Chemo done, surgery in 6 days, BIG a** tumor!

Christine2000

Hey all-- I have been lurking for months but this is the first time I have posted. I was diagnosed in april 09--ALWAYS had a yearly mammogram, but bang-- stage 2/3 IDC with a LARGE mass (size of a lemon!) with two tumors in it, 2.2 cm and 1.8 --plus lymph involvement. YES I felt it but I have very large breasts and a history of fibroids and all kinds of lumpy stuff. I noticed it in october, showed it to my gyno in november and she said to not worry-- and I took her at her word. Cut to mammogram and sonogram in march and the nurse whispering to me "honey-- I think it looks bad! you should come back for a biopsy as soon as you can!!"

SO-- chemo first to shrink my big a** cancer. 4 tx A/C, 3 taxol, switch to 9 abraxane.  Chemo ended last week and I had my MRI a day later-- all cancer gone! tumor TOTALLY disappeared. My surgeon says not so fast, there may still be stuff in there. I decided on a double masectomy with no reconstruction. That is thursday-- kind of anxious! Still though-- can't believe I have come this far. And of course: radiation after. So I get the whoooole cancer package..

Thank you all. your posts have helped me so much. 

dlb823

Hi, Christine ~  Glad you stopped lurking and decided to post, and very glad that your chemo has worked so well!  That's great news!  Good luck on Thursday.  It sounds like you're doing the right thing and at peace with your decision to be as aggressive as possible. 

Are you aware that there are separate threads here by the month for surgery, chemo, and rads?  Since your surgery is October 1, you might want to find that thread (October 2009 surgeries) and join it.  I had surgery first and didn't know about BCO then, but I love the gals I got to know well in my chemo and rads groups, and I think you will too.

Take good care, and I'll be thinking about you on Thursday ~   Deanna 

dng2210

I had almost the same.  Found my own tumor (5.8cm) not shown on mamo.  I decided to have a double so i could get it over with and not have to worry about the other side.  I did have ACT chemo and radiation and reconstruction and the only thing that i may have changed is having reconstruction.  I wish i had asked the plastic to show me pictures of his work as i am now changing Dr.'s.  Good luck and keep the positive attitude (it helps alot in the process).

4sandy

You are so lucky chemo is working!    Hip Hip  Ha-ray!

I had 7 cm x 5x cm x 2 cm tumor left~right 2 yrs later was small. 2 different reconstructions (same doctor), 2 different times (14 surgery's total).  I have great cleavage, pretty nipples made from skin taken from crotch area.  I did all this because I am young (44 yrs old now).  It was really difficult but I am pleased.  AND i am still alive in remission. 

You will be too.............the are better days ahead I promise you.

as Eleanor Roosevelt said....."A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water!"................when it gets difficult hold this phrase close in mind!.

I will pray for a full recovery..................Sandy