Help please , scared out of my mind
I have cried pretty much non stop since thursday, now that I think I am done crying can anyone help with info? Has anyone had a lumpsectomy without chemo ? Chemo scares me to death. I have done some research on the web about Mammosite Radiation therapy system ? Has anyone had this done ? where they remove the tumor insert a balloon -catheter radiation and only radiate that specific area or something ? Do you loose your hair ?
Any iformation would be helpful. I am I guess still in shock and scared to death.
Comments
-
I would say take it one step
I would say take it one step at a time. It is very scary when we are diagnosed with cancer. The radiologist would not be the one that would do the surgery so I don't understand why he made the comment. You would meet with a surgeon and then an oncologist. I agree, too, that a second opinion may be warranted once you meet with your initial doctors. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on this site that will respond with their experiences too. Slow down and take a breath, everything will fall into place and start to make more sense as you learn more about your diagnosis. Keep us informed.0 -
Hi Shadow, welcome
I had a lumpectomy with no chemo, just radiation. My tumor was IDC and 1.9 cm. Node negative. ER/PR + and Heur2 - with high nuclear grade 3. Stage 1 (you find out after surgery). I did not opt for the Mammosite. Did 28 rounds whole breast and 7 boosters of traditional radiation. Last week I started taking Tamoxifen. You do not loose your hair with radiation. Only the part being radiated is effected. Some women have lost their underarm hair (I didn't) as that area was being ratiated as well. I do however, no longer sweat under that arm! Guess I will only need deoderant 1/2 as much now.
I am sure you are scared and in shock. Hang in there, take one step at a time, and remember to breath. I believe there are several women that have done the Mammosite and will be along shortly.
We will do our best to walk you through. Hugs and smiles... ♥ Pammy0 -
Hi Shadow!
Welcome to the Board! What you are feeling is perfectly normal. Finding out you have Cancer is very scary, to say the least. You tend to get flooded with all kinds of emotions. I was just diagnosed 8/11. The surgeon was ready to do a Lumpectomy w/rad. Things were moving way too fast for me! I needed time to absorb this news and decide what "I" wanted to do. I had done some reading on the diagnosis,treatments,etc...read some of the stories on here, asked ?'s, and chose to do Chemo b/4 surgery to try to shrink the tumor.(2.8cm) So,now I am preparing to have a port put in my chest,then onto Chemo. Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin. Surgery, then more chemo & radiation. I would say research some more,you can call ACS and they will send you some great info, and yes maybe even get a second opinion. I didn't read that you went to an Oncologist yet? Are you scheduled with one? Hope this helps. Just remember you are NOT alone, there are many many women here who have been there, done that, or are doing it now so feel free to post, vent, ask ?'s, someone is here 24/7!
Prayers & Hugz,
Cathy0 -
ThanksCat64 said:Hi Shadow!
Welcome to the Board! What you are feeling is perfectly normal. Finding out you have Cancer is very scary, to say the least. You tend to get flooded with all kinds of emotions. I was just diagnosed 8/11. The surgeon was ready to do a Lumpectomy w/rad. Things were moving way too fast for me! I needed time to absorb this news and decide what "I" wanted to do. I had done some reading on the diagnosis,treatments,etc...read some of the stories on here, asked ?'s, and chose to do Chemo b/4 surgery to try to shrink the tumor.(2.8cm) So,now I am preparing to have a port put in my chest,then onto Chemo. Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin. Surgery, then more chemo & radiation. I would say research some more,you can call ACS and they will send you some great info, and yes maybe even get a second opinion. I didn't read that you went to an Oncologist yet? Are you scheduled with one? Hope this helps. Just remember you are NOT alone, there are many many women here who have been there, done that, or are doing it now so feel free to post, vent, ask ?'s, someone is here 24/7!
