New diagnosis Stage III

Nurselaura,

Hi and welcome to stage lll. Saying hi from another stage iii also. Yes, you do have a tough year ahead, but this site is a great comfort when the going gets tough, so be sure to come on here often for any support/help/info you might need. It has been a lifesaver for me.

I am nearly 2 years dx (20/2/12), but not celebrating anything, just sorta sitting quietly on this.  

Best Wishes

Hi Laura, 

Sorry that you have been diagnosed with this, but I'm glad that you have found this site. I'm glad that you are done with the MX - each 'treatment' completed is a step in the right direction. Chemo is different for everybody - I did six rounds of TAC, the first was fine - lost my hair after two weeks but nothing else really, second round made me tired and a little dizzy, third round put in in bed and I began having every SE in the book, shortly after the 5th round they put me in the hospital as my blood work was so out of whack and I really could almost not stand up, they had to cut my last dose in half. 

I'm saying all this not to scare you, but to let you know that it really is very different. it depends on what type of chemo you get and just how your body responds to it. It is a good idea to prepare yourself for the worst - i.e. have frozen meals prepared, have your bed set up in the most comfortable way as possible. ake SURE to take a stool softener during hemo & drink lots of fluids. But really, go to the chemo threads - there are lots of good suggestions & it's better to be safe than sorry. 

nurselaura, 

Sorry you are here, but welcome! 

I assume we all are shocked in the beginning, being dx with stage 3.  This website is a lifesaver, I did not find it until I was almost done with chemo. There will be a March chemo group, or you can start one or join the group that just got started. 

The treatments are difficult, I had dose dense A/C & dose dense Taxol. Very common for stage 3. I think Ziggys advice about stool softener is so important. The anti nausea meds cause constipation & headaches. I hope you can adjust your schedule and not have the stress of working, although alot of ladies do, and report it is ok. I took a medical leave of absence..

Dose Dense is the protocol of getting the chemo every 14 days instead of 21 days. It seems that I see alot of the 21 day schedule for stage 1 or 2. It is easier on your body, but statistics show that the dose dense has better results. More likely that you will need a Neulasta shot for blood counts. I had one 24 hours after each chemo. 

I was glad that I was able to do the dose dense. Sped things up, I did find some study that said it gave you another 2% survival. ( my surgeon said the same ). So many decisions, I hope you are comfortable with your MO.

.

Hi Laura, Welcome to the group. It's an awesome place to log on and connect with other Stage III ladies. You are in the early days which for me was the hardest. I am a nurse as well and  was dxed with Stage IIIC;mega nodes 12/14 extracapsulated and actually both axillary and sentinel nodes were totally replaced by tumor, lymph/vascular invasion, ducts, lobes and even Pagets of nipple i'd

HER 2 pos, and after final surgery  small dirty margins on chest wall.  This was all in 2005. I am well and although BC is always in the recesses of my mind, it  pops up only occasionally as a memory.

I wish you a gentle ride. We've all been there. Come here often. It will help.

Hi Laura,

Just wanted to welcome you. The port is a blessing and before you know it, you will be done with chemo.

Hugs,

Michele

Hi Nurselaura, 

Take one day at a time during treatment.  You are healing and are at the very beginning of this journey.  I know you are in the right place for encouragement.  Here on the stageIII forum the ladies are all great, and have always been very encouraging.  I lurked here a long time before posting. 

 I also like to scan thru the Active topics, as well as All topics listed above on the left.  There are a lot of helpful topics that may interest you, also.

Oceana

Nurselaura - your pathology & mine are just so similar !  I am 5 year survivor and probably your treatments will be close to what mine were.  Will you be getting an oncotype score -?  Maybe not since they already know you had pos nodes and will need chemo.  Stay strong !!  Shelly

Welcome Nurselaura!  I hate you had to join us here in "BC city".  I hope you find the same love and support I did here.  There are so many caring people who have been there done that & understand the rollercoaster ride that is BC...many are several years out of tx.  Treatment is not always easy but managable and you will get through it.  Please come here often, we're always here with hugs and opinions   Hugs and prayers coming your way sweetie.   

Laura I followed you here!  Today I got my patho report and graduated to stage 3 with you. 

To everyone, hello my name is Kyla.  I am also a nurse but in the emergency department. I am currently on leave trying to decide if I can work at all or should let the job go. In the midst of this cancer commotion, I am finishing my lastcourse for my masters program, and prepaaring to move this summer.  I am feeling overwhelmed and cry at random thoughts and moments.   My next steps are scans and echo in prep for chemo. Am so hoping for clear scans. Briefly met my MO and felt he was calm and confident.  

Thank you Holeinone, I am still recovering from both surgeries and one drain left. BS said they like to let healing after drain removal before chemo. No date yet but getting myscans and echo done in next 2 weeks and then meet with MO. Hoping to get it started before end of March.