New to you stage III sisters!

Options
Sissydi
Sissydi Member Posts: 516
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hello everybody! I have come over from the surgery thread to join you all. Just got my final path back from surgery, and I am now a stage IIIa.....had several positive nodes. I'm also HER2+.....I had multi-focal IDC, with the biggest 1.8cm and some DCIS. Met with my onc today. And I will be starting chemo, and partaking in a clinical trial for pertuzumab, if all falls into place! Anyhow, just wanted to introduce myself, and I'm still a bit freaked out at being stage III when they have been talking II all this time, but I feel better having my final path back. I feel so overwhelmed!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • Celtic_Spirit
    Celtic_Spirit Member Posts: 748
    edited February 2012

    Hello and welcome! Where you are in your treatment plan is one of the scariest places, at least it was for me. I started out...almost exactly four years ago now...being told I was stage 1. Well, a sentinel node biopsy and double mastectomy later, guess where I landed...stage 3a! Just keep focused on getting through treatment, and don't ever forget that this will be over and you will be fine! It's quite normal to feel overwhelmed. Also be aware that sometimes the steroids they give you during chemo will play freaky-deaky tricks on your brain and make you feel even more overwhelmed. That's normal, too. As I said, it's been almost four years since diagnosis for me, and I feel terrific both mentally and physically. You'll get there, too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited February 2012

    Welcome!

    I am Stage 3, multifocal, multicentric and her2 as well. Still standing :)

    You will do great!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited February 2012

    welcome :(

    I'm almost done with chemo. 4more weekly taxols. It seemed like a big mountain at first. but now Im nearing the top. still have the radiation mountain.

    those first days were the hardest. but the chemo really hasn't been that bad. You will have side effects, but not all. and they have drugs now to manage. 

    don't forget to breathe.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ali68
    ali68 Member Posts: 1,383
    edited February 2012

    Hi nice to meet you, I feel the same I was shocked when I was told stage 3 with 8 lymph nodes. When you having chemo? Come and join the chemo babes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited February 2012

    Welcome.  Multi-focal, ER+PR- here, too.  I'm glad Celtic Spirit warned you about the steroids.  So true.  It's exciting that you're on the pertuzumab trial.  I've read that it works great when combined with Herceptin.  Is that the combo you will get?  Hope to hear more from you here on Stage 3.   All the best, Hugs,  G.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited February 2012

    Welcome!   Yes, it's a shocker when the final pathology comes back.  I went from DCIS to possible invasive to ..8.5 cm tumor with node involvement.  Yikes and the best?  Final pathology came on Valentine's day.  I just celebrated my 6 year anniversary.  There are many on here that are further out than that.  When you get down, visit the "stage 3 at 5plus years out".  Super positive thread!

    We get it...come here to vent.  Your family will try, but nobody truly gets it like we do.

    Bugs 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    Hello and Welcome to the greatest place that you probably would never want to be!!  Oh let me tell you ... this is where it's at!!  Anything you need, at any hour ... the greatest family that I would have never known if it wasn't for the big "C".

    Like you, I heard "Stage II" ... until I got out of surgery ... ok, now I'm a three ... unti I met with the healthcare team after all my tests and such to set up a plan ... then I became a Stage IIIc ... but wait ... a few tests later and and entire day of waiting for "that" phone call to let me know if I moved into ... you know the next stage ... and I was elated to hold my position at IIIc. 

    I'm here for you anytime ... and you have an entire community here for you as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    You guys make me cry......thank you so much for your encouragement! I don't know what I'd do without the input of these boards. I've learned so much so far from all of you. My family tries, but they are all wide eyed as well, and this is new for all of us. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    You know ... they might consider getting on the boards too ... they have support threads for family and friends!  Or, if you have a Gilda's Club near your place, that is an amazing environment with a very touching purpose by the founder ...

    Your family will always want what's right for you ... but, what I have learned is they don't always know what's right for you.  My DH and I had this conversation tonight ... he felt I really "needed" to get back to a normal life so I wouldn't focus on treatment/disease/etc ... he apologized to me tonight and it meant the world to me. 

