Scared and overwhelmed

I have been reading through this site but this is my first post..

I was initially diagnosed in September with IDC stage III T3N1 (I think I wrote that correctly?). An enlarged lymph node resulted in a FNA which showed cancer cells. So as I was trying to process that information and trying to prepare for the 4-6 months of chemo followed by surgery and then radiation, I was also getting other scans to check for mets bc of the lymph node. My doctor called and told me there are 3 lesions on my liver and that after two teams of radiologists looked at the CT and MRI films they are certain it is mets. I guess I'm part of that less than 5% of people diagnosed with stage IV at the beginning. So treatment was changed and I have been preparing for hormone therapy.

I decided to get a second opinion which I am in the middle of now. They would like to biopsy my liver (scheduled for tomorrow) and be sure it is cancer as well as do genetic testing on the tumor itself if it is mets (or a second primary).

I'm scared. I have four children ranging in ages from 7 to 17. I thought I knew a lot about cancer after watching both of my parents battle and die from it (breast and liver). I realize now that I only know a fraction of what I should know and it's overwhelming.

Auburn,

Sorry, this just sucks ! Not fair. You must be young, having kiddos so young.

If you have anxiety ( which you must ) or trouble sleeping, ask for meds. It makes a world of difference if you can sleep. Many of the regular ladies here are much better qualified to address your specific treatment IF those liver buggers are malignant. I wanted to let you know, that joining in here, is helpful. Hard to be completely open & honest with our loved ones. we try to protect them from the truth.

Sending positive wishes that your biopsy is just a hunk of fat.

I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. I'm sure that other ladies will be responding shortly, if know a whole lot more than I do about what you're facing....but I just wanted to give you a big ole'
((((Hugs)))))
And let you know that I am praying for you!

Waiting is the absolute worst, now to do it again stinks. Have you gotten any meds for anxiety. If not, you may want to as they do help while waiting for the plan to get in place. You are not alone. Please keep in touch as there are a lot of truly wonderful supportive women on here. (((Hugs))) we're here for you

What treatments have you had at this point, Auburngirl? It is only November , and you were diagnosed in September, but I am curious if you have had any any chemo or hormonal treatments yet? Are they waiting to ascertain the status of your liver? I assume you have not had surgery yet since it seems the docs were doing neoadjuvant chemo for you.

I have kids who are in their 20's, older than yours, and cannot imagine how I would have felt with a 7 year-old. I am so sorry. It is so hard balancing telling kids things are okay but not denying there is something going on, because they know.

I highly recommend sleep meds during the waiting period. Once you know more, you will find strength as you go through treatment.

So glad you are getting a second opinion and so sorry for the delay. I found that using online portals got me test results a little quicker, but right now you are just waiting, and that is the hardest....