Is there room for one more?
I am 47 and living in Hawaii with my DH, a MinPin and a crazy parrot. I have been "lurking" around these boards for 2 weeks now while I waited for my biopsy to be done and then for the results to come back. I kept reminding myself that 80% turn out to be B9 and tried my best to remain positive. Unfortunately, I saw my doc today and got the bad news. All I know so far is that I have invasive ductal carcinoma (6cm tumor in my right breast), and Metastatic Adenocarcinoma involving a portion of lymph node (.7cm in dimension). They will make an appt. for me to see a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist this week. She (my doc) said that they will most likely be doing chemo first to shrink the tumor and then follow with surgery. I broke into tears as she gave me the news, but I have been calm since then. I don't think it has actually sunk in yet. I feel numb.
Anywhoodles....Just wanted to say Aloha to everyone. Hope your Monday was better than mine, lol.
Comments
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shammi, aloha. You will find care, concern, and answers to your questions from the people in these discussion groups. I was diagnosed a little over two weeks ago. Be sure that you take someone with you to your appointments so that you have a second set of ears to hear and help you remember everything. If you are offered a nurse navigator, she will also help you organize your appointments and answer questions. I am sorry about your diagnosis. -
There is always room for one more. Sorry to have you here - we're the club that nobody really wants to join - but you'll find a wealth of information and experience at BCO.
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Aloha to you Shammi. Sorry that you need to be here but everyone here knows what you're feeling and how best to deal with things that you may be facing.I would urge you to try and stay focused on each day .Don't go too far into the future .Treatment options are so much better today that the actual diagnosis does not carry the same dread that it did years ago.Sally's suggestion of having someone with you at all appointments is a very good start. Keep a small notebook so you can jot down questions as they come to you although in todays' advanced electronic society a smart phone is probably the preferred choice for note taking.Make sure you feel comfortable with all the members of your medical team. Chances are they will be in your life for some time so it's best if you can relate well to each of them.It's been 2 years since my diagnosis and yet it seems so much longer.The first year , with treatments and surgeries, is hectic but gradually you will return to a more normal lifestyle.
It's ok to cry. I'm a firm believer in that!!! The tears will stop.Good luck on your journey. Hopefully it will be swift.
Barbara -
Dear Shammi,
I just want to say , you are not alone.. I'm 30.. Last Feb while pregnant I have the exact same diagnosis.. Invasive ductal carcinoma with positive. Lymph nodes.. I had the mastectomy first.. Then the chemo ( while pregnant). now I am doing radiation ( just started today).. I'm doing very well and I'm sure you will too.. It's a long way but take it one step at a time .. It will be easier than you think..
We will be ok..
Take care -
Aloha shammi! I'm sorry you have this wretched disease. You're not alone. I'm 42. Big hugs. And I have family in Ewa Beach and Kapolei.
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Aloha shammi! There is always room for one more. I'm so sorry you are going through this. The beginning is the worst part. I think I cried for a week straight. It doesn't happen fast, but it does get better and easier as time passes, as you have time to process the news, as you learn more about your situation and what you need to do to fight it. In the meantime we are here for you! And there is so much good information on this website.
What kind of parrot do you have? I have a moluccan cockatoo and I'm a bit of a bird brain. Loving on my bird definitely helped me through some rough times... -
Thank you all for the words of encouragement! They really do help. I have my first appt. with my MO this Friday. I wish it was scheduled for yesterday, I just want to hurry up and get the ball rolling. I have been learning all I can from this site, and I already have a list of questions prepared for my visit.
I hope you all have a great hump day and once again, thank you so much!!
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