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Topic: Noob flying in!

Forum: Just Diagnosed — Discuss next steps, options, and resources.

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Posted on: Jun 20, 2012 12:22 AM

firestorm531 wrote:

Well hello there!  Seems like I just started on the 'waiting for results' board and then got swept out of there and into here.

 How the heck did that happen?  Oh yeah...Mildred happend.  That's what I named her.  Luckily for me, she won't be hanging around long!

A little about me - Just turned 41 a couple weeks ago, had my 'baseline' June 9th, zero history of BC in my family on either side, opted for a 3D scan and OOPS, there was Mildred hanging out with her own personal feeding trough.

I think someone forgot to tell the techs that they weren't actually supposed to FIND anything!  The 3D scan was just supposed to be a fun way to get back at my doc for teasing me about getting up there in age...It wasn't a dare and it certainly wasn't a double-dog-dare.

So here I am.  But enough about me...tell me YOUR story, I find them comforting in a strange way.  Maybe its because no one wants to be alone when faced with something like this and reading your stories helps me realize that I'm not alone.

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2
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Jun 20, 2012 02:57 AM GrandmaV wrote:

firestorm531, Yes, here you are.  I'm sorry you're facing "Mildred".  But so glad you're on these boards with us.  You're like a bright spot in a dark room.  I haven't heard 'double-dog-dare' in years.  Who's commercial was that from?  Chemo brain, just won't let me come up with it.  My story is definitely too long for one post and I don't want to bore everybody with it.  The short story is on my bio, so if you'd like, you can click on my screen name to read that.  You're right though, it is comforting to know we're not alone and there are people who know what it's like that you talk to.  We're here for you through thick and thin, and you have already encouraged me more than you can know.  Thank you.

Dx 9/1/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+Surgery 10/11/2011 Lumpectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Chemotherapy 11/04/2011 carboplatin, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 11/04/2011 HerceptinRadiation Therapy 02/13/2012 ExternalHormonal Therapy 04/01/2012 Femara
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Jun 20, 2012 03:26 AM camillegal wrote:

1st--I think Double Dog Dare was from The Christmas Story????

And firestorm welcome--but I'm sorry u'r here.  My story is simple--my cat alerted me to something being wrong and 4 operations and 3 yrs of chemo, herceptin, and rads here I am--That Darn Cat LOL So we don't choose this path it's thrust upon us---we just do the best we can. That's my story. Oh there's a lot more to it but I condensed it--like the Readers Digest does.

Dx 2007, Stage IV, HER2+
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Jun 20, 2012 08:30 AM firestorm531 wrote:

Both of you guys made me chuckle ;-)

I swear I haven't been this hormonal since I was pregnant with my daughter but you'd have to talk to my husband for the correct answer to that one.  I do know that after I got off the phone with my GYN I sat there, shaking my head and muttering 'Oh Good Lord, menopause AGAIN?!?!?'  I may only be 41, but this will be my 3rd go around with that dance.  I had a partial hyst 10 years ago, they did a chemically induced menopause prior to removing my uterus.  2 years ago I had a complete hyst and went through menopause again while working to get my hormones on board and situated.  NOW I've been told to start weaning myself off my hormone patch because of BC. 

My poor husband!  LOL  Maybe my mom was right, maybe I should've named Mildred 'Sybill' instead!  Haahaahaaaaa 

Cami - Your CAT?  You have got to tell me that story!

Grandma - *hugs*  You were the first person to talk to me on these boards and the first one to make me feel welcome.  Probably because we have complimentary personalities...you're sweet, I'm not!  LOLOL 

Have either of you heard about Gerson Therapy?  I'm finding that I have 2 very distinct types of people in my corner; the ones that google obsessively *rolles eyes like a teenager* and the ones that tell me to have an open mind before making a decision about said 'therapy'.  So the first therapy I'm supposed to consider is the Gerson Therapy and all in all, it sounds very reasonable (vegan, lots of fresh fruits & vegetables, juicing), it wasn't until I got to the coffee portion that I had to rub my eyes and blurt out 'They want to put coffee WHERE?!?!' There?  No, no...they must be mistaken, that's an EXIT ONLY. I'm totally down for the fresh fruits and veggies and I'm pretty sure I won't starve to death by eating Vegan (I'm a carnivore) but coffee enemas?  COFFEE.  Organic, CAFFINATED coffee.  I just don't know about that one...

 What do you guys think?  lol 

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2
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Jun 20, 2012 08:36 AM lostinmo wrote:

firestorm-welcome and sorry your here. My story is simple found a lump chose to ignore it like an idiot, finally went to dr and now getting the works. I'm 45 and never had a mammo. Too stubborn I guess, no family history of any kind.

Wanda peelouttahere.com/
Dx 3/7/2012, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, ER+/PR-, HER2-Chemotherapy 03/30/2012 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Taxol
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Jun 20, 2012 10:28 AM Melrosemelrose wrote:

firestorm - Love your sense of humor !!!!  One needs to have that always no matter what is happening.  My story is the same as everyone else's except my bc was nice and neatly found in a cystic structure.  I guess it was my body's way of protecting the rest of it for as long as it could before I did something about it.  I'm probably in for the full deluxe package of treatment-- already had the lumpectomy aka the partial masectomy aka chunkectomy & left masectomy and SNL; now travelling through chemoland; and maybe a stint in radiation camp and for  sure having Tamoxifen.  Oh, did I mention that I'm in the Herceptin B-47 clinical trial.  I'm a walking science project with lots of experiments going on.  The latest one is the hair one to see how long it is going to take for the chemo to get my hair follicles and if all of my hair is going to fall out and when it is going to start growing back.  At any rate, sorry you have joined us but you will find lots of support and a good place to vent.
Chemo 4/24/2012Taxotere/Cytoxan X 6 & Herceptin B-47 clinical trial:4/24.5/15.6/5/,6/26,7/17.8/7. DX 2/17/2012 Encapsulated DCIS 4cm/IDC 2cm, ER+/PR-/HER2- (+1), Stage IIb, Grade 3,0/5 Nodes
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Jun 20, 2012 11:30 AM camillegal wrote:

Firestorm-Yes it is a coffee enema--that thru me too and according to Law and Order criminal Intent that could be dangerous--I'm so educated in these facts, but the vegan stuff sounds good, so I'd skip the enema part if I were u. And yes my cat found it--she kept on kneading under my one boob all the time and Id' mover her and she went right back and I felt it and a huge lump (like the size of an orange) was there now remember this since I'm older they were sagy anyway so it covered it--and she lift my boob up with her nose--I really thought she was extremely perverted but actually she drew attention to it so I had a dble mast and lots of problems and I'm still miserable LOL. I just got out of the hospital after 6 or 5 days from SE but the good thing is I am now sure my cat isn't perverted--what a relief.

And it sounds like we are kind of a lazy bunch not gettingeverything done when we are supposed to--well me anyway but we're here to complain or anything else we wish to do

Dx 2007, Stage IV, HER2+
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Jun 20, 2012 02:31 PM firestorm531 wrote:

Lost - I was supposed to have my 'baseline' LAST year (not that they would've found it) but like you, I figured meh, there's ZERO history in my family.  We just don't do cancer in my family, the men just like to have heart attacks.  My first clue probably should've been that I'm the ONLY member in my family that is asthmatic.  LOL  leave it to me to decide to be booberific too.

Melrose - you are a brave one indeed!  But you know, the curious side of me thinks what you're doing is super interesting.  Of course, I'm also the sicko that is sharing pics of Mildred like she's some beloved in-law.  Yes, its my boob BUT LOOK!  Isn't that thing wild looking?!?!?! I'm sure my father is probably muttering 'TMI' over and over again, but even that makes makes me laugh and makes this situation easier to bare.

 Cami - Seriously?  Mainlining organic Kona not so bueno huh?  I'll take any evidence that sounds remotely sound because I DO NOT want that action.  I'm no where near desperate enough for that strangeness!!!  LOL  But I do like the idea of 2 weeks in honolulu :D  Did the cat acquire any fun nicknames?  I'm sorry, but I'd be thinking your cat was a perv too, thankful or not ;-)

PS - we're not lazy, we were just waiting for a REAL challenge ;-)   

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2
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Jun 20, 2012 02:47 PM lostinmo wrote:

firestorm we must have posted at the same time this morning, because I had to go back and figure out the coffee enema. One of my friends sent me a link to the Gerson Therapy right after I my DX. I went with an open mind until I got to the coffee part. I think I'll stick to drinking mine! It cracks me up sharing your picture of Mildred, I can't make heads or tails out of my copy of my mammo. If you get bored come on over to the 2012 Sisters under the IDC forum we would enjoy the company.

Wanda peelouttahere.com/
Dx 3/7/2012, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, ER+/PR-, HER2-Chemotherapy 03/30/2012 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Taxol
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Jun 20, 2012 03:26 PM Melrosemelrose wrote:

Firestorm- So when is Mildred having her "coming out" party?  Soon I hope!!! No Gerson therapy for me--- I'm drinking that coffee!!!
Chemo 4/24/2012Taxotere/Cytoxan X 6 & Herceptin B-47 clinical trial:4/24.5/15.6/5/,6/26,7/17.8/7. DX 2/17/2012 Encapsulated DCIS 4cm/IDC 2cm, ER+/PR-/HER2- (+1), Stage IIb, Grade 3,0/5 Nodes
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Jun 20, 2012 03:38 PM Kelloggs wrote:

Firestorm - you crack me up!  I have a black cat that my girls and I randomly renamed "Boob" about 6 months before I found my lump (her name has always been Zoey).  Coincidence?  Cami will probably say no......LOL
Kelly
Dx 10/18/2011, IDC, 1cm, Grade 2, 5/8 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+Surgery 10/25/2011 Lumpectomy (Left); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Left)Chemotherapy 12/08/2011 carboplatin, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 12/08/2011 HerceptinHormonal Therapy 05/01/2012 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 05/01/2012 External
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Jun 20, 2012 03:38 PM Ellendou wrote:

Welcome Firestorm - my story is mine was found through a regular scheduled Mammogram....I have IDC in the left side and ILC on the right side, have had my lumpectomys and SDB and now starting Chemo on Friday.  I'm older than most on here 66..years young.

Dx 5/3/2012, 1cmDx IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, HER2-Dx ILC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, HER2-Radiation Therapy ExternalSurgery 05/17/2012 Lumpectomy (Both); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Both)Chemotherapy 06/22/2012 Cytoxan, Taxotere
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Jun 20, 2012 03:45 PM marie5890 wrote:

Firestorm...I knew you would be in good hands with these ladies Cool

I tend not to post too much in the forums outside of the "Not Diagnosed but Worried" section so you wont see me too much outside of there. But I will be lurking to see how you are doing and how treatment is going for you. 

This isnt the most pleasant of life's "bend in the road" (infact it sucks) ---but for many women it is at least  do-able at some level.

Prayers! and Warmest of wishes and thoughts.  

Nov. '10 Mammo,U/S, MRI showed suspicious 9mm x15mm mass . Jan '11 Biopsy Dx-ed a PASH tumor (rare, but benign tumor)....All I ask is for peace and serenity to the depths of my soul. Makes the rest of life more live-able.
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Jun 20, 2012 07:20 PM camillegal wrote:

Ellendo I'm older than u hahaha--wait what am I so cheery about--EEk I'm older than 66, not pleasant but still here.

And Firestorm yes my cat has many nicnames, none of which I can post on this board--we're a crude bunch.

Well I think I'll have some coffee now oops I mean drink coffee now.

Dx 2007, Stage IV, HER2+
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Jun 20, 2012 09:30 PM damiana9 wrote:

Hello- I was just diagnosed with ductal carcinoma this afternoon.  I don't know ANYTHING else, but they said that the rest of the information will be trickeling in... I have an appt with a breast oncology surgeon next week.

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Jun 20, 2012 09:37 PM camillegal wrote:

Sorry Damiana that u'r here but welcom----so many will come on and talk u thru this, I'm sorry I don't know much--didn't want to but u should I guess so there will be more to help u out.

Dx 2007, Stage IV, HER2+
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Jun 20, 2012 09:54 PM kltb04 wrote:

firestorm - welcome...you seem like you have a great outlook!

My story is that I went for my annual ob/gyn visit (hadn't had a baseline yet even though my NP encouraged them from about age 36) and my NP found a "ridge" that she felt I should get checked out but because of my age (38), lack of family history, etc...she felt it "was no hurry".  Um, yeah right!  I made the appt that day for my diagnositic mammo and it was a long 10 days.  Even then, as much of a hypochondriac as I am, I was making plans in my head to have a little "oh thank goodness this appt is over with" party when the radiologist came and and told me I needed a biopsy but I was at the least "looking at a little surgery" (yeah right).  Biopsy next day, confirmed the cancer the NEXT day and the rest is history.  

I am having neoadjuvant chemo (before surgery) but already had 3 surgeries (after never having more than my wisdom teeth out) - a sentinel node biopsy, a port insertion surgery, and another surgery to clean up an infection at the biopsy site.  Am halfway through chemo.  Well 5/8 of the way through.  It's a long road but it's doable with the great folks on these boards. :)

Dx 2/17/2012, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 1/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+Surgery 02/27/2012 Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Chemotherapy 03/19/2012 Adriamycin, CytoxanChemotherapy 06/11/2012 Taxotere
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Jun 22, 2012 07:27 PM firestorm531 wrote:

LOL  You ladies crack me up!  I love all these stories and hope that they will keep coming :)

damiana - that's right, the info sorta trickles in.  I just found out yesterday that I'm ER/PR positive but HER2 negative...  Luckily for me, the cancer 'goodie' bag came with a stress ball that I'll be able to throw at my husband every time he mouths off while I go through menopause again for the third time!  LOL Hey!  I'll take my blessings in whatever form they come in LOLOL

kit - I've had wisdom teeth out, its no walk in the park...especially when you have it done at 40!  *rolls eyes*  So lame, like OMG.  ;-)

Cami - PM me those cat names!  lol  The suspense is killing me hehehe

Marie - you're always welcome to make an appearance in threads, no matter where they may show up next!

Ellen - my goodness, you are a multi-talented one, aren't you?!?!?!  IDC and ILC WOW!

Kelloggs - I could totally see myself calling one of my pets BOOB!  'Come here ya BOOB!'  If only I hadn't already nicknamed my standard poodle 'Moose'...  Hmmmmm maybe its time for another pet.  

Melrose - I'm hoping Mildred will make her grand exit in about 3 weeks.  I'm not scheduled to have my MRI/CT/PET scans until this upcoming Wednesday and Thursday, then it'll be a week until all the results are back.  And just what is the 'kit' that comes home before the CT/PET scan party?  Did the swish/spit test yesterday and am now sitting back wondering if I'm going to get the $375 bill for that or the 'your insurance doesn't cover that test, how do you feel about paying $3,000?' phone call.  LOL Why yes, medical field - money DOES grow on trees *blink blink*  NOT!

 Coffee anyone?  bwaaaahaahaaaa  sorry!  I couldn't help it...it was one of those days where my phone wouldn't stop ringing and well, I'm just twisted like that ;-) 

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 22, 2012 07:40 PM Melrosemelrose wrote:

Firestorm- Funny you should ask about the CT/PET scan kit.   Since I had a nuclear one and not the dye one, i was told I could drink coffee (just black, no sugar) the morning of my scan.  Got to love that coffee!!!!  Of course the nuclear one was more expensive and of course my insurance initially denied coverage of that test before I had it!!! 
Chemo 4/24/2012Taxotere/Cytoxan X 6 & Herceptin B-47 clinical trial:4/24.5/15.6/5/,6/26,7/17.8/7. DX 2/17/2012 Encapsulated DCIS 4cm/IDC 2cm, ER+/PR-/HER2- (+1), Stage IIb, Grade 3,0/5 Nodes
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Jun 22, 2012 07:47 PM firestorm531 wrote:

So if I wanna do a stint as smurfette I should opt for the dye test?!?!?!  LOLOL

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 22, 2012 08:43 PM Melrosemelrose wrote:

firestorm- If you have always wanted to be blue, go for the contrast dye!!! LOL ..... BTW where are you in Texas?
Chemo 4/24/2012Taxotere/Cytoxan X 6 & Herceptin B-47 clinical trial:4/24.5/15.6/5/,6/26,7/17.8/7. DX 2/17/2012 Encapsulated DCIS 4cm/IDC 2cm, ER+/PR-/HER2- (+1), Stage IIb, Grade 3,0/5 Nodes
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Jun 22, 2012 09:23 PM firestorm531 wrote:

Closer than you think!  LOLOL

BIRADS5; 1.8cm irregular mass w/vascularity & 3 lymph nodes w/thickened cortices. Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 22, 2012 11:31 PM camillegal wrote:

firestorm--how can u remember what everyone said--u'r magical to those of us who can't -well at least to me, but then again look at my Avatar. And those names are disgusting believe me. But then again so is my family

Dx 2007, Stage IV, HER2+
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Jun 23, 2012 12:27 AM firestorm531 wrote:

Cam - that's an easy one to answer ;-)  Because I haven't started treatment yet!  Cool

Names woman!  I need names!  LOLOL 

Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 23, 2012 10:33 AM firestorm531 wrote:

Cami - I like the BB one the best...it has a nice ring to it LOLOL

Don't run until you know you're being chased - Steve (my father)
Dx 6/19/2012, IDC, 2cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 23, 2012 10:28 PM JamieB86 wrote:

Hi Firestorm - here's my story

43 years old - 1st mammo ever finds micro calcs -given option to biopsy or wait 6 mos - waited 6 mos for follow up mammo to find more calcs - BS thinks its nothing but biopsies anyway.  DCIS is found.  But don't worry, I'm told, its the good kind of cancer to get.  Nothing but the best for me!!

1st lumpectomy very small clear margins so doc wants to re-excise.  More DCIS found - no clear margins.  After talking with a PS, I decide to have a UMX.  Good thing, since more DCIS was found throughout the breast.  Nothing showed up on any test except the original mirco-calc.

So while I am currently a work-in-progress (exchange surgery in August) I am grateful it was found before it became invasive.

And about that coffee - I was at a party just after being diagnosed, still not sure what was in store for me, a complete stranger comes up and says, "Are you the one with the lump?" Nice huh? Anyway, turns out her mom did the coffee route, and 20 years later, the Big C is back. I ran away to find a glass of wine asap.  Stayed clear of her for the rest of the night.

Dx 11/30/2011, DCIS, 6cm+, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-

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