Stage 3 with breast implants...Egads!!!

Welcome Christie. You will meet a great bunch of supportive women here.  I'm sorry to hear that your doctors didn't listen to you!  Have you started treatment?

I had three docs tell me it was fibrocystic.  The surgeon even said it was "...so benign he wouldn't biopsy it!!" Seven months later and 5 myofascial treatments on it and surprise. IDC 4.5 cm, 7+ nodes.  I kick myself for listening to all three of them. You could tell I was leary -- I kept going to another doc. for reassurance. Also, my mammogram (six days before the lump was found) was clean.  It's done a number on my trust issues!!  I can totally relate to what you said Julie.  

 You're in my thoughts.

Rachel 

Hang in there on the chemo!  Two more to go -- that's good news.

It seems to happen quite often that dx's get missed when they could have been found.  And it seems to really shape the way we work with our docs.  Before, I would listen and take their advice.  Now it's more of getting their opinion and then I'm making the decision.  I went to pre-register for surgery to get my port out last week.  The lady across the counter said it was a great day when she got her's out and she quickly showed the scar and how minimal it was.  She said as soon as she finished chemo she asked the doc about getting it removed and he suggested that she keep it a little longer.  Her response was no, get it out now.  Then she looked at me and said "isn't it great the way cancer teaches us to take control"?

It's not the best way to learn that lesson but I understood what she was saying.  The treatment of cancer re-shapes us and how we deal with relationships.  For me, most of the changes have been good.   Whatever happens, you will be stronger!

Mine was missed also got reassured that it was a cyst, surgeon and Gyn thought it was a cyst and mammo and US neg. then I felt a lump in the other breast 6 months later also told it was normal and would be gone in a week. It wasn't, got a bx---cancer. Turns out I have bilateral stage IIIC ! I also kicked myself that I didn't insist on a bx with the first lump.



In the middle of chemo and then will have bilateral radiation to chest wall. Not sure my skin will allow a reconstruction down the road, but, I hope so.

Damn it Christine,

I had the feeling something wasn't right for years and no one could find anything or give me any answers.  Finally found "it" on my own, and by that time the primary tumor was over 6.5cm.   Definitely goes back to that old saying to trust your instincts.  

Hang in there through the rest of your chemo, you're almost done!  Will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Take care,

Sharon