Topic: Newcomer of Breast Cancer at stage III
Log in to post a replyPosts: 5
- Posted on: May 12, 2008 10:42 pm
Hello everyone:
Im a new diagnosed pt with stage III breast cancer...I dont know if its a stage IIIa or b. Ive been quite nervous, unsure if its all true, confused, just totally lost with the news. Im 32 yrs old with 4 children and 3 that are foster but soon to be adopted in 9 mos. I am determined to FIGHT with all my MIGHT. Ive been quite nervous lately because of the heated pain in my upper back area near neck too. Should this be brought up to my onc?
I had 7 lumps removed from lymphnode 6 that were cancerous. 3 were removed from left breast. Largest was a 4.0 cm Am I going to end up with a masectomy? Is there anyway to avoid a masectomy?
Onc said that I would possibly do 1 year of chemo and radiation. Thats a long time compare to other stories I read.
Im so Confused and Lost...
Mia~~
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formygirls Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 211 |
May 12, 2008 10:57 pm, edited May 12, 2008 10:58 PM
by formygirls
formygirls wrote:
Mia, Welcome to this group. The initial days are confusing and it will get better once you have a tx plan. I feel like an old timer and was only diagnosed 02/28. I am 36 with two beautiful girls. Treatment varies for everybody. I am stage IIIB/C and and my tx involves 4 months of chemo and 8 weeks of radiation. Some patients get Herceptin for a year if they are Her2+. You should bring up all pains to my onc. Most of the time it is nothing but it good to tell your onc everything so they can check it out. On your question regarding mast vs lump that will depend on you and your onc and if your surgeon was able to get clean margins. There is no one answer for everyone. In my case I do not have a choice and will be getting a bilat mast after my chemo is completed. Good luck. Dx 2/22/2008, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIb, Grade 3, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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MissShapen Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 3841 |
May 13, 2008 12:33 am
MissShapen wrote:
Hi Mia, I'm so sorry you are starting this new adventure at such a young age. I'm glad you found us, though. Stick around and read and educate yourself as much as possible. You should be able to join a group of women on the chemo thread and you'll be amazed how much you'll help each other get through the days of treatment. I know the anxiety is so terrible in the beginning. Hopefully, you'll be able to find some peace.... do you have anyone with you to help with all the kids? Hang in there.... it will get better! Miss S Dx 11/9/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 7/31 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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Diana63 Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 292 |
May 13, 2008 03:17 am
Diana63 wrote:
Hello Mia, we are all sad to see new members but this is the best place for you to be right now. This will be the hardest part waiting for a plan, once you have a plan it will get easier. Good to know that you are ready to fight, keep coming here and asking questions. Most of the time if someone doesn't know the answer, they will try to point you in the right direction. As far as the mastectomy that can only be answered after you get your surgery. I had a left breast skin sparring mastectomy, its not as bad as you might think it is. Like formygirls said everyones treatments are different, as your plan unfolds it will be easier to understand. Good luck see you around the board Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.
Dx 10/6/2007, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 4/9 nodes, ER+ |
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Bugs Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 957 |
May 13, 2008 10:30 am
Bugs wrote:
Hi Mia, Glad you found us and very sorry you have to be here. These ladies are right on the mark. Once you get a plan of action going you will feel much more positive about things. Believe it or not..right now is the worst part of the whole thing. Come here often to vent. We get it like nobody else does. Take care, Bugs The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt. Frederick Buechnerr
Dx 2/1/2006, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 3/16 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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Fitztwins Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 5357 |
May 13, 2008 10:45 am
Fitztwins wrote:
Lots of questions..many should be asked to your surgeon and oncologist. Many of us Stage IIIers did everything we could throw at this disease..chemo-radiation-surgery... A stage III label is just that, a label. It isn't who you are but what your treatment plan will be. Hang in there, visit often with questions, concerns and fears.. Janis Well ain't that a kick in the head!
Dx 12/12/2004, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIIc, Grade 2, 17/24 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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prettyinpin… Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 510 |
May 13, 2008 11:14 am
prettyinpink100 wrote:
You are in the right place. Although only your docs can tell you what tx is best for your situation, you will find a lot of people here who have had to make the same decisions for themselves.
