Newly diagnoses, looking for hope

39mom2babies

I am a mother of 2 young babies (15 months and 3 weeks).  I discovered a tumor while pregnant with my daughter.  She was born the day after my diagnosis.  My tumor is 4 cm and the sentinel node was positive.  We are not sure how many nodes are positive.  I received my first chemo treatment on tuesday and am going to complete 3 to 4 cycles every two weeks before a bilateral mastectomy (due to being positive for BRCA2).  I might be stage IIb or III.  I am frightened that I will not see my children grow up.  I need positive stories from others with similar diagnoses that I have a chance.  This is my first post.

cancerkicker

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  The beginning of the journey is the worst - it will get better - at least more tolerable.  I promise.  I was dx at 28 and that was 8 years ago.  You do have a chance - a very good one that you will see your children grow up. 

This site is wonderful and there are so many people who say things so much better than I do - I just wanted to let you know that you can get through this - and we will all be right be your side!

Jessica

nash

I was diagnosed at age 38, when my kids were 5 and 8. I understand your fear. All you can do is take it one day at a time--no one knows what the future brings. Most women don't relapse, and it's almost impossible to predict who will. Even those who do relapse are living longer and longer, due to more chemo and hormone therapy options.

You've got a lot on your plate--it's hard enough to have a toddler and a newborn, much less have a toddler, a newborn, a new cancer diagnosis and chemo. Glad you found us, though--come here for support, venting, anything you need.

Gentle hugs to you and your little ones.

LMDuncan

I was diagnosed 1 year ago at 41 (my kids are older 13 and 19).  I have had a mastectomy, done chemo and rads, finished up Dec. Then in April had my ovaries removed.  I am feeling great(still a little tired but great)!  The beginning it is very worrisome, but as time goes by those feelings will subside.  There are many people here who have been around for a long time after diagnosis.  As Nash said just take one day at a time you will find that the first year will fly by.

Lori 

Titch

Hi, big hugs to you......

I am (aged 36) and a mum to 3 kids, son 18, daughters 14 and 10.  This is very hard to go thru when you have a family that is dependent upon you.

I have also recently been diagnosed with IDC 4/29 (my tumour is aggressive measure 5.5 cm and is also in my lymph nodes).  I am currently on Chemo since 5/12 as my cancer needs to stop growing before I can have a masectomy. 

There has been alot of development in treating Breast cancer, and there are many woman surviving.  There are many wonderful stories in here, read the survivors threads, it is very inspirational.  Even in the threads of people with grade IV, they are so positive and living life to the fullest. 

I personally think that to beat this horrid disease, you need to be in a positive head space, so that you can fight with all your energy.  I won't allow myself to think bad thoughts.  I am not terminal yet, so I won't think about it.  Because the minute I do think about it, I always think of leaving my loved ones and end up in an emotional mess.  When my mind does start thinking, I say "Happy thoughts". to bring myself back to a good place.

I have still been able to maintain my normal life so far on my journey.  I have had very minimal side effects from the chemo (just get tired early evening, and taste buds out of hilt).  I am still working full time, maintaining my home and family. My life is still normal, even though I have cancer.

Take care ("Kia Kaha" - is Maori - translated - "be strong")

Tania 

39mom2babies

Thanks to all who have wrote so far.  It is helping.  I am fighting to find the positive focus and regain a new perspective on life itself.  To all of you who also have kids, hugs to all of those little faces.

Titch

 It is a "grief" process, we all will go thru with this initail diagnosis and pre diagnosis.  We will have differing emotions at differing times, there is shock, denial, anger, sadness, anxiety etc... many emotions.  Just know you are not going thru this on your own, we are here for you.  Venting definitely helps also, just live for the day.......

Quote for the Day

"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" - John Wayne

rj27

Hi there,

I was in a very similar situation.  I was diagnosed while 36 weeks pregnant with my number 2.  I had a c-section and then a lumpectomy a week later.  My son is now a happy healthy boy and will be turning three in August.  My older daughter was just 22 months at the time.  I chose not to focus on the 'big picture' but rather on the day-to-day, which was to get through treatment and find the strength to nurture two little ones.  I feel I am a stronger, better mother because of it.  Now, I'm in my third year as a survivor and I treat every day as a gift.  You will get through this.

Rachel

dx 7/25/06, IDC, 2.7 cm, Stage I, Grade 2, no nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+

Scrappygrl

Wow you sound like me when I first found out about the BC.  That was in Sept.  Chemo was terrible for me and all I could think was, I will get through this because my kids will not grow up without me around. I had Bilateral Mast with reconstuction.  I had a Hyst/Oopherectomy and my Exchange four weeks ago and just today found out I am cancer free.  So it happens and there are survivors everywhere.  My goal now is to drop 60 pounds and become active and eat healthy.  They say with those two you can reduce your chances of recurrance by 60%.  So for me, I chose to live and if it means I make changes in my life then so be it.  Good luck!