CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
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Sorry you find yourself here, Ruth, but I'm glad you found this site. The women here are so helpful and supportive. Do you live in the Berkshires? My husband and I are both from Massachusetts originally - he's from North Adams and I'm from Duxbury. We'll be back there next month for a visit.
Best of luck to you next week. My recovery from lumpectomy was not difficult but I respected the fact I had had major surgery (something the ladies here reminded me about). Are you having a sentinel node biopsy? That incision gave me more trouble than the lumpectomy incision. I kept a small pillow under my arm, which eliminated skin-to-skin contact and made me much more comfortable.
Keep us posted on how you're doing!
MJ
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Ruth ..thinking of you ..and hoping for great results ..you will feel so much better when the op is behind you !
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2 yrs. since the routine screening mammo (my 20th) that found the focal asymmetry; Sep. 9, I will be 2 yrs out from diagnosis, and Sep. 23 is the 2-yr anniversary of my lumpectomy. Stage IA, Luminal A, 0/4 nodes. No mastectomy, no chemo, and only short (16 tx) hypofractionated partial-breast radiation. A year and a half on letrozole (at least 3-1/2 to go). I did develop mild lymphedema (4 nodes removed + obesity= high LE risk) which is subclinical (Stage 0); and letrozole has caused lowered metabolism, elevated LDL (and now am on a statin), weight gain, trigger finger, and joint pain; despite strength training, my back has gotten worse (all imaging negative). Not noticing thinning hair (it's been thinner ever since menopause 11 yrs ago), and the night sweats are managed via A/C and ceiling fan.
No real right to complain, even though I do so freely.
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Hi friends thanks for reviving this thread.....it's important for Stage l sisters.
Bosom Blues...I don't go by statistics I was Ned for 10 years and 4 months
My tumor markers were perfect for 10 years and a routine mammogram diagnosed me again
I didn't write this to disappoint you.......happy for your 4 years and many many more 💛
Chi Sandy...because of being triple positive at my first diagnosis every possible treatment was given to me including 5 years of Letrazole with lumpectomy and Sn biopsy
I'm glad you're almost 2 years out
SHEILA
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BB .......Since it was a new diagnosis not a recurrence made me feel little better
Like you said nobody knows the big Monster..it has its own mind...I did everything possible all over again......I have 3 grandchildren under 3 and I wanna be here as long as possible.....both my daughters were pregnant when I was diognosed........the only thing is against me it's my weight
I never smoked my diet was very decent.......
Many many more years to us and your friends
Hugs
SHEILA
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Ruth wishing you a speady recovery from your lumpectomy it's not really bad...you'll do fine and please keep us updating...
Hugs from NY ❤
Sheila
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T Sue....I see you're triple positive....I was too at my first time I did Herceptin every week for one year
Good wishes to you sister
Hugs
Sheila 💜
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Bosom.....I did chemo but only 4 cycles because of that stupid micro cell in my node which also made me Stage ll........
I was watched every 3 months for 5 years and every 4 after that by my MO who did tumor markers test every time......but no Herceptin because the new primary was Her-
Before BMX I wanted just a lumpectomy and had one week later I wasn't comfortable with my decision I didn't think the Insurance will cover it but my breas surgeon say yes it's covered
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Sheila, so glad you are celebrating 2 years out from dx #2.
I will never forget how comforting it was to come here 6 years ago this month when I was diagnosed. Everyone was so helpful and you were always so encouraging. We can only be honest with BC. Many ladies do very well; others struggle. Some get new diagnoses.
I was "released" from Oncology and I often wonder how will I ever know if I have a recurrence or new cancer? Every BC center has a different approach. The bottom line is, as you say, Sheila, you did all your treatments, had your cancer markers checked, saw your oncologist, and yes, you had a new cancer. For me, I guess it would show up the way it did the first time....and I hope that never happens!Having you and others to talk with every day was and is so essential to life during and after breast cancer. There is no other place where we can speak so freely and know that others understand. It is not like the world out there where family and friends say "you'll be fine"....we all know that each person has her own walk through BC and it is different for each of us. And we share in common the fears, the need for knowledge, and the need for companionship of others who understand.
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Well said, Joan! My feelings exactly.
BB, I hope you can find a way to calm your fears. I don't think they will ever go away. Remember, a lot of the posts you see on the forums are from those that have had recurrences. I think those that have not, for the most part, have moved on and don't come back and post often. I'm not sure of your DX, but every woman on the planet has a 12% chance of developing BC just because they are female. Do something that you feel you can control, such as a change in diet, if necessary; exercise, if you can, read positive stories. Do something you enjoy! Have you thought about counseling?
Thank you ladies, for being here:)
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Hi Joan..good to see you here after all this wa our meeting place
Hugs 💛
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Bosum..Sometimes I think if I did the right thing posting my second diagnosis again thanks to mammogram it was caught early enough.......
I don't live in fear daily but sometimes I think about the beast but you know what I took care of myself starting mammogram ago 39 ..no BC in the family and the BRca was negative
Do your best take care of your follow ups.....
Sheila 💜
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Hi keep the faith....thanks for the input
I hope to see you ladies here
Sending hugs 💛
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Bosum.....only 25 that's very sad..what can you say
I feel the same way about communicating by email this way you know for sure what you're saying
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Bosom....of course I'm here.....
