Patient Comments: Breast Cancer - Treatments
Please describe your experience with the treatments for your breast cancer.
Comment from: Frankie Jean Thomas, 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: May 22
I was diagnosed with low grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Small cancer cells were removed. My lymph nodes showed no signs of cancer. I have been prescribed Femara. I have read about the horrible side effects. Is anyone on or has been on Femara? If so, I would like your views. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Jewels, 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: April 03
I had a mammogram in December of 2011. Everything was normal. In December of 2012 I went for my yearly mammogram and I thought all was well as it has always been. When I went to see my primary physician for my 3-6 month blood glucose level testing, he informed me that I needed to have another mammogram because there appeared to be some irregularities. So it began. After another mammogram, an ultrasound, and a MRI, I was diagnosed with a mass the size of a pea, approximately 5mm. The radiologist who read the report was very impersonal and curt. He said, “This is cancerous; you will need it removed, then undergo chemotherapy and radiation. He did not know me from "Adam." I went to see a breast surgeon, she performed a biopsy, and here I am now. At age 67, I have to decide whether I want to have a bilateral mastectomy, am waiting for breast reconstruction to begin, and am dreading having to go through chemotherapy. Please everyone – do not think that mammograms do not work. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Related Medications: glucose
Comment from: mwg, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: January 26
For two years my mammograms showed an abnormality that was considered nominal. The third year they finally got a clue and had me go for a biopsy of what they felt was a cyst. The journey began then as after two lumpectomies. After the mastectomy I am now being advised I should still get radiation and possibly chemo. I almost feel like I could have eradicated the six months of nerve-wracking stress and indecision as I am ending up right along with everyone that went straight to mastectomy and chemo. Another thing, I advise all my friends now to read their mammo results and challenge everything! I pray for all those on this road already and hope for strength as I join them. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Gretaurus, 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: March 13
I have had all that you are going through with treatments for breast cancer, except I had chemotherapy first, then surgery and radiation. The scariest was the chemotherapy, but I had a wonderful Oncologist and I never got nauseous, plus I went to the group meetings, which helped tremendously. My hair never grew back to its original state but I'm alive and I am thankful for that. Remember there are thousands of survivors and this is 2012. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: In A Moment's Notice, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: May 24
In August of 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During that time, I kept a journal and copies of every medical record detailing the course of my treatment. Breast cancer and its treatment have evolved over the past ten years in remarkable ways. The staging and pathology reports that I review now look very different to me from when I was dissecting and trying to understand my pathology report eleven years ago. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Breast Cancer - Symptoms
Question: What symptoms of breast cancer did you have before you were diagnosed?
Breast Cancer - Prognosis
Question: Are you a breast cancer survivor? Please share your story.
Breast Cancer - How Was It Detected
Question: How was your breast cancer detected?
Patient Comments are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. |
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Suggested Reading on Breast Cancer by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
40 articles-
Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites).
-
Ovarian Cancer
- There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of
-
Bone Cancer
- In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most common forms of bone cancer
-
Lupus
- Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease
-
Menopause
- Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes,
-
Alcoholism
- Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting
-
Fibrocystic Breast Condition
- Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts.
-
Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
- Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is associated with sharp chest pain upon breathing in. Cough, chest tenderness, and shortness
-
Pleural Effusion
- Pleural effusion is an excess fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of pleural effusion; transudate
-
Prostate Cancer
- Prostate cancer is an uncontrolled (malignant) growth of cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death of males in
-
Lymphedema
- Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types
-
Obesity
- Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent
-
Cancer
- Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer
-
Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels)
- Hypercalcemia is a condition in which calcium levels in the blood are elevated. Hypercalcemia is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism,
-
Male Breast Cancer
- Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's risk of developing breast
-
Breast Lumps (In Women)
- Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous growths. Breast lumps in
-
Phlebitis
- Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is when a blood clot causes the inflammation. Phlebitis can be superficial or deeper in the veins.
-
Paget Disease of the Breast
- Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact cause of Paget's disease
-
Breast (Anatomy and Function)
- The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely
-
Women's Health
- Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur.
-
Menstruation
- Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine
-
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound. Symptoms of inflammatory breast
-
Senior Sex
- Enjoying a satisfying sex life as we age is important to both physical and mental health. As we age, diseases and conditions may pose challenges in our
-
Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
- It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon
-
Birth Control (Types and Options)
- There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization.
-
Tumor (Grade)
- Tumor grade is a system used to classify cancer cells in how likely the tumor is to grow, and how abnormal they look under a microscope. Tumor grade is
-
Genetic Counseling
- Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated genetic professionals,
-
Fitness
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs
-
Breast Cancer Prevention
- Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important
- See All Related Diseases & Conditions »
-
Swollen Lymph Nodes
-
Medications
31 articles -
Procedures & Tests
24 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
9 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
23 articles -
Health News
335 articles -
Health Features
23 articles
Newly diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer w/ lymph node involvement (one). Have had the surgery. Dr. strongly advises chemo. Plan is 4 cycle of Taxotere and Cytoxan, hormone therapy, radiation. I am totally petrified!! So" frozen" about this decision. Can't bear the humiliation of having no hair (a wig doesn't alleviate this) and the loss of control of my life and family due to fatigue!! Has anyone had this chemo and these fears beforehand? If so, please share how chemo was for you.