In shock
Comments
-
hi, Im 57 and unfortunately i just found out a couple hours ago that I am a Triple negative breast cancer person. I am so happy to see there is a forum to learn more "real" information about this and other topics.
Last Tuesday I had to go back for a redo of my mammogram. There was an area from that they found which suggested the need for a biopsy. So Thursday I had the core biopsy done. Friday I was told I had Ductal Invasive Carcinoma and then today learned I am Triple Negative. A bit too much information, too quickly, but I guess that's best. I will have an MRI Wednesday or Thursday. I haven't met with the surgeon yet, won't be til end of June or first part of July. This wait may kill me as I try to stay positive, believe me I cried Friday Saturday and then this afternoon was more like a wailing session. I am told they will do a lumpectomy and look at nodes, then have chemo 4-6 weeks later for 4-6 months and then 4-6 weeks after that start radiation. There is no breast cancer in my family. Never even had a thought I'd get this, and then to have one so aggressive. Mine is smaller I guess, 6mm, so I'm hoping that is a little brightness in the situation. Anyway, I will be visiting you often and will really love having you as a support group.
-
welcome Kellya,
It's a crazy time for you right now no doubt. Chin up girl we will help you through this. It's ok to cry. Then take a deep breath. You will find do much support here. Ask any question we all have been on our or journey but can help with advice. Hugs to you girl. You got this !!! Muah muah muah
-
I felt the same way. Mine was 8mm. Had a lumpectomy, got great margins. Almost done with chemo and then radiation. No cancer in my family either. This support group has been great. I am 56
-
Hi ladies.....try to read, but don't find much time for posting these days......my Mom is deteriorating right in front of my eyes....scary! And I am exhausted.....
Edi, if you start pedaling now, you could be here in Oregon by August.....
Miss Miss Miss you all....I think of you each and every day.......
XO
-
movie - warm thoughts coming your way as you tend to your ill mother. It is truly an emotionally draining experience. I wasn't with my sister when she died just two days ago, but I did talk to her up until the last few days - it was very emotional! She had her 2 daughters and her husband with her when she passed which is exactly what she wanted - she suffered a lot, so I think it was a blessed relief in the end. She lived only a short 2 months after her diagnosis of colon cancer which had spread to the liver and lungs. Hugs to you!!
-
Hi gorgeous girls ,
Movie so sorry to hear your Mom so bad. You are amazing, your strength and patience is so lovely. Try and take care of yourself too. You are precious to us. ((( hugs ))) (pedalling like a mad woman towards Oregon )x
Adagio, sorry for your loss, glad you were in touch with your sister and her suffering is over. Please God a cure for this vile destructive illness is found soon. X
Kelly's, welcome to this fabulous forum, sorry you have to be here. You are in the worse place now mentally but you WILL move forward.I have TN and when I look back over my treatments which finished a year ago I can't believe that it is almost 2 years since DX.There are sites just for TN but quite a few of us on here have it so will try and help you with anything bothering you. The Warrior sisters are a loving, helpful gang of slightly zany ladies who will guide you along the path to renewed health. X
Love to all X
-
Don't know how many here read other threads, but I thought this one would be especially relevant to us, given some of the conversations we've had here. fyi....so proud of you edi.....just makes me grin to think of you on that bike!
-
Hi Ladies,
Had my surgery on the 13th and am recovering better than expected with only a couple of really rough days when my drain tube made my underarm swell up, ouch, I think I probably rolled over and jiggled it in my sleep and it protested very loudly. It's mostly settling down and now I'm just trying to get strong again. I have had really good movement and strength in my arms all the way through just the pulling of the glue to worry about cause it feels like it's popping open sometimes Scary! and I'm really tired of being sore. The tubes are freaking me out though and I can look at the scars (most of the time) but not the tubes ! Eeek! freaky !
