If you have just been diagnosed....

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  • Diana63
    Diana63 Member Posts: 773
    edited November 2007

    Yadisa, it is all very overwhelming, but it sounds like to me that you have a lot going on in your favor. Just hold onto your family & friends and this will all be a memory someday.

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  • Jen44
    Jen44 Member Posts: 631
    edited November 2007

    Hey Yadisa,

    I am sorry that you had to join the club none of us wanted to join.  You have come to a good place for support.  There are a lot of wonderful people here that will be with you through this.  The way I get through this is one day at a time.  There are some days I do great with it and some days I just don't want to get out of bed.  The most important thing is not to be too hard on yourself.  It is fantastic that you have a positive attitude, that is very important during something like this.  Just remember that you will have yucky days, my daughter's word for it, but that doesn't change the fact you are a positive person.  You need to remember that.  It is very easy to beat yourself up if you can't be positive all the time, but I think it is just as unhealthy not to let yourself have yucky days once in awhile as it is to wallow in self pity.  Just be easy on yourself, keep your loved ones close, and take it one day at a time.  We are here for you.  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    Jenny

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  • Chrisi
    Chrisi Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone.  I may be jumping the gun, here, but yesterday I was given my pathology results.  I had an enlarged lymph node removed and tested 2 weeks ago.  The results show metastic cancer. The only other "word" I recall is adenocarcinoma.  My doctor wants to do a breast MRI and set me up with an oncologist.  The breast is the first area he wants to check. It seems to be a good possibility.  I have had regular mammograms and ultrasounds, as I have a history of "scares".  One year ago exactly, my lymph node showed up on ultrasound as being enlarged but no one was too concerned.  A wait and see approach was taken.  Just before my mammogram this year, I felt a large lump under my arm.  It quickly became uncomfortable, growing rapidly it seemed.  Saw Doc and had mammogram (came up clear).  From the ultrasound results the decision was made to remove the lymph node.  I guess I'm a little baffled as to how this could be growing in me undetected, when I have been doing what I am supposed to do to catch it early.  I'm 40 with no family history.  I know it happens.   But, how can it spread to my lymph node yet remain undetected in mammogram and such?  Anyway, I am grateful for this site and I know I will be back many times!  Thank you all for just listening and being here.

    Chrisi

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  • Jen44
    Jen44 Member Posts: 631
    edited November 2007

    Hi Chrisi,

    I am sorry for what you having to go through.  I know how frustrating it can be to do everything right and still get hit over the head.  I had always had my mamos done as well.  Mamo didn't show the cancer that was in either of my breasts.  The 2.5cm mass with 3 positive lymph nodes in right breast did show up on ultra sound.  The 2cm mass with 5 lymph nodes in my left breast did not show up on ultra sound but did show up on MRI.  The 4mm mass also in my right breast didn't show up on anything.  It was found after my double mastectomy was done.  It seems so unfair that you try to do things right and still this horrible stuff can creep up and invade your body and your life.  I also have no family history of breast cancer, I am the first.  I am 44 years old with 2 children. 

    It does sound as if your doctors are moving you in the right direction.  Know that you are not alone.  You will meet many people here that are willing to lend support.  Good luck with everything and let us know how things turn out.

    Jenny

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  • Yadisa
    Yadisa Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2007

    Thank you ladies for your kind words.

    Last night was a rough one. I found out that a friend is pregnant. And although I am soooo happy for her, I couldn't help but feel so sad. Sad for myself. It was so hard to not think of myself and my current situation- of how my life is so different than what it was two weeks ago. So "normal" compared to what it is now - where my major concern of the month was thanksgiving, not "should we schedule surgery on the 21st or the 26th?"  

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  • mexico2009
    mexico2009 Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2007

    Yadisa,

    Good luck with your fight, I have DCIS and have opted for a Surgical removal of both breasts, the only thing for me is I have opted to wait until after the holidays since I will have recovery time of 4-6 weeks.  Keep us posted

    Tamara

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  • boney1a
    boney1a Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2007

    Was just diagnosed 11/8/07 with DCIS, 0 stage with comedo necrosis. I will be having a lumpetomy on 11/30, and two to three weeks later I will start  6weeks of radiation 5 days a week.  My mammogram from 2006 did not show any problems. Had my yearly routine mammogram 10/18 received a letter a week later that I needed further images taken. The new images showed calcification that needed a biopsy. I was told that 80% of the time they are benign and 20% are found to be malignant. I had the biopsy done on 11/6 and was notified by my primary care physician that I have DCIS. I feel comfortable with my surgical oncologist. I try not worry about what is going to happen down the line will I have problems in my other breast, I am the first female in my family to be diagnosed.  Due to the fact that I have yearly mammograms the cancer was found at it's earliest stage. 

