"Beam me up, Scotty."

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Gndvll
Gndvll Member Posts: 47
edited June 2018 in Just Diagnosed

I just received my diagnosis two days ago. I feel like I've been wandering around on an alien planet ever since.  :(

My name is Gina. I am 58, retired RN, grandmother of six and mom of three.  (That depends on who's in the house.  I've adopted many of my daughters' friends through the years and they still call me Mom).

Yes, I'm shocky.  I found a lump on May 20, and I've been researching and chasing diagnoses ever since.  I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my left breast, 3 cm at first mammogram and ultrasound.  Biopsies were done on both breasts Monday.  My right has atypical cells.  Despite having worked oncology and bone marrow transplant, (twenty years ago), when they called me with my results, I heard and comprehended maybe one word of five.  I know she said that I had a high nuclear mitotic rate.  Hormones are pending.  I'm having an MRI of my L Breast Mon, a CT chest Monday afternoon, (I have COPD), and I meet with the BS on Wed.  I'm going to Moffitt, which is an accredited cancer organization, participating in clinical research, trials, and professional education.  

I've tried to get appointments set up as expeditiously as possible, but thank the Lord, I live with my middle daughter and her family.  She's helping me to keep up with appts and things. I'm blessed with a ton of support.

I'm also so distracted by everything that my mind feels just blown.  I can't remember things for more than ten seconds straight!  I just sigh, review the lists I have, and start another one.

I haven't cried.

I suspect I'm looking at BMX, (hopefully with DEIP), chemo, radiation and maybe hormones.  We're still waiting on hormone receptor status.

This site has been SO VERY helpful, and you all seem so warm and supportive.

Thanks for listening.


Gina 



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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2018

    Hi Gina,

    We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're so very glad you found us! As it seems like you've already experienced, our Community is an incredible source of information, advice, and support! We're all here for you.

    We get that things are super overwhelming right now -- and there are still lots of puzzle pieces to come together. But soon enough, you'll have a clear picture of your diagnosis, and get your treatment plan in place. You'll start to feel a lot more empowered with the more you find out and plan your treatment. We know others will be by shortly to offer their experiences and suggestions, but we're sending lots of love and positive vibes in the meantime!

    Let us know if you need anything at all!

    --The Mods

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited June 2018

    Sorry you find yourself here, Gina. I've been a nurse for 40 years and nothing prepared me for my diagnosis. Breast cancer is a whole new world. I ended up needing a BMX 2-1/2 years ago when we found some rare gene mutations that caused my cancer. Didn't have traditional reconstruction at the time (a long story), but im scheduled for DIEP in New Orleans in August.

    Best of luck to you. Hang in there.

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  • couragement
    couragement Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2018

    Dear Gina,

    Indeed it is an alien planet! An entirely new culture. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. It is a whirlwind and it sounds like you have appointments lined up. Steady on, getting all the data you can get. I hope you can allow yourself to just be right now, and not worry about your concentration and such. And allow your dear ones to help you. I think lists are a fine way to just keep going right now. My feeling was to stay as steady as possible while going through all stages, but in particular, this one. The just having been diagnosed one, before you know what the details are and before you have your plan in place. Eating well, resting, exercising, distracting yourself with positive things like movies, TV shows. I found reading more than bits and pieces to be difficult in terms of concentration. One foot in front of the other. Trusting in your strength.

    I send you strength and love, and let us know how you are doing.

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  • Gndvll
    Gndvll Member Posts: 47
    edited June 2018

    Thank you all, so very much!

    I'm still short on concentration and long on anxiety, but I'm studying and learning as much as I can. Everyone is being super supportive, and I'm so glad I found y'all, too!

    Let's see.  Update:  Triple neg, although my Progesterone is 5%.  We're calling it 4 cm and grade 2s, Stage 2B.  I've seen the breast surgeon, and she thinks that neo-adjunctive chemo might be beneficial, so I'm seeing a medical oncologist, plastic surgeon, cardiologist and pulmonologist.  Psychiatrist and pain management are on the list, too.  I'll also be having genetic testing.

    I definitely want a port, so I'm trying to get everything set up asap.  I'd like to see everyone in July, but some visits may have to wait until August.  I'm on everyone's cancellation list, though. Anyway, I'm conflicted, confuzzled and occasionally terrified.  I suspect I'm not alone.

    Otherwise, I'm almost back to where I was before all of this revved up.  If anyone knows if that 5% Progesterone is of any benefit, please let me know.  Otherwise, I'm headed back to the studies.  (At least I'm familiar with most of the terminology).

    Good luck and God Bless each of you!


    Gina

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