Breast Cancer Care Forum

lovemama

Hi SandraF, I am thinking would it be too early to talk to the private.I was diagnosed with bone met in my sternum. I want to share my experience that led to the diagnosis. Last year in May, my GP sent me to do a chest x-ray due to minor shoulder pain and a dot sized image was found. My GP said "no worry, This happened to a lot of people" and he also checked with me if I had any injury on the chest. I said yes, I felt on the side curb and it hit me so hard. Luckily, he sent me to the bone scan. This time, abnormal activities were found on my sternum. My GP then sent me for CT scan and one of the comments in the pathological report was something like that " A leison found on sternum with 1cm disruptive on both vertics coin?? (forgot the technical word) with bone metastatic". My GP then referred me to the breast clinic which I had the bone scan and CT scan redone. In the 1st meeting with my onc, she confirmed it is bone met based on the pathological report though I kept asking could it be injury. She then sent me for a bone biopsy to verify if this time the cancer type same as my primary BC and also my tumor marker (26) was within the normal range. In between the 3 weeks waiting time, I google a lot if any chance of false positive for bone/ct scan but unfortunately, the biopsy double confirmed my onc s right , it is a bone met. I have the thinking of "too early" is bcoz I am afraid the private may waste time to redo all the scans. Besides, chemo anyway should be before surgery. This can systematically treat both the breast and the bone (in case) at the same time rather than waiting for recovery after surgery and then to start chemo. The final decision is in your hands whether Private and/or NHS and/or even second opinion. Wishing you all the best and finger crossed, it is finally NOT bone met (at least node involvement is inconclusive).

lovemama

Am I dreaming? my long post just disappeared

lovemama

So far I know Dendritic Cell Therapy has already been available in Japan for 1-2 years. (probably Germany as well, from the chatting on UK research forum and now, Taiwan. When is the therapy in UK and Canada ?? The below article has been converted from Chinese to English by Google Translate ps. When I search for Dendritic cells UK, I found below. https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/search?q=Dendritic+cells When I search for Dendritic Cell in Canada, I found this... year 2024.....8-( 8-( https://www.canadianinsider.com/dendritic-cell-cancer-vaccine-market-2024-clinical-insight-of-3-marketed-vaccines-clinical-pipeline-of-63-vaccines *********************************** Taichung City, China Medical University attached to the hospital, spending more than 100 million yuan to build the first "cell therapy center" approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, officially launched on the 18thJune, for the solid cancer stage 4 patients, autoimmune "dendritic cells "Treatment, together with the tumor "co-cultivation", to further eliminate cancer cells, will bring the gospel to eight kinds of cancer and cancer patients in China. Cai Changhai, chairman of the China Medical University and Medical System, pointed out that Chinese doctors have been studying cell therapy for more than 10 years and have established a GTP core cell operating room that meets the criteria for human cell therapy clinical trials. There are physicians who have the qualifications for cell therapy prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.30 patients, who meet the admission criteria, from local and abroad consulted related treatment courses. According to Zheng Longbin, CEO of the Cell Therapy Center, "dendritic cells" are one type of autoimmune cells with "identification" ability. The patient is separated by blood conduit output and co-cultured with autologous cancer cells to make "dendritic cells." The vaccine is injected into the patient's body; it activates the immune system and activates the "T lymphocyte" function to attack and eliminate cancerous tumors to achieve therapeutic effects. The 36-year-old man surnamed Chen, who camefrom Hong Kong to Taiwan for medical treatment in Taiwan, had a large tumor of 11 cm in the previous year due to hepatectomy. He was treated with chemotherapy and target drugs. He metastasized lung cancer in less than half a year and healed after receiving "dendritic cell" treatment. The hospital said that the current "dendritic cell" treatment needs to be paid by the patient at its own expense, between 1.8 million yuan and 2.55 million yuan. Autoimmune "dendritic cells" are directed against glioblastoma multiforme, and secondary brain tumors (brain metastases), epithelial ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and Eight kinds of solid cancer patients, such as colorectal cancer, and the fourth stage of solid cancer patients received the case and treatment; future stem cell and arthritis and other stem cell treatment plans have been sent to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health, after the approval will benefit more patients.

