I am finally here.

tprater805
tprater805 Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello..my name is Tina and I was diagnosed with breast cancer December 7, 2009. I ignored the huge lump in my breast for a year which was stupid on my part. I have had surgery and had the 4.5 cm ductal tumor removed. I feel lucky that I was only stage 2 after waiting so long to go to the doctor. I am now on my second round of chemo...once every week. I have 9 more to go then another 40 treatments of herceptin. I was HER2 posative as well.
I am 39 and this is my second battle with cancer. At 32 I was diagnosed with colon cancer and given 6 months to live. I had just had a baby and had an older son that I needed to fight for...so I did and won that.
I am happy to have found this to talk to others that are going or have gone through this. I am still not sure how to deal with this, but I keep pushing right along. Mainly for my boys.
I dont feel sorry for myself that I got cancer agian, but lucky because it has brought so many wonderfull people in my life.And through this I hope to meet many more.
Tina

Comments

  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    Welcome
    Welcome Tina.
    You and I have a few things in common. I was diagnosed the day before you 12/8/08. Stage 1--lymph nodes negative--HER2+--double mastectomy 2/2/09-my 45th birthday. I have a 5 year old son.
    I had AC every other week for 4 treatments-finished that on 4/21. I will start Taxol w/Herceptin once a week for 12 wks starting 5/7 and then Herceptin alone once every three wks for one year.

    You have joined the right support system.
    Margo
  • JoyD
    JoyD Member Posts: 81

    Welcome
    Welcome Tina.
    You and I have a few things in common. I was diagnosed the day before you 12/8/08. Stage 1--lymph nodes negative--HER2+--double mastectomy 2/2/09-my 45th birthday. I have a 5 year old son.
    I had AC every other week for 4 treatments-finished that on 4/21. I will start Taxol w/Herceptin once a week for 12 wks starting 5/7 and then Herceptin alone once every three wks for one year.

    You have joined the right support system.
    Margo

    Welcome
    Hi Tina:

    Just like you, I knew I had a lump in April 2007...The radialogist wanted me to go back after 3 weeks and then 6 months....I did not do anything since my family does not have any history of cancer both mother and father side. In Dec 2007, I had an ultrasound on the left breast and found 2 abnormaly lymph nodes. Went to the Surgeon and had it check thoroughly with Lymph Nodes Needle Biopsy and was confirmed that it was indeed cancer. Had several tests such as MRI, MRI with needle biopsy since they cannot find the source in my breast and a PET scan after my masectomy. I have 16 rounds of chemo - 4 rounds of AC+Avastin (clincal study) and 12 rounds of Taxol + Avastin (small dosage of taxol but on a weekly basis)...then 6 weeks of radiation (M-F).

    My experience on this discussion board is that someone will always answer your question to the best of their knowledge and experience.

    Joy
  • tprater805
    tprater805 Member Posts: 9

    Welcome
    Welcome Tina.
    You and I have a few things in common. I was diagnosed the day before you 12/8/08. Stage 1--lymph nodes negative--HER2+--double mastectomy 2/2/09-my 45th birthday. I have a 5 year old son.
    I had AC every other week for 4 treatments-finished that on 4/21. I will start Taxol w/Herceptin once a week for 12 wks starting 5/7 and then Herceptin alone once every three wks for one year.

    You have joined the right support system.
    Margo

    Thank you
    Thanks Margo. I have been doing the Taxol with Herceptin going on 4 weeks now. I go every friday. Its a long 4 hours. We do have alot in common.
    I just wanted to say thank you for writing me back. I know Im not alone, but my family and friends have no idea what I feel like or what goes through my head at times. I feel alone most of the time until I got to my chemo appt. and then I see everyone else there fighting with me.
    We can beat this thing :)
    Tina
  • tprater805
    tprater805 Member Posts: 9

    Welcome, Tina!
    ... Though sorry for the reason. You have found the right group! You'll make new friends, and quickly. Here you'll receive amazing support & encouragement, understanding & compassion.

    I joined a little over 2 weeks ago, to mark my own 5 year anniversary of completion of all invasive treatment (lumpectomy w/sentinel nodes removal: 4 of 7 from breast & 3 of 8 from underarm = cancerous, chemotherapy & radiation). Still taking meds.

    You'll very soon be happy to be here, as I certainly am.

