Topic: African American Women & Triple Negative Status

Nov 18, 2012 10:16 PM pinkpower78 wrote:

My name is pinkpower78 and I am 34 years old. I am an African American single mother of two children; 11 and 13 and I am the youngest child of 8. My journey started just a few months ago in August 2012, when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Grade 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, also invasive ductal carcinoma? My world, as I knew it, was over! I initially discovered the small knot back in March 2012 but circumstances prolonged my capability to get to the doctor. I relocated from Raleigh, NC to Columbus, OH after living there for 7 years. I had previously lived in Columbus for 26 years. After a failed business deal gone bad and the fact that I lived with my parents and they had filed bankruptcy and were moving back to Indiana, I stepped out on faith and moved too. I, my kids and my kid’s father moved in with my sister, her husband and their 3 kids. After a month, in April 2012; we all became homeless! My sister apparently was not using the money that I and my kid’s father were giving her to pay the rent. We all went to the YWCA homeless shelter. Because I was in between jobs and had limited funds, I could not get healthcare; hence, I could not get to the doctor to see about this knot that was now twice the size. Because my sister was evicted while I was at work, all of my things; including myself and my kid’s social security cards and birth certificates; were set outside and lost!! Because of this reason, I could not go to social services to try and get help because I had no identification. The shelter helped me get the birth certificates and social security cards, which came a month later. Moving right along, myself, my kids and my kids dad got on our feet; and with the help of the YWCA were able to secure a low income apartment, we were thrilled! With us both working, things started to get better in April 2012. In July 2012 I finally got my Medicaid card in the mail and immediately scheduled an appointment with my family doctor. 2 days before my scheduled appointment, I ended up in the ER due to severe pain in my breast. I was immediately referred for a mammogram. On August 2, 2012; the day after my oldest child became a teenager, I got the disturbing news of my mammogram results. I have since then had emergency surgery for a port and have had 3 rounds of chemotherapy. My first round of chemo was September 19th 2012; 8 days before my 34th birthday. My kid's father left and abandoned us the day before chemo started; stating that he was not ready to deal with any cancer. After my second round of chemo on October 3rd 2012, by that weekend; around October 7th 2012 I removed my head scarf to discover that all; I mean ALL of my hair was in my scarf and not on my head! Even though the oncology nurses had warned me of such, I was still devastated! Because I was not able to work anymore due to the hectic chemo schedule and the sickness that lasted for days after, I was threatened with eviction. With no money and no help in sight, my 2 children and I were forced to move in with my parents. I was very thankful for that; seeing that I was just homeless months prior. The problem was they lived in Indiana and they had a small 2 bedroom apartment. So the guilt of having to move my children now for the 3rd time this year and being crammed into one room left me feeling hopeless! Today; November 2012, I am happy to say that I have food and shelter and support from my parents and I have began chemo treatments here in Indiana. The enormous mass has shrunk a bit and I am treading along on this journey. My oncologist was concerned that the tumor was not shrinking quickly enough and referred me to a breast surgeon. I met with her last week and she suggested a single radical mastectomy, it is scheduled for next week on Thanksgiving. I am soooo nervous and anxious because she said that one possibly two of my lymph nodes are swollen and that may indicate involvement. In addition to that, my hemoglobin is 7.9 and I may have to have a blood transfusion on Monday if it hasn’t gone up to at least 10. Has anyone out there had a blood transfusion or a mastectomy?  So sorry for writing a book but I am in such a panic for a number of reasons! I always bragged to people that I have never been in a physical fight in all my life but I tell ya I am in the fight of my life!!!! I have to survive to be here for my kids! I just need encouragement! I am praying for us all that a cure will be found!!!

Dec 16, 2012 12:58 AM, edited Dec 16, 2012 01:11 AM by JourneyNC

Happy Holidays! 

Hope everyone is in good spirits as it has been some time since logging into this site.  Life's energy has kept me moving and shaking.  I'm being checked every 6 mos now and God is Able to keep me moving. 

To those going through something right now...You will Get Through!!  Take one day at a time and talk to God.  Let him guide you through and be at peace so you don't stress yourself more than you have to.  It may be a long road for some, but know that someone is Praying for you and keeping you in Prayer.  Most importantly keep up the good fight and understand your prognosis.  Ask many questions as this will help in your fight.

Take Care~

DCIS-MI (ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion)
Dx 3/25/2009, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

Jan 19, 2013 08:58 PM patoo wrote:

Hi friends.  I've been off the boards for several months but did miss you all.  Praying that everyone who has gone/is going through treatments are faring well.  I am a little over 4 years from Dx and all continues to be well.  Let's all try and check in occasionally to let others know we care.

Blessings.

Apr 6, 2013 01:03 PM lLinda wrote:

Hello to all my friends,

I have missed you all greatly, and keep this group in my prayers.

I am doing well and can't complain.

November 17th 2012  I'm a 14 survivor and Thank God everyday.  Since I can't remember the last time I was on--- Jan 3, 2102, after a Pet scan. it showed neg for any Cancer.  I have been beside myself with joy!!!!!  Ok, I still have Herceptin once every 3 weeks , Dr wants that I be on it as long as my body tolerates it as a Maintance Med.  I am ok and pray one day I won,t have to do this.

I hope that all of you are doing at best as can be.  For all the new people i have not met,

one day I hope to be on again, as I have had lots to share and miss supporting anyone.

Pull me up if they still have me in and check some of my posts

Patoo, Indomitable, Rogam and anyone I didn't name----Stay Blessed and keep on keeping on.   Same for all of you on this journey!!!

I must go now, til next time!

Linda C.

May 23, 2013 10:02 PM rogam wrote:

Hello Ladies. Patoo, ILinda and all others.. I am doing very well. I just realized I had not been here in quite some time. I must do better on the check in process. I pray for continued healing...Take care everyone!

May 23, 2013 10:13 PM rogam wrote:

Patoo..lol that was quick :). Yes I was just thinking about my reconstruction which was 2 years ago this same time and checked in.. I am glad you are doing well. Take care.