lovemama

Hi FF, I got lifted fingers during and couple weeks after my paclitaxel treatment. But my lifted finger is not serious and was not aware of it, It is only when I was scratching with my fingers, it hurted me and found a white line across the finger nail. I checked it with my onc when the white line almost moved to the tip. My onc said it was ok. The lifted part is at the 'bottom' (I think he means at the tip) . So, I think if lifted finger is due to drugs' side effect, it can be corrected automatically after treatment. Before seeing my occ, I worried if like in one chinese article it mentioned an old lady had poor lifted fingers and later found out it was the symptom of her lung cancer (or liver cancer, forgot, chemo brain). I believe you will check with your medical team immediately and finger crossed, it is only side effect.

lovemama · ‎16-09-2019

In 2011, I was 43 years ago, only short sighted and no need to use reading glasses. During the chemo treatment (forgot what chemo regime), my eyes just deteriorated (blurred vision). Talked to my onc and he said it could be reversed after chemo. So, I did not go to see optometrists. After chemo, my eyes really back to normal and in subsequent eye examination, I was told no change in my vision prescription. I have chemo again recently. I can tell my reading glasses strength has been deteriorated from 75 to 150. I finished chemo in May and started Letrozole right after, Up to now, My eyes just can not go back to before chemo. I am not sure this happened is due to chemo and/or Letrozole.

lovemama · ‎16-09-2019

Hi Kate, are you on Denosumab or Zolendronic acid as well? Have searched my government (The BC cancer agency of Canada Provincial Health Authorities) website. Depression is not on the side effect list of Letrozole but Denosumab or Zolendronic acid. I usually have few days depression (abnormally worry about my SCB diagnosis) after my Zolendronic acid infusion. http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Denosumab_monograph.pdf http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Zoledronic%20acid_monograph.pdf http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Letrozole_monograph_1April2011.pdf

lovemama · ‎16-09-2019

Hi Ramada, I am sure you will figure out with your onc. But, seems you did not mention any metastatic to organs in the lower abdomen. Finger crossed, I hope the bloating/abdominal pain is due to side effects and not any serious problem. Below paper is extracted from BC cancer agency of the Canada Provincial Health Authority's website. ps. I live in British Columbia, Canada. http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Eribulin_monograph_1Apr2016.pdf

lovemama · ‎16-09-2019

Just to share. This page has been converted from Chinese to English by google translate. ps. I am a diabetic and have been prescribed metformin for 15 years since my daughter was born. 1000mg daily. Honestly, I did not take it regularly, maybe, <10 in a month until my second diagnosis. I am not sure whether it has helped in my cancer treatment journey. My experience there is no adverse effect of this med but it has to be administered by medical professionals as it may cause low blood sugar which is dangerous. **************************************************************************** Liao Zhiying, MD 2019/9 Updated Director of Radiation Oncology, Taichung Hospital, Weifu Department New York MSKCC Cancer Integrated Medicine training Houston MD ANDERSON Cancer Integrated Medicine training Old drug new role Metformin, an old diabetes drug, has been researched in cancer prevention and treatment in recent years. In general, people with diabetes have a twice-risk chance of developing cancer, but epidemiology has found that cancer patients have diabetes. Among people, those who use Metformin have a cancer mortality rate of 15-57%, through the possible regulation of insulin (increased sensitivity), gradually reduce blood sugar, reduce inflammation, reduce cancer cell division and angiogenesis. To reduce the deterioration of cancer cells. Research mechanism Metformin affects the growth and reproduction of cancer cells through: Reduce blood glucose in the blood by reducing glycogen breakdown, and increase the insulin sensitivity of the cells (reduce insulin resistance) Reduce blood insulin, reduce the Ras/Raf/MEK/ ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transmission pathway stimulated by lysin in cancer cells, reduce cancer cell division and growth Metformin directly stimulates the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway to inhibit cancer cell mTOR (some target drugs also inhibit mTOR). Retrospective literature: A.cancer prevention Meta-Analysis 18 studies analyzing 560,000 people, reducing the incidence of cancer by 27% B. Retrospective study of cancer treatment 1. Prospective cohort in the Netherlands -1353 Diabetes cancer patients use metformin to reduce 57% of cancer deaths 2. Canada 10309 retrospective observations (retrispective) reduce cancer death by 20% 3. Systematic review (Meta-Analysis) 28,671 people, observational studies reduced 35% of deaths, clinical trials did not. Clinical Trials: At present, clinical trials (lung, endometrium, breast cancer, etc.) are still in the test. Can query : ClinicalTrials.gov multiple bundles combined with other target treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and is a potential radiotherapy sensitizer. Breast cancer: Two-day randomized study before surgery, 47/39 patients, using metformin before surgery, post-operative examination shows Ki67 split index significantly reduced. (General Ki67 is used to observe the rate of cancer cell division, the higher the score, the faster the division. Non-diabetic breast cancer patients, HOMA (insulin resistance index) > 2.8 use metformin, can reduce Ki67 tumor division coefficient Blood sugar drugs reduce breast cancer ki67 35-->29 from biopsy to surgery, slowing the growth of cancer cells. Celebrex (anti-inflammatory drugs) also slowed down the cancer cell division index ki67 by 29% before surgery Endometrial cancer: 1.Metformin blood glucose drug reduces the cancer cell division index to 67% from biopsy to surgery. Lung cancer: JAMA Phase II Clinical Trial Lung Cancer Target TKI combined with blood glucose (metformin 1000mg) to prolong Median OS survival (31.7 months vs. 17.5 months) The latest JAMA study in 2019~Hot to sum up: Metformin is the first line of diabetes medicine, which may prevent cancer or adjuvant treatment of cancer by reducing blood sugar, reducing insulin secretion and AMPK/mTOR. Currently, preliminary clinical human studies can slow the growth of cancer cells (using the Ki67 indicator). Especially in the insulin resistance but not in the diagnosis of diabetes patients, the use of target drugs for lung cancer, combined with the use of metformin in the initial study, there is an increase in survival, and in the future, a larger randomized clinical trial test is needed to confirm the effect. Reference MD ANDERSON Metformin in Cancer Treatment and Prevention Annual Review JCO 2014 Annals of Oncology 2016 Celebrex breast cancer trial 2018ASCO Lung Cancer

