User Information

Biography

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast in 1991 and then cancer in my left breast in 1992, totally unrelated cancers: one estrogen positive, one estrogen negative. I had a lumpectomy and ancillary dissection for both cancers along with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The lymph glands with the cancer in my right breast were affecteed. I was in remission until 2002 when I had a lung biopsy and found that the breast cancer metastasized into my lungs and then underwent chemotherapy. I’m still on a form of chemotherapy (Aredia and Faslodex) once every six weeks. Because of bone pain in my left leg, I had a bone scan which showed “hot spots” on my femur bone and also in three of my ribs. I just received the results of x-rays which showed a “thickening in the cortex” but no lesions. I will have an MRI tomorrow morning.

My Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1967 which metastasized into her bones (also her left femur bone and right ribs) and was operated on and had a rod put in her leg from her knee up to her hip. She developed an infection in her leg shortly after the surgery and had to live with that huge open wound the rest of her life, with constant changing of padding and bandages. The last year of her life was incomprehensible with pain that she had to go through. While I am aware that there have been many improvements in cancer care since the time that my Mother was undergoing her treatment, etc., all I have and dwell on are my images of her being in such horrible pain and then passing away. I am 63 years old, have an absolutely wonderful husband, an equally wonderful daughter and two of the best granddaughters that God ever put on this earth. Kali is now four years old and Alyssa is two years old. I am so afraid that I am going to go through what my Mother went through, for myself naturally, but for my family even more so. I know what it’s like to watch someone who you love very much be in such pain and agony and I don’t want them to go through that. I noticed on some of the blogs that there are patients with bone mets. I’m not sure how these blogs work since I’ve never done it before but if anyone sees this who can help me with encouragement and support, I would greatly appreciate it. Did you have surgery to remove the bone? Can you give me any details of what treatment you had and any additional information that you feel will be helpful. Thank you.

Cancer Symptoms

Originally, a lump in my right breast, then a lump in my left breast, then trouble breathing and now bone pain

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Lumpectomy and ancillary dissection: right breast in 1991, left breast in 1992. Lung biopsy in 2002. No significant side effects with breast surgeries, lung biopsy was difficult and I had problems healing.

Radiation Description, Dates & Side Effects

Radiation in 1991 to my right breast and in 1992 to my left breast. No significant side effects.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

1991 and 1992 for breast cancer – I would get real tired but no real bad side effects. 2002 for my lungs – I lost all of my hair and nails and was hospitalized several times because of dehydration and other problems.

Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

I took Tamoxifen in 1991 and am currently getting Faslodex once every six weeks since 2004.