Noticing Just How Common BC Is

Artista928

I got the final word that I have IDC stage II grade 3 that is 3-4 cm on in June in my left breast, and from the MRI, they can't 100% say the 5mm lesion they see is really nothing to worry about in the right one. I find it rather comforting to know how common bc is. Of course I"m not glad to have it and to go through what's to come starting with surgery in Aug and on, but I'm noticing more in real life, not just on cancer boards, just how common it is and how many people make it ok. The more I see and read, the more I feel like I can do this. I live alone and my 1 bff 5 miles away has problems stomaching anything depressing or medically gross and such. Same with my bro who lives in S. Cal. I'm in N. Cal. So as far as taking care of drains, bandages, etc (I've decided on double mxs and reconstruction), I'm on my own with that as they will help with errands, meals, house stuff. So while I don't have much of a support group in real life, I know I'll be ok. I'm my own cheerleader and will show others who are alone that you can do it and kick this nasty thing! Good luck to everyone here! X

debiann

Sorry you have to be here Artista, but you are right, you will find lots of support here from people who understand what you are going through. Sometimes it does get to difficult for family and friends to talk about our issues, even though they love us.

You're right, bc does seem to becoming an all too common disease. We now need an all too common prevention or cure that does not involve mutilation or poison!

april485

Amen to that Debiann...from your lips to (whomever/whatever you believe's) ears!
Arista, best to you on your quest to be rid of this disease. One thing I know for sure is you will never ever be the same.

Artista928

This is true april485, we'll never be the same. But you have to have the attitude that you're going to be better than before. I've been through traumatic events before in my life and while none involved physical change in my body, the mental to me was just as bad or worse. I've learned to rise above and build up from there, and in the process, I've managed to become someone who has actually helped people rise above from similar difficulties. While I sure wouldn't have wished this upon myself, any bad things that have happened, I am glad though that I've been able to help people rise and go forth with hope and possibilities and not be stuck with I have this illness/disease and remain there. I'm not saying I won't have my moments of crying or whatnot, but if you can go in with a positive attitude, even while being alone in real life, it makes a huge difference not only in getting through mentally but physically as well. That is my hope for us all as I for one don't think there will be a cure in my lifetime. I hope there will be so I can see it, but at almost 51, it seems like there is such a long way to go for a cure. Now for less drastic and caustic treatments, maybe, but it seems so far nothing comes close to erradicating it like chemo/rads unfortunately.

SummerAngel

You're absolutely right, Artista. It is a very common disease and most of us will be fine. Yes, I lost my breasts and that's not fun, but there are many worse things, and overall I'm lucky because my cancer hadn't spread to the nodes so I didn't need chemo. Once I'm fully healed and done with reconstruction I think it will be pretty easy to put this behind me. I think your positive attitude will definitely help you with this!

Alicethecat

Artista

Three and a half years ago I was sitting where you're sitting with a very similar diagnosis and HER2+. Today, I'm fine, doing well, no spread, no vascular or lymph invasion. Why not you too?

So dear Artista, take heart, keep positive and good luck.

Alice

grammakathy

I love your attitude! You are si right - you can do this, taking it one step at a time. And these boards are very helpful because we have all walked in these shoes. Best wishes

Artista928

Thanks everyone! In the grand scope of things, there are some that have it worse than you no matter how bad you think what you're going through is. Not to minimize anyone's experience, but I am very thankful that I won't be going into debt with this and have support here/online if I should start to falter.

I went to a group meeting last night. It was pretty good. I was the only one there yet to have surgery. So I listened up to the 2 that had bilat mxs and reconstruction. Both said your breast areas are not what hurts but your abdomen when they take the fat from there. It's a large incision from one side to the other. They were bent over and couldn't stand straight for 3-4 weeks. It was 6 weeks I think before they fully healed. And I learned with that surgery, I won't be starting chemo right away. Healing is first so I'll have a few weeks. So I decided I"m not going to shave my head before surgery. Heck maybe I won't need chemo as one gal didn't. So glad to learned that because as bad as it sounds, out of all of this, I was not looking forward to sporting the bald look even with the berrets I have my eye on getting. I'm not much of a group person and benefit better with 1:1 so I'll see what the topic is since they send emails a few days before and decide if it's something that would benefit me. I'm looking for info rather than support and I gleamed what I needed from these nice folks last night so not sure if/when I'll go back. Plus I'll be pretty busy coming up. They have these meetings the first Thurs of every month at the hospital. I found out that you'll get some free massages and hospital staff will teach you some yoga techniques that helps. That's pretty cool! I love Washington Hospital here in Fremont, CA. Such a comprehensive thorough cancer program with a fabulous caring staff! I am blessed!

MelissaDallas

As to commonality, yes, 12-13% of women will be diagnosed in their lifetime

CAMommy

hi, I'm in the east bay as well. I haven't sought out local groups yet. I'm still in the denial phase I think and not ready to actually say it out loud to people yet. Kudos to you for going though!

Artista928

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

I highly recommend Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont. If you want more info, etc, feel free to pm me.

Kicks

Not all types of BC are common. The most common is IDC but IBC is rare - only between 1% -5% of all DXd BC. The other types fall inbetween IDC and IBC as to how common they are. There are also some types that are VERY rare.

Artista928

I meant in general, that 1 in 8 women will experience bc sometime in their lifetime.

debiann

American cancer society

Cancer in general is becoming much too prevalent.  The link above shows that the lifetime risk for men to develop an invasive cancer is 1 in 2. For women it's 1 in 3. Not good.

MelissaDallas

Cancer is a disease of aging to a big degree, so now that people are living longer more of them get it

Artista928

That and it seems a lot of younger folks are getting it too than they did in the past.

MelissaDallas

Alot of things like DCIS that wouldn't have been diagnosed years ago are in those "younger" statistics. People used to die young of other things that they no longer die of