Diagnosed on Wednesday and very very scared!

Funclassygal

Never had any thing wrong - no surgeries, no pills -- 51 years old.  Very diligent with all mamos, had only one call back due to calcifications but it was all good. I wake up one morning and feel something hard in my left breast..........one lymph node positive.  My biggest fear is chemo and pills but I guess I have no choice.  Has anyone had any decent experiences - that would really help to here.  Thank you, VeraAnn

farmerlucy

VeraAnn - so sorry for the devastating news. This crap is an equal opportunity pestilence! I am two plus years out and I am happy to report there is life after a BC diagnosis. Consider joining the current surgery group - it helps to know other ladies who are going the same thing at the same time. I had a low Oncotype score so no chemo, but I do take Tamoxifen. It is not that bad and I have few side effects. Right now is the scariest time. As your treatment plan comes together things start to get easier. Please come here often. There is always someone around who is ready to help you through this. Gentle hug.

Kicks

I did DD A/C neoadjuvant chemo (before surgery), Taxol adjuvant chemo (after surgery), radiation and Femara/letrozole.  I consider my experiences better than "decent" as I'm almost 5 yrs post DX amd still NED.

Basically FOR ME - A/C was easy - did not slow me down at all; Taxol was not fun as I was completely and utterly exhausted throughout.  That exhaustion started fadeing a week after last infusion amd keep getting better throughout radiation which started that day.  Rads were easy during them.  I've been on Femara/letrozole for over 4 yrs with no SEs/problems.  No 2 of us react the same to anything.  I guess my experiences could be considered "decent" as thanks to everything, I'm still NED almost 5 yrs post DX and living life/doing anything/everything I want to do.

I had never been 'sick' in my life - I had had 2 surgeries, both were C-sections.  I am a very active 'outdoor woman'  and was 63 when DXd.  You can see my DX and TXs below.

Kicks

I only did Neulasta with A/C but didn't have the usual SEs with it - never had any pain - but had a different on.  Almost to the exact minute after the injection I would go to sleep for 2 hrs (also almost to minute).  Claritan is supposed to help IF you have apin from the shot.  My white cell count alwaus reamin very good on Taxol without an Neulasta.

Moderators

Hello Funclassygal, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. 

As well as the experiences you've heard from other members here, the Chemotherapy - Before, During and After forum includes threads where members connect with others going through treatment at the same time. Reading through the posts there, as well as the Chemotherapy section of the main site may help you, if it turns out to be in your treatment plan.

Best wishes,

• The Mods

martha323

Hi, VeraAnn, I rarely took any medication until I was diagnosed with bc and the the prospect of chemo and pills was very scary. I rarely took Tylenol! I didn't/don't like anti-biotics, flu shots, or even Tums! I mentioned my fears to my oncologist and he was very reassuring. He actually said (about having chemo), "Bring a book and something to snack on." (!) The pre-medications that are given before chemo work very well at reducing side-effects, especially the anti-nausea medications. In addition to the pre-meds, many of them are given IV, you'll probably be given medications to take home 'just in case'. The side effects of whatever drugs you'll have will be manageable. They will. I visited the treatment room before I started and met some of the nurses beforehand - that helped me a lot. When you start treatment you'll be met with kind and supportive staff who understand how anxious you feel.

Although I worked in my studio, walked as often as possible (it was winter), and pretty much kept a daily routine, I found that fatigue was the most prominent side effect. So I rested for a while every afternoon and if I didn't feel like reading, I watched something on Netflix.

I agree that finding a group here on bc.org  having surgery and/or starting treatment the same month as you're scheduled is wonderfully supportive. In the meantime, don't hesitate to post - this is an amazing website to get support. I remember how surprised and shocked I felt when I was first diagnosed and also how much comfort I felt by using this website - knowing that I wasn't alone, having a place to vent and get advice.

Blessings ...

Redheaded1

Vera--I was diagnosed at 56. Very small tumor, very early diagnosis. I had clean nodes and onco of 8-- only had to do lumpectomy, radiation, and soon to take Arimidex.  As you meet with surgeon(s), Medical Oncologist, and Radiation Oncologist, you will hear the same information and as it sinks in, you will get more comfortable.  Ask questions, be informed, but try not to let the disease define you.  Attitude is everything.  You got this girl.