Prayers & Hugz,
Cathy
I called this morning to schedule an apt. They said they will call back within 24 hours to let me know when the apt. will be. I faxed them my pathology report this morning and now just waiting to hear back....So No I have not met with a oncologist or surgeon yet. Also I just had a complete hysterectomy two weeks ago and I have till the end of this month off of work Thats why I figured now would be a good time to go get that Mammogram done and I did and now this is where I am at....I am so glad I am off work to be able to deal with this ....My work is great they know , and have assured me to take my time and not to worry about anything ( as far as me loosing my job etc ) they will support me through this . Im hoping I can get an apt. this week and have surgery , but will see...I just want this to be overwith you know... I dont like this waiting , I mean I know it was just thurs. initially that It was possible and Sat. morning confirmed , now I just want it out of me and soon.,,.0 -
(((((((((HUGS)))))))))Sounds
(((((((((HUGS)))))))))Sounds very similar to what mine was. I had some DCIS and some IDC, mine was 1.1 cms. I had a lumpectomy on July 30th with the sentinal node mapping. My node was clear. I asked about the mammosite and he told me my tumor wasn't in the breast far enough to stay in place. So, guess from that, it depends on the location. If you live close to the hosp you have it done in and you can have the mammosite, it would be twice a day 6 hours apart. No, you wouldn't loose your hair with that. chemo scares me also. I'm waiting right now on an Oncotype DX test.0 -
Hi Shadow - Welcome
You would not be normal if you weren't scared. Just ask any one of us. I was rushed through also, within 2 weeks of finding my lump, I had a lumpectomy. It was non invasive, but I did do 6 rounds of chemo - and my hair fell out. I had good doctors and especially my oncologist, who is a tiny little spitfire! I just love her to pieces. I received taxotere/carboplaten chemo, 6 rounds. My hair started to fall out before my second round. It was then December and having no hair made it a pretty cold winter, but I wore lots of hats and scarves and I had 2 wigs. I agree, it is no picnic, but once you get started, the strength comes from somewhere within you and you take the beast by the horns and kick his butt out. I don't know where the strength comes from but its suddenly there and you just get so angry and start fighting like hell to get rid of it. I'm coming up on my one year since diagnosis, and knowing its all behind me now is a great relief. I honestly don't know how I did it, I was so terrified, but I did it - and I know so can you. Cry, scream, shout, find something (not someone) to punch and kick - let the rage out, the fear will follow and the determination will set in. And you too will be a survivor. God Bless You! I will keep you in my prayers - and listen to the wonderful ladies on this board, they have been my rocks through this. They are warm, kind, and passionate about helping others get through it.
Pat0 -
We All know ........
We all know how scared and terrified you are and I am so sorry.....we've been there.....this is a wonderful site filled with wonderful, caring women. I was dx with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in April, stage 1 until the surgery and then I went to stage II due to the size of the tumor, 2.2 cm The mammo and ultrasound doesn't always give an accurate size, only surgery and pathology can tell for sure. I had a lumpectomy May 20, one month after the biopsy. I had good clean, clear margins and NO Lymph node involvement, which is big......I started chemo on June 15....had 4 rounds of it and finished 4 weeks ago.......I start radiation on Thursday...6 1/2 weeks.....it takes time for all of this to get worked out between biopsy, surgery, etc and the doctors scheduling.......The waiting is awful, but necessary for all the doctors to get their "ducks in a row." Don't be afraid to ask for something to get you through this.....I took the lowest dose of Valium and it worked wonders! Yes, you do lose your hair with chemo, but honestly, it's just hair and it will grow back......I'm bald as an Eagle! But it is starting to come back, already. AND..........I have to say, the chemo wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.....it's no day at the beach but it wasn't horrible, like a lot of horrow stories I had heard.......they have come so far in using anti nausea drugs.......I NEVER had the first wave of nausea......that's not to say everyone is like that...we're all different in how we react to the drugs, and there are other side effects to chemo besides hair loss, but all very manageable. The mammosite radiation is pretty specialized from what I understand and not all surgeons or centers offer it AND It depends on the breast size....small breast are not candidates from what I understand....you'll need to talk to the surgeon about that. WRITE down any and all questions that you have and take them with you and don't leave until they are answered......if possible take someone with you, because you won't hear half of what you're told....At least I didn't..you need an extra set of ears!
By the way, for me, the lumpectomy was no big deal at all.....had surgery at 1:00 pm woke up in recovery at 2:30pm and was home by 4:15! I can honestly say, I had no real pain........more discomfort than pain and it was very manageable....but we're all different.
