Just joining and in deep shock

Kathleen, I just wanted to welcome you and tell you I'm sorry for all that you're going through. I know hearing Stage III is scary, take it one day at a time.  Without the details, it's hard to say, but most Stage 3 patients have surgery (lumpectomy or masectomy), chemo and radiaiton.  Stage III is treated with everything - read the boards there are many, many women 5,10,15 years out.....

((((HUGS))) Jenn

Kathleen, we weren't all "brave" right after the diaagnosis.  Mostly, we just keep on a-keeping on and take each treatment, each SE as it comes because that's what we have to do. 'This may be the scariest part --you don't know what's coming -- but once you get a treatment plan started you'll feel more in control.

Does your hospital have a BC support group ?  I was directed to one by the NP who gave me the official diagnosis and I started five days later (and still go every Monday evening) -- ABSOLUTELY life-changing for me.  Or just use this board as your support group for information and understanding from people who know what you're talking about.

Also,  does your center have a social worker to help you with the work- or not-work decisions and insurance paperwork ?  Take advantage of all the free services you can. 

I've had MX without reconstruction, AC DD x 6 followed by weekly Taxol x 12, full round of radiation ...took off from work for almost a year, then went back full-time ... and I'm still around 4-1/2 years later to annoy my daughter.

Lauri

Dear Kathleen,

I am sorry that you have been diagnosed stage III. It is very scary, but just take it one day at a time. Yes, you will probably have more tests ahead.

It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure. Once you have a tx plan in place you'll feel a sense of control. Hang in there, we are here for you.

Hugs and Prayers,

Lexi

Hi again Kathleen,

So you now have a little more information, which means a little more power over this.  My GP suggested chemo first (the idea is to shrink the tumor first) as he thought mine was rather large.  I freaked out too, never hearing this concept before.  The breast surgeon didn't agree and we decided on surgery, then chemo, then radiation.  In my case, in hind site if I knew more now I may have made a different decision as my primary tumor was a whopping 6.5 cm once they went in!  Sheesh!  It probably would have been a good idea to hit it hard with chemo first.  But who knows really.  It is what it is.  And as Laura mentioned you will probably get Herceptin which is a remarkable drug for those with HER 2+ BC. 

So in answer to your question, yes this is "normal" (whatever that is with BC lol!) procedure for where you are now.  Did they tell you what type of chemo yet?  We'll help you with that too!

Take care,

Sharon

Kathleen,

Stage 3 feels like a kick in the arse, doesn't it?  My surgeon thought I had DCIS.  Pfft, we went from DCIS to stage 3 within 2 weeks.  It's tough to wrap your head around, but you'll get through this.

Chemo before surgery is standard with stage 3'ers.  A friend of mine just had her 2nd chemo (stage 3, chemo before surgery) and she told me that the dr already notices the lump being smaller.  That is the great thing about chemo before...you can notice that the chemo is working.

Come here often.  We get it and are here for you. 

KWolf...where you are right now - I don't think any of us were 'brave'.  I wasn't, I cried all the time - you are lucky to have found this place...it will give you support, hugs, allow vents, encouragement  - and it is true - we 'get it' and you will soon understand how much that means. 

I am over at stage iv - no matter the stage, the fear and horror of those first words feel exactly the same.  As you get a plan in place, many of those fears will calm down and these stage III gals will be there for you all the way! 

I will pray for you and hope that whatever the plan, it kicks some major cancer a$$ and that we never get to meet on the stage iv SS Mets cruise line!

Hugs and all good wishes

LowRider

dear kathleen,

when i was first diagnosed, in dec., it felt like the world tilted. i was terrified, not brave at all......cried every day, was totally freaked out, my mind spinning all kids of awful scenarios and also feeling overwhelmed about all the treatment ahead of me. and it was christmas, and i have three children, and santa needs to come whether mom has cancer or not, you know? i got through the first few weeks by taking valium.....first time i had ever taken it and it was really helpful...essential, really....to keep the terror down so i could function. i would take valium and my friends would drive me around christmas shopping, between trips to the hospital for scans and tests and all of it. it was like the twilight zone.

now it's august and i just finished radiation. i no longer cry every day.  i'm getting my life back. you WILL get through it, you WILL feel stronger, it is all huge and sometimes feels overwhelming, but it is all doable. i can honestly say that as hard as treatment was, off and on, the fear of it, the anticipation, was the worst....once you start actively fighting this cancer you will feel better, more in control.  try to take one day at a time and i do highly recommend valium or xanax or something. there is a time and a place, and this is it.

take care and hang in there. try to let yourself absorb any and all help and support that comes your way. we're here for you.

christine