I lost 4lbs 14oz of boobs ! (yes I asked my wonderful surgeon to weigh them) Not a weigh loss program I'd recommend though and my balance is a bit off still, but it's fun to get on the scales lol
I'm back walking the dog with the hands free leash belt that I am so glad I got, it's wonderful and I could not walk him without it. Other than that I am taking it easy, sleeping a lot and ignoring housework. I did clean the kitchen and load the dishwasher this morning .......and then took a nice long nap cause it wore me out :-)
My pathology report came back on Monday pm all clear ! Phew, I've avoided Radiation! so I've been doing an internal happy dance as actually dancing hurts, then yesterday (Tuesday am) my navigator called and said she sending for another test to see if I needed chemo ! What ?????? No mention of that all the way through this !!!!!! did the double mastectomy in hopes of avoiding everything else which I thought I'd managed to get away with and was prepared for the hormone therapy for years but not chemo. I was half asleep when she sprung this on me so woke up a bit, did the research called back and refused the test, Oncotype DX, cause I know me well enough to know I would not do the chemo anyway just based on that.
Maybe I'm nuts but it's the right decision for me although, much to my annoyance, it just completely freaked me out. That added to another appointment with another new doctor just to get started on the hormones, (just give me the prescription already !) and another load of the same paperwork and questions that arrived for me to fill out this morning. Urgh I'm sick of all this already and have only been at it since April 11th!
Hi Kellya,
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, that was me just over a month ago, complete shock and way too much info at once (hence the surprise at the test news yesterday which she had mentioned weeks ago although not the chemo bit I would have remembered that!)
The advice these ladies gave me was take your time and trust your gut and it was good advice. It took me a week or so just to stop crying and panicking I still can't tell people without crying, or just randomly crying which is getting embarrassing .
For me I needed lots of information and that helped (my nurses after surgery did say I was way over prepared LOL) I did tons of research in a very short time and made the treatment choices that I am still OK with. Hard choices, yes, but once I got there I knew they were the right ones for me.
I read somewhere that writing all this down as you go through it helps so I kept a notebook on my desk which ended up being my diary, phone call record, appointment book, contact list, and everything else I needed to make notes of and now goes with me to every appointment. I am not a writer but I did find it helpful to put my thoughts down as I sorted through everything. I also read that down the road, when you wonder what you were thinking, or possibly doubt why you did what you did, you actually have a record of where your head was at at the time. Even if I never go back to it I already find it comforting that it's there (along with before and after pictures which I have not gone back and looked at yet, way too soon, but they are there if I ever want too)
Hang in there.
-
This is a view of the ceremony venue. May 17, 2014 near Charleston, SC
The first dance ….that's me without wig but a lavender hat and my tall DH peeping between the couple.
This is a picture of the bracelet I made for DD wedding. The lace is from my wedding dress, 1981.
I have been MIA due to the wedding and complete exhaustion. Liefie, so sorry to hear about your mom. Yes, it is still difficult no matter how long we are blessed to have them in our lives. The wedding was beautiful and DD finally appreciated my hard work. As I learn how to download better, I will try to send a picture of the tables I did and the wedding dress.
We got back home on Monday and left today on our trip to Oregon. Tonight we are in Paducah, KY.
Got another call from my MO to tell me that I have a small tear in some muscle in my shoulder. I will worry about that when I get back in August.
Movie…my thoughts are with you as you care for your mom.
It will take a few days for me to get caught up with everything. But it is good to have the wedding over. It was very nice and DD and SIL had a wonderful time.
-
Okay…Here comes the Bride. The aisle runner was white with lavender border…but the white satin reflected the sky, thus appeared pale blue.
-
momof2 - stunning bride and the venue looks amazing. Bracelet is fabulous and the runner is great. Wish you could come and help me out with my 2 daughters - they are getting married 6 weeks apart!!! How will I survive that. LOL
-
Oh adagio, after it was all over I cried for 2 days. I was so happy to have been able to see my DD get married and at the same time amazed that I finally pulled it off. I would love to help you any way I can. I feel lost now that it is over. Seriously, I could write a book on what to do and not do. PM me if you want any suggestions on websites and vendors. And I also want to sent you my love and condolences over the passing of your sister. I did not read all the entries last night as thoroughly as I usually do, and sadly over looked your entry.
