Hello, I'm from Niagara Falls, diagnosed this week....

Lori1967

Sadly, I've been finding my way around this site this week, still in shock too I guess.

It all started with an itch, which started this experience!  I always have longer nails, and if they were long now I wouldn't have felt something odd when I scratched....

I've been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I have an app't with a surgeon on Friday. I think I'll feel better mentally when there is a plan in place, I am a planner and it would give me some comfort to know we are moving forward.

Until 2 years ago, I didn't know anyone personally with cancer.....it was always friends of friends etc.... My Mother in Law was diagnosed with a GIST tumour near her duodenum and passes away 10 months later at 78. My brother was diagnosed with Metatastic Pleomorphic Sarcoma a month before she passed. He has now 1 1/2 years later been told there are no more options, he's on palliative care and pain management now, he's 42.

I am 48 married for 25 years this year. I have two daughters, Megan 19 and Katie 10....12 years of infertility, and I was blessed to have them. I am self employed, I operate a home childcare from my home and have 5 toddlers.   I love these little people, they have kept my mind off of myself these last couple of weeks.

My dh is 50 this year, 3 months ago his employer closed it's doors and moved back to the States. It was excellent paying, with great benefits, although due to shortage of work they were laid off a lot over the last 7 years or so. He has just recently got a job through an employment agency without benefits and half the pay he had. 

I am so stressed, I cook for my Father in Law twice a week. I am devastated over the soon to be loss of my little brother and now this??  How on earth will we manage?  I cannot afford to take time off of work, if I do I will lose my daycare kids, as their parents will need to find other caregivers. From what I've read I won't be able to work for over 2 weeks, and I can't do that to my families. But to not have an income will be not possible, we need both!!

I'm at a loss over everything......

caybarbe

it is really tough when cancer is thrown in right in the middle of an already hard situation. Feels very very unfair. I honestly found it the hardest when a plan isn't in place, and when all the diagnostics are happening. Not knowing what will happen is the worst part. Just try to do it day by day until you get that confirmation and plan. 

If you reach out to the families you take care of, or have a friend that can watch the daycare for the time being is that possible? I'm sure they will understand and make arrangements for the 2 weeks of recovery. When I was diagnosed there was also quite a few grants to help women in this situation, I would talk to a counsellor there and discuss financial options.  So there is hope that you will come out financially stable. I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this, I wish you and your family the best.  

mandyk3

Lori1967, I just read your story and was wondering how you are doing?  I live in the Niagara area as well, so if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know  

Lori1967

Hi Mandy,

Well I've finished my first four infusions of A&C. I begin Taxol on Tuesday. The unknown worries me, not that I liked the first 4 treatments but at least I knew what to expect.

I see you are very similar to my diagnosis and a little ahead of me.

Are you still getting chemo, taxol? How has it been for you?

Adaptecss

how are u doing?

Lori1967

I am doing okay...Chemo finished on Dec 16 but I'm still getting herceptin...even though I had to skip the last one as the mugascan showed my heart muscle was weak. I'm due again Mar 2...

I have also started tamoxifin without too much trouble...

Mostly it's the mental/emotional part...every twinge I get I think it's a new tumour...I have to keep telling myself that the CAT scan was clear!!