It's catching up with me now.

Oh Veggy....will be thinking about you today!! (((HUGS))) TO YOU TOO....

xo

Cat,

So sorry. Yes...as it all piles up, it gets tougher and tougher to "stay positive" and patient and stoic about it all. My hubby just keeps saying, "take it one step at a time, don't bite off big chunks..." I am trying like hell...keep thinking about that movie "What About Bob"...baby steps...baby steps....at least I have a giggle for a minute thinking of Bill Murray and his stupid antics in that movie ; )

I met with my MO last week and was disappointed to find that my oncotype dx score was 32 with a 22% chance of recurrence in the next 10 years. Knowing that I have already broken stupid statistics, I have opted to start chemo this Thursday (4/19) as well as consider the BRCA1 and BRCA2 test. as there seems to be more evidence that this may be a genetic thing...my mother has had it twice, my aunt has had it, my other aunt died of another cancer, I have had it twice. If we find that I am positive (for the BRCA2 he thinks) then I will consider a BMX and possible ovary removal...my daughter will have a 50/50 chance of having the gene, so at that point, she will need to consider her options as well. 

This cancer nightmare just doesn't stop.

Sending lots of love your way ladies. We are in this together.

xo

Elmwood, Gosh so sorry to hear you are back in the boat with us. So what have they done so far for you? You had a biopsy? You have results of that? So you know a little about what you are dealing with, I am guessing. Your next appointment, would be to decide on next steps. 

My experience thus far: biopsy, lumpectomy, tissue sent for oncotype dx which helped determine our next step which is chemo - First tx of T/C  this past Thursday. So far feeling pretty well.

With this being a 2nd primary for me, my mom having two primaries, my aunt having it as well..they are now looking at BRCA 1 & 2 testing. I meet with a genetic counselor on the 30th. At that point we will see where we are with that which will determine next steps after Chemo. My oncotype was on the high risk end at 32 with a 22% chance of distant recurrence...don't like those odds, so once we have results of genetics..may decide to have a BMX  + Ovary removal to give myself a better chance of not going through this mess again. Never any guarantees of course...but doing what I feel needs to be done.

I know you are nervous. You are among like minds here. You will find fantastic advice and have a few giggles and really...just get a little comfort here.  If you have questions...ask...someone, many, will have thoughts for you.We all have slightly different experiences, but, what is great about this forum is that you are getting actual experiences from women going through treatment (a few men as well). We all react differently to the drugs, so don't panic if you see something scary. Just be aware and ask ask ask...you know that!

How long ago was your first round with bc??

Ok...We are totally here for you elmwood. 

Sending love and good vibes your way.

xxoo

Dorrie

Elmwood. Good for you for attempting the computer scene. Oh technology! It is a good way to connect with others.

You will find some comfort here. Just remember, you may also find things that could frighten you. Keep in mind that each situation is different Elmwood. You went 14 years between bouts, that's gotta count for something!  If they did a lumpectomy and rads only, my guess is you were pretty early stage? How old were you at the time?

All you know at this point is that you have a malignancy?  You don't know the details etc yet? Take it one step at a time. Call tomorrow and get things set up as quickly as possible and then take some deep breaths. Do you know anything at all about what they have found?  You know what you know because they did a needle biopsy or ultrasound or mammo or all? 

First you want to find out what you are dealing with...what are its characteristics,  (size, cell grade, Hormone response + or -, HER2+ or-)  TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU!!  So much better to have someone to join you in the quest for information - a husband, friend, sister, aunt, daughter...someone who can ask questions and take notes for you since you may be out of sorts about it all.

And....take one step at a time Elmwood. It really is all you can do. The whole thing is so overwhelming and going through it a second time just blows everything out of the water....but, take it one step at a time. 

Easier said than done. BUT - remember...you got through it once and you were clear for 14 years. Have faith that this will be another winnable war! 

I hope this helps. 

Dorrie

Elmwood, there is not a one among us here, who hasn't had moments of feeling like we want to bolt. It is overwhelming and, once committed to the plan, it's a long road. You are allowed moments.

Got your appointments set up!! Excellent. So much better to know what you must deal with. If you don't like the doc or have any questions about what you hear, always think about getting another opinion...it's YOUR body!! You want to do what's right for you!!

 I had a few moments of my own earlier today...my beautiful hubby talked me down. Coming off the 3 days of steroids made me extrememly crabby today.

I also had an unsettling conversation with my 77 year old mother who seems to think I am being over medicated and shouldn't bother with the Neulasta...I told her, would she prefer I get sick and land in the hospitatl?  She just said...well..you got through it last time ok. Well...that was 12 years ago and I was under a lot less stress than my life has me under now. My immune systemneeds all the help it can get, I am sure. She has gone through this whole bc twice herself. Two primaries (1 on each side 16 years apart - both Stage O - both DCIS) not even the same kind of cancer I have this time....I know, in her convoluted way, she thinks she is helping, but she was pretty much in denial that I even had cancer the last time. She figured they made a mistake. So to second guess my treatment plan, of which she has no understanding, is just frustrating.

Yes...that's how my day has been going. Other than feeling a bit crabby and sluggish...I am doing pretty well physically. Not much pain from Neulasta after yesterday, which was bit sketchy. Claritin seems to be helping!

Hang in there Elmwood - you will have answers to questions and more questions about those answers, but hang in there!

Thanks on the Emend Sandra. They didn't use that one me at all...Aloxi was my IV anti nausea...seems to have worked like a dream!

Dorrie

Thanks Faith!!  Hangin in.

A little quote from AA Milne:

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think!" Oh Winnie the Pooh....Silly old Bear.

As John Lennon once said.."whatever gets you through the night..." Sounds like you are coping with this crappy news. That's all we can do, anyway we see fit!

xo

Dorrie