    So, help them to help you ... there are some great ideas on the boards of what you can do!  Like, make a sign up sheet for chores, cooking, visits, walking the dog, getting groceries...that way, when someone asks "Can I do anything? What do you need" etc ... it will be all ready there and they can pick and chose what they want to do to help!  I thought that was genius. 

    So what's the treatment plan sweetie?  I'm adding this thread to my favorites!!  Keep us updated ok?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    forgot to check the box ... now I've added this to my favorites :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    I just saw my onc today for only the second time, so not sure what drugs (I know I heard Taxol I think), and Herceptan for sure, then radiation, then I believe tamoxifen for 5years, oh and the clinical trial during chemo. So, I know I sound jumbled, but it's all so new. They are waiting for me to heal from my mx.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    That sounds a lot like my treatment plan...except I had AC, Taxol, Rads, Boosters. My one year from diagnosis was Jan 20th. If you ever want to chat or ask me anything, I would definitely be there for you! Its some kind of crazy but we get through it!

    One quick mention...I told all my docs, no matter what, I do not want to ever hear a statistic...and I have never heard one. That helps me a lot.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mom2twins34
    mom2twins34 Member Posts: 185
    edited February 2012

    hi sissydi,

    Just wanted to welcome  you...

    Sending good wishes your way as you heal from your mx... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited February 2012

    Welcome aboard, sorry you've had to join us here in "III-land".  I love this forum.  I hope you feel comfortable here and get the support and info you need.  Chemo is not the easiest but managable and doable.  Come here often, we're here and understand. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2012

    ((((Hugs)))) Sissy,

    Glad you found us, but sorry you have to be here.  We'll help you any way we can.  These ladies have pulled me through thick and thin!

    Also, I have cousins that live in Fleming Island!  We were just down there a couple years ago---oddly enough about a month before my dx.  I look at the pics from there and have a kind of melancholy feeling.  We had so much fun while we were there (took a day trip to St. Augustine too) but sadly remember those were the last pics I have of me "before".

    All the best to you.  Keep us posted on how you are doing and what we can do to help!

    Sharon Laughing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2012

    Sissydi



    I am also here to welcome you to the stage III sisterhood. I definitely relate to this group the most. I remember feeling absolutely overwhelmed at the beginning. As a matter of fact I still don't nave my head wrapped around the fact that I had a 16 cm tumor. Sometimes I feel a deep sense of isolation because no one else has a similar diagnosis.



    I found every aspect of treatment miserable but of course got through all of it. You will too. You will be amazed at your own inner strength. My best advise is too realize that in l year the most intense aspect of treatment will end and you will feel much better.



    I am here to hold your hand through this difficult ttime











    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited February 2012

    Welcome to the club no one wants to be in!  I'm sorry you got "upgraded", I started IIIa and felt good about it all through chemo.  After surgery my "upgrade" took me to IIIc. Bummer.

    I'm glad to hear you are considering a trial.  I also did a chemo trial.  Turns out it wasn't helpful for me but it still made me feel good to know that my data was going to be useful.  And I still got the AC-T chemo that I would have had anyway.

    What really helped me was just staying focused on the task at hand.  So when I was on chemo I didn't even think about surgery or rads.  I just try to work through what was in front of me.  Sure enough, the time passes and you get through it.  Good luck and hope you have minimal SEs!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Thank you so much anacortes girl, elizabeth, jennyboog, and pup foster! I truly am so thankful for this board and all of you here to encourage and help. I hope to do the same in the near future. It's so unnerving right now a s I wait to heal from mx and wait on the start of chemo. I can only handle one thing at a time.....I don't think that far ahead if I can help it. Thank you for offering to hold my hand!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PlantLover
    PlantLover Member Posts: 622
    edited February 2012

    Hi Sissy!  I know it sucks.  Yes, just try to handle one thing at a time.  It's all so overwhelming but we'll all help you get through it the best we can.

