I was given the news from my doctor around 5:00p.m. today. I'm in shock and terrified! I had a biopsy on Friday and had high hopes that it wasn't cancer! There's never been any cancer in my family, I don't smoke, don't drink and never used drugs. The only slight risks I have are having my first child over the age of 31 and many years of oral contraceptive use. I'm seeking any info. I can get! My doctor said I need to have surgery as soon as possible! I meet with her in the morning.
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larousse Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 280 |
May 13, 2008 11:51 pm, edited May 13, 2008 11:52 PM
by larousse
larousse wrote:
Tammy, so sorry, it is a horrible moment for you to be in. But you found the right place. There are many here who have been in your shoes and will be able to help you. You can only take on this thing one step at a time once you are over the initial shock.
Dx 12/31/2007, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, / nodes, ER+/PR+ |
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therese71 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 4 |
May 13, 2008 11:52 pm
therese71 wrote:
Hi Tammy, I just posted to another discussion, but I am in the same boat- just received the phone call at 6:58 pm cst tonight- How old are you? I am 36 with 2 kids, 4 and 8 years old. All I know so far is Invasive with positive margins. I am so scared, scared for me, for my husband, for my kids. |
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larousse Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 280 |
May 14, 2008 12:06 am
larousse wrote:
Therese, oh you also must feel so scared tonight. Keep reading these boards, they may give you some comfort when you find out how many women are doing well during and after treatments. Most move on with their lives after a tough chapter in their lives. It sucks but luckily there are many ways to fight this disease. Hugs. Dx 12/31/2007, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, / nodes, ER+/PR+ |
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therese71 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 4 |
May 14, 2008 12:11 am
therese71 wrote:
Thank you for your kind words... This website is my new best friend:) It helps so much to read what others have been through before me... |
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larousse Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 280 |
May 14, 2008 12:20 am
larousse wrote:
The info and support you will get overhere is rather incredible. I hope that you will find some peace of mind and get some rest, it is late where I am. If anxiety is too much, your doc can help with some mild meds (anti-anxiety) to help get you through the first few days of waiting for complete diagnostic. Once you know, you will feel more in control and most likely be reassured. Best. Dx 12/31/2007, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, / nodes, ER+/PR+ |
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drcrisc Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 237 |
May 14, 2008 02:03 am
drcrisc wrote:
Tammy - so sorry you have to join us, but this is my best "medicine". If you get more info tomorrow from your surgeon on your pathology from the biopsy, let us know. We can at least help with info. Therese - I saw yours on another thread also and wanted to tell you there is a great thread for young moms with kids. It is on the Young Women topic and call "Under 40 with young children". I have found it very helpful, but almost any thread can be helpful right now. Post your results also and we can help fill in some of the blanks. Keeping you both in good thoughts... Cristine ~ Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape!
Dx 3/24/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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lisa39 Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 90 |
May 14, 2008 08:47 am
lisa39 wrote:
Tammy and Therese, I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was where you are last November. Diagnosed with BC at the age of 38 and terrified for my two sons (ages 7 and 5) and my husband. I had a lumpectomy one week before Christmas and began chemotherapy on Feb. 8. Fast-forward to now... I have 3 more chemo treatments to go and then 4 weeks of radiation. I am also on Herceptin and will be until at least April of '09. Looking back at the past few months, where you both are now is the WORST TIME. So much uncertainty and fear - about the future, about how advanced the cancer might be, about the family and how to tell them. But it DOES get better. Now that my chemo is more than 50% done, I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I feel more positive about the future and less frightened. I can see a time in the near future when this will be over and I can get back to my regular life. If you can try to remember that as you start this terrible journey, maybe it will help you. I sure hope it does. Best of luck, Lisa Dx 11/29/2007, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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suemed8749 Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 306 |
May 14, 2008 05:16 pm
suemed8749 wrote:
Therese and Tammy: I am so sorry that you have both gotten this diagnosis, but I'm glad you found this website. Your families and friends will give you great comfort and support, but the women on the site will understand your fears and will offer you wisdom and advice that only someone who has gone through this can. Right now is the worst time for you both. It will be better when you have more details of your diagnosis and begin to put your treatment plans in place. You can do this! And there will be women here to help you along every step in the way. You are in my prayers - Sue Dx 1/15/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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angie27 Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 523 |
