Stage 3

dlm217

Hi everyone,

I am joining you guys.  I felt something in Aug.  Biopsy and diagnosis in September of DCIS and Invasive.  2 weeks ago postive biopsy of lymph nodes.  Had a bx and lymph node dissection last Monday.  Got the call today that is is stage 3.  That is all they said and I had to ask what stage.  I am waiting on an appointment with an oncologist and will start chemo in December. I will then have the exchange surgery and then in the spring I will have radiation. 

I am terrified.  So far I've been ok but the stage 3 has scared me.  I am 39 years old and have 3 kids 14, 7 and 2 1/2.

LittleFlower

Hi dlm217,

first of all, i'm sorry for your diagnosis.  ((BIG HUG))

I've been there, many of us have.  It's hard to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and harder the higher the staging right?  Well, it took me a little while to realize that just because it is stage 3, that doesn't mean you going to be a stage 4 next.  It just means you're gonna get max treatment.  You are going to throw everything at this, and then one day, you'll realize this is a distant memory.  I know it's hard to believe now, but this isn't the end.  One step at a time, be kind to yourself, get through treatment and visit here often.  You're young yes, but that also means you're body is strong.  Please keep us updated.

LittleFlower

sespebadger

Hi dlm217,

I am sorry you are terrified. I remember feeling that way also. I second what LittleFlower said.....Stage 3 does not mean you are on your way to Stage 4, just that you will need max treatment to get rid of the cancer. And treatment works. It can be very unpleasant, but it works. It is all do-able....the chemo, the surgeries, the radiation. It can take a while to complete. But then, amazingly, you get better and even more amazingly, eventually you stop thinking about cancer all the time.

You might like attending a b.c.support group. You will probably find some friends who you can talk to. This site is helpful. 

Good luck to you and I hope you don't feel scared for long. 

 

gillyone

There are lots of us stage IIIers around on the boards. Yes it is a scary diagnosis, but you will get lots of advice and support here. Just ask!

AnacortesGirl

I'm sorry that you have become a member of the group.  But we are some pretty darn strong women and it's amazing what our bodies can get through.  Like the others have said, the very positive thing about stage 3 is that everything is thrown at it so there is never any doubt about not doing enough.

dlm217

Thank you.  I am scared I won't be able to see my kids grow up.  I am trying to stay positive and have for the most part.  Yesterday was just a very hard day for me.  When this all started I kept having the doctors tell me thank god I found it early and I would be fine.  This doesn't seem early to me.  I am glad I switched doctors. I just hate the feeling of always waiting. 

jennyboog

I'm sorry you've had to come to "our club".  I was scared at the beginning too, I was 34 at dx with a 18 mth & 4 yr old so, I know how you feel about your children.  But here I am....I was a year out in July and doing great, considering that it's a new life & takes time to adjust to it.  Stage III is scary but you will get everything throwed at you because of it and chemo can be tough but it's tolerable.  They have lots of meds to help with the SE's now and the majority of us that did chemo had success with it.  Try to take each day at a time and not get to far ahead....that's when you get stressed and depressed.  Come here whenever you need to, we're always here and this site is full of support and info.  At the top of the III forum is a +5 years topic....it's great for a pick-me-up and is full of ladies who are living life after BC.  Sending you big hugs and big prayers.

kim40

Hi there

Welcome to the club that no one wants to join.  When you first hear that you are Stage 3, it is frightening, terrifying and scary.  All of those feelings are completely normal and all of us have felt the same way you do right now.  The unfortunate part of this is the waiting.  Once you see your oncologist and get a treatment plan in front of  you, you will feel a whole lot better.  One thing about being Stage 3 is that no stone goes unturned.  They will throw the kitchen sink at you and you will still be asking for more!

Hang in there.  It will get easier.  There are a lot of us Stage 3 gals that have been here for a number of years, so if you have any questions, ask.  Someone will be along who can point you in the right direction.

Take care of yourself and your beautiful children.

(((Hugs))) 

MaxineO

Sorry you had to join us, but there are lots of wonderful women here.  My biggest fears have always been about my kids. I was diagnosed almost exactly a year ago at age 38. I am now officially done with active treatments and feeling great and looking forward to enjoying my kids growing up!  I promise you, the fear will decrease once you get moving on treatments.

Take in only what information you are ready for, but know that there are lots of women here ready to help when you need information or support or just some kind words.  You will get through this!

SharonMH

Hi, Welcome to the club that no one wants to belong. This forum has been very helpful. The treatments are very doable. I am two years out and I am NED and doing well. SharonH

lkc

Hi dear, I am out 6.5 yrs of a stage IIIC dx. It is very scary, initially but the saving grace is we're automatically kicked into an aggressive tx plan, which is a GOOD thing in the long run. You will be ok, The ladies here are wonderful and will help you. Come here often for support and accurate info. Coming to these boards  was a big part of me feeing better about it all.

Outfield

There are a lot of us with little kids on this board.  Mine were just-turned 2 and almost 3-1/2 when I was diagnosed.  I can think of no more important reason to push through whatever fighting this disease throws our way.  

geewhiz

My kids are 8, 12 and 15. It was scary for them, it still is. They are stronger for it though. Prepare them for what other kids will say...that has been the worst of it. Snarky little monsters will whisper that their mom isn't going to make it. But you will, and you will come out stronger than ever. Your kids will be so proud. My daughter tells me all the time how strong she feels because she has watched me come through with a calm strength. None of us know what the future holds. But I have right now. And I am making the best of NOW.

 I make a big splash at school events and sporting activities now to squelch these monster kids. I am juicebox mom, reading mom, fall festival mom...so they see I am very much here and alive

faithfulheart

Early is not always better, like the other girls have said,  no stone unturned!!!! They will give you the big guns, no chance of that monster making it through  all the treatment you will get! Your body, lymph nodes ect............ did it's job, caught the cancer before going through your body, you will feel alot better soon, active treatment helps you mentally alot, it will soon be behind you, these

women are the best, I got through my worst days here, come often, there is no question that is off limits we understand............Your going to find out how strong you really are, You can do this!!!!!

hugsss,

God bless you...