    ((( You )))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited February 2012

    Welcome Sissdi! I remember the shock of finding out I was stage III after thinking I was stage II all along, but some places still consider you 'early stage'!   You will get lots of support here. It has been a lifeline for me too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited February 2012

    Dear Girl,

    I am too sorry you've joined us, but Glad you found us here. There is a wonderful network of women here that will help  you get through this time and are quite knowledgeable, and funny too.

    Anyway,  We've all " been there" and get it .

    Come here often for support ,and accurate  Information, no question is too silly or insignificant. If You're worried  about something, let us know. The inital days are the hardest, but it does get easier.

    I am quickly approaching my  7 year anniversary from a " Bad As* " tumor ( so said my surgeon ), 12 Positive nodes, blah, blah blah and I am enjoy well and  Loving Large.

    You will get there too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited February 2012

    Oops I meant to say I am well and Living Large.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Thank you plant lover, Maxine and ikc! Yes, both surgeon and onc agree that I am in some kind of gray area between IIb and IIIa, so they are treating it like a IIIa. There's something psychological about changing stages, even though treatment is the same!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2012

    I loved hearing what Maxine said cause my onc said I was considered "early stage" BC too unbelieveably.  I actually stopped her in mid sentence and asked her to repeat what she said so I could hear it again.  It's good to have even the littlest things to hold on to!

    Sharon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Zgirl66
    Zgirl66 Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2012

    Hi Sissydi

    I had the same experience. I thought I was Stage I or II and am a III. What the?

    But really it doesn't matter it's somewhat a crap shoot. You can be a Stage I and not make it or a IV and make it.

    Keep it positive and good luck.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Zgirl66
    Zgirl66 Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2012

    Hey Stage III Girls

    I have had 3 chemos. 4th next week and then 2 more to go followed by 5 weeks of radiation. I am not sure whether to do recon or not. I saw the many postings of women who have NOT and are happy they didn't. Now I'm getting nervous that if I do it I won't be satisfied. Has anyone had a good recon result. If so, where? I live in a small town and am surely going to have to go out of town for an experienced PS. I welcome all referrals and input. I am also interested in hearing about the side effects of radiation for those who have experienced it. I feel I have been lucky with chemo. My queasiness and fatigue has been manageble. Is radiation worse than chemo?  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    Ikc-love large!!!! And live large too!! Damn spell check!

    my docs tell me...its very aggressive. No early stage talk round here: (

    radiation was oh so nice...until.....that last three weeks!!! I drank...I lotioned...only baggggggy clothes...no undergarments....and I'm still having effects. The one I never heard of was my gums reversing. So, two things:

    BUY BAG BALM! I bought 35 different lotions and

    Bag Balm was the bomb!!! It goes on like grease (so

    so soooo slick) and will ruin any clothing it

    touches. But, when my skin was charred (yes,

    that's the color too), broken open, bleeding and

    painful all the time...I didn't care what it ruined!

    Ask the radiation department for those rolled up

    wide bandages every day. That's saves you a ton of

    money and you can fashion a "radiation burn tank

    top". Then you'll save your clothes and sheets.

    Second...talk to your dentist now! Get on fluoride toothpaste, a pre-operation toothbrush (extra extra soft) and a fluoride rinse. Once they receed, they never come back.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited February 2012

    Hi . Suddydi, Just wanted to also say Hi/  SharonH

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited February 2012

    Hey zgirl keep in mind those people that are doing well are l.ess likely to post about it. If someone gets good results they are probably moving on. Whereas someone that is having issues are going to post trying to find answers

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2012

    Hi Sissydi!  I just wanted to add another welcome.  I remember how great it felt to find this group back in the early super-scary days.  I finished the last of my year of Herceptin almost a year ago, and rarely find time to get back on the boards now that my regular life is back to full time and cancer treatment in on the fringes, rather than the other way around!  I don't know how I would have done it without the support of the wonderful women here.  It's so good to NOT feel alone!  Best of luck with your treatment!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories