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  • Lindalou
    Lindalou Member Posts: 647
    edited September 2015

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    Wisconsin

    DX 2007 DCIS Stage llB, bilateral mastectomy.

    2009 Bone mets to spine and ribs.

    54 at age of diagnosis, now 62.

    I thought I was the poster girl for early diagnosis. My sister and my mother had passed away from breast cancer, so I was very active in getting mammograms and MRI's early on. Now I am 6 years out since my DX of breast mets and doing pretty well after many radiation treatments and spinal surgery. My sister and mother did not have a community of women to turn to. I am fortunate to have found women at BCO who are knowledgable, kind and supportive. They 'get it' and I know they understand exactly what I'm going through. Their encouragement and strength gets me through tough days. I am grateful.


  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2015

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    Hone - The Villages FL; Age - just shy of 67 years old; DX 10.08 - ILC (the sneaky BC)

    During this journey I have been able to share - fear, successes, humor, friendships, luncheons and group travel with the friends I have made on BCo. Who knew that such a dreadful disease could bring such joy!













  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited September 2015

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    Danny from Long Beach, CA here. This year I am 47 and first got my diagnosis from a routine mammogram of DCIS, Stage 0. Then every week it got worse with a triple negative tumor on the other side along with two positive lymph nodes. Color me Stage 2 and BRCA1 positive. I consider myself very lucky to have caught it all so soon.

    BCO is the place to get the real skinny and share the gruesome details. Everything that doctors don't tell you and thatfamily and friends don't know, and wouldn't want to. A huge thank you to everyone that makes it possible, from the moderators to the active posters to the lurkers!

  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited September 2015

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    BC.org is a place for Sistership, support, friendship, information, release .... a safe haven!

    Age 55, Location: Alberta, Canada.

    Diagnosis October 2012, aged 52: Stage 3A triple negative

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 578
    edited September 2015

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    Hello my BCO friends! My name is Robin and I am 61. DX at 60 9/2/14. IDC/ILC combined 1.2 cm stage 1c grade 1. I live in Yucaipa CA which is in Southern CA near Palm Springs.

    I have met so many wonderful people on this site. I have made a lifelong friend who lives in Pittsburgh PA. We keep in touch with each other usually on a daily basis. "The picture above was taken 6 weeks after BMX with my wonderful husband Dave and my two grown daughters. I am so blessed with life and my Lord. I am gearing up to walk in the Believe Walk on October 4th!

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2015

    very moving to see all of you. Thanks for sharing.


  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 2,060
    edited September 2015

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    I'm Charlene, from Reisterstown, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. Original diagnosis in February of 2012: Stage IIb, Grade 3. Metastasis diagnosis in Spring of 2014: First bones, then lungs, then liver.

    BCO has helped me from the very beginning, from when I felt the lump but had not yet seen the doctor to the way people handle facing death and how they become involved in studies. They miss me when I'm gone for a while. I am exceedingly grateful for bco.

  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited September 2015

    Rose. Diagnosed Aug 2011 at 42 with stage 2 ER PR Her2+ BC. No family history and in the best shape of my life. I was so shocked. BC was just no on my radar but when I found my lump I knew in my heart it wasnt good. I have always said that I have met many angels along this very rough road. My wonderful doctors, family and friends. I count my BCO friends as part of this beautiful group. They have been a lifeline of support and information. I am so grateful for this site! image

  • Traveltext
    Traveltext Member Posts: 2,089
    edited September 2015

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    I'm Rod, aged 65, from the state of Queensland in Australia. I'm the touch of blue among the pink, perhaps representing guys who make up the 1% of total annual breast cancer diagnoses. This may be a relatively small percentage but, interestingly, it is equal to that of the women under 35 diagnosed each year.

    I was diagnosed in March 2014 with IBC which was treated with chemo, surgery, radiation and now tamoxifen. Currently NED, and am obviously doing my best to stay in this category by enjoying a healthy diet and regular exercise. Oh, and having lots of fun with my friends and family. I also do volunteer counselling for men recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

    I have to say that BCO and its wonderful array of bloggers have been a source of encouragement, information, and fellowship. As a guy on the forum I sometimes feel a gender disconnect, but I have never experienced any discrimination or been made to feel anything but welcome.

    Bouquets to BCO for building a platform for such diverse and interesting commentary.