lovemama · ‎14-09-2019

Came across reading this article and have used google translate to convert from Chinese to English. I believe radiotherapy is also an efficient way to treat skin met other than chemo. ********************** By : Liao Zhiying, MD Director of Radiation Oncology, Taichung Hospital, Weifu Department New York MSKCC Cancer Integrated Medicine Houston MD ANDERSON Cancer Integrated Medicine This medical research report was published in 2018 Taiwan Japan Radiation Oncology Symposium. A 60-year-old woman with triple-negative breast cancer with first diagnosis 7 years ago. She was initially treated with a mastectomy of the right breast, undergoing multiple surgeries, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was still recurring. Last year, it transferred to the left breast and underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy. The second-line Eribulin and Bevacizumab did not work and still unfortunately multiple skin metastases. Clinically, triple-negative skin metastasis is a difficult problem. It is necessary to integrate surgical, hematologic oncologists and radiation oncologists to work together! Pre-treatment status First of all, because there is no obvious other organ metastasis problem, we first adopt radiation therapy and immunotherapy plans! The first two weeks began to nurse physical strength and nutrition, and more intake of immune tumor formula nutrients, and Yunzhi polysaccharides (PSK ingredients, TLR2 immune stimulation) to increase the number of T lymphocytes! Start using the immune cream Imiquimod (TLR 7) immunomodulator one week before treatment, once a day thin, pay attention to whether there is a red rash allergy. Radiation therapy for skin and chest wall 5000cGy/20Fr. At the 18th 4500cGy, combined with immunologic ointment and radiation therapy, the tumor has disappeared 90%, which is better than the previous radiotherapy alone. Note: Imiquimod and immunotherapy are combined with ongoing clinical trials in humans. Our personal experience is that the safety is OK, the use is good, and the clinical use should be further discussed with the doctor!

lovemama · ‎14-09-2019

lovemama · ‎16-07-2019

Just to share. The page is included in the leaflet which was created by Canada Health ServicesAuthority when I received my Letrozole.

