If you have just been diagnosed....

KeepingtheFaith

kira1234    Thanks. I will be thinking about you on Friday.  So sorry you have to go back, you think that part is over and done with and then BAM, they make you go back. But at least they are making sure that they get it all. Yes, I think sometimes because we are trying to be strong and take whatever they tell us, they forget that this is new to us, and we can get scared sometimes.

Deb

rachel5738

Hi all--had my surgery yesterday and feeling OK. The sentinel node injection did hurt--nurses walked me through it and went pretty fast. Surgery was OK--woke up all bandaged up and feeling no pain. Today, I feel some pain/discomfort but nothing that cannot be managed with Tylenol. Doctor did not give any indication after surgery regarding the nodes--he had to go back in for 2 more surgeries and mine was delayed as the dye took longer to reach the nodes--so my surgery was pushed back 1 hour. He said that he will wait for final pathology and will meet with me in 2 weeks. I will wait anxiously. I feel good to have this step over and done with--feel that I am on path at least now--not looking forward to the journey but at least started. I wish I knew about the nodes now--but will wait inpatiently for the pathology results. Thanks to everyone for posting their experiences as it helps me get through mine!

KeepingtheFaith

rachel15738  So glad to hear your surgery went well.  I was glad to hear that the sentinel node injection went pretty fast. The waiting is always so hard. Yes, I agree, it is so helpful to be able to hear from others who have been through it or are going through it. I will be praying for your pathology results to be as good as possible.

Deb

PS Anybody here on facebook. If you are, you are welcome to send me a friend request.

kira1234

rachel15738,

 I'm glad all went well for you. I'll be hoping for good results on you nodes.  I agree it helps to know others are here when we are going through this, and we can always get help, support tec. from all the great people here.

Karen

tryn2staycalm

Hi rachel5738..  glad you have graduated from waiting for surgery to waiting for pathology reports.  Seems to be a few of us moving along the same track.  Then it will be waiting for treatment.  Then I hope we can all join the BC survivors team!  We have a great team here!  Best of Luck.

Cathy

FireKracker

hey rachel...step 1 done...it seems like the steps get easier as we go along...somedays.today im playin the waitin game. got results yesterday petscan clear.the c did not spread to anyother part of my body.now waiting for the breast mri...grrrrrr.the waiting game.

lets have a group huggggggggggggg.Yay team...

KeepingtheFaith

okay then, we need to come up with a team name. Ideas anyone?   lol

FireKracker

Hey KeepingtheFaith

im thinking..my brain is a lot fuzzy today but good idea...i waited in the house all day for results of b/l mri.the dr.just called to tell me tomorrow.im gonna play poker tonight.if i stay in one more min.ill scream.....

WE NEED A NAME...HELP US OUT HERE SISTAS...TOMORROW OR IF I GET HOME EARLY TONIGHT ILL CHECK BACK...

GOD BLESS.

tryn2staycalm

Hi Sistas ..  I think the team name should have that in the name.. sistas.  I know the feeling of stay in one more min and I'm gonna scream.  I kept a low profile and stayed in to please all those well meaning caring family and friends.  Today I got out for a bit.  Was a beautiful summer afternoon to sit outside at my sisters on the deck and have lunch and play cards.  No gambling now ladies,,, just for fun.  My son came over and my nephew and just laughed a lot.  We need to take time to enjoy and laugh.  Was nice.  I'm going back to work next week.  Can't they speed this up a bit? 

Cathy

kira1234

I like it the Sistas suits us.  I have also been sitting in the house waiting, and to be honest with myself feeling sorry for my self.  Today I finally got out, not so much because I wanted to but had to.  We have to put my Dad into a ALF for next week while I am up in Tampa getting radiation.  The hospice people set it up for us but he had to sign all the papers.  This whole thing just sucks.

Karen

SunDiego

For NEWLY DIAGNOSED: Might I recommend using Evernote (free for lots of bandwidth) to track the progress of all appointments, online research, voice recordings (tape the consultations), articles, notes - EVERYTHING!  You can download it for FREE on your PC, MAC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, etc - then it all syncs up to the 'cloud' and makes it VERY easy to keep track and tag all the craziness that will arise. I've found it to be INCREDIBLY helpful in organizing things. http://www.evernote.com/

tryn2staycalm

grannydukes- sista-   Did ya win? Share? lol j/k. Hope your MRI is clear like the pet scan.  I still have all that ahead of me.  Have a good one and hope your results come in so you can relax.

  Lets all give a BIG TEAM CHEER for Deb / KeepingtheFaith.  She is here cheering on everyone all the time and tomorrow is her sugery.  Thinking of you all day tomorrow sista!

