MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

Fightengirl, I know you want to know what you are dealing with, and the waiting is hell. Unfortunately, there is no way to know anything for sure until after the surgery and path report. Conjecture can make you crazy. One thing I found out is that the waiting between dx and path reports can be excruciating. I took up knitting lol. Keep checking in and let us know how things are going for you. Feel free to rant and rave. We have been there and we know how awful this period is. Every BC is as unique as the woman is. It depends on the type of tumour, e.g. ILC or IDC or other. Hormone levels, node involvement, genetics. As far as planning is concerned, try to let that go. Sometimes the first tx doesn't resolve the cancer right away. I had lx and did not get clear margins, so more tx is needed. I am not trying to frighten or upset you, but this is a "one step at a time" process. My BS told me before my first surgery that full resolution could take up to a year. Mostly it is a waiting game. Wait for surgery, wait to heal, wait for rads, wait to heal....hang in there. You will get through this. I am 1.5 years out from 1st surgery, including reconstruction, and still have minor tweaks to be done in the spring. Your onc team will guide you through, and this forum is awesome when you need to vent or have question, but we can only share our experience, which can give you an idea of what is to come. Usually, lx is followed by rads, and than 5 years hormonal meds. That is the straight line. Wishing you the very best. Hugs

Thank you! I will...I guess at least I have the holiday time to keep me busy until surgery day. I will just need to learn to let it all fall into place. I like what you said Eph2_12...do-able, difficult, but survivable!

Frightengirl, sorry you're in this place. Been there, done that, and am doing it again. Like everyone says relax as much as possible (should probably take that advice myself) feel free to vent here all you wish. We've all been through it. Not fun, but educational, in many ways. Going through this a second time I'm armed with more info about what to expect, but mostly about what I am capable of doing. You'll amaze yourself at how strong you are, even when you think you are falling apart.

Elimar, I was probably projecting how I feel right now. She's a fighting girl, I unfortunately am a frightengirl. Getting worse by the day. I am not feeling at all good about mynew development.

Yes it does!! MY EYES!!! I can't unsee it!

love the sweaters. my gosh, who thinks up and then talks someone into making them!

I have lost the ability to copy and post lately. hopefully it will come back. I was talking to a service rep. today about getting my (pretty darn new) range hood repaired today. She was complaining about her computer being so slow. She said, just that little circle going 'round. I said, that's what my brain is doing most of the times these days. hardly a chuckle from her, I've got a belly laugh going on! Some people just "don't get it" (my humor)

Glad to hear you're mostly status quo Dianarose. Damn bugs though!

Mac I thought that was funny about the circle going around. With me it's the hour glass spinning in my head! I introduced myself to someone at my new job by saying "Hi, my name is Paul."

The gingerbread cartoon is funny. We were talking just the other night at work about how men measure vs how women measure. Hilarious conversation.

I love, "there is never a good time to learn that life as you knew it will never be the same." That is so appropriate, on so many levels!

Oh how I hate the wait. If I could change one thing in the medical field it would be the waiting for results. Each day I can feel my anxiety level increasing. I'm the kind of person that gets way ahead of themselves. So I'm dead and buried right now due to having a biopsy on calcifications. My inner strength is not all that deep I guess.

Have enjoyed seeing all the cartoons and ugly sweaters. Just a reminder that even cancer can be somewhat funny, when you're not hysterical. Hope I can make it to Thursday. Will be checking in for more laughter and silly jokes.

Thank you for letting us know!!! It's great to get some good news. Enjoy you holidays!

Finally got the pictures uploaded that my DD took at my b'day party. (Had to wait for her to come home from college cuz she had the shots in her camera, and she was too busy w/finals to get them to me any earlier.)

Me and DH. You can really tell how much I've shrunk from the spinal mets/compression fractures in this picture...sigh. I've lost a full TWO inches, to that bastard, Mr. Cancer.

My friend, Debi, has a piano, and she always displays a collection of toys for every season. I got her the little Olaf and Snowgees as a "thank you" for hosting the party. We all had a great time.