I am new on here
Hi Ladies,
I am a NEWBIE - not sure yet of the stage or the follow up treatment - had a mammogram back in Oct but I am pretty sure if my memory is correct I was feeling something?? in the summer - booked a mammogram - three weeks later had an ultrasound and biopsy - a week later a visit to my Dr's office that following week a visit with my surgeon and then surgery recently on Dec 5th - the surgery went well I was told but the cancer has spread through to the lymph nodes - how many or how far I have no ideas - the wating part is tough - I had a sentenal node biopsy (painful) I am home recouping now for a week - feel over all pretty good physically - still numb arm and breast - under arm is good can move it pretty good - good range of motion - stitches are a bit tender - I am up and about - love to hear from anyone about surgery and recovery.
Love this website
rosie
Comments
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Rosie, I just want to welcome you aboard! You have found a great place, I could not have gotten through the last two years without the help from the women here.
I had my surgery 2 years ago (actually, today is my Surgery anniversary) and what I would stress is to do all your exercises religiously. I still have numb areas but other than that my Surgery arm is just as strong my other side.
When are you seeing your Onc? It can all be quite overwhelming at first, but once you get your treatment plan in place and start Chemo you will feel a bit more control. You are right - the waiting is the worst part of the whole thing.
Use these boards a lot - I would recommend joining a Chemo group, as it is nice to get the support from others going through the same things you are.
Hang in there, you will get through and find a good life again on the other side!
Kerry
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Well I just found this on the web so Im actually new too.Hang in there.Once all the treatment plan is in place for you and your docs are on the same page youll do fine .Have Faith.Recently I was at a survivor day in June 2010 Join those groups there very helpful.
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Rosie I am glad to hear also that your up and about.The more you move around and get the body going.you suceed.Becouse I believe if you stop you lose sight of yourself.Your right though the waiting is tough.But girl you gotta have faith.Have friends stop by often and brighten your day.Watch cartoons.They took my mind off te chemo.And youll get a laugh out of this one.A sister from our church brought over watermellon every three weeks right after chemo.Becouse thats all i could eat lol.By the way.My grandaughters middle name is Rosie.I cll her that.Take Care my name is Candace
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Hi Candace - thanks for the reply - I do love this board and I think it will be a great help and resource - Love your granddaughter's name - a bit partial perhaps ..........I love the watermelon story - I love watermelon so I will keep in mind during treatment times ; just in case.
Cheerz
Rosie
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Kerry
thanks for note and the vote of confidence - no one really know what is going on unless you are a member of the 'club' so to speak - I think the information, experiences and honesty are the real deal - thanks for your kind words and advice ..........one day at a time for sure.
cheerz
rosie
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PS Kerry Happy Anniversary - I totally realized Dec 5th was my first anniversary of many I am sure - Dec 5th was my first recognizable anniversary - it was one month since I had recieved the news ........
One day at a time
Rosie
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Nanny - I wanted to welcome you to the boards and am sorry you had to find your way here. Kerry's suggestion of a chemo thread is good, it really helps to communicate with people going through chemo at the same time you are. In addition to the many other threads that I'm sure you're finding along the way.
(((hugs)))
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Welcome Nannyof2. I am also a newbie to the discussion board. I learned of my breast cancer in Feb. and had my mast. beginning of march. My surgery went well, and I too had my SNodes removed and when they came back positive, I had to go back for a second surgery to remove the rest of my lymph nodes, and luckily they came back negative!! My recovery time was fairly quick, and it really helps when you have a good surgeon, as I had. I started chemo in April for 6 rounds. The chemo was not easy but it was tolaratable. You need a good support system and if you have that then it makes it a bit easier. I finished up with 33 rounds of radiation and now I am currently taking tamoxifen until Feb. when I have a scheduled surgery to remove my ovaries. My advise for you would be to be kind to yourself, and know that your oncologists are there to do everything possible to help you. Sending you hugs and let us know how things go!
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Welcome!
I wanted to also let you know that there is a limit on posting for new members. You can only post 5 times in a 24 hour period until you reach 50 posts. Or 10 days have past since your registration. At least I think that the rule -- I get confused about it!
For me, waiting is the worst part. Unfortunately we get a lot of practice at it but in this case practice doesn't make perfect.
I'm 6 months past surgery and go back to the BS for my follow up this week. I had immediate issues with cording (the tendons got tight) so I went to the physical therapist right away. I also had a little swelling from lymphedema. The therapist I went to was trained in LE and that was very important to me. I still have soreness in my shoulder but it from the radiation I got immediatley after surgery which tighted my skin. So I stretch daily! My range of motion is pretty good with the surgery arm but I'm going for the full range -- it may take me a year but I'm going to get there!