Cathy

joe3

Just read the news on Avastin and it confirms what I have believed all along .... that most oncologist paint unrealistic rosey pictures with no basis in fact and they apply a cookie cutter approach to treating patients creating false hope .. What they should tell patients is " We are going to shot poison into your body and hope it works but we really have no clue. My father received Chemo in 1975 and my wife in 2009 .The side effects were nearly the same and the results were the same .

KeepingtheFaith

Hi Cathy, (tryn2staycalm)

Thanks so much. I know you will be thinking of me and I will feel your presence as if your hand is in mine seeing me through the rough times. I have my calling card now and may call you after my surgery if not later the same day then maybe the next day (Friday) Is there a time of day that is better to call?

How are you feeling? Are you up to going back to work? I hope you don't have to do anything too strenous at your job. I quit my job a year ago so I don't have that to deal with, but I may go back to work after this is all over, we'll see.

Actually, had I not quit my job when I did I probably would have found this sooner and had much of it behind me now. I had my mammogram in 2009 just before I put in my last day at work and had already quit by the time that mamm came back suspicious. Even then I thought it was probably nothing but they wanted me to have an ultrasound so I did and even that was suspicious.  By the time they got back to me that they wanted to send me for an MRI or a biopsy or possibly both I was off my employers insurance. I still thought it would turn out to be a false alarm and not wanting to incur huge medical bills with no insurance I never got those done. I had intended to do it once I knew for sure my husbands insurance had picked me up, but got busy with life and totally put it out of my mind. Fast forward one year. Laying on the couch watching TV with hubby and as I was rubbing some baby powder on my chest to get rid of the sticky feeling from the hot weather I felt a lump. Immediately showed husband and asked him if that felt right to him and he said NO! Made appointment with surgeon, he did exam and said he was optomistic that it wasn't cancer but did the biopsy and as I left office he said they would call next Wed. with results. When next Wed. came the nurse called and said she couldn't give me results that the doctor would have to see me. I knew then that it was probably going to be bad news.

So now, will have my surgery tomorrow and then start the waiting game for the pathology once again. Of course now I won't be waiting to hear if it's cancer, just the details of it.

Will talk to you all real soon I hope.  Deb  

FireKracker

HI SISTAS

FIRST I LOST IN PLAYING CARD.I DONT CARE I JUST HAD TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

THIS MORNING I GOT THE RESULTS.PETSCAN CLEAR.YAY B/L BIOPSY CLEAR...YAY BUT

THIS 2ND OPINION WANTS ME TO SCHEDULE SURGERY TO REMOVE THE AFFECTED OR INFECTED NOT QUITE SURE WHAT SHE SAID BUT THE BIG C IS DEF.INVOLVED.I RUSHED INTO SURGERY WITH THE #1 DR.NOW THIS ONE IS PUSHING ME TO TAKE OUT MORE NODES.AS I AM DOING RESEARCH I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT REMOVING THE NODES UNDER THE ARM.I HAD AXILLARY NODE REMOVED.NOW THE DR WANTS TO REMOVE MORE.I READ AN ARTICLE TODAY WITH A LOT OF CONTROVERSY.IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEE THAT ARTICLE SEND ME A PM WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND IT TO YOU........I AM STILL IN A FOG...

I LOVE MY SISTAS..

GOD BLESS

K

KeepingtheFaith

Grannydukes, we love you too.  I am so happy to hear that the pet scan and bl biopsy were clear. That is wonderful news.

I hope you figure out what to do about the nodes. I have no idea what the best thing would be, but hopefully there are some here who can give you some advice. Let us know what you decide. And take care of yourself.

Love,Deb

debbie6122

Grannydukes- Glad scans were clear~ Was your positive node, the sentina node? Typically if the sentinal node is positive, as mine was, they will take out 5 or 6 more nodes to make sure they are clear. this is a new procedure that uses a dye. So if yours was a sentianal node and it probably was since your bs only took one, then they should take out some more to be sure, not sure why your BS only took the one when it was positive- On the other hand if you were having an axillery node disection then they would take about 10 or more nodes out down behind the arm- Too bad your dr didnt do this the first time- Hope all the rest remain clear.

Deb- I will be thinking about you tomorrow on your surgery and saying a prayer for you let us know how you are when you can

Joe, Hope your wife is doing well, i know that sucks about avastin, it was the top selling drug for cancer last year and brought in almost 6 billion dollars- they are still trying to claim it works  too, what a crock of sh..

tryn2staycalm

Hi Sistas

Good news grannydukes!  More surgery but if it all ends up clear in the end then that is our goal.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

Debbie6122 - I notice your here supporting us all,  I read your profile and seen you've had some battle yourself!  My heart goes out to you.  How are you now?  Did you finally get a good result from you mx?  Just want to say ty and best of luck, hope all is well.

