CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
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Hi, My name is cookie. I was also stage1, no lymch involved and had a macteomy. I am a mess. I have to see the incologist next week, and I am scared. Can anyone tell me how to handle all this anxiety. I didnot get any treatment being er, pr negative, and her2 postiive. Can You anyone tell me if I am missing something.
Please.
Hugs,
Cookie
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Hi Cookie,,,I'm really sorry . We are not doctors but I can say 1 thing. <If anxiety is overwhelming your daily life> maybe when you see your oncologist you can ask for something. I know women on these boards including myself, are taking or took something at one point or another.
Because of your tumor size or your heart condition Herceptin wasn't recommended. !!!!!!!!!!
Are you getting radiation or will get it in the future?
Maybe another sister here has more info for you.
Anxiety medicine at least short term will help you.
Hugs to you.♥
Sheila
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OMGosh...I ate like A PIG!
Thanksgiving was a fantastic day for me and I hope for you! So thankful to be alive and I stared at my family all day yesterday pondering that blessing and enjoying their little jokes and smiles. So glad we're all here!
Still battling this UTI/kidney infection...trying not to wig out!
Nicole/Meece--I asked for the onco test, but I didnt have enough tissue to test for it so I never got it. If you ask your onc, they can dig out your slides and get a test done (I'm pretty sure). My friend (who's not taking Tamox etc) couldnt get one either.
I am one of those nutty people who put their Christmas tree up day after Thanksgiving, so I'm sitting here staring at it, and I'm going to put in "Elf." Almost done Christmas shopping too! I actually went to Walmart today during the blockbuster sales! I dont normally do that, but I am so enjoying life while I have it, so I bought my kids some extra presents this year. I always say I'm only going to get them each 3, but I"m up to 7 each!
Well...if I croak in 5-10 years, I want to have lots of great memories for both of us! (not thinking about croaking, but you know it's always going to be in the back of my mind.)
sorry for babbling!!!!!
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Cookie, ask your onc for some antianxiety meds. I was so nervous about taking them when I ws DX, but they really do help. They just take the edge off and don;t mke you feel loopy. GIve it a try. Hang in there (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))
Linda
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I didn't even have to ask for the anti anxiety meds, my BS just handed me the perscription, I guess I looked like a deer in the headlights and not realizing it. I said I don't need it and she just looked at me and said yes, you do. I guess she could tell, and I thank her for them cause it gave me the incentive to stop smoking.
So cookie, do ask your doctor.
BTW, you were in chat a few times weren't you? I remember your sign on. WELCOME♥
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Doing the Happy Dance for you Meece♥
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I quit when I got the call from the dr that told me I had breast cancer. I went outside,had one more, and threw them away. I still LOVE the smell of them and wonder when that will end. My DH laughs at me when we are in traffic and someone is smoking and I can smell it. He just looks at me and laughs. He says, don't do it! I know I will never smoke again, but it still smells good!
I still use the antianxiety meds to help me sleep. They work wonders.
We have friend named Cookie and Cake, now we just need a friend named PIE!!! That should be you Deb, since you are an award winning pie maker!!!
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From East To West coast
Good Night everyone!
Sheila
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Hi Cookie - I am jumping on on this conversastion a little late but I want you to know that I had trouble sleeping after being diagnosed. I mean I would sleep so lightly and my mind would race. Why? I would think of everything from morbid issues to work; and wake up exhausted and stressed. I found that I was crying a lot but thought that I was just being emotional because of a tragic event in my life. Then one day my ONC simply handed me a script for clonzapam an anti-anxiety pill and it was the best thing that could ever happen. It helps take the edge off and I sleep so much better. So please don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck Cookie!
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One more piece of pumpkin pie left.
I think I will have a piece of apple pie ala mode.
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deborye...she is DARLING! Looks like my youngest!
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She is cute, but not mine, I just posted the pic for the apple pie ala mode. LOL
My little one is almost 34 yrs old.
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LOL, that works! The pie just put another pound of fat on my Thanksgiving belly!
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Oh my goodness, Thanksgiving was great. Fun with family and friends! It sounds like all of you had a good time too. I am sure I gained weight, oh well, back on track tomorrow. But pie tonight ;-)
I hope you are all having a great weekend.
Hugs,
Susan
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good night all.
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Hi Everyone,
I had a terrific Thanksgiving but woke up with a sore throat this morning. The first thing I thought was, "Oh no, my immune system must be compromised!" It's just the start of a cold but I'm now very aware of my health and don't want anything to take my white cells from controlling the "bad" cell growth. I've not been sick since just after I was diagnosed. I wore a mask to the surgeon's office when I went for my biopsy because I had come down with the flu. I had waited 10 days for the appt. and I wasn't putting it off any longer. I'm sure 10 days of worrying made me catch the flu in the first place. I could tell by how the surgeon reacted to the mammo films and the biopsy sample that it was cancer. The phone call was a confirmation of what I already knew. I had read on the internet that if there was blood in the sample, it was not a good sign because cancer needs blood to grow. Mine definately had blood! Also, the lump was more of a ridge and didn't feel like anything I had felt before. My husband thought I was being negative but I just knew. Did any of you know before you were told by your docs?
It has been 9 months since my diagnosis but I still feel afraid sometimes. Feeling ill brings back some of those initial fears even though logically I know that's silly.
I'm going to take great care of myself today. Rest, rest, rest.
Roseann
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Roseann,
Yes, I feel I "knew" right when my lump was discovered by me one morning right after a shower. Hard to explain the feeling but my gut was oh no this is "something" ( meaning cancer ) and consequently I did know before doctors told me although naturally until then I did continue to hope it was nothing.
Also, many of us worry but as more time goes by many say they do less of that.
Take care and yes rest, rest , rest.
Pat
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Ditto Roseann and Pat. I just knew... I still worry... I am with you, rest and take care of yourselves!
Have a happy day,
Susan
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Hi all! I was on BCO almost daily when I was first dx in August 2007 at age 36. I have not been back on until this weekend. I am thrilled to see a site for Stage one-ers! So briefly, I was stage 1a, er/pr - and her2+. I did TCH x 4 and herceptin for a year; finished it all in Dec. 2008. I just passed my two year cancerversary of my dx this past August. Reading about others anxiety... it never ends, but it does get better. I get anxious when I have my check-ups (now every 6 months!), and when I have a sx that lasts longer than 2 weeks (which has been rare). I have had one bx since dx for a site seen on MRI (which I get every year for 5 years)... it was negative thank God. I haven't been able to read this whole thread, but it would be nice to chat here once and a while. My 2 kids and 2 jobs keep me very busy. Life is back to my "(new) normal", which is great
Oh, and I also "knew" when I felt my lump, even though I have no risk factors or family hx. Weird...
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Hi I am new here
I was dx Jan 11,09 stage 1 invasive b/c. Had two lumpectomy, two lymph nodes removed (no cancer) then radiation. Had my first mamo and was called back. Found cancer in the other breast. I am doing the genetic testing tomorrow. Both my Gyn and the genetic counselor thing I should think about having a double mastectomy and remove my ovaries. I am scared and not sure what to do. I have my surgery date for Jan 7th.
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Hi Cindytree,
I am so sorry you are going through this again. Is this a new primary or a reoccurence? I see by your profile that you are triple negative. From what I have read, the docs are much more concerned because they cannot give you targeted drugs like they can for those of us who are ER, PR or HR2 +. Only you can decide but if it were me, I would do whatever I could to be sure it was gone for good. I understand this is a very difficult decision but there are many others on this site who have had the surgery. Many have had reconstruction with great results.
You might also post on another thread. There is one for mastectomy and reconstruction.
Hugs.
Roseann
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KathyL.. Come and chat here whenever you have time, glad to have you. I see you're also HER+
like me. And yes most of us get anxious before check-ups and waiting for results. You are not alone. Glad you found us.
Cindytree...I'm sorry you have to deal this twice in one year. Its scary but when you need emotional support, we all are here for you
Roseann...Feel better soon. I wore masks when I thought it was necessary. Do what you think will give you emotional and physical peace. Do you get flu shots?
Susan...so nice to see your posting my friend.
Take care of yourselves my friends.
♥HUGS TO ALL♥
Sheila
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Hi ladies,
Kathy thanks for coming on the board and sharing with us that life goes on... I have some time under my belt but I still feel post traumatic stress at times, generally at night like the other ladies here have commented on. I take Ativan, anti anxiety when needed, not so often anymore.
Cindy,
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis, just know there are many ladies here who are steps ahead of you, so ask any questions and we can try and help you.
Much like Susan, Pat, and Roseann, I just knew there was something about my lump... my ignorance, when they told me it was bc, I said lets do surgery cut it out.. NEVER in a MILLION years did I know or think of what the next year had in store for me... I remember my dr saying I would need to take some time to focus on my health and then he dropped the chemo bomb as I was not aware it was going to be part of my treatment,
Needless to say,I am grateful for the treatment options and I am grateful I threw everything and the kitchen sink at it... it helps with the post traumatic stress and the nights when I panic it may be back... I always assure myself that I did everything to keep myself cancer free.
Meece,
I am going to ask my dr about the Oncotype when I see him next... maybe he did it and it is buried in my file... I just don't remember it. I do recall he said I was light estrogen positive... to this day I do not know what that means... I asked him about that at a later date and he said not to worry about it either you are ER + or you are not.
BTW- Had a wonderful weekend in the 5th wheel with good friends and family, someone brought out a tequila bottle... I don't drink tequila but thought what the heck and took one shot, it actually felt so GOOD!
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Hi My name is Nina and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct 2009. I am in stage 1. I must say that I was devastated by the news. I am a otherwise healthy woman who take no meds for anything other than the occasional headache. I have no history of this disease on either side of my family. After I cried my river, I decided that I was gonna fight this thing tooth and nail. I have a strong will to live!!!!! I went to the surgeon and he confirmed what the Dr. from Women's Imaging said. I've spoken with quite a few survivors who shared their story with me. Each person's story is different. I prepared myself for the worst case scenario with the chemo and hair loss. I was initially told that I did not need chemo. I scheduled an appt with the oncologist and she informed me that I it was my choice to have chemo but that was her reccomendation. I had my first Chemo treatment on the 20th of Nov and I must say that I did not do well with it. I was sick for the next 5 days. I did not have Thanksgiving Dinner, but I was able to partake in activities after dinner. I have to complete 6 cycles over a 4 month period ugh.......... With all of that being said I still try to stay focused and positive.
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Roseanne~This is a new primary. They are two separate cancers. I am not sure if its an invasive cancer. Last time they though it was in situ and found out it was invasive so this time there not sure.
My fears is a big major surgery. Not sure if I want to have reconstruction.
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Hugs to you ladyblue and cindytree♥
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Hang in there Ladyblue. We will all help you through your chemo. ((((((((HUGS))))))))))
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Hugs to cindytree and ladyblue. I wish none of us have to go through this stinky poopy disease!
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Thanks everyone~ This has been so hard. Even though I think the second dx is easier the treatment is harder. Tomorrow I do the genetic testing. Not sure if its going to tell me anything. The counselor said a negotiate is not always correct. There are so much greg areas. I just keep shaking my head in dis believe.
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