lovemama · ‎16-07-2019

Just to share an article which was created by a HK hospital with which the cancer center combines western medicine (ie.chemo) and eastern medicine (ie. side effects handling) in treating cancer patients. I have used google to translate it from chinese to English except the chinese medicine prescriptions and acupuncture operation sites which google failed to translate. ******** Hot flushes is a Vosomotor symptoms, which reduce the central body temperature by expanding the blood vessels of the skin. Hot flushes may be caused by early decline of ovarian function due to chemotherapy, as well as the use of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. When compared to patients taking Letrozole, patients taking tamoxifen have more frequent and severe hot flushes. Although clinical available drugs such as Gabapentin, Venlafaxine, Progesterone and Paroxertine can alleviate hot flushes, we should also consider the side effects of the drug. Besides, Paroxertine interface with tamoxifen. In daily life, paying more attention to the following matters can also help to reduce the appearance of hot flashes: Understand what will stimulate hot flushes, such as eating spicy foods and hot drinks, and then avoiding them Reduce drinking coffee. Prohibit alcoholic beverages. Dressing should be layered, the inner layer is breathable and easy to perspire, and it can be taken off immediately in case of sultry environment. Keep your room cool while you sleep Bedding should be based on cotton. Pajamas should also be based on cotton or quick-drying materials. Based on chinese medicine literature, hot flushes occurs due to age, major illness, chemotherapy and drug damage to liver and kidney. Diet (for kidney and liver) Dried black fungus 30g, dried black bean 30g, proper amt of water, After boil, then turn to medium heat for 1 hour and drink Dried gogi berries , dried lily bulb , each of 30-60g, proper amount of white rice. Eat porridge. Walnut 20g, dried gorgon fruit 15g, dried lotus seed15g, proper amt of white rice. Eat porridge. In addition to diet, keep your mind calm, avoid excessive mood fluctuations. As well, recommend to swim 2-3 times a week. It can improve the operation of blood and swimming in cool water can effectively reducing body temperature. Swimming is the best exercise option for hot flushes patients

lovemama · ‎13-07-2019

I had a biopsy of my sternum last year. Before biopsy, I was given IV which I think that was for the local anaesthetic. The whole process from entering into the room and got out of the room took about 25 mins. The first few minutes I was left alone in a room and was told they would use the CT scanner to locate the biopsy area. I closed my eyes for the whole time the doctor did the biopsy.Like what Mac61 said, no pain and just a bit of pressure. When they told me to open my eyes, they were already cleaning the blood (?) on my chest. I took shower that night. I peeled off the 2in x2in bandage couple days later and saw only a sightly red dot in that area.

lovemama · ‎11-07-2019

Hi ElliesMum, you may try the cream After Bite. You can get the cream from local stores ie. Walgreens. You can buy it over the counter. No prescription is required. Mosquito is my biggest enemy when I work in the garden in summer.

lovemama · ‎09-07-2019

Only 1 brand of Tamoxifen and 1 brand of Letrozole is offered in Canada and is free. After TEVA, our government shift to Nolvadex, tamoxifen. For letrozole, I am offered ACCORD.

lovemama · ‎29-05-2019

Hi RachyP, Would the CBD oil get stuck in the stomach or vomit out of the body instead of going into your mom's body via bloodstream. For my mom, me and my brothers had begged for heated chemo HIPEC but at that time , it was only on trial in Canada and my mom was sent home and died at home due to SBC with met around intestine and in the wall of blood vessels below stomach. Just my view, as far as possible, let your mom to be taken care by professionals at hospital. We don't have the knowledge and ability.

lovemama · ‎23-05-2019

OMG. I just lost a long message. This is an unacceptable design/program bug ??when there is a change in date?? from an IT professional perspective. 8-) 8-) Hi ladies, During my treatment in 2011 and recent treatment of taxol+purjeta+herceptin, I have always referred to www.foodforbreastcancer.com. I remember my onc once told me there are so many known and unknown factors causing cancer. Healthy diet may not help but unhealthy diet definitely contribute. By clicking on (or search ) specific treatment and cancer type on the home page, we can find the various related diet recommendation. For example, foods that amplify the anti-cancer effects of herceptin foods that counteract herceptin's toxic side effects foods detrimental to heart health foods that enhance effectiveness of taxol as well as additional useful comment. For example, " Many women undergoing chemotherapy develop abnormally low iron levels, which must be treated. Curcumin (found in turmeric) has been shown to be an iron chelator (a compound that removes iron from the body) as well as acting as a copper chelator, which could contribute to anemia. However, excess iron is also to be avoided during chemotherapy" "pineapple should not be used during taxol treatment" Copy and paste the home page at below for reference Current evidence-based information on how to reduce risk and survive breast cancer Food for Breast Cancer provides information on how various foods and other factors affect breast cancer risk, prevention and prognosis. The findings are drawn exclusively from scientific studies and updated as new research becomes available. Our goal is to provide breast cancer patients, survivors and those at high risk for breast cancer with information to help prevent and survive breast cancer. In addition to web pages covering specific foods, we provide in-depth articles on what to eat for various types of breast cancer (e.g., HER2 overexpressing, ER+/PR+, triple negative, orlobular) and during treatment (radiation, Taxol, aromatase inhibitor). See our article on how to optimize your breast cancer diet for information on what to eat during all stages of treatment and recovery. We also provide extensive information on breast cancer risk factors, treatment and prognosis. For example, there are articles concerning the prognosis of triple negative, lobular, and HER2 positive breast cancer. In addition, there are news reports on the latest breast cancer reserach. ps. I might post the same end last year or few months back. forgot

