III B diagnosis I need reassurance

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hope1972
hope1972 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I was diagnosis with stage IIIb breast cancer in February 2010.  I had chemo from March until the beginning of September.  I had my AC treatment first and my taxol treatment last.  The chemo did shrink my tumor in the breast and the lymph nodes were no longer pallable.  I had my mastectomy on 10/05/10.  My path report stated that my tumor size was 4.8 cm, a grade II cancer, ER/PR + and her2 neu- I had 4 out of 4 postive lymph nodes under my arm.  I will be having radiation and the doctor will put me on tomoxifin.  I have 2 young children and I am so scarred I will not be here to watch them grow up.  Please if anyone has a similiar diagnosis let me know.

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  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited October 2011

    Hope,

    There are many reasons to have hope.  There are researchers working 24/7 in various parts of the world to end breast cancer.  Our own (here in the US) Dr Susan Love and her Foundation work tirelessly to aid all of us.

    Another reason to have hope is the ER+ breast cancers have many treatment options and are the most researched.

    No one, cancer or no cancer, knows what the future will bring.  There are no guarantees for any living human being relating to health.

    You have two young beautiful children that I'm certain bring you joy -- focus on them and that joy!!

    Blessings to you!

    Jelly

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited October 2011
    I'm so sorry you're feeling this way today, I've been there many times.  I have two small girls myself and have felt just what you're feeling.  Try to keep in mind you're ER/PR+ and that chemo worked....your tumor shrunk! I say it again....your tumor shrunk!  That means chemo was working, that is wonderful.  More woman survive this than die from it and don't you waste today thinking about what MIGHT happen tomorrow.  I know all this is easier said than done but you do something with those children today...go to a park, read them a book, something and get your mind out of this dark place, stay busy!  An idle mind is the devils playground.  You have to stay positive for you...plus I might need you to give me this same peep talk tomorrow, ok Wink Oh, and my dx is worse than your's.  Hope you feel better soon.  Hugs.
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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited October 2011

    Welcome Hope although of course I am sorry you have had to find us.  These ladies have helped me ENORMOUSLY through my journey and we'll all be here for you to.  Just ask away, nothing off limits!

    It's so normal to feel the way you do.  My kids were 11 and 13 when I was dx and I couldn't help but dwell on the thought of their Mom not being here for them.  It's just not fair.  But those days do get further and farther between.  I am TRYING to learn to live with my new normal.  Some days are better than others, but IT DOES GET BETTER.  You are still relatively new to all of this, and your body has been to war and back.  Give yourself a chance to heal physically and mentally.  Come here for support, and reach out if you need to.  Most area hospitals have in person support groups if you want to meet with others just like you.

    Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    (((Hugs)))

    Sharon

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  • solange49
    solange49 Member Posts: 102
    edited October 2011

    Hi Hope. Welcome to the board. I can relate to how you're feeling. I have stage IIIc breast cancer. I'm also ER/PR+ HER2-. So our diagnosis is similar. I was diagnosed in May of this year. I just had my last chemo treatment recently and I'm going to have my bi-lateral mastectomy this coming Monday. After I heal from surgery I'll have to have radiation. I often worry as well about the future. My children are older (24 & 26) and I have two beautiful grandchildren by my daughter that I wish to see grow up. My son is getting married in June of next year. There are so many things that I want to see and do in my life. And I want to feel halfway normal again. I apprecaite little things and see things in a different light now. I just try to take one day at a time. I love the book "There's No Place Like Hope" by Vickie Girard. Something she said that I liked was "Where will I be next year at this time"? "Maybe a better question is...Where am I now, and how can I take full advantage of it"? Her words help me when I'm having those feelings. And I also pray about it.  :)

    hugs,

    Diana 

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  • LindaLou53
    LindaLou53 Member Posts: 929
    edited October 2011

    Hope, what you are feeling is perfectly normal and what most of us have felt after our Stage III diagnosis.  If you go to the thread pinned at the top of this forum called "Stage 3 - 5 Years Out - Check In"  you will find tons of women who are many years out from their diagnosis and doing great!

    I have already passed the 11 year mark from my first Stage 2 BC diagnosis and in November will be 6 years out from my second primary Stage 3C diagnosis with 23/23 nodes positive. When I was at the point you are in treatment I did not think I would be here 6 years later, but here I am....very grateful and hopeful for continued good health.

    I know it is hard for you right now and the fear a mother has of leaving her children is a tremendous burden.  But I think having a cancer diagnosis forces us to accept the fragility of life and the knowledge that none of us know what our future holds, cancer or not.  While this may be a sobering thought, it is also a very freeing thought in that we learn to make the most of every single day.  

    The odds are in your favor and with ongoing research the majority of breast cancer patients live long, productive lives.  It will get easier as time passes and your life eventually gains more normalcy the further you get away from treatment.  Give your kids a big hug and kiss every day, find encouragement in taking time for yourself and others, make life matter in a positive way each day and before you know it you will be one of the ladies offering advice to those just starting on their BC journey.

    Best Wishes,

    Lindalou

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  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited October 2011

    I am stage IIIC.....and now 7.5 years out.......had a huge tumor and at least 17 nodes positive.....
    and like you.....worried so much about my children.  My youngest was in first grade and I was terrified that he wouldn't remember me....
     
    Well....he's a freshman in high school now....and we've made tons of memories these past 7.5 years.....and there is peace knowing he won't forget me now.  
     
    Know that the drugs are good.....take one day at a time....make memories....and the one day will turn into weeks, months and years......
    Just don't waste a moment thinking about cancer.....have hope!
     
    Jacqueline 
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  • kimf
    kimf Member Posts: 334
    edited October 2011

    I was 39 at dx with 3 young children, more than 6 1/2 years ago...stage IIIC. I'm still NED and doing great. There is so much reason to hope! You can do this! 

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  • 345grace
    345grace Member Posts: 17
    edited October 2011

    Stage 3b, diagnose about a year ago, today.  My body responded to the chemo immediately, shrank the tumor to nothing!  (was ping pong ball size) in the first session.  As I looked back on my life with illnesses- my body has always responded to treatment quickly-perhaps this is true for you too. I was very ill with immune problems, even prior to diagnosis.  I got busy- changed how I ate, cooked, made sure I was buying quality food and water. Gathered old friends and new ones around, and asked for prayers-on my knees.  I learned about living one day at a time. Simple, not easy.  I have never had children, or much of a blood family. I have people in my life that I cherish. I have become an avid gardener. I try to plant something every day. And I have cried a lifetime of tears this last year.  I am learning to embrace beauty, fearlessness, positive attitudes.  I have just started reaching out to other women with breast cancer, there are no support groups in this area. I have not embraced the lingo, details of diagnosis,  or details of the disease.  It is helpful to learn some of it, but not so helpful -I don't have time for med school- so the information becomes overwelming - perhaps harmful - to me. My prayers and good thoughts to you. 

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited October 2011

    I am also " out" well over 6 years from a Stage IIIC  dx. and doing great.

    I am sorry you are having to go through this with small children. Please take heart more then ever ; stage IIIers get the " big guns" for Tx and so many many of us, are doing just fine.

    God Bless.

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