hi, i am new-need support

Determined, your story sounds a lot like mine.  I started out with a lumpectomy that I was told right after surgery "got it all" and "no node involvement,"  only to be totally blindsided @ my follow up app't. 4 days later with news that my surgeon had not gotten it all, that I had a positive node with extracapsular extension, and that I needed a mastectomy.  I honestly think I went into shock because I spent the next few days in kind of a twilight zone -- often wondering if I'd been in an accident en route to the surgeon's office and was unconscious, because surely I was going to awaken from what seemed like a nightmare.  So I absolutely get what you're going through!

All I can tell you is, it does get better.  You're in a bad spot right now -- a rollercoaster of emotions and events that seems out of control.  But you WILL get through it and you will be okay. 

One thing I did that may or may not apply to your situation is that I went to get a 2nd opinion because I wasn't sure I trusted my original team after the way things evolved.  And I was so glad I did.  I ended up changing medical teams, which turned out to be a real blessing, because where I went (UCLA) offered leading edge (DIEP) reconstruction, which was not done locally and never mentioned to me by my first surgeon.  And there were some other differences, some of which are detailed on my bio page.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I'm glad you've found BCO.  I'll be thinking of you.  (((Hugs)))   Deanna

Welcome to the roller coaster from hell....You will eventually get off of it.  Hang in there all of us have thought it was over but its really NEVER over just different.  You have changed to a stronger woman who WILL fight this. DLB is right get a second opinion and do things that will de-stress you. Yoga , massage, sauna anything . Dont feed the Cancer!!! You are not alone, you will get through this!!!

Yes your life is about your health and fighting the cancer you have.  I had to go on disability just to get all my appointments and scans done as well as my treatments. Yes its unfair and not right what your going through but it is what it is and you just cant give up.  Channel that anger and fight like a girl and 5 years from now you will be somewhere wonderful alive and healthy and stronger.

Hang in there girl!!! xoxoxox 

determined - I had a similar thing happen to me. I started out Stage 1 and then had a lumpectomy. My BS said he was pretty confident no node involvement. Lo and behold the Path report comes back and there is a micromet in the SN. I understand it is not a perfect science and we all know drs are not perfect but like you I was blindsided. Welcome to tests, diagnosis, more tests, surgeries, treatments, etc...Like many of you I was pretty healthy so all these drs visits have been really tough especially when you dont know what they may find. Then the Path report came back saying I needed to have another surgery to even the margins....Good grief...Now I am scheduled for radiation starting April 28. It is hard but you will be fine. It is a process that seems to take forever but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This forum is great...it has been my salvation....good luck...diane

Hi determined3 !! 

Right from the get go the BS & the Onco doctors said mastectomy (skin sparing) & chemo.  Why??? it's so small & found it early.  Answer.......b/c the biopsy showed BC to be very aggressive.  Add to the fact I am small busted (B cup), a lumpectomy was never an option for me and have hearing some of the stories here about lumpectomy I am glad my docs were wiser than my fear.

I had 6 tx of TCH every third week with H on the off weeks.  Lost my boob, lost my hair, and thought I would lose my mine.  Of course I didn't lose my mind but I did drive the Onco nuts with questions.  Now I am on triple dose of H every three weeks to finish my 52 week tx which really lightened the load.  Once off the TC I finally found the energy I use to have..........that was a wonderful feeling !!!  Painted all the trim on the outside of the house, planted all the flower beds and even carried 40# bags of mulch which I could not have done in a few mons. ago.  I am telling you all of this to let you know that YES it is a rollercoaster ride and chemo is NOT a cake walk but at my age, if I can do it anyone can !!!  I only have 5 more infusions of H.  I am already on the aromatase inhibitors......starting with Arimadex but last week was switched to Femara (suppose to have less SE).  I also saw a different doc in the group which is a lady and more forthcoming with info.  I learned that the aromatase inhibitors were actually the most important factor of my recovery.  She shared & clarified so many pieces that had been missing including my Oncotype scores.  May just stay with her.

Hang in there, you will make it !!  What kind of support do you have at home ??  Usually you can find BC support groups through the hospitals.  Many of us feel like we want to stop the train & get off but we can't...........we have to fight if not for ourselves then for the ones we love.  Hang on to hope, make sure you ask questions & someone who will take the time to answer them clearly.  A good BS is a vital part in the very beginning (my OB-GYN recommended mine.)

Keeping in mind that I was not always a willing or eager patient, I still wanted more time with my one & only grandchild.  TRY (although not always possible) to keep the stress level under control (this is my weak spot), rest when you feel tired regardless of what the time of day it is, eat well, and know that we all are here to try to answer any questions you may have.

In our thoughts & prayer,

I am new to this! After a mammogram on march 2 came back suspicious, ultra sound and needle biopsy later, I was diagnosed April 4 with stage zero non evasive DCIS in sutra . It was only in the duct. I did not even have a lump. After many long nights and talks with several doctors and people whom have been through this, i decided to have both breasts removed and get implants. So many cases the cancer comes back, more aggressive. I had a high-grade. I had my surgery April 21st, and have no regrets. After the pathology report came back, the lymph nodes are all clear, the cancer hadn't entered the breast yet, so no chemo or radiation is necessary. All of this from my yearly mammogram. Had I not gotten it, this would have grown into a tumor and much more evasive. Its a very personal decision, I am only 45 years old, and couldn't live with wondering if the cancer had returned or not. My BS confirmed after the surgery and path reports were back, I made the right decision, there was more cancer in the duct they had originally thought. Good luck with your decision, it was the hardest one I have ever had to make. I am married with 2 teenagers and couldn't bear the thought of not being in their lives.