PIP
Dx 2/1/2007, IDC, , Stage IIIb, Grade 2, 9/16 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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alexbronxbo… Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1 |
May 13, 2008 10:01 pm
alexbronxboy wrote:
Hey all, I have a sister-in-law that was just dio. with stage 111 breast cancer and it has spread to lymp nodes.............. is there a cure with a stage 111 breast cancer plase let me know |
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SpunkyGirl Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 302 |
May 15, 2008 12:21 am
SpunkyGirl wrote:
Mia, The best thing I can tell you is to take all this one day at a time. I think it is harder when you start trying to figure out how you are going to get through the next year, because a lot of stuff is coming at you fast. We've all been there, and we're here for you. Make sure you have a good oncologist, surgeon and radiation oncologist that work with you and listens to your needs. Make sure you tell them and the people around you what you need. Don't expect someone to guess, and don't care if they judge. It's all about you right now and getting better. Many of us have kids (though it sounds like your plate is overflowing), and it's so important for you to get any help you can to take care of them while you go through this. Can you get help from your family, church members or friends. Make sure you tell people what you want. They want to help! Good luck. One day at a time...... Bobbie Every day is a blessing...
Dx 7/23/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 8/20 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+ |
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SpunkyGirl Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 302 |
May 15, 2008 12:26 am
SpunkyGirl wrote:
Alex, Your sister-in-law will most likely get chemotherapy, radiation and possibly hormone therapy, the goal of which is to eradicate any remaining cancer cells in the body after therapy. So, yes, there is a good chance of a cure, but no doctor will ever tell us that because there is also a chance of cancer returning and we all have to be realistic. The best thing you can do for your sister-in-law is to be supportive and find out what her needs are that you can help with. Does she need help with chores around the house, laundry, help with the kids, etc? Try not to ask her too many questions about what's going on. Let her take the lead on how much she wants to share, and what she needs. Bobbie Every day is a blessing...
Dx 7/23/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 8/20 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+ |
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Naomi Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 236 |
May 19, 2008 08:16 am
Naomi wrote:
Mia, in the beginning, nothing makes sense, and there are sooo many questions to ask. I remember when I was dx 3 years ago, I read all that I could, helped me feel like I had some control over what was going on. BUT BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU READ!!! The most HELPFUL info I found was on this site. Always bring up any concerns to your onc, that's what they get payed for. You will find that you will be more sensitive to every ache and pain that you might have ignored in the past. This is the new normal. With time, you will be better at figuring out what is concerning and what is just....well...getting older. There is always someone here who has already been there done that, so you will gets loads of helpful advice and answers when you need it. Right now is the hardest and scariest part of your journey....but please believe that with time....things do get easier. You are stronger than what you think. I know that you will make it through like a champ. Please come here when ever you need to talk, have questions or just need to vent. Just like the other girls said.....WE GET IT!!! |
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JoyMia7 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
May 21, 2008 01:23 pm
JoyMia7 wrote:
I would like to thank all of you: (such a Beautiful spirit u all have) Miss Hapen, Formygirls, Diana, Bugs, Fitztwins,Bobbie, Naomi and PrettyinPink After reading the comments and understanding that Im not alone...I have found more strength. Its funny how we can think to ourselves, "No one knows WHAT IM GOING THROUGH" Coming here allows me to see that there is many women that have a similar situation. I Pray that you all will BE BLESSED!!!! You all are Winners! Lately I've been up and down emotionally...I dont know where to start. Everyone has been trying to be so supportive and helpful. (Friends/Family) Im still having issues with believing that this is happening to me...I think thats why Ive been up and down with my moods. Im still waiting for my treatment plan...I will keep all of you informed. I KNOW im going to have alot of questions. LOL Thank u Thank U THANK U Mia'Joy Joy is short for Joyce= My grandmother who passed away 2003 from Breast Cancer. She was 65...The JOY of my life! |
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wishiwere Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 1342 |
May 21, 2008 01:45 pm
wishiwere wrote:
Just wanted to add {{hugs}} to the abundance of them you'll get on these boards. Welcome to the boards, but sorry you are joining us too. wishiwere
Dx 9/21/2007, ILC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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shiny Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 96 |
May 21, 2008 02:49 pm
shiny wrote:
