Surreal 3 weeks

Hi Bev and yes sorry you needed to join this sorority but welcome to BCO. The system works alittle differently here is Australia and the onc has all your test results prior to you seeing them so they have all information si it becomes a matter of just discussing the type of chemo etc that he/she is recommending and why.  I'm not sure if that is the case in the USA.

I just wanted to welcome you and give you a cyber ((((hug)))).  Someone else will surely be along shortly to perhaps give you more of an answer.

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

Hi Bev,

 I too was diagnosed in October...actually am a 6 year survivor today!!

 Being diagnosed with breast cancer is like someone hitting you across the head with a 2x4 and you saying what the heck just happened?  Try not to think about the whole picture right now as it will drive you completely crazy...take it baby steps at a time and know that you will get through this.

It is a long difficult, physically and emotionally exhausting journey.  Our spirit needs to heal first and then our minds and bodies.  

 This board was a god send to me when I was diagnosed 6 years ago at age 41.  The first few days, months and even few years after diagnosis are really hard to deal with emotionally.   Eventually you do find your "new normal" and somehow manage to make it through.

 To answer your question honestly, yes cancer cells can travel through the blood stream. I believe it is known as lymphatic invasion.  It will be noted on your pathlogy report once you have your surgery.
Is your doctor recommending chemo?   I was terrified when I heard I had three positive lymph nodes, had 23 of them removed (1st and 2nd level).  I have done everything humanly possible to beat this disease.  Try not to worry, easier said than done....it will not change the outcome.  Your medical team will be that more aggressive with your treatment plan if you have positive nodes.

 I had a lumpectomy with clean margins, 6 months of chemo (8 treatments every 3 weeks), 25 radiation treatments, put on Armidex and given Zoldex injections to chemically shut down my ovaries for 1.5 years. I decided at age 44 with my oncologist's recommendation to permanently remove my ovaries as chemo didnt put me into menopause (must have been tons of estrogen pumping through my system).  I have finished my 5 years on Armidex and am feeling better than I have in years.

Life's little annoyances are a welcome change and I do not think about cancer every day...it does get better...I promise.

I had IDC with 4 cm tumour, 3 positive lymph nodes, grade III and was er/pr+ and her-.

My  youngest sister was also diagnosed last July at age 43 with a 7cm tumour close to the chest wall (had lumpectomy - dirty margins and then had to have her left breast removed).  She had 6 rounds of chemo, negative nodes which is really surprising considering the size of the tumour.   She is a little over 8 months out of chemo and on Tamoxifen and doing well!

 All the best to you as you go through your treatments and start to heal...reach out to this board...there definitely is a huge support system here for others that have travelled the road before you.

Big hugs as I remember vividly how difficult the early days were.

Michele

Bev,

Didnt answer your question about screening for an oncologist....I would definitely want someone who is compassionate and takes the time to answer ALL of  your questions (doesnt rush you out the door).  My oncologist spent 1.5 hours with my husband and I the first appointment.  He explained the whole chemo process, side effects, what staging of breast cancer meant, etc.

Your oncologist will follow you for many years so it has to be someone that you have a comfort level with.  Do you have any one who could recommend you to a good one in your area?  If you do happen to go to someone and dont have that comfort level, get someone else...you want someone who is going to be working for you!

I would bring a note pad and/or tape recorder and definitely a friend or family member with you as we tend to miss alot of the discussion at this point in the process as our minds are realing.

 Ask if chemo is recommended and reasons why, what type of chemo will be used and how often?  Are you a candidate for the oncotype testing (determines risk of reoccurance)? How soon after surgery would chemo start?

Is there someone that you can talk to or call after hours should there be any questions during treatment, a nurse, etc?

 If I think of anything else during the day today, I will respond after work.

Michele

Hi

Coming up on my 3 year mark. Not been an easy ride but I'm still standing! Remember that 2cm of you is unhealthy, the rest of you is fine and will fight for health. Hope this helps put it in a good perspective.

Bev,

I was pre-menopausal prior to bc and got shoved into menopause through Zoladex injections at age 42, so can some what relate to your fears of going cold turkey HRT.  My hotflashes and sleep were severely affected and mood swings!  Since your tumour is estrogen positive, the HRT has to be gone.

Being scared and afraid of the unknown is very normal.  Have a good cry when you need to...did lots of that in the first year....crying is cleansing to the soul and releases pent up emotions.  I found each step of the process, prior to surgery, prior to chemo, prior to starting the hormonals all provoked different emotions because I felt somewhat like a science experiment....waiting for side effects to happen.  Our minds tend to conjur up things that dont always happen.

If you need to seek out additional help or counselling if you are really struggling, most major cancer centers offer counselling or social workers.  This can even be helpful for your family members who are going through their own fears of loosing you, although they will never admit it.  My hubby had a really hard time and had to go on anti depressants for the first time in his life, my parents were a mess and my mother also put up that strong front until after I finished chemo and then she too fell apart too.

 "The Breast Cancer Husband" is a highly recommended  book  written from a guy's point of view watching his wife go through bc and how to support her.   My hubby read it from cover to cover and so did i!  You might find it on Amazon or in your local book store.   There is also a book called "Breast Cancer for Dummies" which explains alot of the terms especially related to your pathlogy report and other bc terms which are really foreign to us at first.

Yes, you will get through it....the hardest thing I have ever had to face but I made it out the other side and you can too!

 Michele

Hi

we have similar stats.... I would echo al lthat has been said so far.... I had a lumpectomy so I cannot comment on the surgery. Just be sure they do the oncotype test to help you decide about chemo....it is not the worst thing you have to do,if you have to do it.... we can help you more if you get to that point.

I think it is important to just take it one step at a time--have the surgery, heal, get the pathology, oncotype results and decide on next steps. You do need an onc to help you with that-- I would look for competence, kindness and patience in an onc.  You may have to see him/her regularly for the next few years--might as well like them.....