Aa
Need some encouragement and direction
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.
You have reached the right place for a lot of encouragement and advice, and I know you will get it.
From me, a non-medical person, who has recently dealt with a situation somewhat similar to yours, it is natural for your head to spin at first, Then I found, and you will find I'm sure, that your surgeon and oncologist will be suggesting the best possible course for you. Take someone with you to these appts if you can,and have questions ready if you can. I read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Cancer book. It has a lot of information in it.
Best of luck and as a breast cancer survivor recently said to me, before you know it, you'll be feeling really good and this time of your life will just be a memory.
From me, a non-medical person, who has recently dealt with a situation somewhat similar to yours, it is natural for your head to spin at first, Then I found, and you will find I'm sure, that your surgeon and oncologist will be suggesting the best possible course for you. Take someone with you to these appts if you can,and have questions ready if you can. I read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Cancer book. It has a lot of information in it.
Best of luck and as a breast cancer survivor recently said to me, before you know it, you'll be feeling really good and this time of your life will just be a memory.
Just remember to listen carefully to whatever your doctors tell you. And like kumara stated take someone with you, you will need their support and ears, because you probably are so worried you might not hear everything said. God Bless you and take care of you during this time. good luck.
im sorry about your diagnosis ..a way to fight this is being worked on every day http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/
To Tracey,
I was diagnosed in 2005 with Stage III, 1 node positive. You are young, chemo will knock you down a bit (if you are absolutely lucky you won't even notice it with the exception of hair loss). Ask for Zofran (anti-nausea) if they don't offer. I took it twice on days 1-3 and then once a day after, as needed. Usually you'll feel ill for a couple of days and go into a "recovery" mode where you'll feel just about normal before being hit again with another infusion.
Drink lots of water, walk a bit every day, and ask your doc about a good multi-vitamin and I also took B-50 to help keep my energy up.
Radiation will follow since you have a positive node. That's not so bad except it is EVERY day. That is the tiring part.
Are they offering lumpectomy or mastectomy? Personally, I would have a mastectomy and just be rid of the offending breast. Are you going to do reconstruction? Lots of folks are going to what is called DIEP which is a TRAM without taking the muscle. TRAM is stomach muscle removed to form a breast pocket with the fat from the abdomen and the skin. DIEP does basically the same without the muscle, is more complicated and delicate because of that. There are also surgeries where they use material from the back of the arm, and also from the buttocks. All are serious surgeries, but as I said, you are young, you can get through this.
Try to keep a positive outlook. Remember, all that you go through, each stage, won't last that long, hair loss is temporary, feeling icky is temporary. You can and will get through this. Many people on here have been there and some are still there.
Listen to your docs, make sure you understand what you are about to face...go back with questions. Keep a notebook to write stuff down when you think of it.
Good luck to you!
Lisa
I was diagnosed in 2005 with Stage III, 1 node positive. You are young, chemo will knock you down a bit (if you are absolutely lucky you won't even notice it with the exception of hair loss). Ask for Zofran (anti-nausea) if they don't offer. I took it twice on days 1-3 and then once a day after, as needed. Usually you'll feel ill for a couple of days and go into a "recovery" mode where you'll feel just about normal before being hit again with another infusion.
Drink lots of water, walk a bit every day, and ask your doc about a good multi-vitamin and I also took B-50 to help keep my energy up.
Radiation will follow since you have a positive node. That's not so bad except it is EVERY day. That is the tiring part.
Are they offering lumpectomy or mastectomy? Personally, I would have a mastectomy and just be rid of the offending breast. Are you going to do reconstruction? Lots of folks are going to what is called DIEP which is a TRAM without taking the muscle. TRAM is stomach muscle removed to form a breast pocket with the fat from the abdomen and the skin. DIEP does basically the same without the muscle, is more complicated and delicate because of that. There are also surgeries where they use material from the back of the arm, and also from the buttocks. All are serious surgeries, but as I said, you are young, you can get through this.
Try to keep a positive outlook. Remember, all that you go through, each stage, won't last that long, hair loss is temporary, feeling icky is temporary. You can and will get through this. Many people on here have been there and some are still there.
Listen to your docs, make sure you understand what you are about to face...go back with questions. Keep a notebook to write stuff down when you think of it.
Good luck to you!
