Hello--Finally Correctly Diagnosed

EricV

Hi everybody!  I wish I didn't need to meet you all on here, but I have decided to post my story in hopes it helps someone else get correctly diagnosed.

I have had a lump near my breast for around 8-10 years.  I saw a doctor when it first appeared, and he stated that it is just a cyst, and to ignore it.  I did not feel comfortable with his call, so
I requested a second opinion.  My second opinion said the exact same thing, so I decided that it was the truth.  I was very wrong.

Throughout the years, I have noticed that I was fatigued a lot, my appetite was always changing, and my back really hurt.  While talking with the 8 doctors I have had over the years, they all said the same thing as well.  It's just a cyst, and your getting old.  I am now 35. 

One day I was wrestling with my 3yr old daughter and kneed me in the armpit.  She ended up hitting my lymph-nodes and it really hurt.  I went to the doctor and demand my lump to be removed (I should have done that along time ago).   When they did an ultrasound before the surgery, they found multiple lymph nodes were enlarged, up to 7 cm.  I then went for a second opinion and a PET scan.

I am officially at Stage-IV now.  I have my tumor, multiple lymph nodes near my tumor.  I have also metastasized to 5 vertebrae, and 4 other lymph nodes throughout my body. I am also Triple-Negative, and BRCA1/2 negative as well.

If you are a guy reading this, and a doctor tells you to ignore a lump, please push him to do a biopsy, or remove it.   If your doctor does not want to do it, ask why!  It could save your life!

I am about to start chemo, and I will update this thread ith how that goes. If anyone wants to talk, please let me know.  I want to help all of the guys out there I can.

Eric

 

lago

Eric:

This angers me to hear you doctors dismissed it. At least now you are getting treated. There are many women on this site that are stage IV and live years. Triple negative cancers tend to respond really well to chemo. Do check out some of the chemo threads so you know how to deal with your side effects. It's not as bad as you think. I had 6 rounds, last one on January 18th. It wasn't as bad as I thought.

Keep us updated.

BTW there are a few guys here too so you are not alone.

Anonymous

I'm just bowled over by this story but glad you're telling it to help others. 

HansieDZ

What a powerful story Eric!

Praying for the best possible outcome for you and your family. Please keep us updated-we care!

Jennifer

steelrose

Eric...

Thank you for posting this. My Dad wasn't even aware that he could get breast cancer when he was diagnosed. His tumor went unchecked until it broke through the skin. Getting the word out will help save lives.

I know how scary Stage IV is, but you have so much to live for with that 3 yr. old little girl. Stay strong, and fight like crazy! 

All the best,

Rose. 

shannonW

Eric~

I was reading your thread to my husband and my 12 yo daughter came into the room to listen. She wanted me to tell u ur story touched her very much. 

So sorry you are going thru this and thanks so much for sharing. Your courage and strength will help many. 

My friend gave me a shirt that said, "I fight like a girl" well I say to you, "fight like a man!"

All the best and wishing you many, many years of life and living.

Shannon

mrsnjband

Glad you are posting your story, I'm sure it will help others.  I am sorry you had to wait so long to find out.  Sending you much love & support. NJ

sas-schatzi

Eric thanks for your post, -----Sorry you had to have such idiot doc's. In this day and time it shouln't have happened. If you need help PM. There is a thread for just about everything . They're innumerable others that are willing to help also.  Namaste sas

EricV

Thank you everyone!  I really appreciate all of your thoughts and wishes.

It is a frustrating thing, but I am excited to start Chemo (Never thought I would say that)

I will post again soon!  Right now I am taking my kids to the park.

 Eric

Cyborg

Good that you are excited to start chemo. Good attitude. I'll be thinking of you.

chrissyb

Eric, thank you for posting your very powerful story.  I do hope that you respond well to the chemo and it gives you a good enough outcome that allows you many years with your family.

Peace, strength, love n hugs.  Chrissyb

dogeyed

Eric, I recall reading about you in another forum, was quite moved by what happened.  I'll tell you this, about chemo, I was absolutely amazed that after the very first one (for some it takes more) that the pain and discomfort I had been feeling in my chest went away almost entirely.  That stuff really does quite the job, so I am hopeful for your outcome.  GG

ElaineD

I'm so sorry to hear your history. But do come and join us on the stage 1V board, as we aim to support other stage 1V people as best we can, and offer advise on treatments/side effects-to say nothing of  empathising with the mental anguish a 1V diagnosis brings, along with the challenges of being on treatment for the rest of our lives. Best wishes to you and the family.

pil

Eric, thank you so much for posting your story.  I am sorry your doctor did not care for you correctly. It makes me sad for you but........  since recently coming here myself I have read so many stories of success I do have hope.  Please come back and keep inspiring this group and let us know how you are doing.  Please please continue telling your story, to every one. 

