Scared and overwhelmed

Anonymous

Scared and overwhelmed

Auburngirl

I have been reading through this site but this is my first post..

I was initially diagnosed in September with IDC stage III T3N1 (I think I wrote that correctly?). An enlarged lymph node resulted in a FNA which showed cancer cells. So as I was trying to process that information and trying to prepare for the 4-6 months of chemo followed by surgery and then radiation, I was also getting other scans to check for mets bc of the lymph node. My doctor called and told me there are 3 lesions on my liver and that after two teams of radiologists looked at the CT and MRI films they are certain it is mets. I guess I'm part of that less than 5% of people diagnosed with stage IV at the beginning. So treatment was changed and I have been preparing for hormone therapy.

I decided to get a second opinion which I am in the middle of now. They would like to biopsy my liver (scheduled for tomorrow) and be sure it is cancer as well as do genetic testing on the tumor itself if it is mets (or a second primary).

I'm scared. I have four children ranging in ages from 7 to 17. I thought I knew a lot about cancer after watching both of my parents battle and die from it (breast and liver). I realize now that I only know a fraction of what I should know and it's overwhelming.

demarie

Auburngirl I am so very sorry you have found us here and to hear of your dx. I am a newbie, who is still learning but I do know the fear is completely normal. I also had a family history of cancer, and watched my fathers battle with it. I also thought I was knew a bit on the subject, I stress the word "thought", as I have learned was very wrong. It is overwhelming but there are many people here who will help you educate and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to attack this.

Holeinone

Auburn,

Sorry, this just sucks ! Not fair. You must be young, having kiddos so young.

If you have anxiety ( which you must ) or trouble sleeping, ask for meds. It makes a world of difference if you can sleep. Many of the regular ladies here are much better qualified to address your specific treatment IF those liver buggers are malignant. I wanted to let you know, that joining in here, is helpful. Hard to be completely open & honest with our loved ones. we try to protect them from the truth.

Sending positive wishes that your biopsy is just a hunk of fat.

Moderators

Auburngirl, we're also so sorry you have to be here, but very glad you found us! We know you're scared right now and overwhelmed, but as you can already see, our amazing Community is comprised of some pretty awesome members who provide much needed support, advice, and information to help you make the best decisions possible.

Please keep us all posted on your liver biopsy results -- we're all here for you, no matter what the outcome!

--The Mods

etnasgrl

I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. I'm sure that other ladies will be responding shortly, if know a whole lot more than I do about what you're facing....but I just wanted to give you a big ole'
((((Hugs)))))
And let you know that I am praying for you!

Auburngirl

Thanks for the encouragement! The results of the liver biopsy are inconclusive. The oncologist feels that the samples were too small to get a definitive result. So now we will try it again. This waiting is horrible. I have four children...17 year old twins about to graduate and go to college, an 11 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. I'm just ready to have answers and start treatment.

demarie

Waiting is the absolute worst, now to do it again stinks. Have you gotten any meds for anxiety. If not, you may want to as they do help while waiting for the plan to get in place. You are not alone. Please keep in touch as there are a lot of truly wonderful supportive women on here. (((Hugs))) we're here for you

dtad

re. Im so sorry you have to deal with this disease as a young mom. Just want to make sure you are being treated at a university based teaching hospital or cancer center. Where you are diagnosed and treated is a very important piece of this process. Getting a second opinion was a great idea.You have to be your own advocate. Knowledge is power. You sound like a strong woman and you will be amazed at how much strength you have as you move forward. Good luck and please keep us posted. You can private message me if you want to talk more detailed.....

windingshores

What treatments have you had at this point, Auburngirl? It is only November , and you were diagnosed in September, but I am curious if you have had any any chemo or hormonal treatments yet? Are they waiting to ascertain the status of your liver? I assume you have not had surgery yet since it seems the docs were doing neoadjuvant chemo for you.

I have kids who are in their 20's, older than yours, and cannot imagine how I would have felt with a 7 year-old. I am so sorry. It is so hard balancing telling kids things are okay but not denying there is something going on, because they know.

I highly recommend sleep meds during the waiting period. Once you know more, you will find strength as you go through treatment.

So glad you are getting a second opinion and so sorry for the delay. I found that using online portals got me test results a little quicker, but right now you are just waiting, and that is the hardest....