  • teacherhikermom
    teacherhikermom Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2015

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    Orange County, California

    Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage IIB

    Your Age: 35

    Quote about how the community/BCO has helped you:

    I am part of a September 2015 chemo group. While undergoing grueling chemotherapy and dealing with heinous side effects, I check the message board daily to commiserate, update, get/give ideas and encouragement, and whine/complain. It helps to see how people who are a few days ahead are doing and also to be able to support people who are going through the same thing. It's basically an online support group and is amazing because I don't even need to leave my bed to get much needed encouragement.

  • sebm9
    sebm9 Member Posts: 501
    edited September 2015
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    Diagnosed at age 48, IDC IIa Grade 2 ER+PR+/HER2-, clear nodes. My oncotype was 19, and after a long discussion with my oncologist, I realized that I needed to go through chemo. The prospect of losing my hair was the most devastating side effect possible. That night I madly googled to see if there was some way to avoid hair loss, and came across the Penguin Cold Cap site. PCC inventor Frank Fronda immediately made contact with me and his first piece of advice was to sign up for the PCC discussion group on BCO. I joined on page 16, one of the early US users of cold caps. I went through 4 rounds of chemo with a full head of hair (and growing), to the amazement of my entire care team and most of all myself. I literally had not another person to support me except the women on the list. I didn't fully realize what pioneers we were, and I remain committed to getting word out so that women know they have a choice in how to handle hair loss due to chemo. Thank you BCO for making this possible for all of us! You changed my life in profound ways and I am eternally grateful.

    Btw, a year after finishing treatment, I had the amazing experience of attending the Nobel Prize Ceremony with my husband. There I was, in a ball gown and tiara, with an up-do. Thank you BCO.

  • Lila-claire66
    Lila-claire66 Member Posts: 77
    edited September 2015

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    66 years old, dx June 25, Stage II IDC, her2+, left mx with one sentinel lymph involved, first chemo 9/9, doing recon, will have radiation - the works! I live in Winston-Salem, NC where we have some of the finest physicians in the country.


    I am forever grateful for finding this site. I have learned so much from my Sept 15 chemo group and other boards I have explored. Thanks to the MODS for checking in and posting new info too.

    I am a very healthy, fit and positive person so just know i will be fine but knowing what might be coming, how to deal with the various side effects, the commaraderie and humor have already given me comfort and sense of belonging to a very special group of women. Thanks for being here!


  • HopeFaithCourage
    HopeFaithCourage Member Posts: 156
    edited September 2015

    I was first dx with stage 3 triple negative in my left breast at age 39 Nov 2012. Bilateral mastectomy. Radiation. Chemo.

    Stage 4. Mets to sternum dx Feb 2015. I've had radiation. Breast cancer is a thief. It steals our lives and leaves behind physical and emotional pain. You never know what you can endure....until you have no choice.

    imageI go to this site throughout the day everyday. For information. For inspiration. For comfort. I hope to someday be the one sending out comfort. image

  • Suzy1067
    Suzy1067 Member Posts: 36
    edited September 2015


    My name is Suzy, I live in Jacksonville, FL - Go Jags! :)  I was diagnosed in June, a week before a fitness competition (picture with my daughters).  Today, I am 6 weeks post BMX with immediate TE placement (pictured this past Sunday at a Jag game). I added one more pic...of me the day after surgery, with my youngest who stayed at the hospital with me!

    image Week after diagnosis

    image almost 6 weeks post BMX

    image Day after surgery!

    I am grateful for this forum - it has been such a blessing, as you all have!  I come here often to research other's journey and relate so very much to it all!  It is so nice to "meet" youHappy

     

  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited September 2015


    Dx'd at 39 stage 3 IDC hormone positive cancer. Bilateral mx, chemo, rads.....lots of struggles along the way. This board has been a lifeline for me so many times. Insomniacs thread, my chemo group....so much support, understanding and love.

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  • cke14
    cke14 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2015

    Hello,

    I was diagnosed on July 21st, 2014 at the age of 46 with Triple neg. IDC. Chemo ended on Dec. 3rd then Bilateral Mastectomy Dec. 15th, treatment ended with Radiation on Mar. 23rd 2015.

    This is a picture of me and my three girls at Christmas. I am grateful for each day. This website provides support and answers questions that I do not want to ask anyone else. Thank you!

