If you have just been diagnosed....
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debpurple ~ So sorry to hear that both you and your sister are dealing with breast cancer. Has anyone mentioned genetic screening to you yet? I'm certainly not an expert in that area, but it seems that two sisters both developing bc under age 40 would be a strong reason for genetic testing at some point.
As far as doctors go, you can't go wrong with an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. I'll give you a link to a map of those. If there's not one in your area, you might want to call the closest one and see if they can recommend a breast surgeon in your area:
http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html
I'm sure you're very nervous and worried. We are all when we're first diagnosed. But as soon as you find a team of doctors you trust, know more about what you're dealing with and can start to take action, things should get easier. Sometimes waiting for things to get rolling is the hardest part. Deanna
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Hi Debpurple!
Sorry that you and your sister are both affected with breast cancer. I had a sister who had very aggressive breast cancer and so I was tested for the BRCA gene.....and I don't have it. Sometimes families have cancer with no explanation. But I am doing fine and have a different cancer than my sister had.
As Deanna suggested, you might want to consider going to a major cancer center in the Harriman/Knoxville area at least for a second opinion. There is more than one way to treat cancer and you may find that you like one doctor better than another. I had three opinons on my surgery and two opinions on chemotherapy and radiation. I felt more comfortable learning what the experts thought.
Sending you and your sister some hugs.
Mandy
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Hi all. I am very sorry to hear about you and your sister you both are in my prayers.
Is there anyone who can give me some insight...having my breast MRI tomorrow and surgery on lumpectomy surgery on Friday...had PET/CT but haven't gotten results yet...the waiting is absolutely the worse (so far!). I already know I have to to have chemo and radiation because of the agressive nature of my cancer. Anyone with any advise?
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i was diagnosed with insit in april had biopsy.tumor removed.may had centinal node removed and found 1mm lost node removed.her positive.if everything was removed why am i taking arumidex and sooo very sick from it...do i have to take oral chem in order to be cancer free????im very confused..can someone explain..
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Hi Grannyduke!
I can't be sure of what the best treatment for you would be since I am not a doctor. But it is pretty common to get a second opinion (or even a third opinion) about the best treatment. I don't know where you live, but this link should get you to the list of National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers to help you find a place to get another doctor's opinion. http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html
Hugs
Mandy
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grannydukes ~ I agree with Mandy that you may want to get a second opinion. Not all doctors think alike nor recommend the same treatment for us, so it's often an excellent idea to get a second opinion about what you're doing.
When you say "oral chemo," are you referring to the Arimidex? If so, that's technically not chemo but an aromatese inhibitor, which is a drug that modulates your estrogen levels. If you are extremely sick from it, there may be other options. There are two other aromatese inhibitors (Femara and Aromasin) and there's also Tamoxifen. There are also natural aromatese inhibitors that will not be recommended by traditional doctors but that some women choose to take instead of a pharmaceutical. Each option has different side effects, pros & cons, but you may find one that works better for you that Arimidex. Be sure to tell your oncologist what problems you're having and see if you can try something else. And considering getting a second opinion.
Good luck, and let us know what happens. Also, I believe there's an LCIS section here. Check the Forum Index above. Other women with LCIS might have some additional input and ideas for you based on their experiences. Deanna
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I have an appt with Dr at Ut ib=n Knox wiyh bc surgeon Tues. I am in LaFollette.
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Myesan- Just wanted to send positve thoughts your way on your mri tomorrow, hope all your test come back negative-
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I worry about myself. I am a deeply spiritual person and after finding out about my breast cancer I had a major breakdown where I turned it all over to God, telling Him that I could not deal with it and He had to take it for me. I am so calm!!!! I have a deep sense of peace and comfort and a knowing that I am going to be just fine and beat this thing. I see the surgeon for the first time on July 6 and I'm not freaking out. I've not been sick to my stomach for almost 10 days now and have not had to take the nausea medicine. I keep my 2 1/2 year old grand daughter 5 days a week and I am just enjoying her and living my life. Is this normal for a deeply Christian, spiritual person to be this calm? Or, am I in some kind of state of denial and don't yet realize it? We are also facing some serious health issues with my husband who has a rare blood clotting disorder and he tests a week from today for progressive Peripheral artery disease, P.A.D. and may have to have intervention surgery if it is worse with him. His Dr. tells us it is high risk for my husband because of his clotting disorder. We are so very concerned about that. I can't begin to fathom how we will get through all this if he and I are to have surgery at the same time and can't take care of or even be with each other. We have one child who lives here and one who lives in Maine. She would not be able to come home and assist. In this I really have to trust God!!!!
