My Story ~ Introducing Myself

Alaina

Hello Ladies,

 I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and it's been a whirlwind month!

 Below is the timeline of how all this happened.  I am a 39 year old African-American female in Maryland with no family history of breast cancer that I'm aware of.  Still awaiting results on the BRCA test.

 I look forward to spending time in the forum and connecting with other women who are currently taking this journey!

 Alaina

 *************

2/26/09 ~ Met with new primary care doctor
3/3/09 ~ Told I had a UTI and needed a 5-day course of CIPRO
3/7/09 ~ Took last dose of CIPRO
3/9/09 ~ Noticed itchy left breast, called primary care who referred me to a dermatologist
3/12/09 ~ Saw dermatologist who said I had hives from allergic reaction to CIPRO
3/16/09 ~ Met with primary care doctor who did not believe dermatologist's assessment, Had 1st ever mammogram same day, calcifications found, lymph node measured 3cm
3/18/09 ~ Oncology consultation, fine-needle aspiration of lymph node, stereotactic biopsy of calcifications
"The Call" 3/20/09 ~ Cancer found in both sites (breast & lymph node)
3/24/09 ~ 1st meeting with surgical oncologist (DCIS, IDC, maybe IBC, still more tests needed for chemical nature and staging)
3/26/09 ~ Breast MRI, lymph node biopsy
3/27/09 ~ PET & CT scans (all major organs/brain CLEAR!)
3/31/09 (AM) ~ Kept GYN appt, Pap Smear, discovered cervical polyp (B9!), got BRCA blood test, still awaiting results
3/31/09 (PM) ~ 1st meeting w/ Oncologist, set up treatment plan
4/6/09 ~ PowerPort Surgery (1st surgery EVER!)

Official Dx ~ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Left Breast, Stage III, HER2+/ER+/PR-, Two tumors (Abercrombie 8.5cm, Fitch 6cm), One swollen lymph node
Tx 4/10/09 ~ Taxotere (6x ev. 3wks), Herceptin (ev. 3 wks/year), Carboplatin (6x ev. 3wks)

Alaina

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Traci-----TripNeg

Hi Alaina,

Sorry you had to join our club.

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

nasharayne

Alaina, I'm so sorry you had to join us. I am getting TCH as well - Started 3/17.  Also, I can relate with the diagnosis of BC under 40.  I am 31 and I get weird looks every time I go to a different doctor.  I have found this site has been very helpful through my journey.  If you have any questions please ask.  That's why we are all here.  Also, I visit the TCH thread and the one for those starting chemo in March...well April for you.  They have been extremely helpful.

Lcharmie

Hi Alaina,

WOW!!!!  You have had a whirlwind month!!!!

Sorry to hear of this!!!

We are here to help and support, so keep us posted.

Linda C.

Roya

Hi Alaina,

Welcome to our place.  Here you will find sooooo much support, sharing, and genuine caring.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Roya

Anonymous

Hi Alaina,

Bittersweet welcome!  You will find great support from those who have been where you have been and will hold your hand as you go through.  Come talk to us often to raise not only your spirits but ours as well.

Blessings.

Alaina

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

 One question, when does my 5-post-a-day limit end?

nasharayne

Alaina - You can post more after you hit 50 posts.

Alaina

Ah...ok!  Thanks Nasharayne!

misty123

Welcome Alaina to our sisterhood, no one wished to join but you will soon find out this is just where you need to be for support and encouragement.

Lcharmie

Hi Ladies,

See, I learn stuff here, I did not know there was ever a limit on posts--guess I am past that now!!

Hello to Traci T--I don't recall seeing your name, if so forgive me.

Hello to misty123--don't recall seeing your name, if so forgive me.

Everyone keep sharing--that is what we are here for!!!

Linda C

Alaina

Hi Ladies!  I'm on the countdown to Chemo #2, which is this Friday 5/1!

Keep me in your thoughts & prayers!  I'll post an update this weekend. :-)

Oh, and my hair is almost completely gone.  I found 2 cute wigs...one came in already, the other is backordered until 5/21!  I guess I wasn't the only one who thought it was cute!  LOL!!!

rogam

Hello Alaina.. Glad that you found this board. I was able to find alot of comfort from hearing the stories of others. I am young like you and was fighting the fight last year this time. Attitude and faith is well over half the battle. Continue to enjoy life the best you know how... I had an entire slew of wigs, bright colored scarfs, and some hats. I tried to make the best of a bad hair situation. Let me know if I can help in any way. Take care and keep your head up.

shannon56

Alaina, You are so right.  But for the UTI things could have been much worse.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I've always said God works in strange and mysterious ways and it is not for us to question why it will be revealed at some point in time.

I'll post my whirlwind trip very soon in the IDC forum.

perdita

Alaina, I read your story and decided to write my first post.  I was also diagnosed when I was 39 (just last year).  It was so scary in beginning (and I can't lie, I still feel scared sometimes).  Though I would never have chosen to have cancer, it has made me view and live life very differently -- less stress, even better eating, consistent exercise.  I no longer sweat the small stuff and look for the joy in every moment.  I am looking forward to being an active member of this community...

I just finished chemo in May -- the T/C/H regimen once every 21 days.  I now take Herceptin alone until next January.  My oncology team (which includes a wonderful consulting medical oncologist at Duke University) is wonderful!  I feel like they really listen and are willing to entertain even the most mundane of questions/concerns.  Plus, my main oncologist's office is very spiritual -- would you believe he prays with me before each surgery???  I have been extremely blessed...

And don't hesitate to let your friends and family help during this time....I was never one to "burden" others, but found that the chemo side effects often left me feeling tired and sick.  People really do want to help.... My support network has been incredible!

 Best of luck!