I should've never left......Sorry
You have a good night my sister 💜💜
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BCO has been a great source of support for me. Tuesday 8/22 was my one year anniversary of my cancer journey. It has changed me and my viewof my life. Thank you to everyone who posts. I have learned a lot and felt the love among my sisters. I am very appreciative of your honesty and knowledge.
Hugs, Lark
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I find comfort in BCO. In 2014 I was DX with IDC had a lumpectomy and radiation. I didn't really worry about it very often after I finished treatment. The two yrs later I was DX with DCIS. Thought about having a mastectomy with recon but after a couple of second opinions I went with lumpectomy. I'm on BCO a lot lately. I do worry now that it probably will surface again. In the back of my mind I feel like I will have surgery. My twin had cancer when we were younger she had a double mx. I saw what she went through so it's been hard to pull the trigger on having the big surgery. I come here often to read and keep up with haw everyone Is doing. I have some wonderful friends but they can't really relate to what it like to have BCthat's why I come here. Hugs to all.
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Welcome sus ......sorry auto correct is not letting me post your full name.
With your first diagnosis and only a lumpectomy may I ask why chemo was eliminated ?
Yours like mine it was a new diagnosis......actually I did choose lumpectomy but I wasn't comfortable with my decision so I had a BMX . ......I'm not gonna say it was nothing but I did pretty well....
I requested 1 night hospital stay because they considered this Ambulatory and no way I was coming home the same day.....recovery was fine not pain but extreme discomfort like turning in the bed plus the drainer for 12 days.....I was able to raise my arms few days later..just my chest felt tight....
But everybody reacts differently......recovery was short......
Hugs 💛
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Hi Lark it's good to be with women who understand our situation.....sometimes we have worries that only us the survivors can understand.....
Hugs 💛
SHEILA
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Hi Shella, my cancer was slow growing and only 4mm my oncologist said I didn't need chemo but I did need radiation. This was in the left breast two years later DCIS in my right breast was told radiation. It took me several weeks and second option to make the decision not to have a double with reconstruction. My doctors told me I could do big surgery if I find myself worrying all the time. So far I'm fine. I do think about my BC more the second time around. I have breast implant from an augmentation from 12 yrs ago. I seem to get cramps in the pec muscle. Kind of feels like a Charlie horse. I was told my implants are causing them because they are stiff due to radiation. I was stage 1 grade 1. I don't think they do chemo with that stage. I'm on the boards a lot reading about the diep. I have a feeling I may have to go
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It is always difficult on BCO to read things that are frightening or that we could not imagine ourselves going through.
I had my surgery on Aug. 29th 2011 - six year ago this week. I was on an August 2011 surgery thread, and every type of surgery, diagnosis, and prognosis was on that thread. It did frighten me; but I did my research and talked with my surgeon. She focused only on what she saw in me. When I second-guessed with her, she said "just wait -- you will see".
After surgery, I found other threads that more similarly focused on my journey. But I will never forget what I learned from all the women with the most difficult challenges....especially the younger women.
I can honestly say that after radiation recovery, I began to not think about BC every day. Life was good and felt normal. I did not think that would ever happen. We never know...but I try not to spend a good day on worry.Thinking of Ruth who had her surgery this week....
Thinking of the ladies here from Texas and especially the areas affected by the storm.
Sending prayers to all affected. So hard for so many...Joan
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Joan ..I always love reading your posts ..they are somehow so warm and soothing .It would be great to see this thread really take off again ..I have spent too many good days worrying over the last 3 years !!
Somewhere to come share concerns , but also some fun too :-)
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Hi Lucy,
I also miss some of our threads where we would congregate...and you have always been there and are so thoughtful. It is hard for me to remember to check in regularly now that work has started up again. I have to log in to the college network and I don't like to be on my laptop when I'm "on the clock"...the only thing they cannot see at work is my phone because I go on the 4G network.
I think this thread has been pretty active in the past few months.
Hi BB, I was so frantic and worried while waiting for all my diagnoses. I imagined the worst. I was raising my grandson and he was in the middle of college. I have 5 older children and some young grandchildren. All I wanted was to have my grandson be able to live on his own and have a job and his own place. It all fell into place after my treatments, and I started to relax. My job keeps me focused and busy. I am generally in good health. So for all those reasons, I have let go of the fear for awhile. It's always in the back of my head, but not in front of my face where it could stop me from enjoying a moment. I am fearful of aging (am 68 now) and what dreadful things may lie ahead....I hate medical procedures - not afraid, I just do not like confinement even in a chair....but I choose to live out today because I am OK and each day is a gift.
We really cannot change ourselves in our own power...and some of us won't stop worrying...I cringe when my grandkids are swimming in the ocean or when they ride their bikes in the street.
I encourage you, BB to do exactly what you propose - let go and let God. When you put things in God's hands, you won't miss another day of your life to worry.
"Worry is the interest you pay today on tomorrow's problems"Wishing everyone a good and safe day...and week end.
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Congratulations Joan you just posted # 15.000 post
💚💛
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WOW! That's awesome:)
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bump
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Way to go!
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Sheila ..and thanks to you for starting this thread !!!! 😃
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Thank you Ladies
It was one of our BCO Member who PM ed me saying why I wasn't starting my own thread..I was all over the BCO 😊 ...She just started hers and still going strong......
So I thought why not and here we are 💛
Maybe reaching 15.000 posts is not a good thing but we continue our journey..
Please feel free to share anything that is important or funny to you
We can all use a good laugh or some memories
Let's this thread continue........
Hugs
Sheila 💜
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