Introducing myself

FlorenceB

A few weeks ago I received a surprising diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, 7 mm, ER positive. I met with the team last week and we agreed that I would have a lumpectomy without sentinel node biopsy or radiation, only hormone therapy with anastrozole. I am waiting to schedule surgery soon. Breast cancer was never in my bucket list of things to do before I die, but this is 95% curable, so I think I’ll die from something else in the long run, since I’m already 74. I cope by doing way too much research, and find breastcancer.org to be the best and most useful resource. I’m not worried about the cancer, but the hormone treatment and its side effects. I’ve had a lot of stress the last three years since my husband had a massive stroke. He was in a nursing home for 2 years, and I brought him home during the Covid lockdown where I am caring for himself. I am lucky to have two children and 4 grandchildren nearby. The fruit on my quince tree just ripened, and it tastes terrible. (Hence my user name

Moderators

Hi Quince, just wanted to stop by to say welcome again and we're so glad you've decided to introduce yourself. You're sure to find great support here!

Let us know if you need anything at all!

--The Mods

Beaverntx

Hi, Quince,

I was 77 at diagnosis (see stats below) and did have SNB and rads but my tumor was 2.1 cm. when out and measured. I can't say I am enjoying the anti hormonal treatment, but I am tolerating it. Sending you good thoughts and hugs as you begin this process.

Welcome to breastcancer.org and I fully agree it is an excellent resource, both the main site and the community. Thank you for the introduction and please keep in touch to let us know how you are doing.

AliceBastable

Welcome aboard. I was 68 at diagnosis. I had a surprise micromet in my sentinel node, so I had to have the long course of radiation, 33 sessions. It's probably a good thing, because after about a year on Tamoxifen, I developed a contraindication, and I already couldn't do the AIs. It's different for all of us, that's for sure. I love your attitude since so many people jump to OMG I'M DYING LIKE YESTERDAY!!! when they're first diagnosed.

oldladyblue

Hi, Quince, I'm sorry you are here, but welcome to this site. I like this site the best too, and come here for info and moral support. I have found myself non-stop surfing in my work off time. I like research, have been doing it all my life, but didn't expect to be researching breast cancer treatments. I know it must be tough for you right now while you also care-give to a husband who had a stroke. You have special duties and I am glad you have kids and grandkids nearby to help you. My husband had a mild stroke last November, so I am a caregiver too, but it isn't an extensive job for me. Just wanted to say hi.

Beaverntx

Quince, just wanted to share an interesting coincidence. After reading your post yesterday I opened an old cookbook in search of a recipe and it fell open to a page where I had inserted (long ago) a handwritten recipe for "Quince Honey" from either my mother or MIL. Don't remember ever making it but if you are ever interested in having it, please let me know. Thinking of you....

FlorenceB

Thank you for writing. It's so nice to get letters of support from other members of the group. From your diagnosis it looks like you have gone through a lot. A lumpectomy and hormone treatment sounds easy. Sometimes I wonder if I did nothing, I'd still have a good chance of the tumor not spreading or causing any problems. I've been running across lots of articles about the politics and social implications of breast cancer. I belong to Kaiser, so I don't think it's in their best interest to push unncecessary procedures. I'm glad your husband"s stroke was only minor. My husband is total care--Hoyer lift, bed baths, diaper changes, so I'm apprehensive about my lumpectomy.

Take care/. Beth

FlorenceB

Quince is awful to deal with. It's woody, bitter, has no juice and impossible to peel and cut, It takes a lot of cooking and sugar to make it palatable. I gave it all away through Next-door, a neighborhood social media site. At least it's not falling to the ground as rat fodder.

MinusTwo

Quince - my Mother had a Hoyer lift, and could only move the lower half of one arm - so yes, all the rest... If you are the only caregiver for your DH, please do talk with your doctor about how soon you can use the arm.