Mia, glad you've got some great support from all the above. As you have the strength to be a super mom, you have the strength to tackle this bc too. Try to be a super mom TO YOU this year, I always think that's good advice. Just helps you think about being kind, generous, patient with yourself as you figure out how to manage this one day at a time. It takes a while to transfer some of that great nurturing onto yourself when you are used to being the selfless mom, but honestly you need to. The kids are great though for keeping you in the now and positive. BTW: on the mastectomy front. I am 40 with young children,had a double mast with siea immediate reconstruction. Kids were fine with it, as I kept the info simple. They like my new boos with the happy face stitches. (2 circles where nipples were,1 circle around new belly button place, and 1 happy smile one( from hip to hip). I explained the whole bc thing as mum has bad "lumps"(cancer) that have to come out. I will have a very strong special potion (chemo) to help with the lumps. It's very good with the lumps, but will make my hair fall out, but that's OK because it will come back. Will you help me choose some nice hats? It will make me feel sick and tired some of the times but I am not scared as I know it is working to make me better. Mia,I hope that's not too much info. I just found it really helped me cope to know that the children were coping and the above was right for us. Hope some of that helps you. Sending you very strong good vibes and a great big hug. Shiny
Dx 5/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIIb, Grade 3, 1/16 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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Bonnie02 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 31 |
May 21, 2008 03:05 pm, edited May 21, 2008 03:12 PM
by Bonnie02
Bonnie02 wrote:
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Bonnie02 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 31 |
May 21, 2008 03:05 pm, edited May 21, 2008 03:13 PM
by Bonnie02
Bonnie02 wrote:
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Bonnie02 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 31 |
May 21, 2008 03:06 pm, edited May 21, 2008 03:11 PM
by Bonnie02
Bonnie02 wrote:
Mia Just read your letter on here about how worried you were about a hears worth of chemo. I have just had a mastectomy in the beginning of March and am now going to start chemo for 15 months plus radiation so I know how you feel. I personally have decided to just take one day at a time and not to worry about tomorrow. I really believe this is the only way through this. When I had the mastectomy I thought it would not bother me and the paid didn't that part is not so bad it is the mental part that was bad until I bought a prothesis and found that to help a lot. I am very nervous about chemo the one that I am getting is called ACTT not sure if that means anything to you or not but I do know it is because the cancer was her2 positive. Hope some of this is helpful Bonnie |
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grandma Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1 |
May 29, 2008 06:45 pm
grandma wrote:
I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and had surgery May 19. They removed the lump and because they knew I had a positive lymph node, they removed my "fatpad." There were five of 12 nodes that were positive. I am doing fine physically from the surgery. It's mentally that's my problem right now. I will have 8 sessions of chemo--every two weeks and then six weeks of radiation. Chemo scares me to death. I have so much "stuff" to read but it seems to make me even more scared. They tell me that there is lots of medicine to counter the side effects but I still worry. You have to know that I'm the queen of worry and always have been. How do you stay positive? |
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Desi_NJ Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 29 |
May 29, 2008 08:45 pm
Desi_NJ wrote:
Hi Grandma, I am sorry to read your diagnosis. But with your aggressive chemo, I am sure you'll come out fine (the cancer cells are sure to go away for ever!) I have similar diagnosis except there were only 5 of 10 nodes positive. I will be starting chemo tomorrow (4 cycles of AC every two weeks and then Taxol for 12 weeks) After chemo I'll have radiation too. I had the surgery on April 18th (lumpectomy with axillary node dissection). I am enrolled in a clinical trial for Avastin. Check with your dr about this; This is a drug that has been approved for metastatic breast cancer but not for stage III (hence the trial). This might be helpful to you. Yes, it is hard to stay positive but I try to look at 'light at end of the tunnel'. It has helped me so far. Good luck, Desi. |
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sue_m Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 11 |
May 29, 2008 09:26 pm
sue_m wrote:
Hi Grandma and welcome,
Sue
Dx 6/3/2004, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 7/16 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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janie44 Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 1988 |
May 31, 2008 02:32 pm
janie44 wrote:
Mia, On this bc.org website you can go to http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/path_report/ This page has info to read and more info to click on from that page. It is very thorough in explaining every detail to you and answers many of your questions. Your profile will be different from everyone elses. As long as I have been on this board, there are only a couple of more profiles that are very close to mine, but they are not exact fits either. SO, you can see, that everyone has their own decision to make regarding treatment, surgery etc. It should be an informed decision that you are part of with input from your oncologist. In my case, my survival rate was about the same whether I went with the masectomy or the double-breast reduction/lumpectomy. I went with the latter and they got clear margins. I have not regretted my decision. However, each case is situation-specific. Good luck and God bless you with your decisions. Hugs, Janie dx 3/11/2004 IDC stage 3A Her2+ 7/20+nodes ER/PR- If you think you can't, you are right.