Lisa
Lisa,
Thank you so very much for your kind words. I need all the advice and guidence that I can get. I will definately be taking notes down from the info you have given me. I meet with the surgeon for the first time on Monday, so as of now I am not sure what type of surgery I will have. I would just assume having a mastectomy so I can just be done with it. I have been told by the radiologist Dr that the doc I am seeing may advise chemo BEFORE surgery. So I really dont know what to expect but as you suggested I will ask lots of questions!!
Right now I am at the place where I am freakin out over every little strange feeeling in my body. If I cough I think it has spread to my lungs, if my throat feels funny, I think it's in my throat, if my tummy feels ill, I thinks it's there to!! I am so stressed and I am hoping I get passed the "OH MY GOODNESS HAS IT SPREAD" syndrome! I get an MRI on tuesday and a PET some time later. I hope I can keep my sanity while awaiting the results. Did you get any of these feelings??
Thanks so MUCH for your words and any other comments you or anyone else would like to post, please bring it!!
Thanks again and above all take care.
Thank you so very much for your kind words. I need all the advice and guidence that I can get. I will definately be taking notes down from the info you have given me. I meet with the surgeon for the first time on Monday, so as of now I am not sure what type of surgery I will have. I would just assume having a mastectomy so I can just be done with it. I have been told by the radiologist Dr that the doc I am seeing may advise chemo BEFORE surgery. So I really dont know what to expect but as you suggested I will ask lots of questions!!
Right now I am at the place where I am freakin out over every little strange feeeling in my body. If I cough I think it has spread to my lungs, if my throat feels funny, I think it's in my throat, if my tummy feels ill, I thinks it's there to!! I am so stressed and I am hoping I get passed the "OH MY GOODNESS HAS IT SPREAD" syndrome! I get an MRI on tuesday and a PET some time later. I hope I can keep my sanity while awaiting the results. Did you get any of these feelings??
Thanks so MUCH for your words and any other comments you or anyone else would like to post, please bring it!!
Thanks again and above all take care.
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your not alone. My mother was diagnoised in October, I have been with her for each and every appointment. She went through chemo first, she got a little sick, and weak, but with the great drugs it will help greatly. Then she had surgery, both breasts were removed a radical on the right side. I know what you mean about worrying about it spreading, the scans will tell you lots. Having doctors you feel comfortable with in asking questions and fully trust is key. The one thing we were told when we first found out that I am glad for is to consult a breast surgeon. We found a wonderful surgeon. Now she is on to radiation in a few weeks. Good luck and if you have ANY questions just ask or anyone to talk to we are all here for you!
I just wanted to let you know your not alone. My mother was diagnoised in October, I have been with her for each and every appointment. She went through chemo first, she got a little sick, and weak, but with the great drugs it will help greatly. Then she had surgery, both breasts were removed a radical on the right side. I know what you mean about worrying about it spreading, the scans will tell you lots. Having doctors you feel comfortable with in asking questions and fully trust is key. The one thing we were told when we first found out that I am glad for is to consult a breast surgeon. We found a wonderful surgeon. Now she is on to radiation in a few weeks. Good luck and if you have ANY questions just ask or anyone to talk to we are all here for you!
Thanks soooooo much for reaching out to me. You dont know how much your words help.
Take good care
Take good care
I too was just recently diagnosed with bc (March 17). This coming week will be a flurry of tests and you will feel overwhelmed at first. But as you see the various doctors and gather the needed information, that awful feeling in the pit of your stomach will decrease. You will probably even be making up jokes about it by the end of the week (okay, it might take two weeks). Don't be afraid to do your own research and question everything. It is in the knowledge that you gain that will finally make you feel in control of the bc instead of being controlled by it. I go in tomorrow for a mastectomy and I will have chemotherapy to follow. I was very frightened of the chemo. If I am honest, I still am but much less than I was because I know what to expect. I am only 43. We will go through this together. And, on the bright side, after being told for several years by my kids that I am old, I have been told continually since my diagnosis that I am very young. So, if you want everyone to think that you are young, just get bc in your 40s. However, I would recommed Botox injections as the preferable alternative! Good luck!
Hi Tracey,
Just a few more suggestions to help you through this difficult time. Ask for copies of your biopsy results, MRI, etc. tests and keep a binder for this information. Get the doctors business cards and keep them there too so you have phone numbers fast. I was flooded with material to read and having it all organized really helped. As others have said, take someone with you to these appointments to be extra ears. Have questions for the doctors written down, give this person a copy of them too. A friend took great notes for me! I just finished 4 cycles of chemo following my mastectomies in October. You probably will have chemo to reduce the size of the tumor before the surgery. You will get through all this. Yes, the head spinning ... oh I remember well. IT ALL WILL PASS, my dear. Best to you.
