Finally got the ball rolling!
I was diagnosed on new year's eve and I couldn't agree more with the ladies here that the waiting part is the worst. Today I finally met with my doctor who assigned me a breast surgeon, oncologist and plastic surgeon. So I officially have a team yipeee! Until my surgery I won't know the exact stage but so far it's pointing to a stage on. Due to the fact that there's IDC and DCIS in one breast it was recommended that I get a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Although I hoped for neither of those I'm happy to finally have a plan. I feel peace knowing that I have a team of doctors on my side and that I am taking the necessary steps to become cancer free. Now I have to mentally prepare myself for surgery. But to be honest I'm not afraid anymore. The will to live kicked in and now I want to fight with all I have. I would appreciate any advice and tips from the ladies who have undergone mastectomy . Trying to prepare myself . Praying for all of you always. Don't know what I would do without this site. Sending love and positivity to all of you.
Comments
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I didn't have a mastectomy, so I can't speak to that, but I'm sure other ladies will make their way here and be able to offer you some advice and tips.
I just wanted to say that I'm glad you feel better and more in control, that's great! Waiting is absolutely the worst part and when you finally have a team and treatment options in place it can feel fantastic! (Well, as fantastic as one can feel when dealing with this crap, LOL!)
(((Hugs))) Many prayers going up for you! -
thanks so much etnasgrl! I appreciate your kind words like yourself, I'm going to be put on tamoxifen...how is that?
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Well, I'm not on it yet. I need to finish rads first and then I'll go on Tamoxifen.
I do have some advice about it though.....you'll see a lot of women post about horrible side effects. It's true that some women do experience side effects, but it's also true that some women don't.
I got myself pretty nervous about Tamoxifen until a lady here mentioned that usually only the women dealing with side effects post. The ones who are doing well on it rarely post about how well they are doing.
I say all that to say don't be like me and get yourself all worked up over something that may not even happen. (Dealing with side effects.) Everyone responds to the drug differently! -
you're 100% right. No sense in getting myself worked up at all. I appreciate your amazing advice. Hope all is well and thanks for answering my question
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6 months into tamoxifen .... Hot flashes-bearable
Joint aches-few , bearable and gone now
Nothing else!! Very easy and i was horrified to take it cause of what i read
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Jujubee -- Don't have any input about what to expect from a mastectomy, but I wanted to congratulate you on your positive attitude! I do have some experience with chemo; it's not a picnic but it is doable. I'm happy that you have your team together, and that you are at peace. I also pray a lot for the ladies on this board. I know that prayer has helped me immensely; I truly do not feel alone in my struggles. ((Hugs)) and I will be following your (hopefully) successful story.
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YOLO123: so glad your experience on tamoxifen has been easy. Hearing good stories definitely eases my mind. Hopefully I have the same experience
ElaineThere: thanks so much for your beautiful words. I lost my sister almost two months ago and that only cemented my belief that God has a plan. You must trust in the plan and in Him. I have realized things in life seem to just come together when you don't add your own negativity. Positivity all the way. Hugs for you as well and God bless.
Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers
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