lovemama · ‎19-05-2019

Hi Pea, thanks for your reply. I am planning an early retirement at 55. When my first diagnosis in 2011, I went back to work 2 weeks after my last dose of Herceptin. I work in the IT dept in a bank and supporting banking systems overseas. UK is one of it. Busy life made me forget about the disease and started eating junk foods bacon, fries etc soon after 8-(. I had my first Zometa last Tuesday. Being sick for 1 week. Finger crossed. side effect from Zometa vanished just 1 day before my onco appointment. Still not much input from my onco. Me : last time you mentioned about I had skin cancer..... Onco: No you did not have skin cancer. Sorry. (I stopped talking on this topic. Maybe he found out from the mammogram which was done 2 weeks ago. I had mastectony to the right side. In previous years, mammogram was only done to my good breast but this time the radiation lady told me my onco has requested to do it as well to my right side which has no breast tissue but only folded skin and bone. However, On the skin there are 3 marks from itchy scratches) Me : ok. My prev onco mentioned she had no concern to my liver lesion... onco : do you think it is cancer if shrink with chemo. I think so. Me : Can I have an ablation for my liver lesion ? Onco : no usually ablation is offered when there is only one in liver Me: I read from the BC cancer agency website, max 3 ? Onco : no. you have so many diseases. Somebody has it but usually for colon cancer spread to liver me: what is the size of the liver lesion? Onco: Your CT scan result has not been printed. Onco: your tumor marker is low Me : I had Zometic last week but I do not have the Letrozole prescription Onco: sorry. I will arrange for it. OMG. Can I trust him ????? By the way, finger crossed, all the best result from your RT xxx MelMel

lovemama · ‎19-05-2019

Hi DaisyD, Marlyn, Susie B, thanks so much for your virtual hug. It really helped me to calm. Not a surprise to me, I got almost all the side effects in the list. The bisphosphonate Zometa had turned me to a zombie for 1 whole week. Stiffed and heavy legs, headache, sore muscle in legs and arms, watery eyes. Took 3-4 Tylenol (Panadol in UK?) every day and finally yesterday, all symptoms suddenly disappeared. 11 weeks after my last dose of 3-weekly Paclitaxel. My finger tips still couldn't feel the hot and cold. Still blurred vision. (Remember when having EC in 2011, my onco told me my vision prescription should be able to reverse after chemo and it did.). This time, the chemo nurse told me to be patience, some people took a year to recover. My hair started to grow when cycle 5 (out of 8). 20 weeks now, about 1 inch. 3 weekly paclitaxel is as toxic as 3 weekly docetaxel or maybe more. But a recent research is showing docetaxel is more effective than pacltaxel. The research was printed at end of 2018 which was after my chemo started 8-( https://news.cancerconnect.com/breast-cancer/taxotere-confirmed-more-effective-than-taxol-for-metastatic-breast-cancer-hv4Amr_2nkaYkPlwgnKqAQ/

lovemama · ‎11-05-2019

Sorry Potter1, I am not replying your post. I don't know how to create a new post. Hi ladies, I am receiving treatment in British Columbia, Canada. I found the below link, which was created and maintained by the provincial government, is quite informative for cancer patient like me to more understand how the western countries' oncologists to work out each treatment plan for their patients, http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/books/breast/management The below section is particular for metastatic breast cancer. http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/books/breast/management/metastatic-breast-cancer ** my previous onco advised don't look at the average survival rate. The pool to calculate the average is by cancer type and not specific enough. like with or without treatment, condition when metastatic, etc etc*** PS. combo Fulvesrant + Abemaciclib is under trial or just yet approved in Canada but sure protocol not yet created. Shame

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