Just a few more suggestions to help you through this difficult time. Ask for copies of your biopsy results, MRI, etc. tests and keep a binder for this information. Get the doctors business cards and keep them there too so you have phone numbers fast. I was flooded with material to read and having it all organized really helped. As others have said, take someone with you to these appointments to be extra ears. Have questions for the doctors written down, give this person a copy of them too. A friend took great notes for me! I just finished 4 cycles of chemo following my mastectomies in October. You probably will have chemo to reduce the size of the tumor before the surgery. You will get through all this. Yes, the head spinning ... oh I remember well. IT ALL WILL PASS, my dear. Best to you.
You've gotten such good advice from people, but I wanted to respond also...I had an MRI last week and I had no idea what it would be like.Ask a lot of questions about it because it can be a very upsetting experience. It's louder than you could believe, so when they give you headphones for music, don't even expect to be able to hear much but have the volume up. And realize (as I didn't) that the dye is only injected right before the end, during the last few minutes, It doesn't hurt, nothing hurts, but I had a real hard time with it emotionally, and I wish I had taken a strong sedative. A lot of people do, but I didn't think I would need it. If you are a nervous kind of person, or real sensitive, or claustrophobic, have someone drive for you and get a very strong sedative from your doctor beforehand.Also, remember that the MRIs are fantastic tools that show 3D pix's.
As you can see Tracey many women have been in your shoes, and guess what, they are all here to tell the tale and giving positive advise. You too will join this club in time. I was diagnoised 19th March 2007 aged 39. I too was too young for breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and now on Tamoxifen. You will get through it, what is the alternative! You will have some good days and bad days. The ladies have given you loads of excellent advise. An extra bit of advise I would give is to try to continue doing one or two activities you currently enjoy doing. That way you feel you are still alive and have some control over your life. I tried to be "business as usual" as much as I could when I felt well enough, it helped the time pass quicker and I did not feel as much that I had lost a 8 months of my life.
I had a mammo 7 weeks ago and got the all clear, but if I am honest, I do get paranoid that the cancer has come back if I get a twitch or a twinge somewhere. I try not to dwell on it too much, but I guess it is always at the back of my mind. I hope as time goes on and I remain cancer free that I will not worry as much.
The best of luck on the road ahead of you.
I had a mammo 7 weeks ago and got the all clear, but if I am honest, I do get paranoid that the cancer has come back if I get a twitch or a twinge somewhere. I try not to dwell on it too much, but I guess it is always at the back of my mind. I hope as time goes on and I remain cancer free that I will not worry as much.
The best of luck on the road ahead of you.
Thanks so much for the kind words. It really helps to know that I am not alone. Today I got an MRI, a GAMMA, chest x ray, ekg, and lab work. 2moro I will have out patient surgery so they can put the port in for chemo. That way I dont have to get stuck every time. I will start chemo on friday or at the beg of next week!!
I am really not looking foward to it but I am ready to rid myself of cancer!! The docs are suggesting I do chemo first to shrink the tumor. Were you sick to the stomach alot during chemo?? Did you feel great some days?? I am a work out queen, and I am hoping I will still be able to get to the gym.
As you know this is ALL so overwhelming! Its amazing how in the twinkle of an eye your life can change. I have to remember that this is only temporary.
Thanks for listening ladies and I will continue to post my journey along with questions. Thanks for being here you guys ROCK!!!!!
I am really not looking foward to it but I am ready to rid myself of cancer!! The docs are suggesting I do chemo first to shrink the tumor. Were you sick to the stomach alot during chemo?? Did you feel great some days?? I am a work out queen, and I am hoping I will still be able to get to the gym.
As you know this is ALL so overwhelming! Its amazing how in the twinkle of an eye your life can change. I have to remember that this is only temporary.
Thanks for listening ladies and I will continue to post my journey along with questions. Thanks for being here you guys ROCK!!!!!
When you start chemo, you may or may not get sick. I was only "puny" for about 2-3 days, then I called it the upswing back to normal just before they hit you again with another round. I was able to walk 30 minutes a day even on "puny" days right up until the last chemo treatment, then I was able to walk, just not as vigorously (I was also totting a toddler in a little red wagon up a hill).
Drink your water, try to stay active as much as your body will let you. You will know what your limits are pretty quick. Just try to do some everyday, if you can. There may be a day or two where you won't feel like it, just let your body rest on those days. When you are over the worst, then get back into routine as much as you can.