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Hi Rosie,
You are definitely in the right place. I've said before when you find out you have cancer it's like being forced to learn a language you NEVER wanted to learn and WITHOUT a teacher! It can be very overwhelming at times. But we will be happy to walk you through it all. Just ask. ANYTHING! Believe me nothing is off limits here and these ladies have helped me throughout my journey.
What kind of surgery did you have? Your recovery will depend on that a lot. And yes the waiting is the worse part. Just be sure to write down any questions you have going in to get your results, and jot down notes later as you will probably have a lot of questions later. Once you get those results we can help guide you through the maze!
Best to you and (((HUGS))) as well,
Sharon
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Hi Sharon - I am seeing that I am in a very good place - I am encouraging my daughter to join as well - we are a lot of a like and best friends, she is 26 and I think this would help her as much as it has helped/is helping me. I look forward to this every morning. It is my morning read - I had a lumpectomy on Dec 3 with a sentenal node biopsy and I will always remember the pain involved in that (and not spare anyone if they ask) anyway that is behind me now and I also had an auxillary node dissection - how many removed ?? have my follow up tomorrow my first with my surgeon - will know all the details then I am guessing - where I go from here and what is next? M brother is at home recouping from colon cancer surgery and has been so inspirational but still it is not breast cancer..........but he has been amazing!! The support and kindness on here is overwhelming but in such a warm way. I do need to write down my questions. Or perhaps they will come easier after I talk to him - I still have my drain - hoping to lose it soon - I am sure I will feel much better without it - I am down to under 25 cc I think Dr's orders were 20cc in a 24 hour period. It is starting to pull at the site .........overall I feel great have been up and out this week and have even been back to driving - love the independence but baby steps for sure - Even had a few hours with my two year old granddaughter yesterday - the things in life that bring me comfort -
Sharon - thanks for the welcome - so far I feel the connection and I have a book I would totally recommend to anyone with cancer and now this site to any woman who has or is going through BC - not by chose but if you have to join this is the 'club' be in . thanks in advance for the help and guidance - I have great friends and supportive husband (in his own way) and wonderful kids, but they really dont' 'get it' - you gals do. What a blessing for me - I am hanging in (hugs)
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I have two young children as well- 8 and 5. They too give me great comfort but I always wonder how they really are. My son who is 8 always gets nervous when I have a Dr.'s appt. and my daughter follows me like her shadow, never taking me out of her sight. It must be confusing and difficult for them too. If only I could take their fear away for them, but I don;t know how to do that for myself. This really isn't easy for anyone and it's nice to be able to come on here and chat with people who know and have similiar feelings as you. Thanks, girls.
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Hi Rosie, Candace and Maryann-
I am sorry to see so many new women but glad you found us. The waiting period is difficult but once you have the treatment plan in place you will feel calmer. Taking it one day at a time is the way to get through this. It will be 5 years for me in January and I never thought I would be ok but here I am. I had scary pathology (like many of us) and was completely blindsided but all of it. But I guess we all feel that way.
Maryann- When I was diagnosed my children were 8, 6 and 4. I found that being very matter of fact about the whole thing helped them. I looked for some children's books to help explain cancer and its treatment to my children and only found doom and gloom. This past March I published a children's book-see my signature line if you want to check it out-you can see the book on amazon. Mostly I just used their behavior as cues about what we needed to address at the time. I tried to limit my conversations about cancer to after they went to bed unless they brought something up or unless I felt something needed to be discussed. At ages 8 and 5 kids are pretty egocentric so along with wanting the mommy to be ok they also want to know that things will be ok and normal (or as normal as possible) for them.
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caaclark- 5 years, that is wonderful. You give us newly diagnosed girls hope and inspiration!
I definitely will check out your new book. I was given a book when I was diagnosed, "Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo" It's a gentle story explaining breast cancer to young children and my kids really like it!
I do try to address their feelings and concerns in a way that I think they'll understand but it still must be hard for them. They have definitely seen me through my worst.
Your right about them wanting to feel that everything will be alright.Thanks for the advise and definitely the hope..
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I got great news today - the margins are clear the lymph nodes only showed ONE being cancer!! stage IId and leaning towards IDCS yeah!! still have to have chemo and still have to have radiaiton but today - my first appointment with my surgeon - I FEEL GOOD!! celebrating one day a time
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So good to know you have positive and upbeat attitude, it will carry you through out the treatment and make it doable and smooth journey. Gentle hugs, Asia
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Hi Newbies, welcome. All the ladies on this board are here for you and that means 24-7 sometimes
Share your feelings. We will hear you. 