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hi all!
11 days postop..all went well. pet scan was good, no markers in the blood, no residual cancer in the breast...in fact, they think the tumor was removed with the biopsy because no malignancy was found. which i thought was bizarre..but anything is possible...ill be glad when the last drain tube is out and the stitches are removed..im getting antsy to work my arm! and im running out of books to read! lol! setting up oncologist appt today, which i should have done last week, and i find when i go to pick up the phone i want to throw up..im in a good place now after all the nerveracking of the last 2 mos...but i cant stop, i cant be complacent just because i like it here! so i will get it done today, and see what the next step will be...
jwtrlily--hugs and prayers and all good things to you...one day at a time, and try to keep the 'what ifs' out of your mind...easier said than done, i know...but we are all here for you and for eachother...
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Thanks for the post. I have appointment with PS June 28th. He is well know around here. Dr Gallehar. I'm writing questions for him to answer. Any good questions I might need to ask him? Thanks!
Debra
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I was just diagnosed Monday and will go tomorrow to meet with the surgeon to find out the MRI results and discuss a game plan. JW - I too, am a Christian and I have felt God's presence many times over the past week of "waiting". Not to say there have not been intense fears, worries and outright panic attacks, but I can most definitely tell when there are prayers going up for me. That is what the Bible means when it talks of a "peace that passes understanding". I wondered the same thing - how much is denial, etc. But honestly, just go with the peace. It will also help your physical body. We all know what stress does to the body itself and none of us need more stress than we can handle right now!
I think too, that those breakdowns will come, and most importantly will GO. I have found that faith isn't always a 24/7 "feeling" but a battle in a way. If God's giving you peace, just go with it!I look forward to reading more stories on here and sharing experiences. I'm 41 and have four young kids. I have seen a nutritionist for years and have had some miraculous lyme disease healing through alternative medicine in both me and my husband and children. I know God heals! But this diagnosis was a big shock because of the lifestyle we lead. I'm understanding now it doesn't discriminate, that's for sure!
So far we "think" it's stage 2, but we'll find out more tomorrow. I'm already buying funky baseball caps and scarves as my surgeon's sort of prepared me that chemo will be necessary. I'm praying for excellent outcomes of everyone here! -
Jwatrlily- Iam so sorry that you are going thru all this, you certainly have a lot on your plate right now, I think we all have some form of denial but having God in your life helps too. Im glad you are feeling calm right now, that will help you get thru all the waiting and tests, Im sending big hugs and prayers for you and your husband. Oh and wanted to say, have you got in touch with the Ameican Cancer Society? They are a great support and can find some one to help you out if you need it.
Patty, So glad to hear all your scans and every thing was clear- I know you are scared to find out what tx you may have, but what ever road you take we will be here for you
Debpurple- I havnt had recon yet so cant help you with questions hopefully some one will come along and answer that for you, keep us udated
Calamtykel- So sorry you have to be here, but welcome, You will meet a lot of supportive caring woman here, You wont really know much about your stage or grade till surgery, Its good to have those hats and scarfs ready when you need them, we will be here to help you thru this and answer any questions you have.
Hugs and prayers
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Debra ~ Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon how many of the exact procedures he's suggesting for you he's done. Ask what his success/failure rate is. And ask to see photos of his work. Do you know yet what type of reconstruction you want?