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  • nana_of_3
    nana_of_3 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2007

    I hope Im in the right place .

    Ive just been told that I have stage 1 breast cancer . I dont want to have surgery . Ive had a needle biop. dr. says if theres a good kind to get ive got it . it has not spread anywhere .(thank god ) he wants to start me on a heavy dose of oral chemo , anyone have info  about oral chemo ? he wants me to have blood work done every 2 weeks  to keep track of white cells & other little good stuff , how do i tell if its working . im not sure what questions i should be asking the dr.

    should i be worried about more than just white cell counts ?

    thanks for your time

    tina

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  • banburyk
    banburyk Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2007
    Hi everyone, what a wonderful site this is! My mom (age 54) was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday. She has invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinoma (one on either side). We are seeing a surgeon today. She will have to have a bilateral masectomy and chemo and radiation therapy. I have been trying to get her to research out support groups, but she is not ready yet. She is a very strong woman, and I know we will over come this. She is a previous cancer patient of Hodgekins disease; she had previous radiation therapy which probably caused the breast carcinoma. I as well am a cancer survivor of hodgekins disease (I am 24 and had chemo and radiation therapy 10 years ago). CANCER SUCKS! If anyone can recomend a support group for my mom? She is really getting depressed. Thanks, Kimberly
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  • Terry1211
    Terry1211 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2007

    I was just diagnosed with Infiltrating, poorly differentiated lobular carcinoma, at least IIA.  Lumpectomy with lymph node dissection scheduled for Friday (day after Thanksgiving).  Originally, the surgeon told me I would need radiation therapy (she didn't mention chemo) but after speaking with the nurse cooridnator, she mentioned that due to my age (I'm 29), chemo  typically would be after the surgery, the radiation.   The thought of Chemo really frightens me.  Would anyone happen to have any input? =)  Thank you!

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  • DJW
    DJW Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2007

    I am 55 and have just been diagnosed, not yet staged, awaiting surgery next week. I did not have a lump, or family history of bc,  it was found on mammogram. I am so lost, and in total darkness when it comes to bc. I do know that my bone scan ,cxr,and liver profile were clear and am very thankful for this. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you that are going  or have been thru this ordeal.

    DJW

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  • cat4
    cat4 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    I have just been diagnosed with DCIS. The info I read here doesn't say any other treatment but one doctor says radiation and the other chemo. What does it mean ER 3+ PR neg Her2 1+ nucleor grade 111/111 and histolic grade 3+3+1=7? Stage 1 non lymphnodes Moderately to Poorly differentiated. Tumor is 1.

    Thanks Susan

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  • cat4
    cat4 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    i was told I couldn't have the mamo seeds because I didn't have enough tissue. Is that true or was it my insurance?

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  • sharonh
    sharonh Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    Hi, just found out about my biopsy and will see a surgeon Wed.  I am 67 years old and said lets get it over with so I can go on with my life.  I was fine until I started reading about the young people that are going through this and I started to cry, if nothing else I am finally getting a release and know I will feel better.  They gave me a booklet about the different stages and hope someone can tell me whether the biopsy would know or do you wait until the surgery is done.   I think the not knowing and the waiting is what drives me crazy, I hate the weekend as can't find out anything.  Sorry, I just needed to vent a little.  Is there any questions I should ask the surgeon on Wed. that I should know about.  Thank you for any info. sharon

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  • sharonh
    sharonh Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    Hi, hope all goes well for you.  I am new at this to.  I will see the surgeon this coming Wed.  Wish I could help you as I am not sure what is next but just wanted to let you know I read your comments and will be thinking of you. 

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  • 29withcancer
    29withcancer Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    I have just found out that I have breast cancer. I found out this morning so I guess I am still in shock. I am so mad but don't have anyone to be mad at. I am scared just bc I still don't know to much about the kind of cancer I have. I have no clue what to thank or do with any of this.