May 14, 2008 05:39 pm
angie27 wrote:
Therese and Tammy, I am very sorry, about your news, however here you will find step by step all of the information and support that you need right now, also do keep your family and friends around you, and most importantly have faith in God, he is always with us. I was diagnosed in December 07, had lumpectomy 2/27 no clear margins, had mastectomy 3./18, and now chemo Iam on tx2, I have two more treatments to go, and then on to taxol and herceptin. Just take it one step at a time, just like I did, Did I was terrify? Yes, I was I cry and cry, but as I went alone I ask God to give the strength that I needed to fight this horrible disease, and also keep a positive atittude and you will succeed. I wish you guys the best, and please come back here anytime, we are here for you. Love and hugs to both of you. "Each day is a gift from God: that's why we call it the present"
Dx 12/18/2007, IDC, 4cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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gramma23 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 50 |
May 15, 2008 09:02 am
gramma23 wrote:
I too have just found out I have breast cancer. I found a lump just after Christmas and thought it was the fibrocystic lumps I have had before but then this one felt different. I did not run to the doctor because the last one I did and they did not even see it on the mamogram or ultra sound. They said it was just some thick mucus membrane. I have fibromyalgia and so I figured this was making sense. My arm pit started swelling one night after I had taken care of a baby and holding and playing with him made it sore so I knew that was different. I am almost 61 years old and should know better! anyway they have done a needle biopsy and I am due for an MRI next Friday 23rd. I don't dread that but I am ready to get on with the treatment but I have not told my children yet. I am waiting until I know something from the MRI and getting graduation over too. My youngest son was getting his BS degree and one of my grandsons is graduationg from a Tech school and also High School I don't want to spoil that time for them. If I was just not doing anything about it right now i would be worried but I am doing what the doc tells me so I leave the rest in God's hands. I guess I came here just to be able to say it to someone other than my husband. My fear is the kids finding out and knowing I have not told them yet. |
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Urbie Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 144 |
May 15, 2008 09:23 am
Urbie wrote:
Well my heart goes out to all three of you, and to the many "just diagnosed" folks out there. As others have said, you are all at the absolute worst part right now. I was diagnosed July 26 2007, had bilateral mastectomy (mostly for peace of mind) with immediate reconstruction (tissue expanders placed at time of surgery). I started chemo (4 tx Taxotere/Cytoxan) in early October and going in for my first hair cut today! I too have two small children (6 & 8) and the whole experience was very hard, but at the end of the day, I feel I am a better person for having gone through it. And I KNOW that I am a better mother to my children. Every day is precious and I know that now. It is a hard road to travel, but if you stay strong and fight to win, I believe that you will. My prayers to you all. Dx 7/26/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Sassa Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 325 |
May 15, 2008 11:45 am
Sassa wrote:
All of us in this section of the board have been where you are now. Hold on, it does get better when you find out your final diagnosis and have a treatment plan. {{{Hugs}}} Dx 12/6/2006, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/9 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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Shirlann Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 6054 |
May 15, 2008 06:00 pm
Shirlann wrote:
Hi ladies, you do all know that 90% of us will be well for at least 5 years, and longer? I am 9 years post treatment and just fine. This is an ugly, scary journey, and I am so sorry you are here, but try not to get to upset, many thousand of us have been down the road and are just fine. The "oldies" don't post often, so it looks kinda grim. But all the women I started with have moved on with their lives. I stay in touch with some of them, but most are young and busy. So don't freak out, you will very likely be just fine. Gentle hugs, Shirlann |
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gramma23 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 50 |
May 16, 2008 07:32 am
gramma23 wrote:
Thanks for the encouragement. I know I will fight and I am a strong old lady. I just hope all that is just diag will feel the same. I do feel bad for those with small children. I can imagine how scary that can be. I have children and grandchildren that I need to be around for also. gramma23 |
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Kerry71 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 2 |
May 20, 2008 05:21 pm
Kerry71 wrote:
