Path report

kelly279

Momine- thanks for the link! It seems I have a lot to learn about keeping lymphedema away! 

MiniMacsMom- Thanks for the info. My son (he's a little over 2 now) knows mama has a boo boo and he gives it kisses to feel better, but he's just so rough sometimes and I've taken a few good elbows to the chest since my bmx 2 weeks ago. I wonder if he'd understand the concept of a cancer boo boo? We also have a few stools and it's incredible how quickly they adapt. Yesterday he wanted to sit on my lap while I was sitting at the computer, so on his own he pulled in a stool from the dining room and climbed on up. It makes me think he also might be able to handle changing his crib into a toddler bed. That kills me though because he sleeps so well in his crib and he loves it. It's his own little place...But I am lucky that I have help. My husband and mom have worked out a schedule so that someone is always home. And on the days where they both can't get out of work, my MIL or BFF come over. I am grateful and very lucky, but secretly would love a day to myself! 

beth1965

Hi Kelly-

I had lots of cancer too 9cm tumor and 17 lymph nodes-  i was soooo scared in the beginning but now one year later my fear has lessened and i am doing well after treatment.

I have a 6 month old 3 year old and 13 year old to take care of i wish i had my energy levels back but am coping

You will be fine- take one day at a time

Momine

Beth, I assume you had your BMX in 2012, not 1965, correct? How did you manage to have a baby during treatment?

beth1965

Yes Momine i had BMX Feb. last year i was born in 1965. The oldest child is mine and the two younger were given to me and my hubby to care for for an undefined amount of time from a family member. We have had them for awhile. I did not have the heart to turn them away no matter how wiped i felt.We have made out okay though as i said wish i had more energy because theirs seems endless...lol...

Momine

Beth, thanks for clearing that up, because I was a bit confused, lol. That does sound slightly daunting with the young kids in the house, but in a way I guess it keeps you distracted from the stupid cancer a lot of the time. I was never all that into kids, but I find myself appreciating them a lot more after my DX.

edwards750

Hi Kelly...understand about being fixated on Stages. Drs will tell you not to but of course we will. We would all be lying if we said it didnt matter that we were/are a Stage 1V vs a Stage II. I was initially a Stage 1 until the dreaded Path report came back after the lumpectomy. A micromet was found in the SN. My BS, who is in dire need of charm school, told me that would get me chemo. It didnt. Oncotype test saved me from that(score was 11). I immediately went to Stage II. Grades are determined by the size and fortunately I was still a Grade 1. Fact is there are no guarantees whatever grade or stage you are. We all know people who have survived many years from having Stage IV BC. Frankly I dont think they really know why other than the obvious that the cancer spread. We are all labeled with the C word and will forever be looking over our shoulder and panic when its mammogram appt time but try and not let it take over your life. Cant help the physical part but cant work on the emotional one. One day at a time. Keep the faith. Diane

SelenaWolf

Stages are determined by both size of the lump and the number of lymph nodes involved.  Once you have lymph node involvement, you are a no longer at Stage I.  See the section on BCO that explains the Stages of Breast Cancer.

Grade just informs you how aggressively the cancer is growing.

SelenaWolf

Grade is not determined by the size of your tumor, but by how quickly/aggressively it is growing.  You can have a larger breast tumor that is rather sluggish (Grade 1), but it is also possible to have a very small tumor - or even a non-invasive tumor - that is very, very aggressive (Grade 3)

MiniMacsMom

Kelley. That's wonderful that u have souch help. My mom would come for chemo weeks and we had other help on and off. I know the feeling of feeling grateful but resentful that u need the help my hubbys grandparents were here for 4 solid weeks at the end of chemo and tried to help with stuff.... anyway. D was a great crib sleeper but we didn't have a choice. The PEDs recommended putting a tall baby gate on his door in case he got up early. That way he could get out to explore or fall down the stairs. Its definitely helped. The hubs put it up so we can still shut the door to the room. D can open the door but the gate stays shut. Hope things start to settle for you soon! Hugs.

pupfoster1

Hi Kelly,

So sorry you've had to join us, but we will be here for whatever you need!  As many of the other ladies have told you this is the hardest time, at the beginning.  But it DOES get better, only with time.  I've been where you are now, the shock and disbelief (I had multicentric disease with my primary tumor being 6.5 cm and 13/15 positive nodes).  Scared the living you know what out of me.  Still does some times, but not as much now.  Just try to breathe deep and take it one day at a time.  If you mediate, do so.  If not, now is the perfect time to try something new! And ask questions, by the bucket load!  Nothing is off limits here (trust me I was not shy about asking about constipation during my tx---lol)!!!  We get it.

Take care,

Sharon