Diagnosed 2 wks. ago and need help.

Rachel1 · June 2010

I was diagnosed with br. cancer exactly two weeks ago. I have always had fibrocystic breasts and noticed a new lump last Oct. in the lower interior portion of my breast. My mammogram, which was done one week before, was fine. I saw my dr. immediately who said it was classic fibrocystic. I then saw my surgeon who had done my previous breast biopsy. He said that it didn't worry him at all and he didn't even feel the need to biopsy it -- he was that sure. I tried treating it as a fibrocystic tissue and used iodine treatment, stayed off caffeine and even did myofascial release to it. Which now has me freaked out because of all the manipulation to the lump.

Fast forward: I had two other med. prof. check it out between Feb. and May and both said it's fine. Finally, I couldn't handle it anymore and just wanted it out so that I would stop thinking about it. Even at the original surgery on 5/14 the surgeon was saying don't worry. He then calls with path report and it is positive for invasive intraductal cancer.
I just returned from an oncologist and here's his word: IDC, size 4.5 cm, 2 nodes out of 6 positive, grade 3, ER positive, he thinks PR was a false negative, negative HER-2.I've had a lumpectomy done. He recommends starting Chemo in 2-3 wks.ADRA/Cytoxam every 2 weeks x 4 timesThen Taxol/taxotere every 2 weeks x 4 timesTamoxifen he wants to start now.He didn't recommend a PET scan immediately. Of course every ache and pain I think is now cancer. We talked about a double mastectomy. He recommends it.Odds of recurrence after all that 10%.
Tonight I head down to the University of Denver Breast Center to see what their people say. I am so very scared. My children are 9 and 11 and I really don't know how to handle this. I'm 50 yrs. old and have always eaten well, exercised, my weight is 120. Tell me how bad is this???? I'm so befuddled and it's hard to think when you're sobbing.Love,Rachel

RebzAmy · June 2010

Dear Rachel

Firstly just wanting to say that I so know how you are feeling and I so feel for you. It is a bad place to be in but it does get better honest! I was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago with similar to you, IDC, 5cm lump, grade 3, several nodes effected, HER2+++ (don't know staging as never asked but I reckon it's around III. I was like you, ate pretty well, exercised etc and not over weight either.

When my oncologist said to me 'I'm considering the treatment I'm giving to you to be curative treatment'' that meant the world to me. I held onto that and still do.

I also thought every ache, pain or just about anything was cancer related and none of it was. Once you start treatment, it does help to a certain extent as you feel you're doing something about it.

Thinking of you and sending you a hug

Rebzamy xxx

RebzAmy · June 2010

Dear Rachel

Firstly just wanting to say that I so know how you are feeling and I so feel for you. It is a bad place to be in but it does get better honest! I was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago with similar to you, IDC, 5cm lump, grade 3, several nodes effected, HER2+++ (don't know staging as never asked but I reckon it's around III. I was like you, ate pretty well, exercised etc and not over weight either.

When my oncologist said to me 'I'm considering the treatment I'm giving to you to be curative treatment'' that meant the world to me. I held onto that and still do.

I also thought every ache, pain or just about anything was cancer related and none of it was. Once you start treatment, it does help to a certain extent as you feel you're doing something about it.

Thinking of you and sending you a hug

Rebzamy xxx

anniese · June 2010

Hi Rachel - I'm so sorry that you are going through this. Your story sounds pretty similar to mine (clear mammogram in Oct, lump grew in Nov/Dec, diagnosed in January with IDC, Stage 3, grade 3, 5 cm tumor with node involvement). As soon as I knew about the lymph node involvement I headed straight for the University Breast Center - started treatment in late January of 08 (same as yours - neoadjuvant dose dense chemo AC every two weeks x4 and then taxol every two weeks x4 and tamoxifen). I had mx on the right side along with a sentinal node biopsy (they removed 3 nodes) following chemo - when my path came back after surgery the chemo had done the job and there was no evidence of disease (NED) left. They had me do radiation also since my tumor was so large to begin with and since there was node involvement originally. I am just now completing my bi-lat reconstruction (had the left side breast removed when I had the recon done) after waiting almost a year after radiation.

All this to say that I can relate to where you are right now and you will get through this! I found that the A/C treatments were hard but doable. They had EXCELLENT anti-nauseau meds that kept me from having much trouble in that regard. By the time you hit the 4th A/C treatment you will be VERY happy to switch to the Taxol - that seems to be an easier chemo to tolerate (at least from my experience and what I've read). I worked part-time throughout all of my treatment and had a 17 year old at home needing attention and reassurance.

I'm sure there will be others along soon to offer you encouragment also. You are stronger than you think and you will feel much better once you have a plan in place for treatment.

Since I'm here in the Denver area, send me a PM if you'd like to talk over the phone and I'll send you my number.

Susie123 · June 2010

Hi Rachel,

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this terrible time. My diagnosis was 3 days before Christmas, I'm 49, and have 2 teenage sons. I can absolutely relate to what you're going through now, it's still very fresh on my mind. I know it's hard to imagine right now, but it does get easier. At first you feel like your life is over, but it's not. Breast Cancer is a very treatable disease, it's not the death sentence that it used to be, just try to keep that close in your thoughts. I know that at first you can't stop crying, I cried for 3 days. Then I was a bit mad about why I got BC, then just kinda numb, like you're watching your life happen from behind glass because you have no control. It does get better, I promise, and we all learn that we're stronger than we think. Just go with your feelings, get the best Dr in your area, and make it through this one day at a time. Please know that I will be keeping you close in prayer.

(((( HUGS ))))

Susie

Diagnosed 2 wks. ago and need help.

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