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited September 2015

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    For the last 6 years, starting at Age 40 I routinely went in for Mammogram Screening and every year I was always called back for a 2nd look with UltraSound on the left side. It was always advised I had very dense breasts with cluster of cysts. In October of 2014 I had my 1st 3D Mammogram and this time all came back clear and I was not called back for an 2nd look. Six months later in March of this year I felt a lump in my left breast that led to several tests, Mammogram, Biopsy, Breast MRI, etc and on April 22nd I was diagnosed at the age of 45 with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

    Biopsies confirmed my cancer is Grade 1, 95% Estrogen & Progesterone Positive & HER2 Negative. All initial tests showed the tumor as small at 1cm. Although testing negative for the BRCA gene there are strong hereditary factors: Maternal Grandmother Breast Cancer, Maternal Aunt died at age 37 from Ovarian Cancer; and my own Mother is a Colon Cancer survivor. The Genetic Counselors have advised it is quite possible for my family the gene has not been isolated yet. I underwent Bilateral Mastectomy with Tissue Expander Placement on 5/28/15 and the pathology results confirmed the tumor was much larger at 3.4cm with 2 Lymph Nodes involved. I started a 20 week Chemo Regimen on 7/31/15 and my last Adriamycin/Cytoxan infusion is on 9/18/15 and then I will move on to 12 Weekly Taxol treatments. Once Chemo is complete I will move on to Radiation and then have my reconstruction finished and will also at some point start taking Tamoxifen.

    I am fortunate to have a huge support system in my family, friends and local community - the generosity of others astounds me daily. What has given me the most strength to endure what this disease takes from you is finding and becoming a part of the breastcancer.org community. I have virtually met and connected with so many fiercely brave woman and I will cherish these connections forever. There are not enough words to describe how amazing it is to talk to others who are going thru the exact same thing, cheering each other along the way thru the darkest of moments.

    I have also found all of the articles on breastcancer.org to be so helpful and informative especially when I was first diagnosed and also when preparing for each phase of my treatment. I have reflected back on many of them to prepare for meeting with Doctors to discuss upcoming surgery or Chemo Regimen or different options for helping to manage Side Effects.

    I am a Survivor and will beat this disease and find myself so blessed to have found and become a part of such an awesome community at breastcancer.org.

    Thank you so much!

    Mary

  • StayingFocus
    StayingFocus Member Posts: 51
    edited September 2015

    Hi,

    I was dx with IDC, triple negative, in August 2012, right before my 62nd birthday. I did chemo 3x per month from September 2012 until June 2013. My last PET scan in March 2013 indicated NED. I just celebrated my 65th birthday on September 1st and I feel wonderful. I am grateful for so many things in life that I don't "sweat" over the small things anymore. It is not worth my time nor energy. To the breastcancer.org forum, my doctors, my family, friends and neighbors, I want to thank them all.

    To others facing breast cancer, understand that you are not alone. You will find wonderful people on this forum who will give you support and advice that is so welcoming. The warmth from them generates through the computer and you can feel their love.

    Be assured that this is the best place for you during this difficult time.

    As a long time resident of Brooklyn, New York, my motto is "Stay Strong!"

    Claudia

    Himage

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited September 2015

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    I was initially diagnosed back in 2004 a few weeks shy of turning 50 years old. I saw the breast oncologist the next day after learning my diagnosis and she did the surgery that afternoon. Diagnosed on August 31st and had lumpectomy September 1st. Words cannot express how I felt at the time. I was stressed out for many years prior to the diagnosis. My ex would not give me a divorce. Took matters into my own hands and filed for divorce and it was granted I think in the month of April 2004. My mom was acting very strange and took her to see her primary and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in August. I had missed one year of having a mammogram because I just didn't feel like going. So after my mom was diagnosed I decided to get the mammogram in August...it came back positive for breast cancer. I was in a funk for a long time. Trying to take care of my mother, even though I had other siblings who did nothing. I survived that period and 9 years later I was diagnosed again with TNBC. The second time was worse for me mentally. No one could console me, not even my sweet husband...we were married in October of 2008. He was with me at each and every appointment, surgeries, follow-up visits, taking care of me in the most sweet and patient way. The women from this board helped me to move beyond cancer. It was hard mentally, the treatment was tough, but now I am 2 years out from that second diagnosis in 2013. I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy. I understand it is not 100%, but I did it along with chemo AGAIN. I'm comfortable knowing that I did all I could do to beat this beast and have no regrets.
  • Ellelou
    Ellelou Member Posts: 186
    edited September 2015

    imageDX June 2015 with Stage IV, DC, with mets to spine. I'm a retired English teacher, age 59 and I live in San Diego, California. The picture is me with my granddaughter born last summer. BCO has helped me learn about this disease but more important is having the ability to communicate with others via the discussion board. I don't feel alone.