So I am back to sipping my coffee and checking in on my Warrior Sisters. Kellya, I am TN too. I finished chemo in January. Ask us any questions…pour out your heart when you are overwhelmed….we have been there…and hopefully we can offer advise to make your journey more comfortable.
Today we travel to St. Joseph, MO..that is if I ever get out of this comfy bed!
Edi…Come on over to Oregon!!! Nihahi…I need you to motivate 10 lbs off this body, so get the bike out and ride down US 101, I will meet you at Haystack Rock. Liefie…you and DH please schedule your trip. Websister, Adagio, Movie, Mowenna, EVERYONE please come to the Oregon Coast. I promise a great time for all!
Gotta go…but I love you,
Jenifer
-
I'd love to come to Oregon! We spent a very happy vacation on the coast there 3 years ago, staying at Tillamook!
The problem we have is vacation time! I used up most of mine being back in the UK with Mum this year, and we have a week booked in Montana in September! Next year our main vacay is going to be centred on Vegas, based on my chorus qualifying to compete in SAI International 2015!
-
Mo…I totally understand. And a BIG Congrats on the choral competition. I am choral challenged…still have bad memories of ninth grade, the teacher had to put another student next to me so I would stay in key.
Sitting at a Mc Donalds in the middle of nowhere Illinois….do not worry bathroom break…no food.
bye
-
Me too and I haven't been officially diagnosed. Looking for what to expect. I just had a mammogram and ultrasound and consult with surgeon and none are positive. Biopsy isn't even scheduled yet. Scared.
-
Ageppert, Welcome to the BCO community. So sorry that you are going through all of this. You may want to check our this forum for those who are not actually diagnosed yet but walking in similar shoes as yours. waiting on test results You may find some similar stories, concerns here. Let us know how the biopsy goes. The Mods
-
momof2....I've actually been to Haystack Rock...likely I will be there some day again....hmmm......can't say that I'm a good role model tonight for you....Hubby and I had burgers and fries for supper. But, today I have already done 30 minutes of yoga, worked at the RC office, walked at lunchtime, and played 9 holes of golf. Tomorrow I'm hiking, so don't think it'll take much to burn off the fast food calories. Have you tried things like "lose it" or "Fitness Pal" or "livestrong" apps? You enter your food and your exercise and it tracks it for you. The best one I think is "lose it", because you get nutritional feedback, not just calories. The apps are free too, which is lovely.
To the newbies....take heart. The early days are definitely the hardest...once you get answers, plans, etc....it somehow does get doable. There are LOTS of success stories out there...I was dx'd in 1991.....and I'm still here and kicking! Best advice I will give you....stay off google!
Hugs to all.
-
Momof....I promise I will try to look you up in Yachats.......am contacting Hospice for my Mom......she is getting worse almost by the minute......I doubt she will last the summer, but at 97 years of age.......
Miss talking to you all......sending my love!
XO
-
Hi ,
Wow, so busy on here, how wonderful. 😀
Kelly's, let us know how how tests go.Hope all goes well.
Goldie, nearly there, will be over before you know it. Rads fly by honestly. Worst part is having to go each day. Make sure you pamper yourself at the weekends though.
Sal 57, You are amazing !! Even walking the dog. Didn't have drains but they must be awkward.As for treatment it is your body and your decision. Just look after yourself.
Jennifer, the wedding was so beautiful 😀 The runner fantastic and as for DD's bracelet truly awesome. You should be a wedding planner.Adagio will take you up on the advice I am sure.Your outfit was such a lovely colour and your hat too. How tall is DH ? He looks so proud walking DD down the aisle, she is beautiful.More pictures please when you can.
Adagio, hope you are OK. Two weddings omg ! Don't envy you the preparations but sure they will bring you such joy.
Morwenna, well done getting to Vegas next year.Something exciting to look forward to..
Ageppert, hope all goes well for you. The Mods have given you a great link.
Movie, think about you every day. Hope you can organise some help with your Mom, you must be worn out.((( big hugs ))).