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  • hammymcgee
    hammymcgee Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    How were you notified of your breast cancer?  My sister had her first mamogram 2 weeks ago.  We weren't expecting anything but tonight she received a letter in the mail stating that her results indicated that she needed further scan on her left breast and ultrasound?  Is this how the diagnosis begins?  It sure is unnerving to get that letter at 5 PM and have NO ONE to talk to about it.... how will we all sleep tonight?

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  • sharonh
    sharonh Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    Hi I'm new at this to, but had the mammo every 6 months for awhile, and then the letter came.   Had the ultrasound and they found something, then had a biopsy 2 days later and Dr. called and said it was cancer and made me an appointment with the surgeon.  Saw him on Wed. and will know when the surgery takes place after he meets with his other surgeons and will let me know and could be done before the end of the year.  Fortunately, it is very small so will hope it will be easy.  It is kind of a relief after you talk to the surgeon as at least you kind of know it will soon be operated on and then deal with whatever happens later.  Hope this will help you some.  I have never been scared so far, the frustration has been the waiting in between. 

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  • LauraAnne
    LauraAnne Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    Hi,

    I am 26 and was diagnosed last week with BC.  From the biopsy my doctor said it looked like DCIS with some microinvasion.  After the MRI, he said the tumor looked bigger then what he saw in the mammogram and that he saw suspicious cells underneath my nipple, which he suggest I should have a masectomy.  Last night was my first appointment with a plastic surgeon and I feel as though it has all hit me.  What's a typical timeline from the time you are diagnosed to the time surgery takes place?  Is a second or third opinion suggested?  Any help is needed.  Thanks for your time.

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  • beenie
    beenie Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    Hi.



    I am 40 and also received my diagnosis last week. I have DCIS, intermediate grade, with no known microinvasions. Unfortunately the affected area covers over 1/4 of my right breast so I am not a candidate for lumpectomy. I have already signed the consent for a bilateral mastectomy, choosing to take the left breast now too.



    Waiting on the results of my MRI to confirm no further involvement, please God. If all is clear on MRI and with final pathology, I wont need chemo or radiation.



    I meet with 2 plastics guys, one 12/26 and one on 1/8. As soon as I choose which doctor, we'll schedule surgery.



    At first, I was shocked, but very logical about the course of treatment. But, the last few days have been pretty bad. The MRI was difficult, mostly because I couldn't remain cerebral about this. When they placed the IV, it was really my arm that felt the stick, and it hit home that it's my body that's going to go under the knife.



    I don't know how to tell my boys (8, 6 and 3) so if anyone could refer me to some good websites/books/resources, please let me know. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I know that I have to tell them something.



    Thank you.

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  • mjw
    mjw Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    I have a lump

    "I have a lump," said Sarah just before she took a sip of her latté.  Maggie, her thirty's something friend from Yoga replied, "What did the Doctor say?"

    "She said there is a lump on the bottom side of my right breast and she wants to schedule a biopsy for Tuesday.  You know it could be nothing or it could be I've got breast cancer and I'll become a 27 year old one-breast-broad."

    "Wait just a moment there lady.  While you may have a lump and they may want to cut it out, it doesn't mean that you have breast cancer!," said Maggie.

    "What are you talking about?  A lump in my breast is most certainly breast cancer," replied Sarah

    "Not true, a lump, even a cancerous lump simply means that you've got some c-cells that didn't get killed off by your immune system and they found a home in the bottom of your right tit.  The lump is a symptom it is not a type of cancer." Replied Maggie.

    "If they say it is, after the biopsy then it is," Sarah replied.

    "What are you going to do about it?" Ask Maggie.

    "What am I going to do about it?  That's a stupid question.  I am going to do what ever the doctor tells me.  Whatever they tell me it takes to get rid of the lump!" said Sarah.

    "So if they tell you they have to take the breast, you'll let them?  If they tell you they want to poison you with chemo you'll drink it down?  Or if they want to radiate you you'll say ok?" replied Maggie.

    "I will do whatever it takes to get rid of the lump."

    "Are you willing to start today?" ask Maggie.

    "Of course, but the results don't get back till the end of next week," said Sarah.

    "In other words you are not willing to do anything to help yourself?  You are going to become a complete slave to the medical community?  You don't care enough about your own life to take a little initiative to understand how your body operates and what you should be doing to take care of it?" challenged Maggie.

    "I didn't say that.  Sure I want to take care of myself.  I watch my weight and do some walking for god's sake Maggie I am only 27."

    "OK Sarah, I know that you are not overweight and you do eat your vegetables and your salad.  That is all good.  What I am suggesting is that you take a few moments to research and get an understanding of cancer.  Did you know that there is a Medical school of thought that believes that if your immune system is working properly you will never have a cancerous tumor?" ask Maggie.

    "What do you mean?" Sarah replied.

    "Just want I said.  Your and my body, everybody's body, if they are functioning properly will never have a malignant tumor?" said Maggie.

    "Why is that?" ask Sarah.

    "Your immune system.  Cancer cells are one of those things that your immune system is suppose to kill off.  Did you know that it has only been in the past few years that the cancer scientists have been working on drugs to stimulate the body's immune system? Ask Maggie.

    "I had no idea.  How many years will those cures take to get here?" ask Sarah.

    "The truth is Sarah you don't have to wait.  Most of the answers those scientists are looking for are here today in some form or another," said Maggie.

    "Oh, you mean those old wives tales and herbal myths," replied Sarah, "that I hear you spouting every once in a while?"

    "No," said Maggie.   "What I am talking about are medically proven solutions that you can have for free if you would just get off your duff and look into them.  Sarah all you have to do is do a little reading.  You still read don't you?"

    "Of course," Sarah said belligerently.   

    "Well," said Maggie, "I will even tell you where to begin if you promise to take an interest in living."

    "What do you mean?" said Sarah.  "You know I want to live.  I would still like to have a family.  I am not ready for the bone yard yet!"

    "OK then, let's cut to the chase," Maggie said, "You have the internet don't you?"

    "Well some people can get on it at work but actually, if the boss catches you, he will dock your pay," Sarah replied.

    "Alright, well I do know that you have a Public library close to your house and they have the internet," Maggie replied.

    "They do?," ask Sarah.

    "Yes," said Maggie, "Don't you ever read anymore?"

    "I read.  You know they have a lot of books and magazines at the Grocery," replied Sarah.

    "Sarah," said Maggie, "I am talking about the BIG LIBRARY of the Internet".

    "Do they have libraries on the internet?" ask Sarah.

    "Yes, lots of them and lots of places where you can find information direct from the National Cancer Society to specialized places that will just give you information about one specific thing like your immune system," Maggie replied.

    "So I just go to the library and get online and type in "immune system?", ask Sarah."

    "You could, but if you want to get to the information faster why don't you let me give you a list of things to look up.  In fact I can go you one better.  I will give you the names and web sites of real medical Doctors to look up that will give you information about your immune system and how it works," replied Maggie.

    "Ok, you'd do that?" Ask Sarah.

    "Sarah, I don't want you to die.  I had a friend about your age die on me and I have hated myself ever since.  I just wasn't pushy enough with her.  And I want you to live, if your want to live," said Maggie.

    "Where do I start?" ask Sarah.

    "Here are couple of Doctors to begin with," said Maggie:

    Dr. Issel (http://www.issels.com/ ) who said, "that a healthy body with an intact immune system does not develop a cancerous tumor."

    and

    Dr. Lorraine Day, (http://www.drday.com/) . who cured a lump on her own breast that got as big as a grapefruit without surgery, chemo or radiation.

    "Gee, thanks Maggie, I'll get by the library tomorrow," says Sarah as she gets up to leave.

    "Sure you will," says Maggie with some doubt and then adds as Sarah reaches the door.  "I'll send some flowers."

    Sarah stops with her hand on the door.  She turns and just stares at Maggie.  Then she begins to tear-up and says, "Maggie, I'm sorry."

    "It's your life kid," Maggie replies.

    "Will you help me?," ask Sarah.

    "Sarah, I am trying to, but you have to help yourself too," Maggie replied.

    To Be Continued....