Try to take a deep breath and go on the advice of your doctors, although I can't understand why with such a small tumor the guy wanted to RUSH you into surgery next week....As crazy as this sounds, my surgeon said, "breast cancer is not a medical emergency" well to him, maybe not, but to us.....he was referring to all the testing and WAITING.......said certain steps need to take place before each and every procedure.....Don't let anyone rush you.....
I hope some of this helps.....YOU CAN DO IT! Some how we reach deep inside and find strength and courage we never knew we had........YOU"VE GOT IT TOO!0 -
Scaredpadee6339 said:Hi Shadow - Welcome
You would not be normal if you weren't scared. Just ask any one of us. I was rushed through also, within 2 weeks of finding my lump, I had a lumpectomy. It was non invasive, but I did do 6 rounds of chemo - and my hair fell out. I had good doctors and especially my oncologist, who is a tiny little spitfire! I just love her to pieces. I received taxotere/carboplaten chemo, 6 rounds. My hair started to fall out before my second round. It was then December and having no hair made it a pretty cold winter, but I wore lots of hats and scarves and I had 2 wigs. I agree, it is no picnic, but once you get started, the strength comes from somewhere within you and you take the beast by the horns and kick his butt out. I don't know where the strength comes from but its suddenly there and you just get so angry and start fighting like hell to get rid of it. I'm coming up on my one year since diagnosis, and knowing its all behind me now is a great relief. I honestly don't know how I did it, I was so terrified, but I did it - and I know so can you. Cry, scream, shout, find something (not someone) to punch and kick - let the rage out, the fear will follow and the determination will set in. And you too will be a survivor. God Bless You! I will keep you in my prayers - and listen to the wonderful ladies on this board, they have been my rocks through this. They are warm, kind, and passionate about helping others get through it.
Pat
As all have said ... it is perfectly normal to feel scared when told you have breast cancer. Although I am sorry for the reason you are here ... I am glad you found us. I don't think I could have gotten through much without this discussion site. I had a lumpectomy in January and was told by the surgeon that I'd probably just need radiation ... but when I saw the medical oncologist he'd received the all of the pathology info ... and told me I needed chemo too. I just about ran out of the room. I am terrified of needles and all I could think of was getting poked and prodded with needles and feeling sick all the time. The oncologist told me I'd need 12 weeks of taxol and herceptin and it would not be as tough as some of the other drugs ... but I was still terrified. I got on this site and asked for advice and encouragement ... and got plenty of both. The first BIG step was for me to have a port installed to make the chemo treatments easier. You wouldn't have to be poked all the time. And I am soooooo glad I had the port put in. I did lose my hair ... but that really wasn't a big deal for me. All I was concerned about was the nausea ... and I had NO nausea ... none at all. There were a few side-effects ... (rashes, constipation etc.) but everything was manageable. After 12 weeks of chemo I had 3-4 weeks "off" then had daily radiation for 35 days. It was not a big deal. You don't feel a thing during the treatments ... and the main discomfort is more like a sunburn ... so I blobbed on a LOT of pure aloe ... which really helped. I'm finished with the chemo ...the radiation ... and now all I have is herceptin infusions every 3 weeks until March ... and I will be starting tamoxifen soon and will take that for 2-5 years.
We're all different ... with different diagnosis ... different results ... different treatments ... etc. .... be we all do have a LOT in common. Breast cancer. And we are here for each other... rain or shine ... night or day ... we're here for each other to share our knowledge, our experiences, and support... and we're here for you ... and with you. Ask anything ... or if you need to vent ... we're here for that too.
hugs.
teena0 -
Shadow
Welcome! I am new to this site to, but have met some wonderful ladies, and have been given a lot of useful advice. I did have a lumpectomy without chemo or radiation, but that was due to the type of cancer that I have, which is called phyllodes cancer. It does not respond to chemo or radiation. Two weeks following the lumpectomy, the tests showed that it was in fact cancer. The next week I had a mastectomy. I am set for a mammo and ultrasound on my right breast on Tuesday, because there was a "spot" on my last one. I don't know how this will turn out, but am praying for the best. I know how scared you are, that is only normal. Everyone is. We are each individual in our reactions. I have been scared to death, and sometimes have very morbid thoughts, but oddly, I have shed no tears. Not that I havent wanted to, but I cannot, for whatever reasons. But, the thing that I have learned is to take one day at a time. Be kind to yourself. Hang in there!