Our dear sista Deb/keepingthefaith -  I am feeling your anxiousness with you now.  You'll be on your way to the hospital now or soon.  I hope they give you something to relax soon after getting  there.  I'm there with you!  If not in body in mind and spirit holding your hand and hoping for the best result possible. 

Love Cathy

Rose6

Hi all, I am reading some of your posts and bless your hearts for being so open and vulnerable. I was waiting for an MRI, then my surgeon decided to just get approval for the operation, lumpectomy. Well then I was told by her office that it could take 30 days!  abou this d*m thing growing but my nurse support told me it is not! Thank God. So that allayed some of my anxiety. Its like  cant wait to get it over with but at the same time when that call does come, Ill be terrified about the surgery. yes I know its all emotional.. So far no lymph nodes are involved.....I dont know the whole thing is so surreal.

   My medical network has lotsa cool classes you can go to for free, so I think I will start going, they also provide a volunteer that has gone through your type of breast cancer before to talk to.

So Ive been hangin with friends, going to free concerts just about anything to stay busy and out of the house, to keep the anxiety down. any suggestions about that would surely be welcome sistas. Hope yall are doing the best ya can!

Lynda

jenlsm

I'm new @ this I don't know all the terminology and slang yet so pls be patient. All I know is I'm scared & trying to process all the info I have been given. I have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I just got back from Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. My husband & I met with a breast cancer specialist/surgeon, I had a breast ultra-sound, a lymph needle biopsy, a breast MRI, met with a plastic/reconstructive surgeon & now trying to process everything. Very overwhelming. I am 40 married with 2 young children (ages 8&9). I have stage 3 breast cancer in both breasts and in the lymps. I need to have a double mast with reconstructive surgery (if opt for it), chemo & possibly radiation. They want to do surgery asap. I have no family we moved to MO 2 yrs ago. My mom passed away 5 yrs ago this August. I feel so alone. HELP!

kira1234

jenism

I'm so sorry you have to join this group, but I have to say the people here are the best.  I found out June 1st I had breast cancer.  It was removed 2 weeks ago today.  Just turn to the ladies here for caring, advice, ect. I would not have believed what a great group till I turned to them. I feel as if they are my best friends now.  I'm sorry about your mom, but I can relate my mom died 5 years ago this october, and I miss her alot.

Anyway take a deep breath this cancer will not stop us we will stop it.

Karen

kira1234

Rose,

It sounds like you have things under control.  As they said the wait is ok.  I really worried about that as well.  I had to wait 2 months, I thought for sure it was growing during that time, but when I had my lumpectomy 2 weeks ago today it hadn't gotten any bigger, in fact it was a bit smaller than they thought.

 I like your idea of spending time with friends and concerts.  I spent lots of time with my friends, family, and going to the movies. I think I saw more movies during that 2 month period than I've seen over the last 5 years.

 Karen

chrissyb

Hi Jenism, you have found the best place to come for all the support that you need other than your husband and children.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE ! The women here will respond to you anytime you post a question or query.  They will lift your spirits when they flag, they will laugh with you, cry with you,encourage you, you only need to ask and we will be here. You can learn so much about your type of BC and in the learning gain the power to be in charge and not let the disease be in charge.  You are going through the worst part at the moment the waiting for appts can be nerve racking but please slow down, take a large breath and exhale slowly.  If this one doesn't calm you just keep doing it.  Try to remember that soon treatment will begin.  Your life will be on a different track and will be ruled by doctors, medications and treatments.  The next twelve months are not going to be easy but everything is definatley do-able. Just remember do everything one day at a time and when you need us, we will be here. Sending many calming and healing thoughts to you and yours. Love n hugs. chrissyb

dlb823

jenism ~ We were all new at one time, and many on this thread still are.  I'm so sorry that you have a need to be here, but I'm so glad that you've found us.

You mentioned being 40.  Did this shocking diagnosis all stem from your first mammogram? 

Please let us know how we can help you.  My first suggestion is that you click on Forum Topics  (above) to get an idea of the scope of this discussion board -- plenty of discussions going on re. surgery, reconstruction,  Stage III, and other things about which you may have specific concerns.  There's also an informational section (very top bar) where you can search specific questions about your diagnosis (dx) and treatment (tx).  You also need to know that new members are limited to 5 posts per day (to prevent scamming), but that there's a Private Message (PM) feature (click on any screen name or avatar to find it) without limits.

Hopefully, you will find BCO and the women here a lifeline and support group.  We're all here for you, and although you're probably in a bit of shock right now, just know that you will get through this!   (((Hugs)))  Deanna

Rose6

Thank you Kira for your reply . well, I dont have it all under control....just noticed as I was on my way to a therapy appt. that it was for mon. @ 10Am...silly spaced out me. Anyway thats a good idea going to movies, takes your mind off off everything!