    Write me if you would like to hear the rest of the story: cancer@boomershout.com

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  • CandyLuna
    CandyLuna Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2007

    Hi, my name is candy, i'm 39 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 13, it doesn't run on either side of our family, even though we do have colon, bladder, uterus, and cervix in our family history, so i was really surprised when i was told. I have had a lump in my right breast for atleast 3 years, never going to check because of money situations, finally went to a clinic that goes by your income, and was sent right away to a clinic in Galveston where they did mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy in same day, anyways by the next week i had the results. Now i'm waiting for my first appt. with a general surgeon on Jan. 4th. When they gave me the results, my mind just wandered and i couldn't really focus on what they told me, i just know they said they didn't find the cancer in the lump, but in another mass under my armpit and in a lymph node, when they did the biopsy, i'm not sure how many lymph nodes they tested or if it was that one, but people seem to say that if its in the lymph nodes already, its worse! I 've been trying to read all i can, but really don't understand alot, i guess i need to wait to see what else they tell me on my first appt. My sister had colon cancer last year and is doing great. 3 of my moms sisters passed away with cancer. Does anyone know what other tests they do? Like will they do a colonscopy? They never did any blood work either. I've also had two biopsies done on my cervix because my pap smear kept on coming back abnormal, but this past week, the results came back okay and were noncancerous, which i guess is good. Any information will be helpful. Thank you

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited January 2008

    Candy,

    Sorry you joined the 'club nobody wants to join'. The answers to your questions will come along. Just take a deep breath and write down all your questions to take to the surgeon. You said that your family has a history of various other cancers. My mom was dx with BC 8 yrs ago with lymph node involvement and she did the genetic counseling and found out that several cancer genes run in the same group. I was dx this past April with DCIS but no node involvement. The fact that nodes may be involved will make a difference but there are good drugs to combat this cancer. You might want to start your own conversation with the specific questions that you have. More of the great ladies on this site will be more than happy to help you with them.

    Good Luck, Sheila 

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  • aroseandhermom
    aroseandhermom Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2008

    my mom was just diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving, and she's finally having surgery on the 10th of this month, it's been a long wait it seems, but at least it's finally here and she can get this out of her system, just like you i want to help my mom sooo much, and be there for her, but am clueless too.....

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited January 2008

    Rose,

    I hope that we will be able to help you and your mom. What type of surgery is she having? The wait for surgery seems to be the hardest part but after the surgery, the plan for further treatment will be made and you take it one step at a time from there.

    Sheila

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  • karrie3373
    karrie3373 Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2008

    My mom was just diagnosed this morning with breast cancer, but its in a lymph node under her arm. I am PISSED, why am I soooo mad, I was sad now I'm mad. I feel ill and confused, shes only 58

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  • aroseandhermom
    aroseandhermom Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2008

    Thank you Sheila, she's having a masectomy (?), her right breast and they're telling her that she's in the first stage, and MIGHT not have to receive chemo, we'll see i guess, and you're right the waiting was hard, but finally she's going to get the cancer out of her body, and hopefully that will be it, i'm so scared that it has spread, but like you said, one day at a time.....thanks again Sheila....

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited January 2008

    kerri,

    You have every right to be mad. That is the first stage of recovery. My mom was dx 6 yrs ago at age 59, she also had lymph node involvment. She went through chemo and rads and is doing great today.

    I was dx last summer with early stage (0) bc and did mast and because is was found early am not taking chemo or rads.

    Please feel free to come to any topic on this board with questions and the wonderful women here will help you and your mother through this time of change.

    Sheila

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  • jennybeck
    jennybeck Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2008

    I was diagnosed yesterday and spent all day today with drs, rns, and pa's. I might be eligible for protocols depending on my Her2/neu status which will then determine if I start chemo next Wed or Fri. My port gets placed Tues and they think I have lymph node involvement. I had a skin biopsy this morning to (hopefully) rule out inflammatory breast cancer. The dr said its a T4 lesion. Everytime I tell that to someone with any medical background here at work they all get wide-eyed and teary...I wasn't scared but I am now.

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  • miss-di
    miss-di Member Posts: 161
    edited January 2008

    I am so sorry for you and your family.  Please know there are many people praying for you.  Also, this site has the most compassionate and knowledgeable women you can find.

    The T4 is how they explain the size.  T1-T4.  You already know it was 6 cm.

    There are many of us still kicking that had T4's so hang in there.  We are all scared, I'll say a special prayer for you.

    Diane

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