  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015


    My name is Theresa Jones. I was initially diagnosed with stage 2 a breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 42. My mother and sister were diagnosed in 2008, just a year before me. I tested negative for the BRCA 1 & 2 mutations. I opted for bilateral mastectomies with latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction. Tamoxifen was the only treatment I needed due to low Oncotype score. Despite this I was diagnosed with a recurrence in my right hip and both lungs in 2015 at the age of 48. This was a HUGE SHOCK to me and my family! I'm now being treated with Femara along with monthly Lupron and Xgeva injections.

    This community has been my lifesaver! Whenever I have a question, doubt or just need to vent the wonderful people are there for me! I don't know what I would do without them! It made me realize that my stage 4 diagnosis is not a death sentence and I have many years to come. For showing me this, I will be eternally grateful!

    I give thanks every day for BCO and this community!

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  • SuzyBlue
    SuzyBlue Member Posts: 125
    edited September 2015

    Hi Everyone, my name is Suzanne and I come from New Zealand. I was diagnosed 4 days before Christmas in 2011 with extensive DCIS in my right breast which meant I needed a mastectomy and had immediate diep reconstruction. I was 49 years old. I had cervical cancer at 20 and thought that was my brush with the monster, just goes to show.

    In my photo (sorry I'm not very photogenic nor a good selfie taker!) I am standing near a painting one of my daughters did that represents me, and has Mum 'tattooed' on the woman's shoulder. We have six kids and they all handled the situation differently but have been staunch supporters.

    Even though I am through the worst of it (6 surgeries later) I still value coming onto this forum and being amongst women (and men) who understand the stomach churning roller coaster this is. There are laughs to be had, commiserations, celebrations and remembrance. My breast cancer family.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited September 2015

    Loving this thread

  • 39andhip
    39andhip Member Posts: 164
    edited September 2015

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    My name is Nicole; I live in Colorado Springs, CO. I received my diagnosis of IDC, stage 1, grade 2 in May of 2015, at age 40, after dealing with debilitating hip pain, failed hip surgery, and a massive DVT all of 2014.

    A friend with ovarian cancer suggested this site to me for the information it provided on cold capping. She also said that although she did not have breast cancer, she liked the upbeat and supportive environment of the discussion board. I have since opted not to do chemo, but have found a wealth of information about other treatments, as well as received support as I've gone through four surgeries in the past four months. The articles on this site are informative and the people on the discussion board are supportive and non-judgmental of everyone's varying personal decisions. During my first consult with my plastic surgeon, he told me that he knew I was well-educated, because every breast cancer patient he had ever had was well-educated about BC and usually knew exactly what she wanted, and I honestly think a lot of that is because of this site here. Also, as a younger person with breast cancer, it's important for me to interact with other young or 'younger' women going through this. I often joke that I have three conditions that most people my age have experienced only through their grandparents. My 'real-life' friends, while wonderful, don't really understand what I'm going through, nor should I expect them to. I don't want everything in my life to be all about cancer, and having a supportive network online helps me carry on more normally with my everyday life and relationships. Thank you for this gift.

  • Suladog
    Suladog Member Posts: 952
    edited September 2015

    hey there,

    Diagnosed the first time Triple negative back in 1990s....given chemo and a poor prognosis, yet here I am

    Diagnosed again Oct 2014, triple positive this time , I cold capped to save my hair this time... Here I am 1 mo after finishing Chemo in mid May harvesting my spinach

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2015

    Wow! Thank you ladies (and men!) for sharing your photos and for sharing your all together fabulousness!!

    Keep them coming!

  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited September 2015

    This is a great thread - you all are so inspirational! I'm loving reading everyone's stories and seeing everyone's pictures. It's a real day-brightener.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2015

    Jill from Norman, OK. Dx at 51 in Feb 2012 after a preventive mx that wasn't. :) BCO was there for me pre-surgery and post dx. Emotionally I fell apart after dx and wandered in a dark place for many months. So many sisters came alongside me and walked with me during that time. I am forever grateful. I will spend the rest of my life paying it forward. I still love BCO because it keeps me up-to-date on advancements in screening and treatment for this disease that has wreaked havoc on my family. I also love checking in on my peeps who mean the world to me!

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  • OncoWarrior
    OncoWarrior Member Posts: 5,234
    edited September 2015

    Hey Mods, This site is a great idea!

    I can hear Julie Andrews singing,

    "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you.

    Getting to like you; getting to hope you like me."

    Can't you?


  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited September 2015

    OK, now I have a Julie Andrews earworm stuck in my head!

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