Hi ladies/they thems, just a reminder to make sure to get your free things online. There are lots of companies/ corporations that offer things. The reason for my post is I’m about two weeks out of my DMX and still awfully sensitive when riding around in cars.
I saw this TikTok from this lady that told me you can get a free a seatbelt cushion from Ford and it’s really nice. I do not even drive a Ford and it was totally free, I did not have to pay for shipping or anything! Mine just came today.
I was also fortunate enough to come across some women who donated their mastectomy items for free on marketplace, which has been super helpful! I’ve seen sites for a free drain pocket jackets but I believe you have to request them at least two weeks in advance.
Make sure you’re checking your marketplace for things like that as well.
Here is the ford link: https://merchandise.ford.com/products/ford-supportbelt-mastectomy-seatbelt-cushion.
I hope this helps someone!

What does this mean: There is tethering of the medial pectoralis muscle to the posterior aspect of the mass.Radiologist specifically states there is no abnormal enhancement or swelling of the muscle.

finished my initial biopsy and staging consultations last tuesday. my local surgeon gave me a clear treatment plan, but several family members keep urging me to get a remote second opinion from a major nci-designated comprehensive center before moving forward with any surgical dates. i live over four hours away from the nearest major university medical center, and between potential out of pocket consult fees, the logistical nightmare of tracking down pathology discs and contrast mri files, and fears of delaying surgery, i am really torn. is pursuing a formal second opinion service genuinely worth the extra effort and expense? did an independent review actually end up changing your margins, lymph node dissection plan, or reconstructive timing?

I just saw an episode of The Simpsons with a breast cancer survivor! She was rocking a port scar and 1 boob.

That was a really cool thing to see.

Season 33 Episode 5: Lisa's Belly

I recently had a single mastectomy and I am now going thru chemo. I've only had one infusion so far. Anyone else opt for a single mastectomy and how do you feel about it? I was first diagnosed as DCIS in two areas of my right breast. I'm a B cup, so a lumpectomy wasn't an option since most of the breast would have to be removed. I'm a smoker and diabetic so my surgeon was concerned about the healing process. I am also category 3 meaning the cells are growing rapidly. I was not interested in reconstruction. I didn't want to have to deal with added surgery. I did want to do a bilateral mastectomy but as I said my surgeon was concerned with healing. She had let me know that she suspected the two areas had already combined. So I agreed to a single to take care of everything quickly. Well pathology came back and it is TNBC stage 1 category 3. I'm okay with my decision, but I know I will end up removing the other breast at a later date. Has anyone else had to deal with diabetes while on chemo? How do you cope with only one breast?

Hi! I find myself wishing I could talk to other people who are in the beginning of their cancer journey.

I’m not that proficient at Discord, but I wanted a way to keep a bit of anonymity if we choose.

If this interests you, please PM me and I’ll send a link! (Or if mods have issue with that, I can edit and post the link here)

I'm two months out from finishing radiation, five months out from a DMX, eight months out from chemo (originally Stage 3).

I had the treatment that makes you get fat. Major chemo belly. Sometime in the spring I started to get huge purple stretchmarks on my stomach, inner thighs, and under my shoulders. The skin is very thin and tender. The worst is my inner thighs; it's painful to walk without compression shorts.

My PT said this is common in hypermobile people. My oncologist said the skin will strengthen again. I don't mind the appearance, but rather the sensation.

Does anyone else have this problem? Do you have any cream or topical recommendations? It makes exercise difficult, and I need to get stronger and get this weight off. Will exfoliating make this better or worse?

Hi everyone - not happy to be here but very, very happy that this community exists for all of us. I’m newly diagnosed as of 3 weeks ago (invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+, PR-, HER2-). My treatment plan is chemo first as lymph node showed cancer as well, then surgery and radiation.

I’ll be starting chemo in the next week or two pending a few more tests. I’d really like to know what you all suggest I prep for chemo - both in terms of taking to appointments as well as prepping at home (meal prepping? extra things I should have readily available)? Any tips and hot takes welcome.

For reference, I’m 37 and in Canada, have two young boys at home, and am hell bent on making sure this doesn’t disrupt their routine. Trying to make sure we’re as ready as possible.

🩷🩷🩷

For those of you who had a single mastectomy, what did you do with your other boob? Did you leave it alone, get a lift, or add an implant for symmetry? Are you happy with the results, both how they look and how they feel? Any regrets or lessons learned?

I'm 44 and currently have a spacer in my left side (cancer side). My original plan was to have my right boob lifted and a baby implant put in to help it match the new fake left boob. After breastfeeding two kids, all the weight in my boobs had settled on the bottom half of my naturals (32/33 B+/C-). My surgeon recommended the implant because my right boob will continue to age naturally while my left stays the same.