Nihahi, worn out reading what you do in a day.Feel like a fraud on my exercise bike 😉You are so right about Dr Google 😈 it is always doom and gloom on there.
Finished my Headstrong training yesterday YAY 😀 we are being let loose on clients soon.It has given me a new lease of life. Yet another long weekend here, piddeling down 😢 my two girls and their little ones are in a tiny caravan on a farm for two nights they may go rusty.Meeting them Sunday for a roast in local pub.😀
Hope you all have a good weekend.
-
Dragon boating is fantastic!
Been three times now (since the ice melted), and its getting to feel more natural each time, although our coach is increasing the paddling periods between tests, and I didn't swap sides, so my left shoulder muscles (which is my mx side) were cramping by the time we had done! Feel ok today though:)
I'm looking forward to our first races, which are in June, at Lethbridge.
One of the ladies last night shared with us that she had been convinced she was "on the way out" (her words) last week, as she had been feeling really crappy, but scans showed none of her tumours (she has metastatic breast cancer) are any worse, and some better, so YAY! I'm just amazed that she has been out on the water with us, and never moans. It is really quite strenuous exercise. Anyway, she's stopping treatment for a break, and although she still feels crappy, she's feeling better now she knows she's not "terminally crappy!"
Amazing women out there!!!
-
Went for an easy ramble today. Unfortunately, all I have are cellphone photos, since I forgot to charge my camera battery.
As you can see, the rivers are starting to rise around here.....hope they behave themselves this year......
-
Wonderful, thanks for posting those! What are the pretty purple flowers?
-
adagio - so sorry to read of your sister's passing, my condolences - I lost my father to colon cancer many years ago, it can go very quickly.
Movie - hard to make these decisions about hospice - you have been incredible caring for your Mom. Not to influence you but to share my experience - back when my sister was dying from cancer she wanted to be at home. I told her I would look after her there. The last two months were particularly taxing on me physically and emotionally. I was getting up every two hours at night and turning/changing her, doing skin care, etc. She would ask me to stay and just talk to her, she was lonely and wanted company. There were many times I was just too exhausted to do that and the physical care. If I had to do it over again, I would have either done hospice or arranged for someone else to do the care so I could have been more present for her. Again, just sharing an experience.
Momof2 - beautiful setting, gorgeous bride - you must be so proud. Love the bracelet, so glad that she did end up appreciating all your incredible work. I would love to visit you on the Oregon Coast - I hope we can make something happen - do you have room for all of us at the same time?
Edi - so happy for you with Headstrong and your biking, you are doing fantastic work! I received an outdoors bike for Christmas and our weather is finally nice enough to get out on the bike paths
The treadmill was getting a little boring. Liefie - my thoughts have been with you, I'm wondering if you are still in South Africa?
Dakota - your son is getting so big, he made a very handsome birthday boy on Facebook!
Trai - not sure if you still visit here but I also enjoy the pictures of your little guy
Sal - you sound like you are doing amazing, glad your surgery is over and had such good results - you will be very happy to have the drains out. As long as you are good with your decision that is what counts.
Morwenna - add yourself to that amazing women out there group!
We got back late last night from Mexico, it was a wonderful trip, very relaxing - my husband wanted to show me some of the little towns he had driven through on the race he was in and meet some of the people. I was a little fearful to do that with him, but after breast cancer treatment decided I could do that also. I'm glad I did. We were served incredible fresh food and treated very kindly in addition to some amazing scenery. When we left the hotel I was very touched by one of the ladies who worked there running out to our rental car and asking for a hug before we left. She promised she would teach me more Spanish next time we came - I think we might have to take her up on that!
Today was unpacking and groceries, tomorrow I have to tackle the gardening, Sunday we will see P and parents and Monday it's back to work for me.
Take care everyone
-
Nihahi - great pictures! Noticed as we flew over that there seemed to be a lot of water - I also hope there is no flooding again this year
Jennie - how are you doing, feeling any better?
-
Nihahi, wonderful pictures, praying rivers don't rise again. Purple flowers so pretty, my favourite colour.