If you don't get any meds for nausea, ask for Zofran, that worked for me. That doesn't work for everyone, but it helped me. It doesn't make you sleepy like Phenergan.
Good luck to ya!
Lisa
Drink your water, try to stay active as much as your body will let you. You will know what your limits are pretty quick. Just try to do some everyday, if you can. There may be a day or two where you won't feel like it, just let your body rest on those days. When you are over the worst, then get back into routine as much as you can.
If you don't get any meds for nausea, ask for Zofran, that worked for me. That doesn't work for everyone, but it helped me. It doesn't make you sleepy like Phenergan.
Good luck to ya!
Lisa
Well i have done a chest xray, blood work, MRI of breast with contrast, and a radioactive picture of breast called GAMMA. Everything has come back normal. Yesterday I got the port for chemo put in and I will begin the treatments next week. I am going in for a PET scan on Thursday. I am trying to stay positive, but this whole thing is so scary. The PET will show if the cancer is anywhere else! YIKES!!
Has anyone else had this scan and if so did it make you nervous??
Also while you ladies were on chemo was your life pretty normal outside of chemo??
Thanks sooooo much for responding to me, it helps to know that I am not alone.
Has anyone else had this scan and if so did it make you nervous??
Also while you ladies were on chemo was your life pretty normal outside of chemo??
Thanks sooooo much for responding to me, it helps to know that I am not alone.
Today I saw the radiation doctor. He told me that all my doctors, radiologist, surgeon, and the oncologist had a meeting and discussed my treatment. Chemo is going to start on Wed morning. He told me that they have come up with a BIG answer to fight the breast cancer. He also told me that I will most likely have to have a mastectomy because the area within my breast is probably going to be too big for a lumpectomy to have a good cosmetic result.
Today I dont know, I am just feeling down. I have been trying to keep my spirits up but I guess you have good days and not so good days. I just wanna get this behind me and be positive and happy. I hope my feelings are normal. Thanks for listening.
Today I dont know, I am just feeling down. I have been trying to keep my spirits up but I guess you have good days and not so good days. I just wanna get this behind me and be positive and happy. I hope my feelings are normal. Thanks for listening.
Take out the breast, get rid of the thing that is bad.... life isn't so bad without it. Man-made breasts, while they aren't the one's God gave ya, are pretty good for a match to the other. Besides, possible tummy tuck, if you go for the tram reconstruction! Life's not all bad on the other side.
And, just think...while bald, you won't have to expend money to cut, color or style your hair. You never have a bad hair day. You get to sleep the extra 20 minutes instead of dealing with your hair. And best of all... you'll look fabulous, whatever you do. Take care of yourself during this time. Take time to get your nails done, maybe the toes, too. Wear cute clothes that accentuate the head... cute little hats for summertime... do you want a wig? They, to me, are hot, but some women prefer them. There's lots to do with scarves. Oh, you'll do fine. Keep your spirits up. All of this is just TEMPORARY. When it's all said and done, you'll wonder if it was all a bad dream. The only rememberance will be some scars.
Maybe I've oversimplified...maybe I'm still "happy camper" on this. It was tough somedays, but you will get through it. Keep a positive outlook. Always remember that each phase is just that...a phase. Each step gets you one closer to the end, which is seeing your docs only once a year and telling them "I'm fine".
It'll get to be old hat before you know it. But, until then, rant, rave, cry...then get on with life. Don't forget to life it while you are going through this. It ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride!
Good luck to you,
Lisa
And, just think...while bald, you won't have to expend money to cut, color or style your hair. You never have a bad hair day. You get to sleep the extra 20 minutes instead of dealing with your hair. And best of all... you'll look fabulous, whatever you do. Take care of yourself during this time. Take time to get your nails done, maybe the toes, too. Wear cute clothes that accentuate the head... cute little hats for summertime... do you want a wig? They, to me, are hot, but some women prefer them. There's lots to do with scarves. Oh, you'll do fine. Keep your spirits up. All of this is just TEMPORARY. When it's all said and done, you'll wonder if it was all a bad dream. The only rememberance will be some scars.
Maybe I've oversimplified...maybe I'm still "happy camper" on this. It was tough somedays, but you will get through it. Keep a positive outlook. Always remember that each phase is just that...a phase. Each step gets you one closer to the end, which is seeing your docs only once a year and telling them "I'm fine".
