70, Coping with life changes and waiting for Breast MRI in Dec.

gjg2000

First, to say I am on overload is an understatement!

I just turned 70 and this past year has been the most difficult of my entire life. I am a 13 year survivor of LBC Stage 1. Within the past two weeks discovered pain in my left breast, redness and swelling. Having had breast cancer at 56 I did not want to fool around since I knew about inflammatory breast cancer and looked up the symptoms. A day after I discovered the redness I decided I would go to an Urgent Care Center. The 1st thing the dr. said upon examination "Has anyone in your family had breast cancer?" He ordered prednisone for 10 days, 1 tablet every 48 hrs. with follow up in 5 to 10 days. He said he did not think it was an infection because of my age.

The next day I called my former oncologist and got an appt. this past Monday. Since I had been treated with Prednisone I was told I would have to wait to have a breast MRI until after the Prednisone is clear and out of my body. That is scheduled for the 2nd of Dec. and a DEXA scan next week. I had a mammogram in Sept. that was negative.

Along with this I am in the process of moving to a condo I just purchased but have been making upgrades to clean it up in preparation for the move. The move is the end result of a year of litigation instituted by my husband's sons.

The difficulties began when my husband was diagnosed with Alzhiemers three years ago and I was his caregiver. His sons were in various stages of denial about his diagnosis and did not see the changes in him everyday like I did living with him. I went to the Alzheimers Assoc. meetings, read all the literature I could and even hired a Geriatric Care Manager for help. Then on Dec. 14 almost a year ago he went missing with his oldest son for about six hours while I awaited a call from his neurologist for him to be examined at a Behavioral Health Center. His oldest son did not want him to have an evaluation, picked him up and they went missing for about six hours. In that time my husband changed his DPOA from me to his son, changed our will and had him file for divorce. The following week created one shock after another and total disbelief at what was happening. It's a long story and has been a painful year but what gets me through each day is living one day at a time, a strong spiritual program and lots of support. In spite of feeling exhausted surprisingly, something inside of me has happened. Since I am in the process of moving I have not had time to worry about what might be discovered in a couple of weeks. Inwardly I feel changed and that for me is a miracle. Compared to where I was 13 years ago with my diagnosis and treatment this time I feel an acceptance of life on life's terms. I may not like the terms but I want to make the most of every moment that I am alive.

wrenn

I am sorry for the horrible year you have had. I hope it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. You sound very strong and have. Great attitude about your future. Best of luck to you

gjg2000

Had breast MRI yesterday. Today I got a call to return for an ultrasound, mammogram and possible biopsy at the same time. Since my focus has been on moving the news today has given me a jolt. Too many things in my life happening all at once. I've been overstressed for so long that my immune system has probably been compromised.