43 YEARS OLD AND JUST FOUND OUT I HAVE BC.

OK,OK, KAREN, QUIT YELLING!  IS YOUR CAPS LOCK ON??? Kidding aside, You are processing a lot right now. Your doctor will probably be telling you the plan of action for you the next time you see him. And don't feel bad about feling terrified, each and every one of us was. I hope that he does have good news for you when you do see him, but meanwhile you can read around here on BCO, and i am sure it will help you feel better, to see that others have made it too. There is a drop down menu to the left, where you can search out forums for newbies, or any other thing you are interested in, and when you find a topic you like, you can add it to your favorites, so when you log in, you will see if someone has posted there. Welcome, Sorry you have found yourself here, you will meet a buncha great people, and you will get through this, ok?

Karen, sorry you have to join this group - but also glad you found us, there is a lot of support on this site.  I started treatment just short of 2 weeks after diagnosis, I found out the day before the 4th of July holiday so there were a few days in which the Docs were vacationing.....

At any rate, I had to do a PET/CT scan and heart scan to confirm 1. that the cancer had not spread to other parts of my body and 2. that my heart could handle the chemo regimen that was planned.  I also had a port inserted via an outpatient procedure to make chemo and blood draws easier. So be prepared for some additional testing depending on the pathology and treatment plan which you will discuss when you speak with the BS.  Take a note pad to the appointment with you or a friend/spouse who can write down/remember what is said, jot down some questions you might want to ask.  The unknown is very scary...once you have some more information from the Docs your fears will calm a bit and you will focus on treatment and fighting the cancer.  My BS told me to "stay off the internet", the breast cancer stats and information can be overwhelming until you really know what you are dealing with, it will just increase your anxiety.  And, in many cases the information is out-dated or wrong and not worth your energy at this time. Things do get better.  

Karen, 

It all sucks. I would assume with 4 positive nodes you will have chemo & then radiation. I started chemo about 4 weeks after my lumpectomy. They put a port in after I had the lumpectomy. Did you get a port? 

There are different chemo regimens. It seems the most common are A/C ( 2 chemos combined together) and Taxol or Taxotere. 

You have a fair amount of info already. Your Dr. Will tell you your ER, PR, & Her status. You can ask for your pathology report. Go to the records dept. where you had your surgery & request it. I got mine, the day of my the last chemo treatment, because I did not know I could ask for it. Hard to digest all the information, it's a new language. Sadly, we all "know" more than we wanted too. 

BCO is a great spot for support & bonding with ladies going through treatment at the same time. The anxiety does get better, but it is a SLOW process. Be kind to yourself. 

Hey Karen1971.  Welcome to a club nobody wants to join.   I was diagnosed with BC in both breast in June and had a double mastectomy on July 15th.   When you are in the middle of it your head is swimming and you are in a fog.  Just remember that everyone's BC is different.  Gather as much information as possible and make the decision that feels right to you.  When you meet with your breast surgeon, take someone with you to take notes.  You can do.this!   Sending HAPPY thoughts your way.

Karen, I too am 43 and was just diagnosed on 10/27/14 with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Stage 0 (near stage 1). The affected area spans 3"x1" area approx so I am considering mastectomy with flap reconstruction. I can relate to the disbelief. I feel like its someone else. I am scared and hope i can make the right decision regarding surgery etc. 

Hi all I too am 43 and recently found out I have BC. My mind is racing! Curious on what my treatment may be. If anyone has similar dx plz feel free to share your experience.  I'm Grade 3, receptors positive, HER2 negative,  margins clear, no lymph nodes involvement,  8mm.  My 1st oncologist appointment is Monday the 10th.  Being grade 3 has me concerned. 

Hi mommacat,

The school they attend should have a social worker or if you attend church, perhaps the pastor? If not, google support for children of parents with cancer in your area and you will likely find some resources. Wishing you the best! Hugs!

Hi ladies, I am wondering when and/or how you get all the specifics of your stats. I read my path report from my biopsy and the only measurements on it are explaining where the biopsies were taken from. My oncologist explained the different levels and HER numbers buy I don't know which one I have. I was told I have grade 1 but that is different from the stages of cancer so I don't know my stage either. My surgery for bi-lateral mastectomy is Monday the 17th. I am very scared, anxious, nervous, and a bit depressed I think. I don't eat because I don't feel hungry. I can't sleep. The doctor prescribed a sleeping pill but I hesitate to take it because the 2 times I have taken it I couldn't wake up in the morning. I do drink water but I feel dehydrated all the time. My skin is getting dry and flakey.

Any advise? I know I said a lot here but I am looking for answers to concerns. Thank you all for being here. Reading these posts does give me hope.

God bless!

Hi Mommacat! 

I think that the worst is waiting. I had a mastectomy (right side) and i was terrified! But, at the end of the day have faith in God and trust your surgeon. When i woke up it wasnt nearly as bad as i thought it was going to be. If you have a chance, go over to the surgery board and read some if the posts over there (that's what helped me! Knowing what to expect and hearing from people who had been through it really helped).  You will be fine (keep repeating that). Just remember this too shall pass. If you need anything or have more questions let me know! 

I am overwhelmed by so many people in such similar situations. I am also 43, just diagnosed. Biopsy said very diffuse DCIS but there is strong suspicion of invasion on MRI so surgeon wants to do mastectomy with sentinel node removal. I haven't had the genetic testing done yet, but my mother was 33 when she was diagnosed and I've been fearful most of my adult life (my first biopsies were done in my 30s) I am considering getting bilateral mastectomy. Not sure about reconstruction. Haven't even talked to the plastic surgeon yet. I'm not so much scared as overwhelmed with decisions. Reading everybody's situation makes my condition seem so minor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope for as enjoyable a Thanksgiving as possible for everyone.

Welcome to BCO Karidh, we're sorry you ned to be here but so glad you found this group of knowledgable and supportive women. Please do not consider your DX as minor (as Ariom stated too) as any Dx is life changing and involves major decisions as to surgery and treatments.

The more you ask questions on this forum, the more you will build your knowledge and thereby make more informed decisions, in conjunction with advice from your medical team.

All the best

The Mods

hello,

I'm here 39 and in the same boat . It's hard to sometimes be positive, but Karen you are right you have to keep busy and keep on going. My surgery is 12/11.. So nervouse, I have a toddler at home and that's is going to be a challenge. I thank God I have a lot of support and I just keep my faith in the Lord! Every doctor I have gone too has said you can beat this and you have remain positive. I have faith in God and remind myself to stay positive!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I too have been recently diagnosed-10/08/2014 w/ IDC. At the DX I was 43, but turned 44 last month. My surgery for a lumpectomy is scheduled for 12/11- next Thusday. I am nervous, but glad to be moving forward! The diagnosis is very shocking , as I have no family history. Now that I have read more about BC I have found that this is becoming more common. I do remember the sonographer telling me that there has to be a 1st in every family for BC. This of course wasn't a good thing to hear! I have 2 children, a son 13 and a daughter 10. I am a counselor at the elementary where my daughter goes to school. If I didn't work there I would have my daughter see the counselor, just as I have had my son see his. Working at the same campus that my daughter attends has added some fears for her coping when I am out.

I just turned 39 and was diagnosed this past Wed. 12/3. My surgery consult is on Monday. I have a 6 year old daughter myself and have not told her yet. You are not alone and please lean on people/ myself included if needed.