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jenni__ca Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 232 |
May 31, 2008 09:51 pm
jenni__ca wrote:
joy i am stage 3A too, ILC, multifocal, way over 7 cm, micromets in sentinal node .... lumpectomy didn't get it all, so mast, 6 months of chemo, 33 rads, and 3 years of arimidex (so far) Monday is my 4th cancerversary ... hang in there the advice above is what i found out too ...once i got a treatment plan settled in place i was better able to cope ... hang in there (and here) ILC, stage 3A ... 3.5 years and counting
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tinkerbell Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 |
Jun 7, 2008 11:15 am, edited Jun 7, 2008 11:42 AM
by tinkerbell
tinkerbell wrote:
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JoyMia7 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
Jun 8, 2008 01:17 pm
JoyMia7 wrote:
Hello Grandma, The way Ive been staying strong so far has been through my strong faith in GOD. I believe and know that he"ll see me through victoriously. Doesnt matter what or how things make look on the outside to the world. BUt to Know I have my Heavenly Father, I shouldnt fear anything...and for me to appreciate each hour of the day. And as well to know that I am Blessed everyday to be able to see my children and those I love. Also stayin strong comes from within...we have to tell ourselves to be strong and fight. We Love ourselves enough to fight for what we want and desire (our health/life). Yes we are human...we are going to have our moments of breakdowns...as long as we get back up again and fight even HARDER. I was in a really Bad Car accident in January. It was Me and 3 of my kids. I have four and Four Fosters...3 going through adoption. My oldest was injected out the front windshield. The truck then tumbled 3 to 4 times down an embankment/cliff 20-25 feet when I realized my 2 in the back seat was fine...I then looked to my passenger side and noticed my son wasnt there. My life felt as though I was FINSHED. I looked out the passenger crushed side window...and saw my 12 yr old son liying there lifeless. There was a gentleman there tryin to wake him. I climbed out of the car and called his name. Told him mommy was here and that hes alright. H e turned his head and slowly opened his eyes and said "Mommy am I dreaming?" I told him yes...so that I didnt put anymore fear on him that he already was most likely feeling. I was more fearful for my children than myself...that I didnt realize my injuries. I had 4 fractured ribs. And my eye lid was completely split in half. HEY it all good. Because I was walkin breathin and talkin. As well as my children. I kno that GOD strengthen me to overcome that and others...That I will overcome this new CHALLENGE as well. Again I would like to thank all YOU supporters here on this Board. You all are trully a blessing. I thank You u all soooo very much! Mia~~ |
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JoyMia7 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
Jun 8, 2008 01:17 pm
JoyMia7 wrote:
Hello Grandma, The way Ive been staying strong so far has been through my strong faith in GOD. I believe and know that he"ll see me through victoriously. Doesnt matter what or how things make look on the outside to the world. BUt to Know I have my Heavenly Father, I shouldnt fear anything...and for me to appreciate each hour of the day. And as well to know that I am Blessed everyday to be able to see my children and those I love. Also stayin strong comes from within...we have to tell ourselves to be strong and fight. We Love ourselves enough to fight for what we want and desire (our health/life). Yes we are human...we are going to have our moments of breakdowns...as long as we get back up again and fight even HARDER. I was in a really Bad Car accident in January. It was Me and 3 of my kids. I have four and Four Fosters...3 going through adoption. My oldest was injected out the front windshield. The truck then tumbled 3 to 4 times down an embankment/cliff 20-25 feet when I realized my 2 in the back seat was fine...I then looked to my passenger side and noticed my son wasnt there. My life felt as though I was FINSHED. I looked out the passenger crushed side window...and saw my 12 yr old