Yes your odds are 70%-we have similar diagonosis and I have a 9 year old. I was pregnant as well when diagnosed. I am happy to help you just pm me.

So here are my thoughts 70% is good. And as my friend Mary has pointed out-if the weather man says 70% chance of rain then I am assuming it's going to rain.

Now that leaves an opening of 30%-lets close that in a bit

1) GET ZOMETA WITH CHEMO

2) GET zometa after chemo ( proven to reduce another 37%)

3) Exercise cuts another 50% ( very important for er girls make SURE you do it while going through chemo)

4) Take a baby aspirn 4 times a week (reduces 50-70%)

5) Those stats don't take into account her pos and her neg, triple neg, etc so your probaby more like 73% likly to be alive in 10 years

You are not going to die-though it feels like it-your going to be ok. Go to our 5 year survival thread. There are so many women with very similar diagnosis as you doing great. In fact Jacquline who helped me through this process had the same diagnosis as you and is 6 years out.

I am happy to help you in anyway possible!

Kymmber- those damm path reports are so depressing, but they are not the whole story.  Please put it away and concentrate on getting well.  Also it's best not to google for too much information.  Much of it is outdated and won't apply to you.

Read the post by Pure again and again.  Make sure you include Zometa in your treatment plan.  There are links to studies that may convince your onc if they aren't willing on board.

You're having the same chemo that many of us were given, and although it is tough, you'll make it through. 

Stage III is a difficult dx to wrap your head around, but one of the positive aspects is you will, as others have said, have everything thrown at you.  You'll receive the strongest treatment your body can handle to zap those buggers once and for all.

Many of us have young children and we understand your fears. Mine are 8 and 11.  Please keep posting and we'll help you through.

kymmber - I am sorry that you have joined this club of wonderful women.  While I would have preferred to have not been in the club, I couldn't imagine a better place to be.  I remember hearing I was stage 3 and felt like this is it..........it's a given that I'll just advance to stage 4.  But that's not the case, stage 3 is given everything they can, surgery, chemo, radiation and sometimes more chemo.  You will get through this and at times the road may be rocky, but we're here to let you know it's okay and hold your hands (in cyber space). 

(((HUGS)))

Kymber - just want to welcome you aboard, although I am sorry you have to join us.

Yes, there is a long hard road ahead of you, but you will get through it, and have a good life again on the other side. I am a year out of treatment and doing well - my kids were 2 and 4 when I was Dx, and they are thriving.

I would second the recommendation to put away your path report (mine is at the back of my closet!) and concentrate on your treatment. That cancer is out of you, now you need to make sure it doesn't come back!  Your treatment plan sounds great, I would ask (push if necessary) about Zometa, and then do anything else you can to improve your odds (exercise is a big one!)

We are all here to help you get through this. And you will! 

There is a women who posts here called Jacqueline who had 17 positive nodes....she was dx SIX years ago. And she is not alone, there are many others who pop up on occasion.

It is scary, that's for sure, but it is survivable. The drugs they have these days are amazing, things have changed a lot for us node positive girls in the last decade.

Here is a article I have posted before -

http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/25a522.htm 

And that was written five years ago - before things like Zometa were available. 

There is a lot of hope for you!

Hi Kymmber,

Sorry to hear about your recent dx but so glad you found this group.  They have helped me beyond words in my journey.

I had the dose dense A/C and then the Taxol followed by 6 weeks of radiation and just started on Tamoxifen a few weeks ago.  The A/C portion of the chemo was by far the most difficult.  The good news was that all of the side effects and bad days were just temporary, and I think that is what you have to tell yourself on the "bad" days.  "This is only temporary, I won't feel like this forever", whatever works for you.  And some women get through it relatively easily.  Unfortunately no two bodies react the same to the tx's so there is no way of telling ahead of time how you will react.  Your doc (and you can look them up here as well) should give you a good idea of the most likely side effects.  It's tough at times, and losing your hair sucks, but again, IT IS TEMPORARY, and you are doing what you need to do to stay here with your kids. 

I have a 13 and an 11 year old and I think the same thing at times about them.  But I don't dwell on it as much anymore. I've said before it's like being on a roller coaster.  Sometimes we are at the top and sometimes we are at the bottom.  Here's hoping you have lots of time enjoying the view from the top.  Feel free to PM me anytime if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Sharon

Kymmber,

You have treatment plan in place, it will help you stay focus.  Come here for support often.  This journey will not be easy but doable, hang in there, a lot of ladies here will  listen and give some comfort and encouragement to you.  Never stop asking question and for help.

Hugs,

Kymmber - your onc needs to work for you, and with you.  I really don't understand the need to move up your chemo by a week.  You should be able to spend that time with your family.  It's important to gather your strength before you start chemo and a mini vacation sounds like the perfect plan.

Thanks to Jacqueline and Annie for posting!  You are my Stage IIIC heroes.  Although my sig line says IIIb, I believe I'm actually IIIC.  Loads of nodes, big ass tumor, vascular invasion and a internal mammary node, but stories like yours give me hope!

I'm not sure how much time normally elapses between a mastectomy and chemo. My onc didn't want me delay too long but also said a week or two wouldn't make a difference.

Best to you,

Annie

Kymmber,

There is no need to have port installed right away, you can do that before chemo starts.

I had 6 weeks break before chemo and installed the port on the same day of chemo.  Have your vacation first and port later, so you can enjoy vacation better.

Hugs, 

I didn't even have a port! So, don't worry too much about getting that in before your trip. Glad to hear you will get some relaxation time in before you go.