Marneyd's Profile Page

Biography

First diagnosed with Stage 3 non-oestrogen receptive, HER-negative breast cancer in March 2004. Originally thought to be inoperable, so started with FEC chemo which shrank the tumour dramatically. ‘Lumpectomy’ and axial clearance in October, followed by radiotherapy. In 2009 discovered a lump in my ‘middle’ first thought to be colon cancer, but turned out to be leiomyosarcoma – removed during lengthy operation – no chemo or radiotherapy. 2011 noticed marks on remains of breast which had had the previous problems – like small unexplained scars – mentioned this to my oncologist and within ten minutes he was performing a biopsy – cancer again, this time oestrogen receptive. Because of damage from previous surgery and radiotherapy there wasn’t enough skin to ‘close’ after surgery, so ended up having a full pedicle tram flap reconstruction (like a tummy tuck only they leave it attached, pull the ‘spare tyre’ up on the inside and replace the breast that way (9 hour operation in all). Finished chemo (TAC without the A) just before Christmas. Three totally unrelated primary cancers …

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Breast cancer No. 1. Surgery left me with some lymph oedema in the left arm, but the exercises helped and this is now barely noticeable.
Leiomyosarcoma 2009: Can still sometimes feel the ‘join’ where my guts were resectioned and this can be a little uncomfortable.
Breast cancer No. 2 2011: The nature of the reconstruction made it really hard to stand straight for about 3 months after the op. Also a tiny part of the new boob ‘died’ as it lost its blood supply temporarily – its taken 6 months to heal fully but is ok now.

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Breast cancer No. 1 2004: Quite bad desquamatous exfoliation towards the end few sessions. Found this very distressing at the time.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Breast cancer 1 2004: FEC - started throwing up after session 2 and it just got progressively worse.
Breast cancer 2 2011: TAC - minor heartburn, some nausea, some reaction to lenograstim injections, but apart from a little nausea, no sickness (hooray!). Complete hair loss with both types of chemo.

Comments:

Doing ok thanks :) Hope all goes well on Friday.

Posted on March 26, 2012 at 9:24:38 AM by Marneyd

everything is good. I have a doctor’s appt (onc) on Friday. I am feeling ok so I’m not as worried as usual. Hope you are feeling good too.

Posted on March 26, 2012 at 9:08:57 AM by Laurie