son liying there lifeless. There was a gentleman there tryin to wake him. I climbed out of the car and called his name. Told him mommy was here and that hes alright. H e turned his head and slowly opened his eyes and said "Mommy am I dreaming?" I told him yes...so that I didnt put anymore fear on him that he already was most likely feeling. I was more fearful for my children than myself...that I didnt realize my injuries. I had 4 fractured ribs. And my eye lid was completely split in half. HEY it all good. Because I was walkin breathin and talkin. As well as my children. I kno that GOD strengthen me to overcome that and others...That I will overcome this new CHALLENGE as well. Again I would like to thank all YOU supporters here on this Board. You all are trully a blessing. I thank You u all soooo very much! Mia~~ |
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JoyMia7 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
Jun 8, 2008 01:21 pm, edited Jun 11, 2008 12:34 PM
by JoyMia7
JoyMia7 wrote:
Hello Grandma, The way Ive been staying strong so far has been through my strong faith in GOD. I believe and know that he"ll see me through victoriously. Doesnt matter what or how things make look on the outside to the world. BUt to Know I have my Heavenly Father, I shouldnt fear anything...and for me to appreciate each hour of the day. And as well to know that I am Blessed everyday to be able to see my children and those I love. Also stayin strong comes from within...we have to tell ourselves to be strong and fight. We Love ourselves enough to fight for what we want and desire (our health/life). Yes we are human...we are going to have our moments of breakdowns...as long as we get back up again and fight even HARDER. I was in a really Bad Car accident in January2008. It was Me and 3 of my kids. I have four and Four Fosters...3 going through adoption. My oldest was ejected out the front windshield. The truck then tumbled 3 to 4 times down an embankment/cliff 20-25 feet when I realized my 2 in the back seat was fine...I then looked to my passenger side and noticed my son wasnt there. My life felt as though I was FINSHED. I looked out the passenger crushed side window...and saw my 12 yr old son liying there lifeless. There was a gentleman there tryin to wake him. I climbed out of the car and called his name. Told him mommy was here and that hes alright. H e turned his head and slowly opened his eyes and said "Mommy am I dreaming?" I told him yes...so that I didnt put anymore fear on him that he already was most likely feeling. I was more fearful for my children than myself...that I didnt realize my injuries. I had 4 fractured ribs. And my eye lid was completely split in half. HEY it all good. Because I was walkin breathin and talkin. As well as my children. When I went for my check up after the accident ...February 20008 is when I realized and felt a lump on my breast...I was thinking...NO WAYYYY! Doctor tells me YES WAY. I kno that GOD has strengthen me to overcome that and others...That I will overcome this new CHALLENGE as well. Again I would like to thank all YOU supporters here on this Board. You all are trully a blessing. I thank You u all soooo very much! Mia~~ |
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sharont68 Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 58 |
Jun 10, 2008 07:34 pm
sharont68 wrote:
I was diagnosed with stage IIIC Oct. 2007. I've been through 4 dense doses of A/C and 12 weekly doses of Taxol. I still have a year of Herceptin and 6 weeks of radiation to go through. It's going to be rough at times but you sound like a fighter and I know that you too will get through this! Just take things one day at a time and ask lots of questions. You wouldn't believe all the great information you can get from this site. Hang on to your faith and keep a positive attitude! verymuchloved
Dx 10/9/2007, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, 12/15 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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footprintsa… Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 145 |
Jun 11, 2008 12:06 am, edited Jun 27, 2008 07:32 PM
by footprintsangel
footprintsangel wrote:
This Post was deleted by footprintsangel.
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