Barb
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Hi Galsm
Welcome to the newbies ... I am fairly new myself.
Rosie - Hooray for your good news! We may be starting treatment about the same time, so we can compare notes as we go along. I will be starting chemo on Dec. 28. I have a plan in place, but I'm not sure if it will change, because I am going for an MRI tomorrow.
God's blessings to all ...
Diane
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YIPPIE ROSIE!!!
ALWAYS great to hear good news!
Sharon
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Hi Diane for sure we can keep each uplifted through our chemo - I am waiting to hear for my first appt with the oncologist - after Christmas I am guessing.
Thanks Sharon - YIPPEE for sure
I am still tender and sore around my drain tube site - hoping it soons take s hike - heading back to work for two days before Christmas
thanks ladies the support on here is second to none!! hugs - Rosie
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Just adding another welcome to the newbies! These boards have been such a lifesaver for me - couldn't find a greater bunch of ladies.
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Off to my MRI appt ... wish me luck
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Good Luck Diane---keep us posted!
Sharon
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Thanks Sharon
The MRI took 2 hours!! When I got there the tech told me I would be having 2 scans - one upper and one lower. Luckily I had taken an Ativan earlier. But after a while, my back started hurting and my legs were cramping, but she said I had to stay in the same position. Then they injected the contrast and took more scans. I am so sick of tests! Mon. I will find out what it showed.
Diane
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Hi ladies have not been on here in a bit (well I am on it often reading it but no posts) - I have completed three rounds of the RED DEVIL and with warnngs of it being the big bad wolf ( but the one to kick cancer's ass) I got through it pretty darn good - wow I felt great worked out kept busy - Started Docetaxel (March 24th) had two great days following - then BAM!!!! where did that truck come from?? I am just now today 9 days later feeling human - bone pain, shoulder middle of my back, back spamsn, headache from hell - no appetite (but eating) also on nupegen, sleepless nights, restlessness, thoughts of (well I am sure everyone has many crazy thoughts), tears, weakness, fatigue WOW!!!! I knew there would be side affects - but holy hell - wondering how many other gals out there have or had these kinds of side affects specifically - I was used to feeling much better than this !!
I toyed with the idea of going back to work but have since decided I will take the time for me my kids and my grandkids - life is going to be my mine to enjoy - today the sun is shining (still cold out) but with the promise of 9 degrees in good old Belleville Ont canada - I am hoping to get outside take a walk around my property and enjoy the sunshine - now that I feel human again.
The support on here is second to none - enjoy your day ladies Spring is in the air
Nannyof2 (Rosie)
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Ohhh, Rosie, they don't call it Taxo-terrible for nothing. It knocked me on my a** as well. I was the same - first two days thinking I was pretty clever and getting no SE's them, bam, along came the truck.
I was in a Taxotere pain study at the hospital and when the pharmacist called for my results I shocked her with how much distress I was in!! I also had some sort of under skin pain on my whole upper torso, where I couldn't stand to be touched. Yes, it is horrible. And I don't think the steroids help matters mentally as well.
Keep on top of the pain - my Dr wouldn't give me anything stronger than Tylenol 3's, but you may have more luck. Just hang in there - get through the next couple of rounds, then you will be done!
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Ahh, yes...Taxol pain. My first night of BAM, I was wishing I had something to smoke, drink and a pill to pop. The pain was so overwhelming. I compared it to acid eating away at my muscles/ligaments. I tolerated the next treatment much better (still had lots of pain) however, I think I was more prepared for it mentally.
Keep on with the countdown! You can do this!
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Hi Bugs. How often did you get your taxol? I'm doing FEC now. 1 down 2 to go and then doing 9 weekly Taxol. Doing great on FEC at the moment, but it's only a week in and wondering what to expect regarding side-effects with the Taxol? Do you have any advice?
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Hi there,
I did FEC and had no SE and then moved onto TAXOL with no SE. What I did have a reaction to was the steriod they gave me. It me crazy depressed-sort of manic. They lowered the dose and then eventually took me off! It's a good sign that you have had no SE's yet...HAng in there, sleep well, drink a ton of water and eat really clean! We are all here for you!
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Hi Rosie and welcome,
Although I'm sorry you need us, we are glad to be here to help. I can't say enough about how much everyone here has helped me over the past year and a half!
I'm glad you made it through the A/C without too much trouble, but sorry the next stuff hit you so hard. Chemo is cummulative and builds up in your system, so it sounds as though your body just got pissed about the new tx! I had many of the same SE's as you---insomnia, aches, pains, racing brain. It does get better over time. The computer became my friend on the really bad nights...........Be gentle with yourself and take people up on it if they offer food, help, whatever.
Take care,
Sharon
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