2012 sisters

Good evening,



New to the site as you can see by post 3. I opted for the BMX in July although my tumor was small but met the MO the other day and he said it was grade 3. Either I missed that or chose to ignored after surgery. Now I start chemo on Wednesday before the port and will get the port on the 14th which will probably stop my expansions for a while. I have found this site to be very informative and the stories inspiring!! I had posted on another thread and someone told everyone they should check this one put so here I am.

I'm relatively new to the site, but have been dealing with IDC since April. I'm 26 and I work as a lab tech in the same hospital where I am being treated. I initially found a marble-sized lump in my right breast in December 2011, freaked out, and was told to "watch it" for the next month because I am so young and it was probably just a cyst. A month passed and the lump had grown. So, I started the insanity of trying to get a doctor's appointment in order to get a referral for the breast center (crappy insurance...don't even get me started!). I figured that since I was an employee, it wouldn't take me long to get SOMEONE to see me. I called over six offices at my place of employment and was told that a) no appointments were available until May or June (btw, this was in very early February), b) no new patients were being seen, or c) no one called me back -- even though I had bent the ears of all the receptionists, explaining my situation: 26 years old, hospital employee, growing, hard right breast lump. No dice.

I finally got a doctor to see me within 2 weeks that was not through my place of employement. She referred me for an ultrasound, thinking it was probably a cyst. This was mid-March 2012. At this point, the lump was so large you could see it through my skin. I was referred back to the Women's Imaging Center at my place of employment for the ultrasound, but they weren't able to book me for anything until mid-April. So, I waited a month for that appointment (and later found out that if you have a palpable mass, they are supposed to schedule you within 48 hours). 

When the appointment came, it didn't go well. April 11 I had the ultrasound. The next day, they insisted I come in for a mammo and core biopsy with FNA. They told me to prepare for the worst. The next day, Friday, April 13,  I was diagnosed with stage 3 IDC. My tumor had grown to about 6cm. The BS told me that I would probably need a total radical mastectomy because of the extent of the disease. But first, he would try to shrink it with TAC chemo.

I went through one round of IVF and froze some of my eggs in case I lost the ability to reproduce after chemo. I am not married and have no children, but would like both options one day. One week exactly after the egg retrieval procedure, I had a slim line power port put in and started my first round of TAC (May 7). August 22, I finished the TAC regimen and I am waiting for the results of the MRI I had this Wednesday to determine what kind of surgery I will have. Initially, my only option was total radical mastectomy, involving removing the chest wall muscles along with my breast and lymph nodes. Through the course of my chemo, the tumor shrank so much that it is not palpable at all. Lumpectomy is now an option, depending on what the MRI shows. I am hopeful that I will be able to go that route as it feels best to me.

I hope I haven't rambled too long. I am still getting used to this board and I am incredibly socially awkward anyway, so please forgive me if I am not following protocol! Thanks for listening and being here at a time when I have no idea what to do or expect. 

Hello ladies!! Yay, I woke up from surgery. One of my feas if you don't remember Surgery went well and I'm at least coherent now. Lol. Quite sore and it hurts to breathe but all in all, I'm hanging in there. The Dr told my husband he put 500cc in my expanders. Boy do I feel it. All of you that said it feels like a bra that's too tight, hit the nail on the head. They feel like lead bricks on my chest.



Thank y'all so much for all the words of encouragement. I couldn't have gotten through this without you all.

Heal fast MrsC! Glad it went well. Take your pills, don't try to tough it out. Stay ahead of the pain. Much love.

Soteria, I will be released today and yes I had to get a bra. It's basically a sports bra that opens the front. Mine zips and I bought it as Sears.



Pain hasn't been too bad but I'm taking pain meds pretty regularly.

Prettyinpinkterminator; welcome, shocking that someone of you Age IN the system still grass got the runaround, but welcome you've met a wonderful group of survivors of all ages. I'm 44, married 2 1/2 years ago; first for both. No family history on my side and yet three it was on my annual mamo. Like you, the train head left the station.



I had a UNSPBX right if. I knew of the women who had started three lumpectomy root but afte two duties with no clear margins the got a BMX anyway and were no longer able to save the nipple/ skin. But that was Judy the right choice for me. There are too many, choices as along the way that is. My Oncotype gave me yet another choice so I am done with two out of four treatments of AC as yesterday.Last step after this its my exchange; unless I receive ANOTHER curve ball.



So this its the place we cry, yell, rant, complain, laugh about things most would find innopropriate basically weed justo me ourselves. Good bag and ugly... And there its appears time for love. One woman Ramols to "find her happy each day", she is an inspiration as are many others.



So again, welcome to our family.

Hello ladies



Prettyinpink - welcome! Thanks for sharing your story and sorry you have joined us but you have found a great site. I also did chemo bf surgery and I wish I would have demanded a bio after chemo because cancer was not detectable so good thing you are getting scans. I was glad I chose this course of treatment for me because now I might have make a different choice on radiation. No worries about protocol on here there is none:)



Those recovery from surgery today -'I am one week out and pain has gotten extremely better and I can almost sleep through out the night wo waking out:) still have drain tubes and doc said to slow my roll on trying to use my arms as it will help with this. I thought at first moving them was a good thing but might have over did it a bit when I was feeling good. So I will try and be a good girl and rest more.