Websister, envy you the bike paths, living room not quite the same 😕. Holiday sounds so good,back to work not so good 😢. I contacted Trai on f/b chat a while back and she sounds fantastic and just mad busy. Do miss her posts on here .
Liefie, you are in everyone's thoughts, hope to here from you soon.
Movie, Websister has a point and my Mum was in nursing home and visiting her there was pleasure not pain. 😃
Mom, so wish I had a time machine exercise bike, Oregon coast get together fabulous idea. 😁
Morwenna,Dragon boat sounds really exciting and full of amazing ladies just like you 😃
Can hear DH clanking about, off to make porridge.
-
Those purple flowers are called "Prairie Crocus" although they are really anemones of some sort.
I LOVE them as they are usually the first indigenous flowering plants to raise their heads as the snow melts.
Talking of wild flowers, I wonder if Sunshine Meadows will be open this year? Would anybody like to come with me if so? I think it may be the most beautiful walk on this Earth!
-
mo......always up for a hike
. Are you thinking summer flowers or autumn larch? I never plan too far out though given our "challenging" weather....but for sure, keep it on the "to do" list! It would have to be towards the end of July at the earliest, though. Ade is in England/Europe for 6 weeks, and would decapitate me if I went without her!websister....sounds like a lovely getaway for you and hubby. Plan many more of them for the years ahead! Isn't the "day after" list of return chores a drag sometimes.....take it easy on the gardening....I'd hate to see you lose your relaxation/energy due to some pesky weeds!
edi....thanks for the facebook updates....I don't facebook, but it's great to hear how some of the "past sisters" are doing.
-
Just a quick update. Funeral service was on Wednesday morning with flowers in the church, and refreshments afterwards just as my mother would have done it herself. Many old friends came as well as all family members who could make it. My father's two surviving brothers were there too. I have been visiting with my sisters, DH's family, and my old friends, and it has been lovely. Cape Town is rainy and cold - it is almost winter here. I am leaving tomorrow night, will be in London for 3 hours, and then be on my way to Vancouver. My sister's twins celebrated their 10th birthday today, and we had a party for them. They are growing up way too fast.
Movie, hospice for your mom sounds like a very good idea. Big hugs to you!
Jenifer, your DD was a lovely bride, and the wedding was beautiful.
Adagio, my sincerest condolences on the passing of your sister.
Nihahi, your photos are beautiful as always - glad to see you have warmer weather now.
Everybody else, I will be back here once I am back home. All the best to each and every one!
-
Thinking of you liefie, and sending hugs to all.
momof2......pedalling hard...don't think I'll be making it to Oregon by bicycle...there are these little things called Rocky Mountains in my path.
Bike ride with hubby today....20 km, with some HILLS!
-
nihahi - what are the black things? You are so active and must be in excellent shape - good for you.
Liefie - good to hear from you - wishing you a safe journey back home.
Edi - glad the pedalling is going well. Headstrong sounds like a fun venture to get involved in.
Momof2 - I love the Oregon coast and have not been that way in many years - are you serious about a get together? You might get a few takers.
Websister - sounds like your trip to Mexico was just what you needed and deserved. The worst part is that after a few days back home, it all seems like a dream!
Morwenna - dragon boating sounds like a lot of fun - there are many teams here in vancouver, but I have just never been a water person - I love walking and pedalling though. Nice you have Las Vegas to look forward to next year - yeah!!!
Movie - warm and loving thoughts coming your way. Your Mom is lucky to have you. But you must also take care of yourself.
I am still struggling with arm and shoulder issues - my doctor thinks that I now have frozen shoulder - she said this can occur following an injury - this can take up to a year to get better - yikes!!! I went to see a new physio who was fairly aggressive and did dry needling, so I will see if this helps it any. At least I can now drive again, and I am back at my fitness classes - I am not good at staying at home!!! I like to be out and about.
To all new people - ask the ladies on this thread any questions you have - they have a wealth of experience and we have all travelled the road you are just embarking on.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team