hi there, My name is Kerry,, I am 36 years old ,divorced and have 2 children 14 (leon), and 12(Emmy). I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 weeks ago, I had felt a lump in my breast ,went to the doctor the day after and straight to the hospital, by the end of that first day, i had heard that it wasnt looking good. 3 days later i get my results,, it is malignant, so i needed surgery. 2 weeks later i was operated on(first they found the sentinel nodes). so the tumor was removed and 2 lymf nodes, that was 11 days ago, I am actually writing this from my hospital bed, as I got my results back yesterday from the lymf nodes,, they were positive, so now i,m lying here having had a 2nd op to remove all lymf nodes, I also know that I have grade 3 breast cancer and the tumor was 1,2 cm,, so that is quite small? What a Roller coaster ride this is,, absolutely unbelievable,, 36 years old and breast cancer,, it hasnt really truly hit me yet, but as the days go by,, i think more and more about my kids and what must be going through their head whilst i am lying here in hospital again. I know now that i will be recieving chemo, adiation therapy and hormone treatment,, so they are throwing everything at it. this is just the beginning for me, i just needed to get this off my chest, take care everybody, be safe kerry |
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lbmt Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 36 |
May 20, 2008 05:42 pm
lbmt wrote:
kerry this is a great place to air out everything and we will be here for you thru the whole journey if you ever need you can email me at buddybear@mtintouch.net i was dx just over a year ago, i had mast. and chemo i was in the hospital alot also, because my biospy got infected before the rest of it ever started, does your kids have any support system? church? family? that they can talk to? there are some good resourses out there and the chat room is a great place to go. we are here, please come in again and let us know how u r feeling you will be in my prayers. hugs, laurie laurie banks,,lbmt
Dx 11/11/2006, IDC, 4cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/15 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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Kim1965 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 9 |
May 20, 2008 07:54 pm
Kim1965 wrote:
Hi Kerry, I'm new to the club too. Just diagnosed on 5/15. All I know so far is that it's invasive, the tumor was .7mm (<1cm), and i'm ER and PR positive. I have a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy scheduled for June 2nd. I am 42 years old, single, no kids. Both of my older sisters died of the disease, diagnosed at 35 and 37 years old. My oldest sister had inflammatory, the worst kind, and lived 4 years from diagnosis...died at 42. My other sister lived 10 years...she died at 45. Both had lymph nodes involved. As you can imagine, I'm a bundle of nervous. Two weeks ago, I was stressing about not having a pair of red peep toe pumps..now I spend every waking moment googling "breast cancer". You're not alone. I will pray for you. |
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vermont Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1 |
May 21, 2008 06:58 pm
vermont wrote:
Hi, I found this website while researching bc. I, too, just found out. I am 46 and an athlete preparing for my racing season. I am just blown away. My biopsy revealed 4.4 cm of microcalcifications stage III dcis that she doesn't think is invasive but will do a sentinel node biopsy. She really gave me no choice but told me I needed a mastectomy as I am "petite breasted." Should I go for a second opinion or is this standard? People are telling me this is drastic for dcis but the doctor was so adament. I am sorry for everyone who is going through this. I have two teenage daughters (one with epilepsy) and a husband who survived the most aggressive form of brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme) althought he has some impairments. Could they be related? I am sorry. I am rambling but on the off chance someone has something similar...Thanks |
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:37 pm, edited May 21, 2008 07:42 PM
by ehall
ehall wrote:
This Post was deleted by ehall.
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:37 pm
ehall wrote:
Hi there--I was too was diagnosed with the same at age 46 in September 07. I sought out 3 breast care specialists with varying opinions. I gathered all the facts, sought out women in similiar circumtances, and most, importantly, outlined my goals. In a nutshell, I wanted lowest possible reoccurance/risk, symmentry and best cosmetic outcome, no treatments that would compromise or risk future risk (ex: radiation would limit options if a future mastectomy had to be done due to reoccurence), and peace of mind. I also consulted with several plastic surgeons. To make a long story short--I did exhaustive research and ultimately decided on a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction through the latissmis dorso procedure. Its been a along 8 months...but one I have never regretted. My best advice--get a second opinion, do your research on the options, and don't panic. Feel free to contact me via email for anything.... swanhall@bellsouth.net Erin |
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:37 pm, edited May 21, 2008 07:43 PM
by ehall
ehall wrote:
This Post was deleted by ehall.
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:38 pm, edited May 21, 2008 07:44 PM
by ehall
ehall wrote:
This Post was deleted by ehall.
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:38 pm, edited May 21, 2008 07:43 PM
by ehall
ehall wrote:
This Post was deleted by ehall.