    Kind regards, Susan

    P.S.: Please don't beat yourself up about waiting a year to act on your breast lump. I had waited a couple months (found it, couldn't find it again, etc.). Was told by doctor, upfront, that a year is "average" - i.e., most women wait that long, as you did...

    Thank you
    Tahnk you Susan....I am really looking forward to all the support I can get as well as give. It took me awhile to do this but I am happy to be here now :)
    Tina
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    Welcome, Tina!
    ... Though sorry for the reason. You have found the right group! You'll make new friends, and quickly. Here you'll receive amazing support & encouragement, understanding & compassion.

    I joined a little over 2 weeks ago, to mark my own 5 year anniversary of completion of all invasive treatment (lumpectomy w/sentinel nodes removal: 4 of 7 from breast & 3 of 8 from underarm = cancerous, chemotherapy & radiation). Still taking meds.

    You'll very soon be happy to be here, as I certainly am.

    Kind regards, Susan

    P.S.: Please don't beat yourself up about waiting a year to act on your breast lump. I had waited a couple months (found it, couldn't find it again, etc.). Was told by doctor, upfront, that a year is "average" - i.e., most women wait that long, as you did...
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member

    Welcome
    Welcome Tina.
    You and I have a few things in common. I was diagnosed the day before you 12/8/08. Stage 1--lymph nodes negative--HER2+--double mastectomy 2/2/09-my 45th birthday. I have a 5 year old son.
    I had AC every other week for 4 treatments-finished that on 4/21. I will start Taxol w/Herceptin once a week for 12 wks starting 5/7 and then Herceptin alone once every three wks for one year.

    You have joined the right support system.
    Margo

    Off topic...
    ... Isn't Margo's son, Jake, a cute little guy? :-)

    Kind regards, Susan
  • tprater805
    tprater805 Member Posts: 9
    JoyD said:

    Welcome
    Hi Tina:

    Just like you, I knew I had a lump in April 2007...The radialogist wanted me to go back after 3 weeks and then 6 months....I did not do anything since my family does not have any history of cancer both mother and father side. In Dec 2007, I had an ultrasound on the left breast and found 2 abnormaly lymph nodes. Went to the Surgeon and had it check thoroughly with Lymph Nodes Needle Biopsy and was confirmed that it was indeed cancer. Had several tests such as MRI, MRI with needle biopsy since they cannot find the source in my breast and a PET scan after my masectomy. I have 16 rounds of chemo - 4 rounds of AC+Avastin (clincal study) and 12 rounds of Taxol + Avastin (small dosage of taxol but on a weekly basis)...then 6 weeks of radiation (M-F).

    My experience on this discussion board is that someone will always answer your question to the best of their knowledge and experience.

    Joy

    Thank you Joy
    I guess we all go through alot with this. I plan on getting past this and hopefully never having to go through it agian. I still have to be tested for the genetics of it. I have to boys and since 17% of men get breast cancer I want to make sure they never have to go through anything like this. Breast cancer does run in my family on both sides so it worries me a little.
    Thank you for your support.
    Tina
  • tprater805
    tprater805 Member Posts: 9

    Off topic...
    ... Isn't Margo's son, Jake, a cute little guy? :-)

    Kind regards, Susan

    He is very cute!!!!

    He is very cute!!!!
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    Tina
    I admire your attitude and fighting spirit you have already proved you are a courageous warrior and you will be a great asset to this board. a positive attitude like yours goes a long, long way! I am happy you chose us. We will be here for you.
    God Bless
    jackie
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769

    He is very cute!!!!

    He is very cute!!!!

    Susan and Tina
    Thanks for the compliments on Jake.
  • tprater805
    tprater805 Member Posts: 9
    rjjj said:

    Tina
    I admire your attitude and fighting spirit you have already proved you are a courageous warrior and you will be a great asset to this board. a positive attitude like yours goes a long, long way! I am happy you chose us. We will be here for you.
    God Bless
    jackie

    Hi Jackie
    Thank you so much. It took me a long time to get that positive attitude, but I got it :)
    I dont want to feel like I was ever a victim, but more like I got this so I can experience it to help someone else get through it. Hopefully I can be a positive influence to someone like others have been for me.
    Thank you for your support :)
    Tina
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member

    Hi Jackie
    Thank you so much. It took me a long time to get that positive attitude, but I got it :)
    I dont want to feel like I was ever a victim, but more like I got this so I can experience it to help someone else get through it. Hopefully I can be a positive influence to someone like others have been for me.
    Thank you for your support :)
    Tina

    Welcome !!!
    Hi ... my name is Teena too ... just spelled differently.

    I had a lumpectomy on 1/21/09 ... and started taxol/herceptin on my 65th birthday 3/13. Tomorrow will be treatment #8 ... so I'm getting closer to the goal of 12. After 12 weeks taxol ends and then I start radiation ... and herceptin will continue every 3 weeks for a year... then tamoxifen.

    I've been doing well ... with very few "minor" side-effects. I think we should be thankful that we are not on the "A" or "C" drugs because from what I read here in the various posts ... those drugs can be very tough to get through. From what others have written those drugs can drain you and it's a really rough road. So ... in that aspect we are lucky. None of the horrible nausea they have ... at least I haven't had any.

    I'm glad you found us ... and you see that you are now a member of a very special "family." We are there for each other ... rain or shine ... day or night. The women (and a few men) on this site have had various surgeries and treatments and are all ages ... living all over the place. We are here to support each other ... share our experiences ... knowledge and love. As you read the posts you will see that you will be able to respond to many questions ...and help others ... and you will also have many questions of your own. That's what we do here ... and we are soooooo glad you found us.

    hugs.
    Teena
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143
    Hi Tina
    Sorry you are here. Looks like you have more experience with cancer than this diagnosis, unfortunately. I am 34 and stage 2 as well. You keep pushing right along. Have you been on youngsurvival.org yet? It's a site geared specifically for women under 40 with breast cancer. A lot of good information there.

    We're here to help you get through treatment and beyond. You are a fighter already, so I know you will get through this, too.

    Mimi
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    Welcome...
    Welcome Tina, although I'm sorry that this has happened to you.

    I agree, don't beat yourself up over waiting. I tried to get different doctors to LISTEN to me for almost a year, because I knew that there was something wrong. When they finally did listen, there were outward changes to the breast and the tumor was quite large.
    I did 4 rounds of A/C and then 4 of Abraxane & Herceptin. Now on Herceptin every three weeks until late Fall. Also did 28 rads.

    The folks on this board have saved my backside on more than one occasion! When I was terrified, when I was confused, when I was lonely or depressed. I'm sure that you will be happy for the friendship and the support that you will find here.

    Lots of hugs...
    CR
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    Hi Tina, welcome to the
    Hi Tina, welcome to the site. You sound like a strong, positive person. Congrats on your beating colon cancer! I admire your strenghth and devotion to your kids. It is encouraging and uplifting to hear stories like yours where people are given months to live and they totally prove the doctors wrong. I think they shouldn't hand out these death sentences. I believe in the power of the mind and self fulfilling prophesis. When people believe there is no hope left, then they give up in their mind and the mind I think signals to the body to give up the fight. Thats just my belief.

    I can imagine how you felt about delaying having your lump looked at. But don't beat yourself up about it. Three others in my family had breast cancer and my Aunt died of it. I had a baseline mammogram at 35, was told I had very dense breast tissue, yet did not have another mammogram till 42 at which time I was diagnosed. I was very upset with myself and feeling very diswraught because I felt that if I had had a mammogram at 40 like recommended, then my tumor might have been less than 1cm and I might not have had to have chemo. But my surgeon assured me that feeling guilty does us no good and that breast cancer is very slow growing in most cases and a year or two may have made little difference. We don't ever think things like cancer will ever happen to us----sometimes even though we have a family history.

    You must focus on the fact that you DID take action and are now doing everything possible to ensure your living a long and healthy life. Take care, Eileen
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    Eil4186 said:

    Hi Tina, welcome to the
    Hi Tina, welcome to the site. You sound like a strong, positive person. Congrats on your beating colon cancer! I admire your strenghth and devotion to your kids. It is encouraging and uplifting to hear stories like yours where people are given months to live and they totally prove the doctors wrong. I think they shouldn't hand out these death sentences. I believe in the power of the mind and self fulfilling prophesis. When people believe there is no hope left, then they give up in their mind and the mind I think signals to the body to give up the fight. Thats just my belief.

