My Story

Alaina · April 2009

Hello Ladies,

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and it's been a whirlwind month!

Below is the timeline of how all this happened. I am a 39 year old African-American female in Maryland with no family history of breast cancer that I'm aware of. Still awaiting results on the BRCA test.

I look forward to spending time in the forum and connecting with other women who are currently taking this journey!

Alaina

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2/26/09 ~ Met with new primary care doctor
3/3/09 ~ Told I had a UTI and needed a 5-day course of CIPRO
3/7/09 ~ Took last dose of CIPRO
3/9/09 ~ Noticed itchy left breast, called primary care who referred me to a dermatologist
3/12/09 ~ Saw dermatologist who said I had hives from allergic reaction to CIPRO
3/16/09 ~ Met with primary care doctor who did not believe dermatologist's assessment, Had 1st ever mammogram same day, calcifications found, lymph node measured 3cm
3/18/09 ~ Oncology consultation, fine-needle aspiration of lymph node, stereotactic biopsy of calcifications
"The Call" 3/20/09 ~ Cancer found in both sites (breast & lymph node)
3/24/09 ~ 1st meeting with surgical oncologist (DCIS, IDC, maybe IBC, still more tests needed for chemical nature and staging)
3/26/09 ~ Breast MRI, lymph node biopsy
3/27/09 ~ PET & CT scans (all major organs/brain CLEAR!)
3/31/09 (AM) ~ Kept GYN appt, Pap Smear, discovered cervical polyp (B9!), got BRCA blood test, still awaiting results
3/31/09 (PM) ~ 1st meeting w/ Oncologist, set up treatment plan
4/6/09 ~ PowerPort Surgery (1st surgery EVER!)

Official Dx ~ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Left Breast, Stage III, HER2+/ER+/PR-, Two tumors (Abercrombie 8.5cm, Fitch 6cm), One swollen lymph node
Tx 4/10/09 ~ Taxotere (6x ev. 3wks), Herceptin (ev. 3 wks/year), Carboplatin (6x ev. 3wks)

ktym · April 2009

Alaina, sorry to see you joining us, but you are in the right place for help and support. Sounds like a good primary care doctor to hold on to

Alaina · April 2009

Hi There! Oh she's definitely a keeper!

AnnNYC · April 2009

Hi Alaina, so sorry you had to become a member of the Club Nobody Wanted to Join, but glad you found this site. I agree totally with kmmd, your primary care doctor sounds like a keeper!

Here's a link to an old but good thread, "Tips for getting through chemotherapy":
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/478386?page=1#post_478386

And a new support thread for women "Starting chemotherapy April 2009":
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/730926

Hugs,

Ann

P.S. I was composing my note while you were posting "keeper" I see! Well, so far it's unanimous!
Dx 3/9/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

REKoz · April 2009

Hi Alaina-

As you are currently witnessing, this site is a blessing beyond for all of us having to go through this. This is an arduous journey for sure but you never have to do it alone. The bond here is truly incredible.

I wanted to let you know that there is a thread for women going through the same TCH regimen you will be having. Here's the link:

http /community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/578284?page=135#idx_4031

As in all the threads on this site, the women are wonderful and it is helpful when discussing your protocol with others doing the same.

God Bless you in your journey,

Ellen