We are the Breastcancer.org Community!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

Great pic, shorfi.

Hi Ducky,

You are beautiful

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!

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)

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

For you April.........LOL

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

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

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.

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.