I got a bra from my doctor that works really well. The brand is marena is has a Velcro front closure and because I got TE help w compression. They seem to run small as I am petite and wear a large. I did find it on line too so if interested search name.



For those starting and in chemo - I wish you minimal side effects! Big hugs! Hang in there!



I am feeling a little sad for myself today because my bf went up to a cabin and although invited me I did not want to go w these dam drians in! I can not wait to be able to go on a long relaxing trip! Soon! Almost see a light at the end of this long dam journey. I know life will never be the same for me but I know for now I am cancer free and I have made it through chemo, hair loss, surgery and other hurdles this past year. I am trying to remain positive and set some new goals for my life! When I found my lump exactly one year ago today bf my trip to Alaska to see a friend, I never imaged I could have possibly have made it through all this and be as strong as I was. Of course I had many moments of depression, anxiety and still do but anyone who is on here and starting this journey if I can do this being the biggest whimp on earth you can too! I remember hearing those first words - "Michelle, it is not good news" from my doctor and how I felt completely helpless and scared as shit. We all know how scary all of this and I am so grateful to find all of you to keep me strong! Loves of love and hugs sent to all of you!! Thanks for letting me just type my feelings on here wo judgement I will steal the quote, "you never know how strong you can be, until being strong is your only choice."

Too many to respond to... Welcome new ladies - so sorry you have to be here too... On my phone so posting briefly. 5 days post AC txt #1 and I am sooo constipated. And both my boys developed whoopers of colds overnight - so now I'm in a house full of germs... Trying to envision a protective casing of white blood cells around my body... And washing my hands every 5 minutes. Hugs to you all. Hope you're feeling well. Will try to respond to all later on.

Welcome PIP - I was appalled to read your story and how long it took for you to be diagnosed. Glad that the chemo worked and sending good wishes for the scan - hoping lumpectomy is the result



Mrscich - great to hear from you



Juneaubug - yay! Chemo number 2 completed - you are half-way there, hope you are handling the side effects better this time



Ramols - hugs, keep up that hand washing and hope the constipation resolves quickly for you. Not fun



Mccook - good to hear from you again, hope you have a pleasant weekend and drains come out soon



Cottontail - you sound like you are doing great postop!



CharlotteNYC - I know what you are saying about the constant wondering about signs of lymph edema



Going to try to stay away from germs myself this weekend and get ready for chemo on Tuesday. Take care everyone

MrsCich. So glad your surgury is over. It's behind you now. Concentrate on healing. I'm so Glad you are not in that much pain.

Welcome annabug12! Of course hate to see another woman on here:( but glad you found us.

I'm falling behind since I went back to work 2 weeks ago.  There is so much going on with all you ladies.  I enjoyed reading all of your posts and catching up!

liefie- Even though I haven't finished my treatments I was feeling like you described today...normal, like I wasn't a cancer patient.  I have my own hair and without that wound vac I'm starting to feel normal again.  Its a teaser since I will be starting rads in a few weeks but it just reminds me of blue skies ahead and I can't wait to be free of cancer.  It has been controlling my life for 8 months and I am ready to be moving on!

prettyinpink and anna- Welcome but so sorry you have to be here.

Mrs C- glad your surgery is behind you.  Its normal to be scared and I can totally relate to feeling fine going in to surgery knowing you're going to feel like crap when you get out.  I felt that way with chemo and with surgery!

Tazzy- I hope you're enjoy your camping trip.  I wish we were camping this weekend.  My son had a soccer tournament today which kept us from making reservations. 

I am hoping to be able to start rads in a few weeks.  I have a date in my head of September 17 (the day after my 41st birthday) to start rads.  I know that sounds crazy but I am wishing my wound to heal by then.  Positive thinking has helped me so much in the past 8 months.  I need short term goals to make it through all of this.

 As I was reading everyone's posts I was thinking that our lives don't and can't stop because of cancer. We have children, grandchildren, jobs, weddings, home improvement projects, etc. It makes life difficult but I think it reminds us of how important it is to get better. My family needs me to be whole again and back on my game and that is just what I intend to do.

Still holding in here. 2 days since NSBMX w/ TE placement.



Had a sentinel lymph node biopsy on the right side but my left arm is crazy in pain. It goes numb and hurts far more than my right side. Anyone have that happen??

MrsCich



That does seem odd it would on opposite side? My right side were I had my lymph removed is numb and tingling but not my left. maybe checkout and read on surgery discussion board? Week two I am feeling much less pain. I started to over due it a bit on days I felt better but paid for it so now just trying to rest more so I can get these drains to slow down:)



Hope it get better soon!

MrsCich - it is good to have checked out but most likely to be due to swelling putting pressure on a nerve.