Beginning to Crack :(

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Hi my name is Paula in December I had my first ever mamogram. I was 37 at the time and had a family history so I went for early screening. My Mamo was clear - 3 weeks later in January I found a lump in my breast, about the size of a golf ball. I immediately went to my ob/gyn and she said it was probably an infection and put me on an antibiotic. She said it couldn't be cancer, I had a clean mamo and cancer that size would take years to grow. Well ten days later and there was no change so I went for a biopsy. Next day I was told I had cancer. 10 days later I had port surgery and went for my first chemo treatment on the same day. I was scared and didn't want to waste anymore time. I had three treatments (1 every 3 weeks) and then scheduled my mastecomy with reconstruction. The cancer had responded to the chemo but during the weeks I was off in preparation for surgery, the cancer began to rapidly grow again. Here is an excerpt from my pathology: Extensive intraductal comedo and infiltrating high grade ductal carcinoma with extensive lymphovascular invasion, Bloom-Richardson Grade 3 + 3 + 3 = 9/10. Carcinoma involves all four quadrants of the breast and extends to the inferior margin. It invades the nipple which is retracted, and is also found in the lymphatics of the skin. Tumor emboli are found in lymphatic vessels of the axillary fat, in two lymph nodes and many small lymphoid nodules. 3 weeks after surgery I went back to my oncologist and he sent me for radiation. I was going to my consulations and set up when I found a lump on my neck. I went back to my oncologist. Same week I started herceptin and the radiation doctor started treating me before my setup was complete. That brings me to this past week. I have alot of support from my family but I need to speak with or get positive feedback from someone who has gone through this. I don't want to upset my family....I have been this strong woman for 5 months now and I am beginning to crack. I am not giving up but I am getting scared. And having this lump on my neck is not helping.
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Hi Paula
I don't post much anymore, but was moved by your message. Although I was quite a bit older than you at dx (52) I also had very high grade cancer and a large tumor after chemo. I went through full chemo, rads, herceptin, and then had a couple of really scary scares with post treatment scans. And yet...
They were just scares. I'm three years out and totally healthy. I bet you will be too.
This is such a stressful and frightening time. Hopefully, it will pass.
There are many of us who have had nasty path reports and large amounts of disease and still are well.
Love
annaanne -
Paula,
You will do fine. I just finished all my treatments. I also had a large tumor. I know I cracked a few times maybe more. It's okay. This is normal. Do not feel guilty. There are alot of wonderful ladies on this site. Any questions or concerns this is the site. You can say anything you want because we are all link together. I found faith, family, friends and even strangers are all there to help you. Take care and keep us posted.
Debbie
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I was reading your story and you mention a lymph node in your neck was involved, have your doctors scheduled you for any full body scans to make sure that the cancer is not elsewhere in the lymphatics away from the primary site. I would be sure that they check everything. I send you lots of hugs and hope that everything turns out well.
Michelle
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