    I can imagine how you felt about delaying having your lump looked at. But don't beat yourself up about it. Three others in my family had breast cancer and my Aunt died of it. I had a baseline mammogram at 35, was told I had very dense breast tissue, yet did not have another mammogram till 42 at which time I was diagnosed. I was very upset with myself and feeling very diswraught because I felt that if I had had a mammogram at 40 like recommended, then my tumor might have been less than 1cm and I might not have had to have chemo. But my surgeon assured me that feeling guilty does us no good and that breast cancer is very slow growing in most cases and a year or two may have made little difference. We don't ever think things like cancer will ever happen to us----sometimes even though we have a family history.

    You must focus on the fact that you DID take action and are now doing everything possible to ensure your living a long and healthy life. Take care, Eileen

    Tina
    I did exactly the same as you..Ignore it, it'll go away...It didn't work. Good luck and so glad that you have found us, sorry that you had to. Hugs Jxxxxxxx
  • babebussie
    babebussie Member Posts: 150
    I waited that long to
    i was in denial. I knew what it was but i just didnt want to address it. I thought that if i didnt think about it it would just go away but instead it got bigger and bigger. I had the breast removed, went thru chemo then rads. I thought i was done and bamm, it came back in my bones. "Sucks" So here i go again. Chemo starts on monday.
    I feel all your pain as we all do. I hate that you and myself and everyone else on this board has to fight this horrible illness. We are strong women and will get thru this.

    Hang in there girl, we all love you!
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    Welcome Aboard
    Welcome to the Family! BTW..our fellow poster KathiM is also a colon/bc survivor~ she pretty much knows just how you feel! Way to go for standing up to the beast and taking control~ you have a lot to live for!

    We will take you by the hand and see you through this journey; and a more supportive group of Warrior-Survivors you will not find anywhere.

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    Eil4186 said:

    Hi Tina, welcome to the
    Hi Tina, welcome to the site. You sound like a strong, positive person. Congrats on your beating colon cancer! I admire your strenghth and devotion to your kids. It is encouraging and uplifting to hear stories like yours where people are given months to live and they totally prove the doctors wrong. I think they shouldn't hand out these death sentences. I believe in the power of the mind and self fulfilling prophesis. When people believe there is no hope left, then they give up in their mind and the mind I think signals to the body to give up the fight. Thats just my belief.

    I can imagine how you felt about delaying having your lump looked at. But don't beat yourself up about it. Three others in my family had breast cancer and my Aunt died of it. I had a baseline mammogram at 35, was told I had very dense breast tissue, yet did not have another mammogram till 42 at which time I was diagnosed. I was very upset with myself and feeling very diswraught because I felt that if I had had a mammogram at 40 like recommended, then my tumor might have been less than 1cm and I might not have had to have chemo. But my surgeon assured me that feeling guilty does us no good and that breast cancer is very slow growing in most cases and a year or two may have made little difference. We don't ever think things like cancer will ever happen to us----sometimes even though we have a family history.

    You must focus on the fact that you DID take action and are now doing everything possible to ensure your living a long and healthy life. Take care, Eileen

    I waited over a year too
    I knew about the lump for quite some time, and my Aunt had already been diagnosed, gone through a lumpectomy, then was then diagnosed again with bc, had the mastectomy, chemo again but not radiation, then my mom was diagnosed, did the lumpectomy but no radiation.....only then did I go in and have the lump checked. Dumb on my part, but I always assumed it was a cyst, since our family also had that history, and they always said "if it hurts, it's not cancer", boy is that a lie.
    Everyone here is a warrior in my book!
    Cat
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    chenheart said:

    Welcome Aboard
    Welcome to the Family! BTW..our fellow poster KathiM is also a colon/bc survivor~ she pretty much knows just how you feel! Way to go for standing up to the beast and taking control~ you have a lot to live for!

    We will take you by the hand and see you through this journey; and a more supportive group of Warrior-Survivors you will not find anywhere.

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Hey! You got the '2-fer', too!!!!
    I had my breast lump named...it was the size of a shooter marble, never grew, mammo'ed every year for (wait for it) 11 years...

    It took getting stage III rectal cancer, and a PET scan, to find that it was a bit more ominous than was thought...then, they said "well, we will treat the rectal cancer first. IF you survive that, we will deal with the breast cancer". You can guess my reaction...lol....

    Welcome to the board!!! And check out the colorectal board, too...we semi-colons have to stick together...in October there is Colonpalooza in Key West....

    Hugs, Kathi