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Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 15, 2009 - 10:02pm

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.

LC815

Posts: 156
Joined: Oct 2009

November 15, 2009 - 10:09pm

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

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 15, 2009 - 10:15pm

Thank you

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

Gratfully,
Maize

mlmjt1

Posts: 540
Joined: Jul 2009

November 15, 2009 - 10:14pm

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

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 15, 2009 - 10:18pm

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

Posts: 156
Joined: Oct 2009

November 15, 2009 - 11:11pm

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

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 16, 2009 - 8:17am

What can I say!

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

Maize

cats_toy

Posts: 1471
Joined: Feb 2009

November 15, 2009 - 11:27pm

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

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 16, 2009 - 8:22am

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

LC815

Posts: 156
Joined: Oct 2009

November 16, 2009 - 8:25am

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

cats_toy

Posts: 1471
Joined: Feb 2009

November 16, 2009 - 4:09pm

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
=^..^=

MyTurnNow

Posts: 2644
Joined: Aug 2009

November 16, 2009 - 8:23am

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.

outdoorgirl

Posts: 1584
Joined: Mar 2009

November 16, 2009 - 9:44am

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

Posts: 772
Joined: Oct 2009

November 16, 2009 - 3:48pm

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.

cindycflynn

Posts: 1138
Joined: Oct 2009

November 16, 2009 - 4:33pm

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

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 12:28am

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

cindycflynn

Posts: 1138
Joined: Oct 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:25pm

I had a similar story about radiation

A dear aunt of mine had radiation for DCIS many years ago and sent me a frightening e-mail about the possible side effects, including heart damage.

One thing I learned from reading and joining in the discussions here is that they are making very rapid advances in treatments to reduce some of the side effects and other risks that earlier patients suffered.

When I finally met with my radiation oncologist on Tuesday, he told me that the angle they will use for my radiation will not affect my heart at all, although my right lung will get a bit of it. They will monitor, and he said that most of the side effects to my lungs should be temporary.

I know you're still absorbing so much right now, so try not to get too worried or upset if you hear scary stories. If you do get scared, as we all do, you can always come here to check facts or just vent with people who really understand.

Take care,
Cindy

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 11:59pm

Cindy

Thank you so much! I will have the same talk with my radiation oncologist. This board is so valuable.

Thanks and God Bless,

Maize

Eil4186

Posts: 976
Joined: Dec 2007

November 16, 2009 - 5:39pm

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

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 12:29am

Thanks!

Thanks, I will. You are right.

Mary

always

Posts: 257
Joined: Oct 2009

November 18, 2009 - 6:23am

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

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:00pm

Thanks!

I want to respond, but you are right. Sometimes, all you can do is read and ponder. Everyone has been so good to me.

Mary

Eil4186

Posts: 976
Joined: Dec 2007

November 16, 2009 - 5:39pm

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.

laurissa

Posts: 774
Joined: Sep 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:29am

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.

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:03pm

Good news for you!

I am glad to hear positive news. They believe mine is qpprox. 1.6 centimeter. ?The MRI will tell more.

Thank you are I will keep each of you in my prayers.

Maize or Mary:)

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:03pm

Good news for you!

I am glad to hear positive news. They believe mine is qpprox. 1.6 centimeter. ?The MRI will tell more.

Thank you are I will keep each of you in my prayers.

Maize or Mary:)

brenda247

Posts: 124
Joined: Apr 2009

November 18, 2009 - 9:16am

early

glad to hear that you caught it early.. i have been on here for bout 6 months and these people are just wonderful.. BE STRONG!! we are here for you!!

prayers & hugs going your way!!

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:05pm

Thanks!

I am blessed to have found this site.

blazytracy

Posts: 158
Joined: Sep 2009

November 18, 2009 - 10:02am

Welcome Maize!

You are definitely not alone on this wonderful site! Many, many wonderful girls here to help you through every aspect of your treatment..I just joined not long ago, had my masectomy and have just finished my first chemo! I was diagnosed with Grade II, Stage III Metastatic with 11 lymph nodes malignant.

I am no expert yet for sure, but what has helped me is getting the book Dr. Susan Love's "The Breast Book" It answers every question that you may have! Serious! I was needing instant information and that book really helped me out alot! Check it out..

Keep us updated and we will help you through as much as we can for sure. My prayers are with you and everyone else here on this site. We are all in this together..

Tracy

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:09pm

I will.

Thank you, I will go to the book store tomorrow and pick it up.

MARY

LC815

Posts: 156
Joined: Oct 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:17pm

Book

I LOVED Barbara Delinsky's book "Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors" (or something close to that). It's a book with insight and hints -- kind of like this site!! Delinsky is a fiction writer that battled breast cancer and has solicited input from thousands of BC survivors LIKE US.

Read with hope . . .
Linad

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 19, 2009 - 12:03am

Thanks, Linda, I will add it

Thanks, Linda, I will add it to my list and look for it tomorrow.

Taina

Posts: 166
Joined: Jun 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:23pm

welcome

Hi, Maize.
I was Dx in June 2009, had a lumpectomy, 4 chemo tx's, radiation #30 which will end Friday and will start sometime next month taking Tamoxifen.
This is a great place to communicate with others that know exactly how we feel and things others have gone thru. And if you don't want to share all you need is to read the comments from others. While i was going thru surgery and chemo tx's i was not able to sleep much so this was great...i read and read...
***set up your appt and make sure you take someone with you***
keep us updated and if there anything i can help let me know...
I will be praying for you and your family.

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 19, 2009 - 12:04am

Thank you, Taina

ppurdin

Posts: 836
Joined: Jul 2009

November 18, 2009 - 8:30pm

Welcome Maize.

Hi,I am sorry about your Dignoises.But you came to the right place.I know how you feel,your mind is probley racing and your scared.The sisters on this site are wonderful.I don,t know what I would do without this sight.I will Pray for you,hang in their.It will be ok.Please feel welcome to this sight.Please keep us posted on how things are going.Love and Prayers.(Pat).

Sher43009

Posts: 601
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 9:53pm

Hi Maize Sorry you have to

Hi Maize

Sorry you have to join this club, but you're in good hands. I had a lumpectomy 2+cm and look fine. I agree the waiting was the hardest part. I called it my "world of I don't know". Another great website that helped me is www.thecancercrusade.com. It's got great tips on getting through this journey. Also has The Survivor Movie. I watch it a lot.

Sher

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 19, 2009 - 12:05am

I will. Thank you1

Angel_4_James

Posts: 73
Joined: Nov 2009

November 18, 2009 - 11:13pm

Me too.............

Hi Mazie,

I have just gone thought this too. Oct. 13th I had a biopsy done and the 14th told I had cancer. Mine was caught early too, it was about 2cm. Everything went really fast for me. I had a lumpectomy on the 29th of Oct. With good results and qucik healing. So I will be praying that you recieve a qucik trun around too.

Because of the cancer in my family I will be going through the chemo starting in Jan sometime and then the radiation following that. So just be prepared mentally for what the Doctors will tell you and pray that they will be guided to by God to do what is needed for YOUR body.

God bless,
Angel_4_James

Maize

Posts: 76
Joined: Nov 2009

November 19, 2009 - 12:08am

I am glad you are healing

I am glad you are healing well. Our stories are similar. Thanks for sharing...It helps to prepare me a uch as one can be prepared for something like this.

Thanks, God's blessings to nyou.

Maize

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