judy214's Cancer Blog

Hi Sue; What is an onco dx test? Never heard of it and it looks like you and I had the very same surgery. I had 26 rad treatments last Sept/Oct. Are taking anything for your bones? I think I mentioned to you in response to your email that I switched from an i.v. bisphosphonate to an oral drug that I take- 2 pills twice daily. So much better than the monthly visit to the hospital and then poked several times before the i.v is inserted properly (my veins roll and that is why it becomes like a pin cushion event). Then I would leave and it would drain for 3 hours and I would take out the needle and throw away the bottle. In any case I was so happy I did research on the internet to find that I could take an oral dose of the drug instead. It really pays to investigate. I have no idea why my Oncologist did not give me my options back in January. No worry as I have figured it out and am pleased to say that I much prefer remembering to take my pills than tripping monthly to the hospital for the jab, poke, painful event. As far as the Arimidex goes I am still on it. Yes there is bone and muscle pain but I am going to try swimming to aleviate some of the side effects. Since I have to do this for at least 5 years I better get used to it. Since being on Blog For A Cure, I have discovered that my situation is no where near most of the others and am thankful every day for where I stand at this time. There are just so many brave, intelligent, strong survivors on this blog and I am so happy you joined. I think you will really benefit from some of the stories. I try to make my way to each person and read ALL their posts. It kind of gives be a chronological understanding of their medical situation. Take care and see you on the site I hope. Keep everyone posted as to your progress. OK? “Weezie”

Posted on April 20, 2008 at 4:57:06 AM by weezie

Hey Weezie….the oncotype dx test is where they take a piece of your tumor and run gene test on it and it gives them an idea of your chance of recurrence. On a scale of 1 to 100 I think 1 to 17 was a low risk, 17 to 33 was in the grey intermediate risk and above 33 was high risk. Naturally I scored an 18…As usual I cannot do things where you feel really comfortable I have to always go into the grey zone where it is scratch your head and wonder…lol Anyway with mine being an 18 that is why I decided not to do any chemo.

I am having better luck with the femara. Hot flashes not as bad and sleep is some better and the pain is still there but there are days it is tolerable. NOw if I can figure out a way to exercise pain free maybe I can quit eating and get th is weight back off…I would join the YMCA and use the pool but it is just to much of a job to get myself in there everyday or so to work out…I will figure out something thought about buying just a small pool that I could do some sit down exerecising in at home for the legs…

Ok I am gone my sister and a friend of hers are on their way to go to church with me….catch ya later

Posted on April 20, 2008 at 6:56:32 AM by judy214