Just biopsied

Kathy2015

Here I am after one Gyn visit, 3 mamograms, and 2 biopsies, just waiting by the phone. The world has turned upsidedown. I can't sleep or eat. My family look wide-eyed and about to burst. I know this a hard stage and things will feel better when we can "DO" something, But I am just spun around. I have strong signs of IBC. I am 57, a working nurse (which is a curse right now), married with 4 children. No breast cancer in the family. I am a Christian and my faith has been my main source of strength as of late. I pray it is something else. But, if not, here I am.

Beachbum1023

Kathy, welcome to our little group of the best people in the world! You will find a lot of answers here. Lean on the family, and find strength in your faith. It is nothing until it is something, then we all deal with it. Waiting is by far the worst. And from what I have read on the other threads sometimes knowing too much can be harder than for those of us that learn the hard way.

I hope you can relax, and look to your training as a nurse to help you through the coming days. We all find out just how truly strong and amazing we can be in our darkest hours. Let us know how you are. I wish you the best results B9! Cheryl

Kathy2015

Beachbum, THANK YOU! You broke the silence.

Moderators

Welcome Kathy. We are so sorry that your world is upside down and you wait for an answer. We are so very glad that you reached out here to this lovely community of warm and knowledgable others. Keep us posted. The Mods

ElaineTherese

Ugh -- waiting by the phone! I remember that. Take it easy, and find something to help your mind busy. I fall asleep, listening to books on CD. It helps keep my mind from wandering and stressing out.

I worked through my diagnosis and treatment -- it kept me from thinking "Cancer, cancer, cancer" all the time. Best wishes to you, and I hope that you hear from your doctor soon.

sbelizabeth

Hi, Kathy.  Sorry you're here, but since you are, there are good people all around you.

I'm a nurse too, and I worked all through treatment.  I'm in an administrative (read: desk) job, though.  I don't think I could have still been slinging patients around all through treatment.

The beginning part, where you are now, is really tough.  It's like "cancer radio" playing in your head, 24/7.  I'm a Christ-follower, too, and you and your family will be in our prayers tonight. 

bride

Hi Kathy,

You are very welcome here. We all understand the tension of waiting for the DX. When I was DXed, I didn't think I could cope. I did, with a lot of help from the women here. I wish I could reassure you but having gone from NED to something on my spine that needs to be biospied, I know there are not words to break the tension. But, at least here you can rant, wail, and feel scared. There are strong women here and each of us is wishing the best.

bride

Kathy2015

Thank You for all your kind words and encouragement. I hear all of you and cling to each word.

My Biopsy came back positive and i was told I "Need to see a specialist" . Having a breast MRI today and meeting with a Breast surgeon on Thursday. I had to fight to get the appts bumped up as there were no openings till mid June. I had to work the weekend/Mother's Day (I'm a nurse), it was awful, I haven't shared anything yet at work as I am being cautious. I need my job. My left breast is still very inflamed and my left shoulder hurts. I also have left hip and low back pain which could just be from an old injury, but I can't stop thinking about metastasis. Had to cancel our anniversary vacation this week so I can be tested. My loved ones keep telling me to be positive and have a good attitude, but seriously I'm so angry. I'm trying to be strong, but I really don't feel strong at all. Thanks for letting me rant. Those of you that are walking this road in front of me, know I am your greatest fan. I need you to do your best.

Thank you

Freygea

Hi Kathy : ) I am new here as well. I am very sorry to see your results are postive. I am a retired oncology and hospice nurse and right now really wish I was a retired car mechanic instead. *chuckles* I hear we make horrible patients.

I go to my first appt in 2 days to get more info about what to expect treatment wise. I have had a core biopsy thusfar but no MRI. Will find out this week if they plan on doing that. I am glad you were able to get your appts bumped up but very sorry to see you had to cancel your vacation.

We seem to be starting this journey around the same time so am in right there with ya. Let us know how your appt goes this week!

sbelizabeth

Kathy, my diagnosis was "IDC with inflammatory features (dermal lymphatic invasion)" and my sister's diagnosis was full-on IBC. I'm almost four years out from my initial diagnosis and my sister's three years out. We're both doing very well.

We both worked full time through chemo, although neither of us were doing any heavy physical work. Even if you elect to not tell anyone else at work, when you have your diagnosis and plan of care in hand, you should have a confidential conference with your human resources department. Depending on how long you've been employed, you're legally entitled to a certain amount of time off if you need to take it. Depending on your employer and your State laws, you probably have disability insurance for which you would qualify.

This is an enormous speed bump, but you can get to the top and back down the other side. Many other women have done it. I'm so sorry you got bad news, but you're surrounded by support here. You and your family are in my prayers.

bride

Kathy and Freygea

I know it's a rough road you're on, but it is doable. Please keep us posted and know we're here for you.

{{{ Hugs to you both and an extra one to Sbelizabeth.}}}

brid

sbelizabeth

Bride...how sweet.  Thank you for the extra hug!  You're in my thoughts and prayers these days, quite a lot. 

You and Kathy and Freygea need to climb on top of the raft for a while.  The rest of us will keep you afloat for as long as you need us.

Holeinone

Kathy & Frey,

Sorry you had to find us. It is a scary, nauseating ride.

I hated all comments about positive thinking. I wanted to literally slap those folks. A friend was dx last spring, I sent her a card telling her she had permission to tell anyone, that said that to her, to "f" off. She thought that was hilarious.

I goes without saying that the next year will be rough. Surgery, chemo & radiation seems standard. If you somehow don't need chemo, that would be a bonus.

Kathy, I know zilch about IBC. I was a tough as nails through surgery, chemo, but feel apart during radiation. I had read that a lot of ladies get anti-anxiety meds, but never asked & was never offered. So, almost 7 months after my biopsy did I get lorazepam. Also sleeping meds. Made such a huge difference. I do not need them now, ( very seldom) but they really help.

Keep posting, the beginning is the worst. So much unknown.

Beachbum1023

Kathy, you may not feel strong today, but you will amaze yourself! You can do this, you got this. I thought the same thing, and I did the DD AC/T, single right mastectomy, then 33 rads. And I live alone. I did it! You will put on those cancer killing butt kicking boots and stomp on to the finish line. But you are never alone here, we all walk together. I will be right in front of you waiting for you to join me at the finish line.

Keep your eye on the prize, and plan a very special reward as you complete each part of the treatment. Gives you something to look forward to, keeps you motivated, focus on the after treatment phase. I love my new car. Yep I did it, traded my car when I started chemo, I have lots of payments to make! For a very long time, my prize the title.

We have all been there, so lets us help you, just tell us what you need. Hugs, Cheryl