Hugs,
Cheyenne0 -
Oh honey
I'm 35 and went through the same thing. You will be just fine, I promise you. Unfortunately, there are more women our age with breast cancer than anyone knows. I had very aggressive stage 2 cancer, larger than yours, and I'm doing fine after chemo and radiation. I understand that you are still in shock. Mammosite is an option, but take it one step at a time. You might not need chemo at all, but if you do, you will get through it. Let us know what you need.
Mimi0 -
Slow down and breathemimivac said:Oh honey
I'm 35 and went through the same thing. You will be just fine, I promise you. Unfortunately, there are more women our age with breast cancer than anyone knows. I had very aggressive stage 2 cancer, larger than yours, and I'm doing fine after chemo and radiation. I understand that you are still in shock. Mammosite is an option, but take it one step at a time. You might not need chemo at all, but if you do, you will get through it. Let us know what you need.
Mimi
Shadow, I'm 40, and was also diagnosed after my first baseline mammogram, earlier this year -- no symptoms or concerns, just okay, time to have your first mammogram, and then WHAM, guess what, you have cancer!
That was 4 months ago -- since then, I've had lumpectomies in both breasts, and am currently halfway through chemo. I'm doing okay, and you will too. Even if you have to do chemo, please know that it's nothing like it used to be, like you see in movies -- many of us continue to work during chemo, and there are so many drugs now to help us get through it.
Shadow, please, please, slow down, take a breath, and don't rush into anything. You need to meet with a surgeon and an oncologist -- the radiologist isn't the best person to be advising you on your treatment decisions and next steps.
I know -- man, do I know -- how hard the waiting is, but you really need to give yourself a little time to get over the shock, get your head and your emotions together, talk to the right doctors, and make the decisions that will be right for you long-term, not just in the moment.
Please keep posting, and ask us any questions at all.
Traci0 -
radiation
you should not lose your hair with radiation. radiation makes you tired the best way to control that is to walk, and rest if your body is telling you to. you have to listen to your body. My name is Joann I had stage 3 ductal cancer hers 2 postitive i had a tumor 3 centimeters long and one was 5 centimeters long I went through chemo and radiation. you will be find know that you are strong a tuff and think positive.I know you are scared but know that God does not give u anything u cannot handle.0 -
Hi Shadow and welcome to the
Hi Shadow and welcome to the boards. I was dx in april with infiltrating ductile carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy. I am currently in chemo. I had 2 nodes positive for cancer. I am also her2 positive. I was going to have the mammosite rads, but when they found the nodes positive that all changed for me. If they can do this type of treatment for you, its very good. It does not take as many days to complete. I was told I would only go for 5 days twice a day. Now I will have to go 6 weeks everyday. As far as chemo goes. Yes it is scary, but doable. There is good drugs out there should you have a side effect. Yes, you can have a lumpectomy without chemo. It will all depend on what you surgeon finds or does not find. There is alot of women who have not had to have chemo. I lost my hair on day 14 of chemo. Again doable. Its all doable because it has to be. I was as scared as you are. The waiting, the not understanding. Take someone with you to your doctors visits. I had a friend join me and my husband for every visit. She took notes for me. It helps to have notes because you will forget or not hear everything they say. Its horrible when you first find out you have cancer and then wonder whats next, and your mind goes crazy. Just take one day at a time. Its normal to be in shock, and scared. We have all been there. Just remember we are here for you.0 -
take a deep breath...
Hi shadow, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I too am stage 2 IDC. I had 2 lymph nodes involved.
My advice... get a notebook.... write down all questions and concerns you have. So when you go to your appts you don't forget to ask the questions you wanted to ask and so you can write notes on what they are telling you. This is a very overwhelming time and so much info is thrown at you.
Yes... chemo is very scary. I remember my first treatment I cried through the first half of it. I had 8 treatments. Lost all my hair.. My kids, 7,4,and 2, laughed the first time they saw me bald and my 4 year old thinks its weird I wear fake eye lashes everyday.