Jwatrlily ~ I think most of us go through a wide range of emotions in the beginning -- from calm determination to disbelief to sheer terror. I'm not sure how I would have made it through without a strong faith in God and belief that he has always been with me. But don't worry about breaking down if you feel like it. Even believers have low moments, and tears can be a great stress reliever.
calamtykel ~ The healthy lifestyle thing is one many of us who have always been into nutrition and supplements and alternative healing have wrestled with. In fact, you will be surprised at how many of us there are on BCO. In fact, there's an entire section on Complementary and Alternative therapies (look in the Forum Index above). Most of us are focusing on these things after traditional treatment, but you may find the discussions about D3 and iodine, for example, very interesting. Let us know how your appointment with your surgeon went. Deanna
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Deb6122 thank you for your positive thoughts...just got results today that no additional cancer seen on my scans.
soooo I'm all set for my lumpectomy Friday....Although this is extremely overwhelming but I appreciate all positive thoughts coming my way and have found this forum to be really helpful. -
Myesan22 ~ I was diagnosed on 5/28/10 as well, all my scans are negative and had my lumpectomy last Friday (IDC Stage 1B). Everything went very smoothly and now I am just waiting for the Oncotype DX score to find out if I need chemo. I couldn't agree more, the waiting game is hard. It saps my energy and it takes twice the amount of concentration to do "routine" things. I will be hanging in there with you and will say a prayer for your surgery on Friday. Much luck!
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Myesan, Great news on the negative scans, will be thinking about you friday, you will be fine before you know it you will be back home keep us posted!
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Teri, dont know if any one has welcomed you yet, as it show only 1 posts, if not, welcome, you will find this site to be full of very caring supportive woman. Hope you wont have to do the chemo but if you do we will be here to help you thru it,
In case no one told you, when your a newbie, your only allowed 5 posts a day untill you reach either 45 or 50 (not sure) but if you have questions or concerns after you reach that limit or for any reason you can Pm any one at any time,
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Oncotype DX, does most insurance cover it? Is it typical for this to be done in most cases? It seems like a wonderful tool to me because I understand some women show they do not need chemo as it would be of no benefit.
Thank you all so much for your words of compassion and support. The day I had my breast MRI, I sat with the tech as she explained things to me and broke down and started crying saying I couldn't believe I was even having to go through this. She was wonderful and held my hand talking to me softly, saying she understood and she gave me time to get calmed down again before we went in to do the test. She was wonderful. Everyone has been wonderful at Methodist Medical Center, Breast Health Center in Peoria, Illinois. I am ready to see that Dr.!! I am ready to get this cancer out of me and go on to treatment and get my life back. I know already it will be a better life and my priorities are already changed. Little annoyances are already being blown off. Life is already looking different to me, in a good way.
I have one semi major stress and that is the expectations of my son in keeping his daughter. I keep her 5 days a week and they are faced for the first time in her 2 1/2 year old life with getting paid daycare (I don't charge for my grand daughter!) and he is major stressing about the cost they will now have to pay. I intend to take her back after surgery and treatment and my recovery. He asked me this week if I will keep her after surgery before treatments start!! I told him NO that I would be recovering from major surgery and would have restrictions. He was upset that I wasn't keeping her after the surgery before the treatments start. His Dad, my husband, may have to talk to him to calm him down. I feel like I'm letting them down. He's practically killing himself working overtime at his job and doing side carpentry jobs anticipating these new daycare expenses. I worry about him and his health. They both have good jobs and I think they would be fine for the time she will need to be in daycare. I want her back as soon as I can get her back.
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Hello all I just joined this board and was just diagnosed with a tumor that is less than an inch, invasive ductal. also has ER and PR receptors. I go see the specialist on Monday. And I am terrified of surgery, never had any. I dont want to be put to sleep and wish they could just radiate me to get rid of this booger.LOL well you have to keep your humor or you go crazy........also it seems as tho these discussions only go up to 3 years ago? Am I just on overload....blessings to all of you struggling out there, we can win the battle...thanks for listening
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Hello, thanks so much for writing this, you have allayed some of my fears about surgery,surviving to see my grandkids, etc....your absolutely right about not sweating the small stuff, I found that out years ago when I lost my 16 year old daughter in an accident. And yes my dear, you do see very clearly who loves you and will be there for you no matter what. My son and boyfriend and BGF have been calling or coming over every day. Thanks so much for your kind, perceptive words
Lynda
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Hi Angel,
I just got off the phone with my friend. She got the news it's positive for breast cancer. She wants me to go with her when she meets with her doctor to discuss options. I am so honored that she felt comfortable enough with me to ask. She wants me to be her other set of ears. What things should I be sure to listen for? I've never been through anything like this before but I want her to know that I'll be there for whatever she needs.
