Christmas eve ive noticed a tender swelling or bulge, which is sitting half way between my collarbone and left breast on the front of my chest.
She described it as ‘prominent’ but couldnt say what it was, and she’ll see me again in 3 months time. I’m quite relieved no scans were ordered, as about a month before i had this bulge, id had clear bone scan and annual mammo. It’s such a relief to be ‘freed’ from fear for a bit longer, as i was very anxious yesterday.
xxx
truddles - It’s good to be able to hold onto hope for as long as we can. A positive mental attitude can only help, can’t it? I do hope things go well for you.
Ann x