Newly Diagnosed @31, Bilateral Mastectomy 2 Weeks Ago..Now hemo

I understand your fears. I am 38 nwas dxed at 37. I have 4 children the youngest was only 11 months when I was dxed & 8 months when I found my lump while breast feeding. It will get easier. I have 1 chemo left. Up until now I never really allowed myself to think about the outcome just push through the treatments. I found it helped to only face 1 obstacle at a time. BIG HUGS

Hi Hilary,

I am 3 weeks post bi-lat w/ TE's and begin chemo on the 25th.  Sounds as if you and I are on this "thrill ride" together.   I have been through ALOT of weird medical mysteries since I was 19 so I'm not "scared" of Doctors, just perturbed that I even have to see them on a regular basis. LOL. But I will tell you from my own experience, I think finding a "Team of Doctors" you can speak to, as if old friends helps.  If they see the human side of you, and not the scientific-medical case you are, the more likely they will respond to you as the human being, mother, wife, sister, daughter etc. that you are.  Please feel free to write me I would enjoy sharing our journeys together (sort of) LOL.  

Your Sister in Pink,

Denise

I was diagnosed May 2007. I was working out, felt a lump rubbing against my arm went to the OB we both ignored it. A month later came time for my mammogram and I got a call back a few days later... I was told I had it and my world just literally crashed. I have 3 kids at the time they were 3, 4, 6. It's amazing when you are first diagnosed it is such a whirl win of emotions. You don't even have time to think before they are doing biopsies, discussing dr's, treatments etc. I decided to do Chemo, bilateral mastectomy radiation and then a hysterectomy. It was in all 9 months of treatment. I never did reconstruction because I just thought at the end of these 9 monhts, I doubt Ill want one more surgery. I was 40, married so what did I care. I had stage 3 and when I heard it spread to the lymphnodes is when I really lost it. The fact is thought at the end of the day all you can do is fight. It was aggravating for me demanding answers that doctors did not know, and trying to get a hold of drs and picking surgeons and treatments and it was all so crazy, but at the end of the day you have to pick what will work for you and your family. I did 16 weeks of chemo and that was tough. I did not have so much nausea as it was achiness and pain. Luckily I had family constantly around taking the kids and such. At first we tried to keep it quiet from the kids, but that only got worse as they could sense something was going on. At the end of the day remember you are a mother and a wife and I think it is great you are coming here, to this site, because you can get all your emotion out here and put on the brace face for your kids. As far as chemo goes I would definitely reccomend getting a port put it so you don't have to be stuck everytime. Minor procedure, just goes in almost under your clavical. Chemo I would bring lots of books, puzzles, mini dvd player anything to pass the time. After chemo i would have a ton of energy feel good for 2 days and then day was bad. I was so sore, in pain, but you will learn these things and plan appropriately for your children. Also, I did not have any side effects of chemo until end of week 2,  beginning of week 3. The radiation was a piece of cake minus my skin burnt badly. That was very sore but I just lathered on aloe and such. Also as far as the bilateral goes just an FYI it is very weird In my left arm, where they removed the nodes I still feel like tingling and it doesnt have much feeling, but that is normal, just because the circulation is off. Sorry this is so long but I know how it is... it sucks! If you ever want to talk you can email me at ford.wyatt@gmail.com

Good Luck 

Hi Hilary....just wanted to send you some big ((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))) and tell you my thoughts and prayers are with you. YOU CAN DO THIS!! This is a great website to get encouragement and support, and these ladies know ALOT!!! You can ask them anything!! We're here for you....anytime!! God bless!!