Hi everyone. I am Cath from Prague. Two weeks ago I was happy, Irish type fun loving and partying, hard working 53 year old who spent every Friday and Saturday with my adopted grandson (he is seven and we have been life buddies since his Mom arrived at my doorstep when he was 8 months old with no food , money or any place to live). 16 days ago I had my first mam0graphie, 1/2 hour later sonargraphie, 1 hour later biopsy. 14 days later I find I am stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. The report is in Czech so I can't tell you anymore but on October 12 I will know more I hope. death sentence or life sentence. The emotional roller-coaster is awful and I know the treatment will be even worse and all the time I just worry who will look after Patrik if something happens to me. His parents are dysfunctional alot!!! and I am the only stable adult in his life. I drink and I smoke -- will quit in the next 2-3 days. I am not ready just yet. I can't sleep. My day today was fluctuating between planning my funeral and then in the next 2 minutes willing me strength I know I don't have to survive and then falling down and crying again. How will I get through this. and who will take care of Patrik?? This is so awful. I know I am in shock. Please God don't let me die. and please give the strength to find a way to stop all harmful lifestyle concerns so I give myself a fighting chane to overcome this cancer at least for a few years. Please God look after Patrik if anything happens to me. My hearts prays and thoughts are with everyone else going through the same experience. Angels where are they?? Cath
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HelenaJ Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 790 |
Oct 2, 2009 07:30 pm, edited Oct 2, 2009 07:30 PM
by HelenaJ
HelenaJ wrote:
Cath honey, So sorry you have to be here. My sister was diagnosed at 35 with stage 3 IDC - she is now 10 years NED (no evidence of disease) and a single mom of a 13 year old daughter - her daugher was 3 when she was diagnosed. There is a future, there is hope. You ARE in shock. The first few months are a nightmare but once you get some more information then you can put in place a treatment plan and get some control back. Things will move pretty quickly and keep you busy. It might help to get something from your doctor to help you sleep during this tough time, sleep deprivation is so common and can really stuff you around. And you know what ... this place is full of beautiful ladies, real life angels, who can help you through. I'm not advocating smoking or drinking (although I love my wine) but don't be too hard on yourself at the moment. Big big hugs Helena Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength - Invasive Papillary Carcinoma, ITC's, Oncotype score 6
Diagnosis: 10/28/2008, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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mawhinney Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 630 |
Oct 2, 2009 07:57 pm
mawhinney wrote:
All of us were scared, shocked, and worried when we were first diagnosed. I turned my attention into educating myself about breast cancer. I gathered a wealth of help from cancer groups. Many provided written info while others were able to put me touch with women that had gone through surgery similar to what I was facing. I contacted 2 nurses I barely knew and they proved to be of tremendous help to me. They gave me the names of doctors & care centers & shared their personal experiences. I a practical person so while waiting for surgery I used my time to stock my pantry & freezer with food items and things such as paper products so that I wouldn't need to do a big shopping after surgery. I also bought heavy items such as laundry detergent, juice, bottled drinks - heavy things that I might have trouble lifting right after surgery. Take care! Diagnosis: 5/18/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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victoriasec… Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 92 |
Oct 2, 2009 08:11 pm
victoriasecret wrote:
dear cath so sorry you are going through this ..i am a stage3 sister and i know what you are going through !! hang in there !! starting this journey is the toughest part ...Hugz to you in Prague..from canada... much love Cheryl Diagnosis: 6/15/2009, ILC, 6cm+, Stage IIIc, Grade 2, 11/25 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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paris1926 Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 27 |
Oct 2, 2009 09:58 pm
paris1926 wrote:
Hello Dear Sister! DON"T despair. First of all I'm VERY impressed with the speed of the Czech Health Care System. I am in a Francisco, Ca , BUT originally from Belgrade, former Yugoslavia where my family (my parents) still live. I have been bounced from one test to another for the past two months and still don't have my diagnoses. My parents keep telling me to go home and get treatment there --and, I am beginning to wonder if Europe is still ages ahead !!! You will find the string ht to pull through!!! I"M SURE...This is not a death sentence. There are many options available and you can live for many years as well as get cured !!! Don't panic! You are going to be around for Patrik, BUT first you must TAKE GOOD CARE of YOURSELF. Sending you hugs and good wishes. Your sister, Ana |
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Karen3 Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 133 |
Oct 3, 2009 02:17 am
Karen3 wrote:
Hi Sweetheart - your mind is jumping all over the place at the moment - I had a similar diagnosis on 8th September and so much has happened between now and then! I too planned my funeral but now I think NO WAY! I am not ready for that! You must start taking on board that (though grade 3 like mine) it is treatable. Thank God! Treatment for me has been a whirlwind - I have had so many tests and the wait for those coming back has been hard. I have aleady started my chemo. I am a 46 year old sinlgle mum with the most wonderful son who needs me. There is NO WAY I am ready to shed this mortal coil yet! So, I'm going to fight. You will find, that we are all fighters on here! You have a lot to come to terms with right now but your path will become clear and your sisters on here will support you all the way! Sending love and peace on a very windy cold morning in England. Karen XXXXXXX. Diagnosis: 9/8/2009, IDC, 3cm, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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sharingwith… Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 20 |
Oct 4, 2009 10:01 am
sharingwithu wrote:
Hi Cath, So sorry to "invite" you to our club...but what amazing, wonderful, caring women you'll find here!!! You sound like such a caring and giving person!!! Taking in Patrik's mom...nurturing little Patrik!! This is unique...a wonderful humane answer to another person's suffering. You're in shock!!! Panic!!! I know...I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago...at least I think that's when I found out. First...it's normal and perfectly fine to feel and express panic!!!!!!!! We are here for you...vent, ask questions, describe how you're feeling...we're here and will respond. Receiving the diagnosis that you have cancer turns your whole world inside-out and up-side down. Everything feels crazy!!! Every feeling you have is perfectly normal. The most important thing to remember is to express your feelings...and get as much info as you can...join a support group...reach-out and give back to this forum...remarkable women. We are all sisters...instant sisters. We are all fighting our personal battle and we're also fighting our collective battle. Go with how you're feeling at the moment. Don't push your feelings down. You sound like a fantastic, GIVING person. Now it's time for you to allow people to help you!! Think positive thoughts...feels a lot better than freaking out, but then again, freaking out is a part of a long process. Know that there's a 59 year old lady from New Jersey, USA thinking about you. Send me an e-mail. Maybe we can become e-mail pals! ubehpy2003@aol.com sharingwithu |
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cathmoss Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 |
Nov 3, 2009 11:36 am
cathmoss wrote:
Dear friends Thanks very much for all your support and help. I have just got back one day ago from the operation. It is so good to be back home from the hospital. Now I am waiting to hear what happens next. I am lucky my young adopted grandson Patrik is staying with me now. he is areally an angel and very special to me and great to see him as he goes to sleep and sing to him and to rise with him and play in the morning. Helps alot. I am still scared and worry a bit for the future but I am trying to enjoy every hour of every day. Hope each of you are doing well as can be expected and have all the friends and support you need. Take care. Cath How is everyone else doing?/ Diagnosis: 10/1/2009, IDC, 1cm |
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