Stage 3 again 6 years later

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ButterflyLady
ButterflyLady Member Posts: 136
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed with breast cancer again this past December.  It was 6 years ago in Decembe when I was diag. the first time.  I was stage3b and had 2 positive nodes on my right side.  Now after doing everything I was told to do, mammograms, arimidex, I am back again.  I am having neo adjunctive treament first.  It is in my chest wall also and I have at least 2 positive nodes again.  My chemo I am taking is cytoxin with taxotere.  I couldn't take adriymcin again because I had taken all I could the first time.  I keep wondering how did this happen?  How did it get so far without showing up on mammogram.  It didn't show up the first time either.  I found it just like I found it this time.  I should have one more treatment and then I will have surgery and start back on chemo again afterwards followed by radiation.  I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I will not have reconstrucion because of all the complications from the attempt of reconstruction on the right side.  I am just numb right now.  I already feel like frankenstien and now I have to have the other on cut off.  I know I am blessed to still be here, but I just wished that we didn't have to pay such a high price just to try and beat this beast.  Chemo has been rougher on me this time then it was 6 years ago or at least it seems to be. I am 51 and I feel like 91.  I am a single mom and I guess I will stay single.  I couldn't find anyone before cancer, I sure won't after all of this.  LOL  I don't mean to be whiney, I am just having a rough time dealing with this a second time.  I know God will get me through this.  My prayers are with all of you dealing with this beast.

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited February 2012

    Well crap. I know what you mean. I was being watched and got diagnosed a second time 9 years after my first one and this time it is stage 3c/4. Technically 4 but I just can't admit that to myself yet! Mine is a new primary, is yours? Chemo was much harder on me the second time. My doc did give me ac a second time, said I hadn't had my lifetime dose yet. Hang in there and post often!

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  • lopsided_blogger
    lopsided_blogger Member Posts: 100
    edited February 2012

    I am so sorry that you have to go through this again. Once is too much.

    I've come to believe that people who finish treatment for cancer should be given the choice of having a yearly PET or fullbody MRI once a year if they want it.

    Yes, I can't think of an argument against this that would hold any water with me. Unless I'm being offered this, I'm not really being watched, in my opinion. It's all guesswork by someone who doesn't bear the risk. And that's just not good enough.

    Sending you positive energy for beating this crap back. 

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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2012

    Roxanne - I'm so sorry you have to go through this again.  Once in a lifetime is more than enough.  Prayers going up for you.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2012

    STUPID, dumb ass cancer!  Sorry for that little rant, but it is isn't it?  I am so sorry you are having to go through this again.  We will hold your hand as much as you need.

    (((HUGS)))

    Sharon

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited February 2012

    Butterfly, that just sucks - I am so sorry.   Yeah, mine too went into my lymph nodes and mammo still never saw it - 4 years in a row.   Unfortunately, mammos have failed too many of us.   How did you find this one?  You had lumpectomy first time or mastectomy?

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited February 2012

    So sorry you have to go through this again. Fingers and everything else crossed that your treatment will get you back to NED for a long, long time to come and that this is just a blip in the road. Gentle ((((((((hugs)))))))) Angelfalls xx

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited February 2012

    I'm sorry that just f ing sucks.

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited February 2012

    Butterfly, I am so sorry to hear this. You're right, it just plain sucks and it is not fair. Each of our worst nightmares. I can't offer any answer, but I can let you know that we are all here for you. Yell and scream at us if it helps, because sometimes that's all we can do.

    Keeping you in my prayers. I hope for some chemo relief for you.

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  • ButterflyLady
    ButterflyLady Member Posts: 136
    edited February 2012

    I had a masectomy on my right the first time.  My breast had an indentation in it that I had brought to my nurse practioneer.  She said it was nothing since my mamogram showed nothing.  I went back 8 months later and had someone else look at it.  I was sent straight to a surgeon who took one look and knew it was cancer. 

    This time I felt a lump.  My mammogram earlier last year, didn't pick it up. It was a new primary in the left breast.  What confused me was I was on arimidex and I thought that would keep the estrogen down.  I was e.r. positive again.  I am not taking arimidex now.  My dr. took me off for now.

    Thank you all, for your kind words. 

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  • dsv
    dsv Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2012

    I am so sorry you are having to deal with this again!  I had a lumpectomy (right), A/C chemo and a clinical trial of radiation in 2006.  I was on Tamoxifen, switched to Arimidex and then to Aromasin. In July 2011, a mammo and ultrasound detected a lump on left breast.  I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction.  I was ER+, PR- and HER2+.  I too don't understand why I'm ER+ and had been on Tamox, Arimidex and Aromasin almost 5 years!  My second cancer is considered a primary with no node involvement.  My right breast appeared to be perfectly healthy after the treatment received in 2006 but it had to go!  I just finished chemo and the Taxatere/carboplatin really kicked my butt!  Will be seeing oncologist next week to discuss going on Tamoxifen again!!!!  Hang in there......it is hard but we CAN do it!

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited February 2012

    I'm so sorry that you have to go down this road again

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  • lamuso
    lamuso Member Posts: 123
    edited February 2012

    Butterfly....sending hugs your way.   I'm sorry you are dealing with this stupid cancer again.  It sucks, no doubt about it but you can do it.  Your kids love you and need you around for a long time to come. One day at a time.  I'll be praying everything goes as well as possible for you!

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  • Thatgirl
    Thatgirl Member Posts: 276
    edited February 2012

    Butterfly (((((HUGS))))) sorry your having to go through this again. Sending a prayer to God.

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2012

    I am so sorry you are going thru this again. It seems unimaginable. Cancer sucks and cancer treatment sucks. I hope you will be treated with love and kindness by the people in your life and know you have a sympathetic ear with your stage III sisters

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited February 2012

    I'm so sorry Roxanne, as other's have said once is enough.  I would hate to know I had to do chemo again, it amazes me how strong we are and how much our bodies can take.  Sending you hugs and prayers, we're here.

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited February 2012

    Roxanne, I'm so sorry you have to deal with this sh** again.  We are here for you ..vent all you want.  You deserve a good rant!

    {{hugs}} 

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited February 2012

    Dear ButterflyLady,

    I am so sorry that you are going through this. Prayers for your txs to go smoothly and that the cancer cells will be completely blown to smithereens! You can do this!

    Hugs and Prayers,

    Lexi

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited February 2012

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Butterflylady......I wish we didn't have to fight this.

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited February 2012

    Roxanne, I am so sorry you have to go thru this again. having BC once is once too many!I have no other words except , come here for support , and we'll help you !

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  • anniese
    anniese Member Posts: 218
    edited February 2012

    So sorry you have to go through this again.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  • PlantLover
    PlantLover Member Posts: 622
    edited February 2012

    So sorry! (( You ))

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  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited February 2012

    What you're faced with is what we all fear -- a second go-around.  I'm so sorry.  I just hope the results finish with a good prognosis.

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  • Kodapants
    Kodapants Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2012

    So So Sorry,  My heart breaks for you and anyone dealing with this crappy disease.  Hugs to you.

    Kodapants

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