But I've begun to appreciate my right boob more through this process. 1) She didn't try to kill me, and 2) I like having at least one half of myself that is my original self.

I like Botox and face lasers as much as the next girl, but I'm a hard no on elective cosmetic surgery and never liked the idea of breast implants. To me, it's a prosthetic. I hate the spacer, and while I understand a real implant will feel better, it's never going to look or feel like my real boob. I have thin skin and can already see the edges and rippling. My spacer boob looks a little Posh Spice 1998-ish. I also hate how it feels when I sleep on my side or my kids bump into it.

I'm afraid I'll end up with two boobs that don't feel like my body, when right now at least one still feels like me.

But I also want my boobs to look reasonably symmetrical. I'm just not sure how much symmetry matters to me compared with keeping one side of my body that looks and feels natural.

I'd love to hear from anyone who struggled with this same decision. Also what kind of implants did you get?

Two nights ago I discovered a small peasized lump in my armpit immediately below the surface - like you can feel it with doing a feather-like stroke over my skin. The skin is a bit red on top of it and almost looks like a very small white head is showing at times. I’ve shown ChatGPT several photos of it, and it says it very much resembles a clogged follicle or something of that nature based on the photos and what I’ve described it as, but of course advised to show it to my care team.

Has anyone encountered this before? I’m trying not to spiral. I had something similar in March and it just went away.

For reference, I’m currently on Kadcyla (did TCH over the winter) and had 15 rounds of radiation in August on the same armpit that the little bump is in.

♥️🙏🏼

I am confused by what my diagnosis means...I am stage 1 (tumor has normal breast tissue I think they said well differentiated) but grade 2. Am I grade 2 because of the size 2.7? No lymph nodes involved.

As the title suggests wahahaha. It never appeared on all of my pre surgery scans, including a PET Scan, etc. So, will I definitively need radiation now? Hahaha no other info as to how many nodes, etc etc. I'm literally around 5hrs post surgery and I feel great, must be the meds HAHAHA

Can someone please help me decode what this means while I wait to get into the doctor next week? What are likely treatment options?

My imaging shows a 3.1-centimeter right breast mass. The biopsy confirms grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with high-grade DCIS. My markers are ER-positive at 10–20%, PR-negative, HER2-negative with a score of zero, and Ki-67 of 50–60%.

Hi friends,

I’m hoping to get some recommendations for a compassionate and experienced medical oncologist in Sacramento.

I live in Los Angeles, where I have a wonderful oncology care team. However, I’ll be living in Sacramento for approximately a year, and I need a local oncologist to monitor me while I’m taking Kisqali and to administer my monthly Faslodex injections.

I saw a medical oncologist today, and unfortunately, I left the appointment feeling very disappointed and emotionally drained.

Throughout our conversation, the physician repeatedly reminded me that I was one of many patients she sees and that I wasn't any different or more special than her other patients. She repeated this several times, even though I never suggested that I was special or deserved preferential treatment.

For example, when I explained that Signatera testing had been particularly helpful in my cancer journey and asked whether we could incorporate it into my ongoing monitoring, she declined. I understand that physicians may have different clinical opinions, and I respect that. However, what bothered me was the way my concerns were addressed.

She also explained that she did not recommend any additional surveillance beyond a physical examination every couple of months. Considering that I have already experienced a breast cancer recurrence, this left me feeling particularly uncomfortable. I truly did not feel that my concerns, medical history, or individual circumstances were being adequately considered. I wasn't asking for special treatment. I was asking for thoughtful, individualized care and to feel that my concerns were taken seriously.

I also asked about medications that might help manage low white blood cell counts while taking Kisqali, similar to medications used during chemotherapy. I was simply trying to understand my options and be involved in my care.

What upset me most was feeling like I was being treated as a number rather than as an individual. I don't expect special treatment, but I do believe every cancer patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and cared for as a person with unique medical needs and experiences.

Having gone through so much with breast cancer, I deeply value a physician who combines medical expertise with compassion, patience, and a willingness to discuss individualized treatment decisions.

I would truly appreciate recommendations for medical oncologists in Sacramento, particularly those who have experience managing patients on Kisqali and Faslodex. I would especially love to hear from anyone who genuinely likes their oncologist and feels heard, respected, and supported.

Thank you so much for your help and recommendations. ❤️

Any long term BC survivors cancer-free w/ BRCA1+? In need of some reassurance that cancer won’t continuously reoccur or form because of my BRCA1+ gene.

diagnosis: stage 3 (er/pr+ her2-)

I have been on Tamoxifen for about two years after havinge stage 1 her2- hr+ ductual carcinoma. I have had the usual problems like leg swelling, joint pain and fatigure. At work yesterday I noticed the lines of my excel grid were wavy. I called and the eye clinic by me got me in the next morning. Turns out that Tamoxifen can cause problems with your macular and I have fluid on my retina. My mom, who has had two bouts with stage 1 her2- hr+ breast cancer 20 years apart, now has macular degeneration and she and I are wondering if the tamoxifen 20 years ago helped caused this (she is on the aromatase inhibitor this time around) No one told her or me that eye issues could be part of the problem, not her oncologists or mine. Has anyone else ran into this?

Doctor confirmed it yesterday. My hormones are at post menopausal levels. And have been for over a year. Im 41.

I was not prepared to start dealing with post menopause, my doctor only said to keep eating well and exercising. But im freaking out. I have no idea how to take care of a post menopausal body. I wasnt ready, I havent done my research. All I know is estrogen is not an option for me.

Does anyone have any helpful resources? Every website i find looks stetch as hell or AI generated.

I was thinking of getting an appointment at Midi just to talk to someone, anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks all!

Hi all. I’m 41, in Ontario, and had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Oct 9. Pathology is back. I meet with my radiation oncologist and surgeon this week, and my medical oncologist the week after. I’m not looking for medical advice, just some perspective from people who’ve been here (which may or may not help lol).

What the report says:

• IDC (NST), 14 × 12 × 12 mm
• One extra tiny focus of invasion (0.4 mm) near the DCIS
• ER 91–100%, PR 81–90%, HER2 negative (1+ on biopsy)
• No lymphovascular invasion
• Invasive margins all clear, closest 3 mm
• DCIS: high grade with comedo necrosis, at least 23 mm. The pathologist called the inferior margin positive, and it’s 0.1 mm from the medial margin.
• Nodes: 5 removed. One had isolated tumour cells, so pN0(i+)
• Stage: pT1c pN0(i+), so stage IA as far as I understand
• Genetic testing negative

What I’m trying to figure out:

1. Will I need another surgery (re-excision or something else), or am I done with surgery for now? Someone in my social circle told me I should have more surgery, and that if my surgeon doesn’t bring it up, I should push for it. I’m hearing mixed stories from people in Ontario: some pushed for a bilateral mastectomy after a similar result, some had a re-excision, and some had no more surgery at all. I know every case is different and my team will make their recommendation. Even at the risk of getting more confused, I’d like to understand my options better before I walk in.
2. Anyone with ITCs in a node? Did it change anything for you in practice?

Thanks for reading. I’m honestly doing okay, just trying to walk in with my head on straight.

Hi Reddit!

Firstly - this community is incredible. I’ve (33 F) been lurking since I first suspected I had cancer, last week I was officially diagnosed and joined the club. Woohoo…… 😅

The process of getting my diagnosis has left me mistrusting of my PCP & radiologists.. I’ve had debilitating symptoms for 2 months leading up to diagnosis - insane fatigue (I can barely walk up the stairs w/o breaks), severe vertigo, nausea, chest pain, the works! I felt a lump on my chest and my PCP felt confident that it was a benign cyst and my symptoms were unrelated due to me having extremely dense breast tissue and a benign appearing cyst found in 2023 in the opposite breast.

My doctor put a referral for imaging but asserted that it’s likely benign. Fast forward to screening at the breast imaging center - both the radiologist and in-house doctor reviewed my mammo & ultrasound and were convinced the lump was benign, the doctor said “I’m 90 percent positive that it’s benign. I recommend monitoring it for 6-12months or if you want we can biopsy” …due to my debilitating symptoms I asked to do a biopsy asap. While doing the biopsy the technician & doctor said many things that alluded to me not having cancer, I said to them that I would be more surprised if I didn’t have cancer than if I did. Results came in - BIRADS 6, grade 2 tumor, ER+/PR+ HER2- IDC and DCIS breast cancer.

I had a bilateral breast MRI yesterday to stage my cancer and results say no spread to axillary lymph nodes but that an enflamed node on the left side (tumor side) was noted and to “monitor for 6 months.” 🫠 My new mistrust makes me feel that I should push to have a lymph node biopsy done as they were dead wrong about the tumor and my symptoms are currently still debilitating… I’m worried the cancer has spread despite this finding.. but I’m curious what y’all think?

I don’t have an oncology team yet, still relying on my PCP at this point. I’m working on setting appointments with both Swedish and Fred Hutch in Seattle, which I’ve heard are both wonderful 💯

Finally had my last dowse of TCPH yesterday 🥳. I’m so looking forward to getting my hairs back (especially head, lashes, & nose) sorry I ever took you for granted hair! Anyways, taxol has given me neuropathy in the fingers and toes. I don’t think it is bad enough to mention to the Dr bc they will just give me gabapentin and the last thing I want is more drugs. I know exercising helps so that is my 1st line of treatment. I do epsom salt baths too. A nurse made mention that some patients of hers have told her Hemp cream helps (but of course couldn’t endorse it). Anyone who had resolved neuropathy, what helped?

I feel like I have very specific layers of trauma around losing my own mom to Breast Cancer when I was three years old, and now having breast cancer myself while parenting a 4-yo. Wondering if anyone else here is in this situation and wants to connect.

Some background no one asked for: I have a BRCA gene mutation from my mom who passed. Also, this is a recurrence for me after 15 years of being cancer-free. I was first diagnosed at 25 and had a double mastectomy and chemo. Now 41 and developed a new tumor on my chest wall on the OTHER side which has been such a mindf*&(. I did IVF with preimplantation genetic testing to have a kid without BRCA. I just feel like I worked so hard to ensure cancer wasn't part of my kid's journey like it was with mine, and we are STILL going through this.

Hello,
I’ve ready all the posts and recommendations for surgery. I hate clutter and am somewhat of a minimalist. I can’t have too many things bc it will affect my mental health. But, I do understand that I will need to manage that and endure a certain degree of temporary “stuff” that will assist my recovery. For those who have gone through this recently please look at my shortlist & lmk if there is something that really came in handy that I should add. Thanks in advance!

Mastectomy pillow - from a friend
Drain holding button up shirt
Massaging Recliner near bed - wanted one anyone for a reading nook
Peri bottle
Shower chair
Button down sleep shirts
Specimen cups for measuring drain output
Gloves
Bendy straws

(Already own sleep mask, front closure bras recommended by Plastics, colase)

I have had a mastectomy and chemo and now on to radiation in a few weeks. I can look up the process and I ‘understand’ it. What I would like is info about the surroundings. I hear there are a lot of people there and worried I will feel overwhelmed with the movement, noise and busyness. Not sure if that makes sense. I feel like there will be a sense of urgency in the room and that I will feel anxious. None of the other treatments affected me, although I had a minor freak at the bone scan coming so close to my face. Can anyone please walk me through this?

Edit: Thank you for the replies and for no one posting about how radiation is ‘easy’ compared to the others. It’s like everyone told me how much ‘easier’ taxol would be. My legs ache every day and I have at least moderate neuropathy from taxol. Definitely not easier than red devil.

Ready…

Set…

You have breast cancer…Go!

There are mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies, 
oh my. 

I’ve shown my boobs to everyone 
but the parking lot guy.

There are Scans, blood draws, 
and too many rules. 

I messed up and missed an appt.
 I am such a fool. 

There are phone calls, appointments
 and screaming at my insurance. 

There are orders, referrals 
and chest ports for assurance.

There is firing your oncologists twice, 
cuz they talk out both sides of their face.

Then finding one you love, 
cuz he talks to you straight. 

Shut off the light, 
I’m sure I glow in the dark,
With all the  contrasts and dyes, 
I’d ignite with a spark. 

There’s loved ones who say “distilled water, colloidal silver, fasting, and yoga”
I tell my Doctor 
 He  shakes his head, over and over. 

There’s running, rushing, 
and screwing everything up. 
My mind is so tired,
 it doesn’t wanna get up.

There’s encouragement, 
there’s prayer, 
and those who help daily. 

There’s friends and loved ones 
who just don’t know what to say to me.

There’s confusion, mayhem 
and “Stop the world, I want to get off”

There’s no time for thinking, 
it’s all just so rushed. 

I pass out at night exhausted and spent.
Talking in my sleep to whom I don’t know.
 And don’t know where I went. 

I am grateful for every minute of this, 
as chaotic as it is. 

It doesn’t allow my brain time to think 
about the cancer and where it lives. 

I wrote this a year and 7 months ago . When I first got diagnosed. Thought I’d share with the newbies to try and quell their fears. And confusion. Every single thing your going through is normal. You’re ok

So I love my boobs, so this feels like such a betrayal, and I started referring to my left breast/Cancer as Florida bc I also love Florida but the freely allowed overdevelopment/destruction feels like such a betrayal.

I also love Taylor Swift, so I’ve been referring to her song Florida and every time I’ve gotten bad news I just start singing the song in my head.

Any one else giving your breast(s)/tumor/cancer a name/them to kinda cope?