Newly Diagnosed

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Maize
Maize Member Posts: 76
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My doctor called me today to tell me that the biopsy indicated that I have cancer. I need to make appointment and discuss options. I don't know what to think at this point. The malignant spot is just off the bra line. The doctor is surprised the mammogram was able to pick it up. Thank God it did. Please pray for me.
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  • LC815
    LC815 Member Posts: 155
    #2
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    Welcome, Maize
    Dear Maize,

    What a wonderful thing that you caught your spot so early! I am new, but in the two days I've been on the site, I have felt so connected to the sisters here. I hope you do, too.

    Make your appointment as soon as possible. It's so much better when you have a PLAN! I always felt pro-active and strong when I knew what was going to happen. Like I had one big "to do list" and kept checking things off until I was finished.

    I will be sending you positive energy. Visit here often and you'll feel the love.

    Peace,
    Linda
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537
    #3
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    Hi Maize
    You can bet I will pray for you!!! You will find that you are stronger than you ever knew you were. This cancer stuff is a life changing event, but you have come to the right place for support and encouragement. We have all been where you are now, and I can truly say that you are in the most difficult stage right now. The worst part is not knowing how extensive it is and what the treatment is going to be. I will tell you that I had bilateral mastectomies and 4 months of chemo...I still have herceptin to do until next august and will be in a clinical trial as well along with reconstruction next year. You will get thru it...it is a journey, but life is still good and you will find many moments of peace.

    Hang in there and post often

    Hugs
    Linda T
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #4
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    LC815 said:

    Welcome, Maize
    Dear Maize,

    What a wonderful thing that you caught your spot so early! I am new, but in the two days I've been on the site, I have felt so connected to the sisters here. I hope you do, too.

    Make your appointment as soon as possible. It's so much better when you have a PLAN! I always felt pro-active and strong when I knew what was going to happen. Like I had one big "to do list" and kept checking things off until I was finished.

    I will be sending you positive energy. Visit here often and you'll feel the love.

    Peace,
    Linda

    Thank you
    Thanks, Linda. I will stay connected. I need the support and information. I don't know what to expect.

    Gratfully,
    Maize
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #5
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    mlmjt1 said:

    Hi Maize
    You can bet I will pray for you!!! You will find that you are stronger than you ever knew you were. This cancer stuff is a life changing event, but you have come to the right place for support and encouragement. We have all been where you are now, and I can truly say that you are in the most difficult stage right now. The worst part is not knowing how extensive it is and what the treatment is going to be. I will tell you that I had bilateral mastectomies and 4 months of chemo...I still have herceptin to do until next august and will be in a clinical trial as well along with reconstruction next year. You will get thru it...it is a journey, but life is still good and you will find many moments of peace.

    Hang in there and post often

    Hugs
    Linda T

    Thanks!
    I already feel better. Thank you so much! It's like I am looking in on someone else's life. It is still so unreal to me. I appreciate each of you sharing yourself with me.

    Maize
  • LC815
    LC815 Member Posts: 155
    #6
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    Maize said:

    Thanks!
    I already feel better. Thank you so much! It's like I am looking in on someone else's life. It is still so unreal to me. I appreciate each of you sharing yourself with me.

    Maize

    Unreal
    I so know how you feel. When I wake up in the morning, there are those few minutes when I don't remember "it."

    You'll be fine. I know that sounds like an oversimplification when dealing with bc, but you will be. You'll have treatment and you will go on with your life. It'll be a "tough row to hoe" for awhile, but we'll be here for you.

    Peace.
    Linda
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #7
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    oh so sorry Maize
    strap on the seatbelts, this is going to be a bumpy ride! But as you will find on these boards, you can do it, and you have a wonderful group of people here to help you along every step of the way!
    Let us know when you get your treatment plan, and take a couple of deep breaths!
    =^..^=
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #8
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    LC815 said:

    Unreal
    I so know how you feel. When I wake up in the morning, there are those few minutes when I don't remember "it."

    You'll be fine. I know that sounds like an oversimplification when dealing with bc, but you will be. You'll have treatment and you will go on with your life. It'll be a "tough row to hoe" for awhile, but we'll be here for you.

    Peace.
    Linda

    What can I say!
    It means a lot to have the encouragement and support from someone who has been there. Thanks!

    Maize
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #9
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    cats_toy said:

    oh so sorry Maize
    strap on the seatbelts, this is going to be a bumpy ride! But as you will find on these boards, you can do it, and you have a wonderful group of people here to help you along every step of the way!
    Let us know when you get your treatment plan, and take a couple of deep breaths!
    =^..^=

    I will!
    Logging on here is the 1st thing I did this morning after taking my dogs outside. I am preparing myself for the ride so my seatbelt is on. I am waiting for the doctor's office to oppen so I can call for an appointment. I am retired, but work three hours, three days a week. I aam wondering if I will have to give up this job.
    Thanks!

    Maize
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #10
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    Welcome, Maize. Just wanted
    Welcome, Maize. Just wanted to let you know that we are here for you and will help you get through this time in your life. There are many of us on this board currently going through treatments and several that have completed treatments and are here to help the rest of us. Ask any questions you have and one of us has "been there, done that" and will get back with you.
  • LC815
    LC815 Member Posts: 155
    #11
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    Maize said:

    I will!
    Logging on here is the 1st thing I did this morning after taking my dogs outside. I am preparing myself for the ride so my seatbelt is on. I am waiting for the doctor's office to oppen so I can call for an appointment. I am retired, but work three hours, three days a week. I aam wondering if I will have to give up this job.
    Thanks!

    Maize

    Work
    If your employers are flexible, you'll be able to schedule "things" around your schedule. One step at a time, though, love. Take care of yourself first!!

    Peace,
    Linda
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    #12
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    Welcome Maize,
    sorry that you have to be here. I am saying a prayer for you now!
    Keep us posted on things-we are here for you!
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
    #13
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    outdoorgirl said:

    Welcome Maize,
    sorry that you have to be here. I am saying a prayer for you now!
    Keep us posted on things-we are here for you!

    Dear Maize
    Sorry, girl, that you have to be here with the rest of us but you will feel welcome and comforted here. If you have to deal with all this you have found the best place to be. Prayers are already being sent upward for you. The roller coaster ride will be fast and furious for a little while, then with any luck, the ride will settle down and coast along. Let us know how you're doing all along the way. Much love.
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #14
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    Maize said:

    I will!
    Logging on here is the 1st thing I did this morning after taking my dogs outside. I am preparing myself for the ride so my seatbelt is on. I am waiting for the doctor's office to oppen so I can call for an appointment. I am retired, but work three hours, three days a week. I aam wondering if I will have to give up this job.
    Thanks!

    Maize

    treatments and working..
    we all react differently to treatment, and there are a number of different "chemo cocktails" that can be give for you, if at all. I was able to work throughout chemo (4 rounds A/C and 4 rounds Taxol), and continued through radiation too. The only days I took off were my infusion days because it takes a number of hours. What you do for your work could also be a consideration. You should know more after you have spoken with your docs and found out your treatment. Let us know after you talk with your doc
    =^..^=
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #15
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    Maize
    So glad you found this site so early.

    I vividly remember that feeling of shock you're describing. I got the call from the pathologist on September 2nd when I was at work. I told my boss right away, and he said "you're going home, now." I have been very blessed to have a lot of support here at work as well as among my family and friends, but I didn't find this site until a month or so after my initial diagnosis. I'm sure it would have been an immense help to get all of this first-hand information so quickly - I know I was starving for information, especially at first.

    One thing I realized only gradually that might have been helpful for me to know right away was that you may need to wait a lot more than you think you should have to. For me, I had to wait first to get results from an MRI, then another mammogram and ultrasound, to be followed by meeting my surgeon, a 2nd MRI, another 2 needle biopsies just to be able to plan for the surgey (in my case I opted for the lumpectomy with radiation) on October 12th. I'm still waiting on the results of one more test to decide whether to do chemo, and since if I DO need the chemo they will want to start that first, I still haven't been able to schedule the radiation that I know I'll need eventually. I know all of the waiting has been for a good reason, usually to confirm or rule out what exactly we're dealing with, but it has been taking a LOT more time than I anticipated. I thought I'd be able to get all of my treatments out of the way by the end of the year and start 2010 fresh! Not so much.

    I will definitely pray for you, and I'm sure you will be fine. There is a lot to absorb, but you've come to the right place to learn, vent, and share.

    Welcome to the club nobody wants to belong to!

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #16
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    Maize, I am so sorry about
    Maize, I am so sorry about your news. But thankfully it sounds like it was caught early. Welcome to this site, we are all here to support you and to share our experiences with you.

    I know this is a scary time, but try and stay strong and think positive. The brain is very powerful and can direct the body. Bring someone w/you to your appointments so he/she can write things down for you. You will be ok. Keep us posted, ok?
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #17
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    Maize, I am so sorry about
    Maize, I am so sorry about your news. But thankfully it sounds like it was caught early. Welcome to this site, we are all here to support you and to share our experiences with you.

    I know this is a scary time, but try and stay strong and think positive. The brain is very powerful and can direct the body. Bring someone w/you to your appointments so he/she can write things down for you. You will be ok. Keep us posted, ok?
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #18
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    cindycflynn said:

    Maize
    So glad you found this site so early.

    I vividly remember that feeling of shock you're describing. I got the call from the pathologist on September 2nd when I was at work. I told my boss right away, and he said "you're going home, now." I have been very blessed to have a lot of support here at work as well as among my family and friends, but I didn't find this site until a month or so after my initial diagnosis. I'm sure it would have been an immense help to get all of this first-hand information so quickly - I know I was starving for information, especially at first.

    One thing I realized only gradually that might have been helpful for me to know right away was that you may need to wait a lot more than you think you should have to. For me, I had to wait first to get results from an MRI, then another mammogram and ultrasound, to be followed by meeting my surgeon, a 2nd MRI, another 2 needle biopsies just to be able to plan for the surgey (in my case I opted for the lumpectomy with radiation) on October 12th. I'm still waiting on the results of one more test to decide whether to do chemo, and since if I DO need the chemo they will want to start that first, I still haven't been able to schedule the radiation that I know I'll need eventually. I know all of the waiting has been for a good reason, usually to confirm or rule out what exactly we're dealing with, but it has been taking a LOT more time than I anticipated. I thought I'd be able to get all of my treatments out of the way by the end of the year and start 2010 fresh! Not so much.

    I will definitely pray for you, and I'm sure you will be fine. There is a lot to absorb, but you've come to the right place to learn, vent, and share.

    Welcome to the club nobody wants to belong to!

    Take care,
    Cindy

    Thanks to everyone!!!
    Well, I went to the doctor yesterday and he drew lines on my breast and discussed the different options:) He scheduled an appointment with an oncologist/radiologist for a consult. It is not until 11/30. I will have an MRI Thursday.

    Cindy, you are right. I am surprised by the waiting. I was ready to get it over with. Now someone has me fearing radiation. I was told it could damage my heart and other organs...The doctor is concerned because my lump is not shaped like a lump...the MRI should give more definitive information----I pray. Family and friends have been wonderful. My son is scared to death. I worry about him more than myself. It is 31, but an unmarried, only child.

    I thank God I found this place and have each of you to support me and share your stories. I believe the shock is wearing off and the fear is rising.

    I have not signed in in a few days. I read each comment, but did not comment on them individually. You guys mean a lot to me.

    Mary
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #19
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    Eil4186 said:

    Maize, I am so sorry about
    Maize, I am so sorry about your news. But thankfully it sounds like it was caught early. Welcome to this site, we are all here to support you and to share our experiences with you.

    I know this is a scary time, but try and stay strong and think positive. The brain is very powerful and can direct the body. Bring someone w/you to your appointments so he/she can write things down for you. You will be ok. Keep us posted, ok?

    Thanks!
    Thanks, I will. You are right.

    Mary
  • always
    always Member Posts: 256
    #20
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    Maize said:

    Thanks!
    Thanks, I will. You are right.

    Mary

    welcome
    Mary,

    You have found the best of resources. The waiting is rough. But there is nothing in this process you can't get through. You have family and freinds. You have this board and I guarantee the sisters here can hold you up, they are awesome. I wish you didn't need to be here...but I am glad you found it. I was told earyl on to read and not feel like I needed to respond. There are days when reading is all we can do. Ask questions, come often, keep people informed- the answers will come. Make tons of notes and write down everything the onc tells you. Best wishes and prayers for patience and peace while you await the beginning of this journey.

    becky
  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #21
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    Hi Maize
    The waiting is the hardest part. I know you'll be ok. It's very scary at first. I'm on chemo now then a lumpectomy. My tumors cannot be felt anymore after 3 treatments, I'm relieved about that, they were 3 cm. Alot can be done about bc nowdays. Prayers to you during this time.

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