Finally Coming Forward

stephanie1

Hi all

I have been logging on regularly reading everyone's posts and I have finally decided it is time to join the group and talk about my diagnosis. I am 35 years old so needless to say I was quite shocked like the rest of us in this thread to get this diagnosis. My father actually died Jan of 2008 of colon cancer at the young age of 58 so I was really thinking that I was higher risk for that than this breast cancer. In fact just last year they had me go in for a colonoscopy due to some symptoms I was having. It was negative so I thought I was in the clear. I had been feeling tired and depressed for some time but just attributed it to the loss and illness of my father. Looking back my body was trying to tell me something. I was trying to listen just not in the direction I should have been. 

I had surgery back in February (lumpectomy) and they found the positive lmph nodes at that time. I had three biopsies on my lymph nodes that all came back negative so my surgeon and oncologist were quite shocked by the findings. Not as shocked as I was when I awoke to the pain of having 18 lymph nodes removed. I am still struggling at times recovering from that surgery but I am lucky that I am having no lymphedema problems and am just trying to work out the cording in my arm.

I have been really learning by reading all of your postings and I can't tell you all how much it has meant to me to read your words of inspiration and hope. When i first logged on I thought my life was going to be over and was terrified. I am learning that I can get through this one day at a time and I look forward to talking with you all during our journey to recovery.

God Bless you all

Stephanie

lexislove

Hi Stephanie Welcome...

This is obviously the place where none of us want to be.....but as you can see there is life after breast cancer. There is a lot of information here and the woman here are very knowledgable. I was diagnosed at 30..married with a 2 year old. I know where you are coming from. The first little bit always the hardest..but once you have your treatment plan in place you will gradualy feel better.

I am a year out from chemo and my energy is back and I'm regaining my life. For your arm problems maybe you can try some physio therapy or something to help. The cording does eventually get better...but it takes time. Any questions feel free to ask!

Good luck on your journey...and there is a light at the end of all this...promise

stephanie1

Thank you so much for your reply. I am going to start chemo on April 6th actually so this is my last week to prepare. I have been reading all of the suggestions so I am stocking up on water and all the other food items that will help me keep my strength. I am so glad to hear that you are regaining your life back. I don't have any children - thinking I still had plenty of time - so I am very proud of your strength. I am having a tough enough time just worrying about taking care of myself so I can't imagine how hard your road has been.

I am sure I will have a lot of questions about chemo so I appreciate your advice in the next coming weeks.

nash

Hi, Stephanie, and welcome. My name is Stephanie, too.

Like Lexi, I'm a year or so out from chemo, and am starting to feel better and more energetic. You might want to check out the Chemo board here at bc.org and find the thread for girls starting chemo in April 09. It really helps to talk to people who are right along with you, week to week. And of course, check in here, too, b/c then you can get the perspective of the younger women, and also the perspecitve of the women who are done with chemo.

Good luck on the 6th--keep us posted!

DV8Q

Just saying hello and welcome to the group  (that no one wants to be a part of lol). I am so glad I found this group early, lots of info and things to read when you are having insomnia, or just need someone else who has been through it.