  Jeez are you saying that the entire process will take 12months? I thought radiation was just for 6 weeks and then of course you have follow ups etc. I also wanted to ask yall out there have your boyfriends and husbands been getting support from other guys, books etc? Mine BF wasnt talking to a soul, then I got him a book called "stand by her" that talks about what to expect how HE might feel, where to support us. Anyway he really seems to like it, has read quite a bit.

      Also my adult son has called almost every day, just havent seen him much since initial diagnosis, seems his wife doesnt have much capacity for comfort or company right now. Also, my siterin law ins somewhat responsive but Ive only really talked to my older brother once, quite a while back. Seems odd that at this time he wouldnt stay in touch better just to see how I am , have I had surgery yet etc. anyway it hurts. I have more caring from friends and people I know at Church. Any ideas?

kira1234

Lynda,

Your right 6 weeks of radiation. She means all the things we go through.  Everyone time and treatments are different. Remember you can private message anyone after your 5 messages posted here. By the way dlb823 has been a great help for me the last 2 months. As far as family, that can be very hard. I have 3 grown kids, 1 has been there along with his wife to be, 1 looks like she is going to burst into tears every time I see her, and 1 is trying to pretend nothing is happening.  I have turned to church and friends from work alot. In fact my new best friends is a coworker who is fighting breast cancer herself.

Karen

Thanks Deanna

dlb823

Rose, guys as a whole are not good at things over which they have no control.  They're fixers by nature, and this is something they can't fix.  I'm glad that you found a book for your BF.  Let us know what you both think of it.  Another excellent one is called Breast Cancer Husband.  The author uses a lot of sports terminology and comparisons to which guys can relate ~

http://www.breastcancerhusband.com/

As far as adult kids and other relatives, my personal observation is that a dx like bc gives us some real surprises in terms of who steps forward to help and be there for us emotionally and who disappears from our radar.  It can be an eye-opener, but maybe even a good thing in terms of figuring out new priorities for future relationships.

Karen, what a sweet thing to say!  I was so fortunate to have a sister who had not only gone through bc twice, but is also in cancer research (radiation oncology).  So I had an inside track to good information and advice, and I just hope I can play it forward, as I know many others also do.    Deanna

Rose6

Thanks to Karen and Deanna, I hear ya about guys not being good in situations they cant fix. I am also seeing those that I can count on in future relationships. Its certainly NOT my brother OR daughter in law...sad to say but true...this is real life

 And Karen I am so sorry you have 2 kids that either cry and cant comfort you or make believe nothings happening, thats gotta be hard. I read parts of the book before I gave it to him and its an eye opener in parts about emotional fallout , really well written

Best to you both this sunny day gotta get ready for rehersal

Lynda

tryn2staycalm

jenism and Rose6

Welcome Ladies!  From my own personal expierence here in the last weeks I can assure you as you learn and share (read and educate yourself) you will find a way of dealing with whatever comes with this dx. Open up to us and share your weaknesses and your fears and soon you will be supporting others and there is power in helping others.  We ALL are scared and shocked and hurting in the beginning!  The more we learn and share and talk about it the easier it becomes to handle.  I know what your saying about some people not calling or coming over since the dx,  I have a couple of friends that haven't bothered to even call.  Who I know are good people and who were there for me when I lost my husband but somehow I think they are so lost of what to say or do they just avoid it in fear of it.  I've heard of this with others too, I don't think that they don't care, in fact I know better in my case.  Give them time.  Something we will also share is waiting and more waiting.  I tell myself sometimes " it is what it is", (as I am still waiting for pathology from my Lumpectomy- some dcis found grade 3 is all i know yet)  all the worrying and fretting is not going change it.  I have to take charge and remember I am in control! I will not give it the power!  I'm going to do whatever it takes and you can too!  We will win!  We are strong and we are survivors here!  We are sistas!

Cathy

rachel5738

Hi jenism--I am pretty new here aswell--just had surgery on Monday and am recovering from that and waiting for pathology (anxiously). I feel that this blog has helped me to learn, understand and simply put down my thoughts and what is happening to me....we are all going through the same thing and it definitely helps to have people who understand around. I have two young children aswell--from reading other posts--just have to take a breath and go along this path--ask questions, understand what is happening and ask for help whenever needed. We will get through this for sure.

For others--I unwrapped myself today and hear a slight swishing sound? Fluid? Normal? I will call BS tomorrow but just curious if anyone had something similar. At the hosp, they decided no drain required after surgery --- do I need to get the breast drained? Million questions--but am guessing someone will know. Thanks.