I will put you in my prayers.  My list is long but thats okay.  Thank God is God.  LOL   

Have a great week.

((hugs))

Wreni

Hello Eric and welcome.

You and I have so much in common.  I am BRACA 1 neg BRACA 2 neg Herceptin neg Stage 4 with a metastatic leision to my sternum diagnosed 17 months ago.  You can look at my profile for details.  The most amazing thing happened.  I had radiation to my sternum and took Zometa 4mg IV every month through a port and 17 months later the spot on my sternum was gone!  The PET scan showed no evidence of metastisis. Try to stay positive and use your mind to send healing light to your hot spots.  Check out mind/body healing as a compliment to your conventional treatments.

Mazy1959

Eric, I am so mad right now. I am sick of hearing stories about doctors who shrug off stuff. I'm graetful that you are sharing your story so that maybe you can save someone else from going thru this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and luvs, Mazy

usetheforce

I had the same thing happen only it happened in a much shorter time. I was lucky that my wife and I had a change in insurance so we had to switch doctors. I had one doctor tell me it was just a cyst. We changed doctors and three months later I was diagnosed. That was in Nov. 2010. I had surgery in Dec. and just finished chemo. Now on to tamoxifen soon. Good luck to you!!

EricV

Hello everybody!  Sorry for the delay in replying to everyone, I have been enjoying my last few days before Chemo.  I start on Friday,   So weird to happy about that.

 Anyways, I really appreciate all of the support you have given me through this.  I should be around more often now.

I am very happy to see that I have helped people as well!  It makes this whole mess easier to tolerate.

Thanks so much everyone!

Eric

Anonymous

I'm pissed off at your docs, Eric. How couldn't they see beyond the tip of their noses... I wish you all the luck in this world.

Take care

Yan

HansieDZ

How did it go Eric?

What are your impressions of your first treatment?

Thanks for keeping us updated: praying for you and your family always!

Christine5

Eric, I'm so sorry you are joining us but am so glad you posted your story, thank you for that. So sad that your physicians were so off base, just terrible! You and your family will be in my thoughts.

EricV

Well treatment was a bust for the second time. Apparently my platelet count was too low for treatment, and they are not sure why. So I got to do a bone marrow biopsy--not fun!  And I have high blood presure as well...great.

Hopefully the tests on my marrow come back negative for cancer and positive for creatting platelets. plus I now have a new lump in my armpit now that is growing quite large now. 

Well heres to another week without chemo!

 Thanks everybody!

AnneW

Eric, thanks for sharing your story. I hope you're spreading the word in other places, too. Doctors know that 1% of all breast cancer is in men. Why they didn't just order a simple U/S to confirm their (wrong) diagnosis is beyond me. I'm a NP, and we even get U/S on teenage boys with lumps that we are sure is due to pubertal changes!

Don't beat yourself up for what you cannot change now. When you get stronger, consider being an advocate by telling your story to the local newspaper. Or send your note to the NYTimes. There just isn't enough out there about breast cancer in men.

Good luck with your treatments, and please keep us posted. We're here for you!

HansieDZ

Thanks for the update Eric.

 When is your marrow biopsy scheduled for? Tell your wife that I am here if she needs to talk.Praying for you and a good result to your next text!

steelrose

Eric...

The treatment delays are difficult, I know. Hang in there. I hope your marrow biopsy is negative and that you will be able to start that chemo SOON! Let us know how it goes!

Rose.   

EricV

Well I had my bone marrow biopsy...no results yet.  And my platelet's have decided to drop another 9k in 3 days!

Thanks for all of the good thoughts.

Eric

tracie23

Hi Eric, I just read your thread and I want you to know you are in my prayers.

HansieDZ

Eric,

praying for you and all who love and support you!

Hoping to hear good news from you soon.

~Jennifer

Makratz

Eric, I'm praying for you and your family.  That is just so terrible that they dismissed your concerns.  Thanks so much for sharing your story.  My best to you and your family.

EricV

Hi everybody, sorry for dropping off for a bit, I needed a break from everything!

Anyways, I have had 10 treatments of Abraxane.  Most have been tiring, but I am feeling pretty good this week! 

'I feel like dancing!'

steelrose

Hi Eric!

Saw your post on the Stage IV forum too... great to hear from you and so very happy that you're doing well. Your story is such an important one! Keep on posting and keep on dancing!

All the best,

Rose.