Need some encouragement and direction

[traceyz]

Today I was diagnosed with brest cancer. I have a 3cm infiltrating ductal carcinoma tumor, rt breast. So far I have 1 lymph node under the same arm that tested positive for cancerous cells. I meet with my surgeon on monday followed by an MRI on tuesday and the oncologist later in the week. This is soooooooo overwhelming that my head is spinning!! I am only 40 years old. Please, if anyone has had a breast cancer diagnosis please send me some words of encouragement and also any advice you may have!! I thank you in advance.

[traceyz]

Thanks so much for your post! I am getting ready for round 2 of 4 today. I would love to chat with you about your journey. I hope you dont mind I will post later with some questions.

I will definately try the crysal light cus water make me want to (i will spare you the dateails). Anyway that is great advice.

So they put the expanders in at the time of the mastectomy?? Does it make you look like you have a lil boob action goin on?? I know its a strange question but I dont want to bother with prostetics until I get the implants.

Okay I will post later and thanks soooooooo much for you input. I am trying to take it all in and knowing that I have sisters out there who care makes it a lil easier I know you can relate. God bless you.

Be well,

Tracey

[traceyz]

I just love you Tami! You are always lookin out for me I feel so special. I have heard that flying does increase lymphedema, and I will get that sleeve just in case. I have a friend who is also a flight attendant and she is 7 yrs out. She didnt have a problem but I will proceed with caution. Thanks for the heads up!

Well here it goes I will be off to the good poison factory in just a few hours so pray for me please. You have made me smile today, and as you say I am gonna GIT ER DONE!!!!

I will post later to let cha know how it goes! Love ya REALLY mean it!!!

Tracey

[Sammie4258]

Hey, I have been reading some posts about lymphedema.  I am understanding that if you have had even one lymph node removed, you can develop lymphedema.  I guess this can be a problem if you fly on an airplane.  I don't know why.  But they are saying that you need to wear a sleeve when you fly  to prevent lymphedema.  Once you develop it, you have it for life.  It can effect your arm, armpit, hand, chest, and I think maybe neck.  Please ask your doctor about this.  I knew nothing about flying and lymphedema until today.  I wonder why flying brings this on. Anyways, you may have already known this but just in case I am letting you know.  I care about you. May the force be with you today.  
GIT ER DONE!!!
Sisters,
Tami

[Sammie4258]

You are way to funny.  I agree with everything you said.  Great advice!!!  You hit the nail on the head.  I know someone too, who kept shaving her head after treatment because she was having to much fun with wigs.  
good luck with your journey.  
It does get easier now.  
Take care
sammie

[Sammie4258]

You are right, your friends are not in your shoes.  you have to do what is best for you. In fact, if I wasn't so sick from other stuff, I would still have it done and may in the future.  But right now, the doctor doesn't want me doing an surgery unless it is life saving or an emergency.  
Personally, I like the idea of fresh new boobs.  As far as I know, you can do the reconstruction about 6 months after treatment.  Definitely after chemo because of the blood count problem.  The skin should still stretch.  Maybe not as much but women reconstruct after treatment all the time. Each individual is a little different but I think you will be okay.
The "good ole poison factory"  that's exactly wht it is.  Amazing huh???  But funny what we will do to live.
Girl, you are no sissy!!!  
I hope your tummy will do better.  It took me a couple of treatments before mine got to be not so bad.  You will still have some discomfort even on the carafate and protonics but you will still be better off, so hang with it.  Protect that stomach lining.
Well,  again, good luck tomorrow and I will be anxious to hear from you when you feel well enough to post.  Hands to Heaven!!!  
Thank you for all of your support too.  Im still in this fight myself.    

Sisters at Heart
Lv Tami

[darcytwin]

Hi there!  I am just catching up on posts since i was gone on vacation..i am 40 also...i JUST got done with my chemo last month.  I ended up having a mastectomy on my left side with immediate start of reconstruction (chest expander)...its a whirlwind of a few months but it sounds like you have gotten great advice already...here are some of the things i did.....

regarding your sore mouth..i used Bioten (you can get it at a drug store) its a medicated mouthwash sold otc...use it at least twice a day. the stuff really worked for me, although the thicker consistancy was kind of gagging...

water...i drank Penta because every single other water tasted like pond scum...you can get that at a health food store and some grocery stores.....and also if it still tastes bad, i used a lot of crystal light...(although i never want to drink lemonaide again  :)..)...it got me to drink...

i recommend NOT eating your favorite foods because once your chemo is over, you may never like them again....the thought of ketchup makes me shutter now.....

stay positive...my motto was  "suck it up"....get thru one day at a time...

i found that the neulasta shot actually made me feel worse.  I stopped taking it and felt better BUT played russian roulet with getting sick (i never did)....

I personally LOVE my wigs....i ended up with 4....why not??????  anyway, theyre fun and convienent...but yes they do get hot...BUT then you can have fun whipping it off and freaking people out.....oh and one last wig advice...dont fall into the ocean with one on, the synthetic ones  dont really feel good afterward.....hehe...

You will do fine. You are strong and you WILL beat this.

xoxo,
Darcy