Newbie

Options
EMSMama
EMSMama Member Posts: 3
edited May 2020 in Just Diagnosed

I’m new here. I got my diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on April 6. The tests came back showing ER+, PR+, HER2-. I am scheduled for a Left mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy on April 30. Due to Covid19 I will be holding off on any decisions about the right breast and/or reconstruction pending the pathology of the tumor once removed and the lymph node results have returned I have worked in the medical field for 27 years and would never have thought I’d become a patient during crazy times like these. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic and I was just in the process of returning to work after taking time off to fully immerse myself in therapy for PTSD. It really is all still surreal.

I know that peer support has been so important in my PTSD treatment and I am glad to join this online community

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • toria1212
    toria1212 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2020

    Hi EMSMama,

    Like you, I NEVER thought this would be one of my life's experiences. I breastfed three of my five children and lead a fairly healthy lifestyle. Menopause has been very uneventful. I've had a lot of trauma in my life due to abusive ex(now divorced) and an adult son with significant mental health issues. And yet here we are. I give YOU much credit for serving others as a firefighter/paramedic! You're amazing! And the covid19 chaos has made it even more anxiety laden, hasn't it? Having your surgery will provide more information and hopefully some relief? Mine is scheduled for May 11, but I am in Michigan and not too far from Detroit(a hot spot) and the waiting is the hardest part(I think).

    I am praying for all of us and hope that your surgery goes smoothly. I am having a lumpectomy, so definitely out patient. Will you be staying overnight, or more, at the hospital?

    There is so much support and information here-everyone has been so wonderful. it is a blessing to have somewhere to go day or night and receive reassurance. Please check in after your surgery and let us know how things have gone...

    (((hugs)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EMSMama
    EMSMama Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2020

    Toria1212- Thank you for your kind words. I am also an abuse survivor. It has been difficult for me mentally because my breasts were already a trigger, so I've been working on keeping the two separate. It's weird to explain. I have some wonderful trauma therapists that have given me some awesome tools for resiliency, coping, grounding and mindfulness.


    I am active, eat pescatarian, avoid food additives, mostly fresh food in my diet, well and daily dark chocolate:)


    I have no family history of breast cancer. Unfortunately firefighting increases your risk of many cancers, breast cancer included. I nursed both my daughters for 18 mos and pumped (ugh, in a firehouse), as well. When I think about that it makes me concerned for the female firefighter Mom's doing the same today. Cancer is so messy!


    Li-T: thank you, I will make sure to update post surgery. I can't believe it's only four days away

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited April 2020

    Li-T: Do you have breast cancer? It would be useful if you could go to My Profile in fill in your diagnosis & treatment so we can better interact.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nana2-8
    Nana2-8 Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2020

    EMSMama: It sounds like you are in good hands and the first step will be behind you this Thursday. Please check back and let us know how you are doing. ~ And a great big THANK YOU for doing what you do. These are crazy times, and then add to it the diagnosis. There are quite a few of us experiencing the same thing. You've found the right group for which to reach out. I'm glad you found us.....any time...day or night.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlueFeltFedora
    BlueFeltFedora Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2020

    EMSMama: I'm in the medical field, too -- an OR nurse. I'll be thinking about you on your surgery day. Like you, I never thought this would happen. Thank goodness this forum exists, right?

    ~L

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited May 2020

    hello sweetie I was planning our 2nd marriages when I was diagnosed with no family history. Prayed for this man God sent to me and right at time I needed his comfort. Will keep you and us all here in prayer always. ms phil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast reconstruction but body rejected expander got high temp it hardened rush to hospital by fiance. It was removed wear prothesis got married then 7wks rads and 5yrs Tamoxifen. Praise God Hope n Positive thinking got me thru today a 26yr Survivor

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jcp
    jcp Member Posts: 112
    edited May 2020

    msphil, I saw your experience of getting ca right when you were planning to get married and it reminded me of my situation when diagnosed. I had gotten married three weeks before my diagnosis (poor hubby) and had just left the city I lived in for 30 years with my six yrs old son. I moved 300 miles from home and did not know a soul including where to get medical care etc. I would have had so much support where I was from my whole family including my mom who I was very close with, but I did have my new husband. It was tough when you just get married and are happy newlyweds that go straight to a crisis situation. Anyway, I'm thrilled for you with 26 years! That is amazzziiingg!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2020

    EMS mama,

    I just want to welcome you to our big family. You will find lots of support and dependable advice for caring for yourself as well as treatment options and advice, if you want it. A cancer dx can bring PTSD issues of its own, so please be kind to yourself and reach out when you need.

    I have lots of family in the Detroit area and know how hard hit it is.

    Big hugs,

    claire in AZ

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories