Not alone

LEisenbarth
LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Wow, reading through all these survivor stories, helps me not dwell on the negative.  I was diagnosed the 1st part of October but waited till November 10th to have a mastectomy on the right side due to insurance coverage.  I will have chemo sometime in Dec.   and radiation after that.  The chemo scares me.  But know that so many of you made it through it, I'm sure I can.  Thanks for your support.  

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  • Mom3
    Mom3 Member Posts: 170
    edited November 2010

    You can and you will!! It's normal to be worried about chemo. I remember crying the first time I saw it, I was so worried. But in all honesty, for me, it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. And here I am, almost 3 years out and going super strong! You can do it too!!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2010

    The fear of the unknown.....chemo is not fun, but doable.  I thought I'd be laid up in bed withering away throughout my chemo, but I wasn't.  I did choose to stay home and for me it was the right decision, but many women work throughout chemo.  You'll get through this.......for right now remember that eveyone reacts differently to chemo so try not to listen to the horror stories (it'll scare you) and/or the women that said it was a breeze (you may get disappointed on a bad day). (((hugs)))   

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited November 2010

    You will get through it LEisenbarth!  Yes, it sucks at times, but as Jenn said I too wasn't laid up the whole time.  Just  a few days each cycle.  And I just kept telling myself, that this is just temporary, this will help kick the cancers ass, whatever I had to do to get  through it.

    And come here when you need to.  You'll get advice and most importantly someone who "gets it".

    Take care,

    Sharon

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2010

    You can do it!  Just take one week at a time and you will get through it.  It seems overwhelming at first but the time will pass.  It won't be easy at times so make sure you rely on your friends and family and use these boards.  They helped me a lot when I was going through my treatments.

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  • LEisenbarth
    LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2010

    Thank you for all your support.  Just found out I have my 1st appointment with the oncologist tomorrow and then I see my surgeon at 2 to take out my last drain.  HOPE HOPE hate that thing.  It will be good to know what the plan is.   I like to have a plan.  Thanks for your support all.  ~Leslie

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  • SusieMTN
    SusieMTN Member Posts: 795
    edited November 2010

    LEisenbarth - Chemo is completely doable, side effects are managed.  I too wanted a "plan" that way I could handle it like any othe "project" - I know that sounds odd but it worked for me.  My thought was 'just tell me what I have to do" = I remember being so relieved when the Onc told me what Chemo I would be on and for how long.  That way I could sort of check it off on a calender. 

    You will get wonderful support here, lots of wonderful women!

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited November 2010

    Welcome, LE.  You will feel like a whole new woman with your drains out!  Like the others have said..chemo is doable.  Don't be too proud to take your meds and ask for help when you are tired.  One step at a time. :)

    {{hugs}}

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2010

    Leslie,  Hang in their, you Will get thru this.  Your onc will give you your treatment plan, you will get the support you need here when you need it.  Lot's of great women here, and though sometimes we "wah wah" http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNman000about our own personal situations, we always come thru it and move on.  As Sherri, who is a long time stage 3 survivor on this forum, says, "we are here for you", says so accurately about all here.

    image

    Barb

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited November 2010

    Leslie....glad you found us...this is a great group of gals and a wealth of information....wishing you an easy time with chemo....hugs, Karen

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2013

    Leslie, I just want to welcome you aboard as well.

    It sucks that any of us have to end up here at all, but i swear I would not have gotten through treatment without the women on this board.

    Come here for support, post often, there is always someone who has been through what you are going through and can help. We all get it.

    And, yes, you will feel better once you have a plan in place. i remember my first visit with my Onc, and finally feeling like I had a little more control over my situation.

    Hang in, it will get better! 

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  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited December 2010

    I hated those drains!  I had the third one for 3 1/2 weeks.  Yuck!

    I did my chemo first and I was so anxious to get it started because I was walking around with the cancer and it really bothered me.  I just wanted to start fighting it.  The first month I was on chemo I felt good (except for losing my hair!).   Good luck with your onc visit and getting the plan put together.  Then start the big countdown.  I counted by the weeks so it always felt so good when I could mark another week off.

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