You will make it through... its the scariest thing.. heck I think I am still in shock and its been 7 months.. We just don't expect to hear we have breast cancer at young ages..0 -
a second opinion helpse_hope said:take a deep breath...
Hi shadow, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I too am stage 2 IDC. I had 2 lymph nodes involved.
My advice... get a notebook.... write down all questions and concerns you have. So when you go to your appts you don't forget to ask the questions you wanted to ask and so you can write notes on what they are telling you. This is a very overwhelming time and so much info is thrown at you.
Yes... chemo is very scary. I remember my first treatment I cried through the first half of it. I had 8 treatments. Lost all my hair.. My kids, 7,4,and 2, laughed the first time they saw me bald and my 4 year old thinks its weird I wear fake eye lashes everyday.
You will make it through... its the scariest thing.. heck I think I am still in shock and its been 7 months.. We just don't expect to hear we have breast cancer at young ages..
I was diagnosed on 8/19 with IDC and had a similar "rush" situation with the doc. Its been really helpful for me to slow down and get a second opinion. Althougth the diagnosis didn't change (despite my every hope!!!), I absorbed the information much better hearing it a second time and feel better in control having a choice - not only of treatments but of treatment team.
I'll be thinking of you!0 -
How ?TraciInLA said:Slow down and breathe
Shadow, I'm 40, and was also diagnosed after my first baseline mammogram, earlier this year -- no symptoms or concerns, just okay, time to have your first mammogram, and then WHAM, guess what, you have cancer!
That was 4 months ago -- since then, I've had lumpectomies in both breasts, and am currently halfway through chemo. I'm doing okay, and you will too. Even if you have to do chemo, please know that it's nothing like it used to be, like you see in movies -- many of us continue to work during chemo, and there are so many drugs now to help us get through it.
Shadow, please, please, slow down, take a breath, and don't rush into anything. You need to meet with a surgeon and an oncologist -- the radiologist isn't the best person to be advising you on your treatment decisions and next steps.
I know -- man, do I know -- how hard the waiting is, but you really need to give yourself a little time to get over the shock, get your head and your emotions together, talk to the right doctors, and make the decisions that will be right for you long-term, not just in the moment.
Please keep posting, and ask us any questions at all.
Traci
I was able to get an apt. to meet with the surgeon on Wed. at 0930 am.
I cannot sleep , when I do all I do is "think" in my sleep and end up waking up every 5 min. I am so stressed I am having chest pains and ache all over , I cannot think straight or hardly talk. My Husband is going to go with me and is being very supportive, which Im thankful for but honestly right now nothing helps . Ive been trying to take deep breaths and slowly exhale and its not working, I try to do things to take my mind off of it and nothing. But this not sleeping good is taking its toll. This all started on Thurs.
I will take a list of questions with me , cause trust me I know I wont be able to ask a single one without it ....0 -
Advice
When I was first diagnosed and terrified out of my mind, I asked a friend of mine how she had handled it when she found out about hers. Her advice calmed me down enough to ask the right questions of the doctors and take my first baby step to face what I had ahead of me. She said "First you breathe". It helped me a lot. I know its a line from something because I had heard it before, but in this context it became my mantra every time I got scared.
God Bless you!
Pat0 -
Talk to your doc about your anxietyshadow1970 said:How ?
I was able to get an apt. to meet with the surgeon on Wed. at 0930 am.
I cannot sleep , when I do all I do is "think" in my sleep and end up waking up every 5 min. I am so stressed I am having chest pains and ache all over , I cannot think straight or hardly talk. My Husband is going to go with me and is being very supportive, which Im thankful for but honestly right now nothing helps . Ive been trying to take deep breaths and slowly exhale and its not working, I try to do things to take my mind off of it and nothing. But this not sleeping good is taking its toll. This all started on Thurs.
I will take a list of questions with me , cause trust me I know I wont be able to ask a single one without it ....
Hi Shadow,
This time is stressful enough without lack of sleep. Let your doctor know you need something mild to help you sleep. I found a natural suppliment that worked for me but don't suffer with this. We have all been where you are now and got through it. You will, too. However, you need your rest so please ask for help.
Roseann0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.6K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 308 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 395 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 791 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 234 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 56 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.4K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 534 Sarcoma
- 719 Skin Cancer
- 646 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards