Cancer Survivors Network

I just wanted to welcome you, and encourage you to come here often and ask any questions. I also had never thought of joining a message board until I came here (I thought only antisocial computer geeks who live in their parent's basement joined message boards! :-o).

I really admire how proactive you're being -- knowing every step of your treatment plan (you'd be surprised how many women don't), and getting prepared for The Great Hair Loss. And coming here...with everything you have to deal with now, it's just as important to be proactive about marshalling support for yourself.

My diagnosis was very different from yours, but we most definitely have women here who've done TCH chemo, are HER2+, and/or are taking Arimidex....just know that you're in the company now of some great resources and the best support you'll find.

Traci

A little overwhelming is an understatement. Its a whole lot overwhelming. Thats why this site is so great. Hope we can help you through your journey.

Jadie<3

yeah I was new to message boards when I first signed in too. Didn't even post for a year or so but I'm addicted now.

I know overwhelmed too. So post when you can and read when you can't post. Someone is usually here to listen.

I bought a wig but never wore it. It gave me comfort to know I had it just incase I needed it.

Thanks for all the incouragement. I really appreciate it. Just knowing I have such a great support team helps. Wed is my first Chemo. Keep me in your prayers.

Also forgot to mention the 5-6 weeks of Radiation after Chemo. I guess everybody already knows the routine. You get a Lumpectomy you get Radiation.

Like the others - I'm right here with you! My diagnosis was almost the exact same as yours - and with the high Oncotype, I'll be doing chemo too. I will be talking to the oncologist tomorrow to find out when the port will be placed and when therapy will start. And we are on the same regimen TCH + radiation + hormone therapy - so maybe we can compare notes as we go along!

Good luck on your first treatment. I'll be praying for you and sending good vibes your way!

Lori

Welcome, BlownAway. Just wanted to welcome you and let you know we're here for you. I've finished my chemo and am about ready to start rads; hopefully next week. Good luck to you.

Welcome and good luck on your first chemo today. Sounds like you are well prepared. Take good care of yourself. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Marilyn

BlownAway,

Welcome to the forum - you will find much comfort and information here for whatever you are going through. I have been posting here since my diagnosis and it is my "home away from home" and a place where I can talk about whatever is bothering me to people who understand and who have been there.

I had a bilateral mastectomy in August and ended up buying a mastectomy tank top (with fiber fill inserts) two days after my surgery. My husband didn't understand why I wanted to buy it so soon but I told him I wanted something just in case people came over to the house to visit or I was out somewhere. I have been back at work for over a month and most people I work with still don't know I had breast cancer (and that my breasts are gone).

I would like to let you know that it is ok to cry if you need to. I found that I was so busy doing things to get through my surgeries and treatments that I didn't take time to figure out how I was feeling. Things went so fast I didn't slow down until one day I was on the radiation table and just lost it and started to cry very hard. It is overwhelming and you have even more to deal with than some of us with your mother-in-law living with you and needing care. Don't try to do too much by yourself - get some help for your mother-in-law and yourself during this time and rest whenever you are able - your body will thank you for it later.

Take care and post often. Know that you are not alone in your fight.

Wolfi