Stage 3

Hi dlm217,

I am sorry you are terrified. I remember feeling that way also. I second what LittleFlower said.....Stage 3 does not mean you are on your way to Stage 4, just that you will need max treatment to get rid of the cancer. And treatment works. It can be very unpleasant, but it works. It is all do-able....the chemo, the surgeries, the radiation. It can take a while to complete. But then, amazingly, you get better and even more amazingly, eventually you stop thinking about cancer all the time.

You might like attending a b.c.support group. You will probably find some friends who you can talk to. This site is helpful. 

Good luck to you and I hope you don't feel scared for long. 

I'm sorry that you have become a member of the group.  But we are some pretty darn strong women and it's amazing what our bodies can get through.  Like the others have said, the very positive thing about stage 3 is that everything is thrown at it so there is never any doubt about not doing enough.

I'm sorry you've had to come to "our club".  I was scared at the beginning too, I was 34 at dx with a 18 mth & 4 yr old so, I know how you feel about your children.  But here I am....I was a year out in July and doing great, considering that it's a new life & takes time to adjust to it.  Stage III is scary but you will get everything throwed at you because of it and chemo can be tough but it's tolerable.  They have lots of meds to help with the SE's now and the majority of us that did chemo had success with it.  Try to take each day at a time and not get to far ahead....that's when you get stressed and depressed.  Come here whenever you need to, we're always here and this site is full of support and info.  At the top of the III forum is a +5 years topic....it's great for a pick-me-up and is full of ladies who are living life after BC.  Sending you big hugs and big prayers.

Sorry you had to join us, but there are lots of wonderful women here.  My biggest fears have always been about my kids. I was diagnosed almost exactly a year ago at age 38. I am now officially done with active treatments and feeling great and looking forward to enjoying my kids growing up!  I promise you, the fear will decrease once you get moving on treatments.

Take in only what information you are ready for, but know that there are lots of women here ready to help when you need information or support or just some kind words.  You will get through this!

Hi dear, I am out 6.5 yrs of a stage IIIC dx. It is very scary, initially but the saving grace is we're automatically kicked into an aggressive tx plan, which is a GOOD thing in the long run. You will be ok, The ladies here are wonderful and will help you. Come here often for support and accurate info. Coming to these boards  was a big part of me feeing better about it all.

My kids are 8, 12 and 15. It was scary for them, it still is. They are stronger for it though. Prepare them for what other kids will say...that has been the worst of it. Snarky little monsters will whisper that their mom isn't going to make it. But you will, and you will come out stronger than ever. Your kids will be so proud. My daughter tells me all the time how strong she feels because she has watched me come through with a calm strength. None of us know what the future holds. But I have right now. And I am making the best of NOW.

 I make a big splash at school events and sporting activities now to squelch these monster kids. I am juicebox mom, reading mom, fall festival mom...so they see I am very much here and alive