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  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited September 2015

    I was in a total panic and shock when I was first diagnosed at age 51: IDC, stage 1a, grade 2, oncotype 17. No one in my family has ever had breast cancer--not even a distant cousin. I am an only child who lost my mother to leiomyosarcoma when I had just turned 15. I remember feeling relief when I made it to age 34 (the age of my mom when she passed). Because of my mother's loss, I have had a difficult time with the emotional side of this "journey" and am so grateful for BCO.org. From the initial diagnosis, to deciding on treatment, to learning about the Oncotype test, to sharing experiences dealing with friends and family, to getting input on recon (what would we do without Whippetmom!)--I don't know what I would have done without the wonderful, supportive women and helpful information on this board. This is me a few months before my diagnosis.

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

    Thanks Chevyboy, you did make me smile. '78 is the new 50' - YAY, that means I'm only about 37 - love it. (I'm 66 heehee!)

  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    I am 54 years old. I live in Los Angeles. I was diagnosed with IDC in June 2015, had a lumpectomy on July 29th only to find out there was also lymph vascular invasion of a mixture of IDC and DCIS plus 2 positive nodes. I went back in for a left umx on September 4th. I also have a genetic mutation called Chek2 which my sister also has. My oldest sister had bc in her mid twenties. So I will be having a prophylactic mx sometime in the next year. The photo was taken by my friend a few days after diagnosis. I wanted family photos taken right away and she was kind enough to do it.

    My experience at BCO has been wonderful. I am an educated patient thanks to the articles and wonderful members on this site who have been willing to share their experiences . I have made friends with women who feel like family now. We bond over our trials and fears and then find ourselves sharing not just our breast cancer journey but our journey through life. The support is contagious and you gain strength from reaching out to the next wave of the newly diagnosed. Thank you BCO!









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

    We LOVE this thread! You are all so beautiful (and handsome!)

  • Gingercake
    Gingercake Member Posts: 31
    edited September 2015

    My name is Ginnie. I live in Virginia, USA. I was 44 when I was diagnosed in Fall 2011 with DCIS in my left breast. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. Two and a half years later, at 47, I found a small lump in the same breast and in Summer 2014 was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC. These are before, during, and after photos.

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    I found BCO while frantically searching for answers on Google. I was so excited to find a single site where I could find support, answers to my questions, and connect with people who know exactly what I was going through and how I felt. Last December, after my BMX, I came across an article on the site titled, "I Am Strong, I Am Not" by Amy Small-McKinney. It resonated with me on so many levels, I knew I'd found a place where I could be part of a community. I don't post much but I do follow several discussion boards and am always looking for new information. Thank you BCO, you are awesome!

  • Wren44
    Wren44 Member Posts: 8,585
    edited September 2015

    Ginnie, It's a terrible way to find out, but you look really cute in short hair.

  • Gingercake
    Gingercake Member Posts: 31
    edited September 2015

    Wren44, Thank you! It's a lot easier to care for too :)

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited September 2015

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    On October 6th, 2007, I married the most wonderful man in the world at the age of 52. In January of 2013 at the age of 57, I was diagnosed with ER+/PR+ DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 2-3. I underwent two lumpectomies and a clinical trial of partial breast radiation, 2X a day for 5 days. I then began an AI which has not been too kind to me but am happy it is available to me! Such mixed emotions with this disease. Have experienced may ups and downs since the diagnosis but I am very blessed to have been diagnosed early stage and to have this wonderful man that is kissing me in the photo above by my side helping me through all of it. BCO has helped me to understand this disease in a way that I could not have otherwise. I live in CT and was treated at Smilow Cancer Center at Yale.

  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited September 2015

    My name is Cheryl and I live in Sheffield Lake, Ohio. I am 58 years old, and I was diagnosed at 57 with TN IDC.

    The best advice I got was from my MO to "go live". I just got back from Casting with Recovery, a wonderful fly fishing retreat at Indian Bear Lodge in Walhonding, OH. I come to BCO frequently to learn how to do that, just live and laugh. And share all of the good, bad, and ugly with all of these wonderful ladies who lift me up and pull me through. They all get it. I've learned so much from BCO, it's been my safe place to try to get through treatment and beyond.

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

    Beachbum 1023, that is a GREAT photo!

    Joyful and Powerful.

    A fine fish. Bullhead catfish???

  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited September 2015

    Beachbum 1023, love the photo and looked up Casting with Recovery - so cool*B-) cooland what fun!

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited September 2015

    April 485...You two make love look good!!

    Like you, I married the man of my dreams at the age of 54 in 2008 and we will be celebrating our 7th anniversary on October 4th. He knew that I had breast cancer in the past, but since being married I was diagnosed again. He was and is still my ROCK and was so kind and gentle when I had the mastectomies. Congrats April

    I will always treasure the advise and love that has been extended to me over the years. Coming to this website has been wonderful and the wealth of information is phenomenal. BCO is the most informative website in the world. Thank you for being there for me during thelast 11 years!!!

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

    Great pic, shorfi.

  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited September 2015

    imageHi Ladies............I do believe I am the oldest one on the website..........I am 6 months past 80 years old, and 6 months closer to 81 years old........LOL

    I was diagnosed in February 2011.....walked in for my Mamm and thought "another good one".............Wrong.......they said "ultrasound"......;then.....Nurse Navigator.......knew it was not good.......then she said "do you have a breast surgeon"........thought........REALLY........sure on "speed dial" whats the problem....like I didn't already know.........Now tell me..........who has a breast surgeon in their address book.........