The radiation for me wasn't too bad.  I admire everyone who has done Chemo.  This is a supportive place, and you need to explore the various topics and post so that you get acquainted.  Honestly, this website kept me sane for the duration.  Everyone here gets it--your friends who have not had cancer, just won't---they want to help you but, they just don't get it.....They love you---but the people here have walked in your shoes, know the tricks to get you over the hurdles, etc.  We are all here to help one another.

annika12

Im do sorry you had to join us but thus is a great group of supportive women. I too was so so very scared when I was diagnosed a year ago. Now a year after chemo, surgery and radiation life is returning to regular scheduled programming !! Its been a tough year... we are all different A/C knocked me out but it worked, taxol was a breeze  I had chemo first and when they after removed my lymph nodes there were no cancer to be found.......Deep breaths, many hugs, laugh when you can and one step at a time !!

jarris77

I was diagnosed last year at the age of 56. I was triple negative so, even though I had no lymph node involvement, I still had to have chemo. For me, it wasn't too bad. Felt kind of queasy a few times, some bone pain after the first neulasta shot and that was about it. I luckily didn't suffer from the fatigue that hits a lot of women. Out of fear, I had my husband with me for the first chemo. Since I did so well, I drove myself to and from the last 3 treatments by myself. I didn't see any reason for him to have to take off work if I didn't need him! I just read magazines and chatted with the other women getting treatment. Not bad at all.

As most people will tell you, chemo is no picnic but it is doable. Everyone has different side effects. Hopefully, if you need it, you (like me) will be one of the lucky ones!

Funclassygal

Ladies thank you so much for your responses. I am feeling so many emotions. I don't want to lay in bed all day, so not me. Is it possible to keep your job going, etc.? 

annika12

yes it is Life doesn't stop just don't push yourself to hard its important to take care of yourself to stay strong and healthy !!  This us the worst part , when you get going your fighting gloves are on and your emotions will settle a bit Hang in there !! Hugs 

jarris77

As you read the posts on BCO, you will see that many women work through their chemo. I didn't work but I wanted to. I am employed at the medical facility where I received my chemo and when I asked about going back to work, they kept saying they wanted to wait and see how I did. I did really well after the first chemo and they said, "Well, let's make it through another one and make sure it goes as well as the first." Before I knew it, I was finished with chemo and was going back to work. As I said before, I was really lucky and didn't have many SE. I think I could have easily worked during the treatment. I may not have been 100% every single day, but I think I could have done it. I have worked all my life and I am also not one to lay around in bed all day and do nothing. I feel "lost" when I can't get up and go to work every day. It's like I just don't know what to do with myself.

If you end up having chemo, just go in with a positive attitude. You hear a lot of horror stories from people regarding cancer and the treatments. It's usually never as bad as you expect it to be. I, like a lot of women, have been through a year of ups and downs with diagnosis, surgery, and treatment. Thankfully I am on the "other" side now and life has become more normal. It's something none of us want to go through but before long, you will be looking back and hopefully you will be telling people that it wasn't as bad as you had expected.

 

Funclassygal

Thank you for your inspiration, much appreciated! VeraAnn

Funclassygal

Thank you do much Martha!

Spooky1061

u r going to b fine. We will all b there for u when needed

Spooky1061

ok what about radiation. How is that. I have both and then the pill.

Spooky1061

if its any better I have chemo,radiation and then the pill. All three yeahhh. I only had stave one, don't know about reoccurring Dr said chemotherapy would take care of that. BRCA came back negative only four lymph nodes takes out 0/4. I guess that's why were all different

Funclassygal

Wow, how are you feeling? Thank you for your kind words! Please tell me more, I learn from you ladies. I had no clue about any of this but why would I right? Feels like a change of life in a day.

Funclassygal

I know that I have googled way too much, enough to drive myself insane! But I have read these horror stories of nose bleeds, weakened hearts, low platelets/red and white blood cells. Sounds like one can not stand up after reading all these stories. I have heard they have come along way in making this easier on one's body. Do you agree?  A big "Thanks" to each and every one of you!

Kicks

My heart's still great, thank you, affer all my TX and 4+ more years.  I never had a 'nose bleed' or blood issues while e in TX.

"Sounds like one can not stand up" - what do you mean?  As I said before, adjuvant Taxol completely and uttely exhausted me but I definately was able to 'stand up' and drive myself to each infusion.  I was very fortunate during that time that I did mot have to do anything I didn't WANT to do.  Hubby took over all house and dog chores and cooking; Son took over all barn/horse chores.  If I had had to do 'stuff', I could have done more than I did but they took over so I could do all I could to fight the Monster - so I did that and just 'existed' during that time. 

Remember that the 'horror' stories are what is easier to let eat into mind than positive  ones are allowed to.  But that is also our choice to make - being positive or negative.  

Funclassygal

Yes, you are right!  Usually I am a very positive person - always telling others to be positive.  I know what I am experiencing is Fear and lots of it.  Happy that you are ok and that you had a very supportive family.  I also have this!  Thanks, VeraAnn

Funclassygal

BTW, about the "can't stand up" - again this is from my endless searching - reading how some just stay in bed.  This scares me!  Thanks again, VeraAnn

Lily55

VEraAnn - you do have a choice about every treatment and chemo is not inevitable at all (and even if its mentioned you can still weigh up the pros and cons for yourself along with all the other treatment options) and look at the benefits versus the risks of each treatment for you as an individual..........and don´t feel rushed in to making any decisions based on fear as you are more likely to live to regret those.........good luck.

Redheaded1

Spooky--I did 28 Rads (no boosts) all full field external radiation. I started on 4/10 and finished 5/20. Rads was not too bad at all. I think I only cried twice---on the day I went for my simulation, I was prepared to get tattooed, and they put stickers and Black Markers on me instead.  When I went to the dressing room and looked in mirror, I think the fear of what was about to take place just overwhelmed me.  That passed and I did all my treatments every day M-F with just one Friday off when the machine had to be down a day.  I did everything they told me to do religiously and I didn't have any major issues till the 3rd to last treatment (Friday) when my skin stayed red and looked ugly (cried all weekend) until I finished the last 2 treatments.  It is very doable.  I am a very fair redhead with big bust and very low pain tolerance.  I didn't have any pain in breast till I finished.  It takes 2-3 weeks after you finish for everything to heal/fade, etc.   You can do this-its probably the easiest piece of treatment.  I didn't do Chemo and only had lumpectomy.  Each piece is like a building block and when you get the end of rads-you are standing tall-and feeling proud of having done it.  --Cancer may knock you down, but like Maya Angelou said----STILL I RISE.

Kicks

Redheaded1 - For many, 2 - 3 weeks does resolve skin issues, if  they exist,  BUT not for all.  There a VERY few that it can take months for the skin to heal.  I am one of VERY few.  I finished 25 rads in mid March and the last of scab from my severe post rads burns came off on June 29.

There are no 'absolutes' when it comes to how our unique bodies will react to any of the treatments we have.  There are different types of BC which have different  treatment protocohol and prognosis.  It is great to give personal experiences but those are not what anyone else will actually experience themself.   I'm IBC and my TX plan was different than almost others I've seen - it worked for me.  Most co chemo, chemo, surgery, rads but I did chemo, surgery, chemo, rads and I'm still NED almost 5 yrs out.  Point is, there is no "One Size Fits All".

Funclassygal - You are the one who ultimately decides what you will or won't do.   Seek information/thoughts/experiences and weigh them all.  Bottom line is, you are the one in charge of what you feel is best for YOU.

placid44

Funclassy,

Experiences can vary from person to person and also depending on the chemo regimen/which drugs you take. I had a difficult time, but my MO's office handled everything very well as things came up. I was not able to work more than a few hrs per week, from home. I had low white counts with AC and low red w taxol.

I only say this so that you can see how things go for you and be prepared w/ people to support you, and maybe don't predict your hours to your employer in advance.

I was not able to drive myself to chemo due to the pre chemo drugs I was given, or drive myself home. (the drs also did not allow me to drive). I did not have nausea...those drugs worked really well. I was able to drive myself to dr if it was not a chemo day.

I was still thrilled to have chemo available as a treatment. It was the difference for me.

keepthefaith

funclassygal, sorry you found yourself here. It is a very scarey time. Once your treatment plan is in place and things start happening, you will probably feel better. I had lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and now on Tamoxifen. I was DX'd at 58 and had an onco score of 21. I chose to do chemo.  I had few side effects and chemo was manageable. I wouldn't want to do it again, but it really wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Finished my radiation a couple of wks ago. I am feeling fine. I hope you do well also! There are some great people here to help you through! 

Funclassygal

Hi Lily, thank you! Did you not choose Chemo or it was not a "Must" for you. Wow, this is all so overwhelming! Today I just busted out crying in a restaurant just from the last 4 days!

Funclassygal

Thank you so much, so helpful! VeraAnn

Nomatterwhat

I understand how scared you are.  I was diagnosed on May 6, 2014 with Stage 1, ILC Cancer.  The rollercoaster ride is an unbelievable nightmare, but you will get through this!!!  I am facing a lumpectomy with radiation, but no chemo (which was my biggest fear).   After I had several weeks of a "pity party" with uncontrollable crying, I was told by a very dear friend that it was time to pick myself up and start fighting like a girl!!!  That was the best advise she could have given me.  I am still seeing doctors and deciding how to treat this cancer, but with the support of my wonderful husband, family and friends I will get through this and live to see my future grandchildren.  You can get through this and you will.  Research and read and ask, ask, ask if you don't understand what your doctor's are explaining to you.  As my husband says, I have a lot of things in my body, but cancer is not going to stay. 

Funclassygal

Your husband is right - we want it gone!  Good luck to you and yes the chemo is my biggest fear as well.  I hope you find all of your answers very soon and hope that it all goes easy for you.  Only the best, VeraAnn