Kathy
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Jwatruy- Yes 90% of all insurers covers oncotype testing, including medicare- Just be sure what ever one you have call them to be sure it is covered. Well. you sure dont need this extra stress in your life worrying about your son and taking care of your granddaughter, Im sure your son means well, he probably has no idea of what you will be going thru, and it sounds like you love your grand-daughter very much, but you will need all your strength and energy to get you thru your journey, some woman work thru there tx and you may be one of them, it might even help you get thru every thing but i wouldnt commit untill you know how you are going to feel.
ROSE- Welcome to a forum no one want to be part of, but you will get lots of wonderful advice and support here. we will be here to hold your hand as you go thru this with any questions you will have. There are woman here that have been for a lot longer than 3 years if you look at here profile when they post it will show the date of when they joined, this site has been around for a long time and a lot of woman with 10,, 14, years since being dx- keep us posted
hugs, Debbie
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dkdrew2- Hi i dont see an angel here on this particular thread, (maybe on a different thread) ? I diddnt read any of your other posts, but to answer your question, just being there for here to support her for any thing she will need and dont forget to call her while she is going thru this, I have noticed a lot of woman here, including me, have been upset about some of our friends not calling during our most diffucult time, seems like a small thing but to us its not, hope this helps, if you need any more advice we will be happy to help you.
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Click on link below to read more about my experience with recently diagnosed breast cancer patients.
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I am 37 years old and no one in my family has a history of cancer... I went for a routine GYN examination and my GYN found a lump May 24th... June 2nd I had breast ultra sound and mammogram...
It ended up being two clusters of micro calcification in my left breast... My stereotypic biopsy result that I received Monday stated that one cluster was pre- cancerous and the second cluster is stage two cancer... I am scheduled for a lumpectomy Wednesday the 30th... I went through two days of shock... Look, this is too much to deal with uuuggghhh... radiation, chemo uuuggghhh... Is this real...I am lost...am I on this site, because I have cancer...This is teary eyed, a lot to take in...
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I am 37 years old and no one in my family has a history of cancer... I went for a routine GYN examination and my GYN found a lump May 24th... June 2nd I had breast ultra sound and mammogram...
It ended up being two clusters of micro calcification in my left breast... My stereotypic biopsy result that I received Monday stated that one cluster was pre- cancerous and the second cluster is stage two cancer... I am scheduled for a lumpectomy next Wednesday. I went through two days of shock... Look, this is too much to deal with uuuggghhh... radiation, chemo uuuggghhh... Is this real...I am lost...am I on this site, because I have cancer...This is teary eyed, a lot to take in -
sohardbnme ~ I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, but you've come to a great place for information and support. Yes, it can be overwhelming in the beginning -- especially when you're under 40 and have absolutely no family history, so no reason to ever think it could happen to you. But I'm glad your gyn was on top of things. Too many younger women have their lumps dismissed because they are believed to be too young to have breast cancer. And it sounds like your surgery was scheduled very quickly, which is also good.
I think everyone here will agree with you -- uuuggghhh, uuuggghhh, and more uuuggghh. But you will get through it. You no doubt will have some rough days ahead, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. In the mean time, you might want to look in the Surgery Forum (Forum Index in pink bar above) for the thread for June 2010 Surgeries. I know you'll find great support there or in the July one if you prefer to join one that's just stating up. Good luck next Wednesday! I will pray that things go extremely well for you. Deanna
(Edited to correct months; it was late when I posted!)
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sohard - sorry to hear you've joined our club. The worst part is waiting for results and getting answers. Most of us would agree that once you have a plan in place, it will all come together. This place is great to get info and support. Good luck!
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