    I found this website, and the rest is history......what a bunch of great gals.........I feel like their Mothers, and some Sisters......

    Doing ok for an old lady, hanging in there.....this is my soft spot to fall.

    I am a widow 24 years......my husband died of Pancreeatic cancer at 57....I have 6 children, 18 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren..........I am blessed...........

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited September 2015

    Hi Ducky,

    You are beautiful

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited September 2015

    Shorfi, this most definitely proves there is love after the age of __________ (fill in your blank) and that good men do exist at any stage in your life! Great photo and congrats to you both!

    Ducky, you look so dang cute. Where is your pilot? (tee hee private inside joke from the STFU thread)

    All of you ladies (and men) are gorgeous! What a treat this thread is!

  • Angiel
    Angiel Member Posts: 223
    edited September 2015
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    My name is Angie and I live in Minneapolis. I was diagnosed in January at the age of 43. Stage 3A IDC. I began chemo in February & completed 15 rounds over 5 months. I successfully used the Penguin Cold Caps in an effort to keep my hair. The picture above was taken during our recent family vacation between my chemo and bilateral mastectomy and lymph node dissection in August. My husband is also a stage 4 throat cancer survivor - diagnosed 7 years ago at the age of 36. I am now 6 weeks post BMX and will begin radiation very soon. The community at BCO has been a godsend during these last 9 months. The women I have met are truly exceptional and so courageous and supportive of each other. I couldn't ask for a better virtual support group!

  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited September 2015

    What a gorgeous family! I am so sorry you and your husband have had to battle cancer at such young ages. I wish you a healthy future!

  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2015

    My name is Lee Anne and I live in Ottawa Canada.I am a wife of 20 years and a mom to two great ( sometimes) teens :) I was diagnosed in May at age 40 with IBC and IDC Stage 3B. FInished Chemo and waiting on surgery November 4th then radiation then living a long and happy life. This site has been a blessing , even just reading peoples posts sometimes just helps and I think this thread is amazing. BCO is such an amazing place.

    Here is a pic the day before we got the news with my dearest cousin ( I am the brunette)

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    and here is one my usual bald look I sport ( strawberry picking with my girl ):)

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

    Love meeting all you beautiful ladies. It is so fun to have friends from around the globe! Cyber hugs all around!


  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited September 2015

    For you April.........LOLimage

  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited September 2015

    I wanted you ladies to see my daughter's mother-in-law...she had BC back in 1988.....large tumor..........and many nodes involved......not good news......had right breast removed, chemo, rads, arimidex...........13 years later left breast...had it removed... no chemo necessary just continue on arimidex small tumor.........she is still alive 27 years later to talk about it........there is still hope for everyone........she is a good example.....of course sheis the one on the left...........79 ;years..52 I believe when diagnosed.........image

  • KiwiCatMom
    KiwiCatMom Member Posts: 2,553
    edited October 2015

    Wow, what great posts. Ducky - I think I adore you! In fact I'm sure of it!

  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited October 2015

    Thanks Kiwi...........I adore you too.........hugs...............we can always use a happy story right...........

  • Gingercake
    Gingercake Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2015

    I really wish BCO had a like button. I love reading the entries on this thread. You all are wonderful!

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited October 2015

    Ducky...good morning neighbor! Thank you for that encouraging experience of your daughter's mother-in-law. I really needed that this morning.

    You both are some good looking women. Have a great day

  • molliefish
    molliefish Member Posts: 723
    edited October 2015

    The photo is of me and my 13 year old DD. We were headed to the BlueJays game on the day I had my hair shaved off, day 16 round 1. We didn't know that the Jays were going to win the AL East pennant then but we sure hoped!!! I am married, and also have a 10 year old son. I was dx at 50 after finding a lump during a regular self exam this spring. We went to California for vacation so I didn't see my family doctor until the end of March. Everything flew by after the first visit. Left, 1.2cm, stage 1, grade 3 IDC, Oncotype 36 sealed the deal for chemo. My Mom and my biolgical father separated when I was 3 months old so I only know half my family hx. I know my paternal grandmother died from 'old peoples cancer' my Mom says. I'm like Mom, she was 57. that's not old. We always thought my husband was at risk. His father died of a sarcoma of the stomach at 47, a male cousin on his fathers side died of cancer of the tongue, another is living with leukemia. BCO has been my go to every day for the past couple of months, the August and Sept chemo threads, Lumpectomy Lounge and Fall 2015 rads are my go to. I find strength, humour, companionship, support and love among those who were once strangers, and are now friends.

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

    Love these photos !!!


  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited October 2015

    Diagnosed with IDC in 2008, at the age of 59. Stage 1, Grade 3, chemo,rads and Femara.

    BC.org has helped me not feel alone throughout this journey. To this day when unexpected worries arise

    I can come here and didcuss problems with friends i have made, because they are the only ones that can relate. There are so many choices of threatds you are never at a loss. Thank you for being here. Im so happy i got to see my gradchildren groing up.image



  • flaviarose
    flaviarose Member Posts: 442
    edited October 2015

    imageI'm Flavia, pictured here with my granddaughter, Rosa. I was diagnosed at age 59, I'm now 61 and feeling good. Treatment was difficult, but I survived and am very grateful for Herceptin. Since I have the Chek2 genetic mutation, I believe that it is just a matter of time before I get cancer again.... and BCO is my go-to resource for not only information about what I've been through and what might be ahead, but for all the caring and supportive women who are always there with words of wisdom.

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