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ehall Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 205 |
May 21, 2008 07:38 pm
ehall wrote:
Hi there--I was too was diagnosed with the same at age 46 in September 07. I sought out 3 breast care specialists with varying opinions. I gathered all the facts, sought out women in similiar circumtances, and most, importantly, outlined my goals. In a nutshell, I wanted lowest possible reoccurance/risk, symmentry and best cosmetic outcome, no treatments that would compromise or risk future risk (ex: radiation would limit options if a future mastectomy had to be done due to reoccurence), and peace of mind. I also consulted with several plastic surgeons. To make a long story short--I did exhaustive research and ultimately decided on a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction through the latissmis dorso procedure. Its been a along 8 months...but one I have never regretted. My best advice--get a second opinion, do your research on the options, and don't panic. Feel free to contact me via email for anything.... swanhall@bellsouth.net Erin |
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Dansmom Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 65 |
May 21, 2008 08:29 pm
Dansmom wrote:
I was in your shoes 3 months ago. It really is the worst time. Some things that helped me - some women want to know every single thing about the disease, their options, the future. some (like me) just wanted to do what the dr. said to do - no questions asked. Figure out which you are - they are both OK. A friend told me the Buddhists have a saying - "live this like all other experiences." In the middle of all of this you can feel lucky - maybe it's early, maybe you have health insurance, maybe your friend has a brain tumor, maybe ... whatever. You can be lucky and it still sucks! If you talk to people you may find - as I did that everyone has their own story - themselves, mother, sister, friend, neighbor. Often their reaction has more to do with their story than with you. That's just the nature of things. It's OK to tell people, "I really don't want to talk about it right now." If you can exercise - walk, yoga (very helpful to me), whatever, it helps. I found that the people I usually go to for support (husband, sisters) were the very ones who I didn't want to scare or have them know how afraid I was. I saw a counselor once a month (and will continue for a few more) - it was great to have a place where I don't know her story, don't have to worry about what she thinks - it's all about me. Dx 2/23/2008, IDC, 3cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+ |
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heidib Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 191 |
May 22, 2008 07:32 pm
heidib wrote:
Tammy, I noticed you are not back on the board. Hopefully you will read these messages and learn so much about what you have. I know this is a terrifying time for you. This board has so much good and accurate info. that it should help. Hopefully everything is going well for you. Thinking about you. Best Heidi Ain't No Such Thing as a Free Lunch :)
Dx 2/14/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 2/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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starr Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1 |
May 24, 2008 08:00 pm
starr wrote:
Hi there I was dx end of April 08 and have had a bilateral Mastectomy and have just had my first round of chemo. I also have two children 5 and 8 years old. At the moment I am living day to day, some hours are good and some not so good. I also worry about my children and husband and how we are all going to cope with this treatment and disease. |
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Kerry71 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 2 |
Jun 10, 2008 07:53 am
Kerry71 wrote:
hello again, finally I am out of hospital after the 2nd operation, the removal of all lymphnodes. I had caught a bacteria in the hospital, staphylococcus bacteria, and had to stay 2 weeks, now i have a huge hole in my arm pit. I have got a V.A.C. pump. That is a sponge which they fit into a deep hole with a pump attached to it, to get rid of all the infection and to bring the hole together. Now that I have this hole in my armpit , i cannot start with the radiotherapy, so my oncologist has changed it around, I will be starting chemo therapy next week, I will be getting 4x AC, ,Once every 3weeks, after 3 months of chemo they will try to do the radiotherapy if the hole has closed, if not then i will start the next round of chemo, which is Taxol and Herceptin,, this is also once every 3 weeks. and then the radiotherapy at the end when the hole has closed. On top of this therapy I will recieve herceptin for a year, because it was her2/neu +....BUMMER!!!!!!!!! and then after all that has finished hormone therapy for 5 years. I still cannot believe all this is happening, I am so scared. My doctors tell me we are going for the cure,, and nothing less. But i realise that it will be a long ,difficult time, not only for me but for my beautiful kids(Leon 14 and Emmy 12, and for my boyfriend Ross). Life is sometimes very cruel, but on the otherhand, i think it will make me stronger as a person, if I can get through this, then i can get through anything!!!!. I,ll like to hear reactions from people who have been through the same kind of therapy and how they felt and dealt with it. also other reactions are always very welcome,, thankyou for all the kind reactions that i have already recieved,, it is very much appreciated. take care Kerry Dx 4/24/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 3, 2/12 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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