It'll get to be old hat before you know it. But, until then, rant, rave, cry...then get on with life. Don't forget to life it while you are going through this. It ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride!
Good luck to you,
Lisa
Thanks so much for respondind to my post. You have given me just what I need to hold my head up and get on with it. I notice that you post alot and I think that is awesome!
You are right, get rid of the offensive breast and get on with it. I will keep in my mind through this process that this is temporary. I also plan on taking your advice to take care of myself and look good! And yes the brighter side of this journey is that for a while bad hair days are a thing of the past!!
I gotta tell you Lisa, you are a web angel :) and for that I thank you!!
You are right, get rid of the offensive breast and get on with it. I will keep in my mind through this process that this is temporary. I also plan on taking your advice to take care of myself and look good! And yes the brighter side of this journey is that for a while bad hair days are a thing of the past!!
I gotta tell you Lisa, you are a web angel :) and for that I thank you!!
Just want to let you know there are a lot of organizations out there that can help you during this time, even take you for chemo treatments if you need transportation (American Cancer Society) Another great organization to call is Y- Me 800-221-2141.There is always someone there to talk to. Plus they can get you wigs, have support groups and more. Good luck!
Thanks so much for the info. I know it will come in handy!! And above all thanks for the well wishes.
Take Care
Take Care
Hi there. From your description, I think the cancer is still in a stage early enough to be treated thoroughly. Just be sure that you ask your doctors all the treatment options to help you make a good informed decision. Keep us posted on your developments.
Regards...
Regards...
Good luck with the treatment. Like Lisa I only felt a bit nauseous for the first 3 or so days. Some days I felt like my old self and other days I did not. I went to the gym 2 to 3 times a week to give me a focus and somewhere to go each day if I was not up to work. My workout was light, treadmill and machine work, but I felt ok doing it. I felt I was killing the cancer with chemo and rebuilding my body with the exercise. If you feel a bit nauseous sitting at home watching the TV does not help. I found a gentle walk for 30 minutes really helped and it took my my mind off it. However, everyone on this website has had different experiences. What I can say is to listen to your own body and decide for yourself what you are fit for.
Thanks so much for the advice I am sucking it all in. I just get so sad sometimes because it is all so overwhelming!! Iris I loved your comment that you felt like you were killing the cancer with chemo and rebuilding your body with exercise, what an awesome way to look at the process. I start chemo on Wed and my goal is to get to the gym a few days a week. I am a flight attendant so I have to take leave because my doctors dont think it would be good for me to fly during this process. They said the recycled cabin air with ill passengers on board would not be good for me. Plus they want me to be well rested through this treatment.
I feel so blessed to have found this forum, you all are amazing and I thank you so much for your concern and direction. I will keep you posted on my progress as I take my first step towards recovery on Wed.
Thanks Again!!!!
I feel so blessed to have found this forum, you all are amazing and I thank you so much for your concern and direction. I will keep you posted on my progress as I take my first step towards recovery on Wed.
Thanks Again!!!!
I had a lumpectomy and always have the fear of not being able to find hidden lumps. I sometimes wish I would have had a mastectomy. Ask your doctor about Zofran and Emend. I never got nausea even once. Wonderful meds. You will also get Benedryl when they do the infusion. This is to help you from any unwanted adverse reactions.
You will sleep through most of your session. It's nice. Happy Land :)
Good Luck. It does get better. Cry and get it out. and then move on. And you never quit worrying about whether or not it is spreading. Your doctor will keep up on it. You will have regular appointments.
There is life after chemo and radiation. In looking back, I hate having cancer but I am so very gratefull for the experience. It has taught me alot and my family too. I have gained so much from it. I believe that God does not want us to be miserable but I believe that he allows certain things to happen to us so that we can grow and become more perfect. You will see.
Take care and on behalf of all breast cancer patients, WE LOVE YOU!!!Git er done,,,,,,
sammie
You will sleep through most of your session. It's nice. Happy Land :)
Good Luck. It does get better. Cry and get it out. and then move on. And you never quit worrying about whether or not it is spreading. Your doctor will keep up on it. You will have regular appointments.
There is life after chemo and radiation. In looking back, I hate having cancer but I am so very gratefull for the experience. It has taught me alot and my family too. I have gained so much from it. I believe that God does not want us to be miserable but I believe that he allows certain things to happen to us so that we can grow and become more perfect. You will see.
Take care and on behalf of all breast cancer patients, WE LOVE YOU!!!Git er done,,,,,,
sammie
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