Cancer Survivors Network

I'm not sure about my treatment plan yet. I think I'll find out after my MRI next Tuesday. I was hoping I could go through this and not broadcast it at work, but with chemo it seems I will lose my hair. Then, I guess it won't be any hair to sew into so...And yes you are young and I hope you continue to progress well!

Thanks so much for your support. I think I'm still in shock. I reacted more before I actually received the news. I don't want to get depressed because my parents will be depressed enough for me. I think because I teach special education I can remain very calm when most people would panic. Thanks again-

Hi, I plan to get it cut short after I meet with the plastic surgeon next week, then I'll get my wig cut the same way. My husband keeps telling me I may not even need chemo, but this will be my excuse for a trendy short haircut! Thank you for your support!

Hopefuly you don't need chemo, however, you are young and most young do. It goes better if you are properly prepared.

My older heart goes out to your young heart and to all of you younger women with bc. I'm so sorry you are here but it just happens to be one of the best support groups around. There are incredible women here, strong courageous and a lot of love and support. All of you have your plate full with being young, working and having a family to take care of. You will find out that this will pull it all together and you'll find out how strong you really are. Again welcome, and keep us posted on how you're doing. Much love.

Hello everyone, I am new here as well. I recently found out that I have BC. I will be going into surgery on Tuesday to do a lumppectomy and check on a few lymph nodes. So far this is my 1st topic I chose to read and I feel so welcomed. My prayers go out to each and everyone of you in my new family!

I recently had a lumpectomy in Oct/09 and they found a small amt of cancer in the lymph nodes. I have to have radiation treatments which I will start the week after Thanksgiving.
I found everyone's prayers very comforting while going through each process. Stay focused and don't let yourself think the worse. It's very important to stay positive and just take one day at a time. Stay strong !

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone else going through this.

My same thought is that I cannot wait to get these germs out of me! I assked yesterday if she scheduled my surgery yet and it was explained it won't be scheduled until after my MRI. So, Dec. 1 is when I go back to my breast specialst. Everything is happening so fast! I can't wait until the summer, wish I could, looks like I'll be taking a longer Christmas break. This past summer I had a TVH!- I am in GA and I teach special education to K-3rd grade students. I am also working on my doctorate (online) which I should complete the end of next summer. I plan to keep on doing everything- Thanks for your support it is really helping.

Welcome to all newcomers! I am a teacher also. My doctors have tried to work around my schedule as much as possible, but I had to tell everyone at school--there was just no way to keep it to myself. I wish everyone good luck on their treatments. My advice---get plenty of rest, eat right, follow doctors instructions, and let others help you.

I'm 45 and just received my diagnosis 12 Nov. Had an MRI guided bx that had some concerning types of cells-not cancer. They recommended local excision of this abnormal tissue. Surgeon and all seemed to think there would be nothing there, so when I got my biopsy results back, I was devastated. Nevertheless, the news, if it can be good so far, is. Very small tumor, the proverbial "needle in a haystack" at the lowest end of staging. No ER/PR results back yet. Still have to have sentinal node biopsy (scheduled for 25 Nov). Very nervous now, even though everyone says the percentages are in my favor. They were supposed to be for the tissue biopsy too, but I have cancer! Have already seen radiation oncology and am prayerful that at the end of this road, all I will need is a course of radiation. No further surgical excision is necessary at this point. Also had BRAC1/2 test drawn based on rad oncologist recommendation. Very remote possibility, but will certainly change my decision making process w/regard to more radical treatment such as mastectomy.
I too have been reading on this discussion board...some of the stuff scared the stuffing out of me! I started to imagine the worst case scenario (i think most of us do this anyway!).
Anyway, will be coming back often as I begin this unwanted journey...i'm sorry that others are in the same boat that I am, but also good to hear that I'm not alone in my fears and concerns.

Yes your words are very reassuring. I didn't realize you could have a masectomy and not receive chemo or radiation. I guess it depends on the person and the cancer. I can't wait to receive my treatment plan. I think I will feel a whole lot better. I am trying to remain positive because my poor husband doesn't know what to say right now-

SOmetimes feelings and fears need to be talked about, My family and friends do not allow me to talk about feelings and concerns either. Cancer care counsler for free professional counseling 800-813-4673. They aloow you to talk about our grim fears and aloow us to face reality. It made me feel better, try them,

Hi All,

I am oldie at 59 but am definately young at heart. I'm so sorry you lovely young women are dealing with this. The treatments will be done before you know it but our biggest challenge (long term) is dealing with the fear that pops up from time to time. I have developed a system for dealing with it so it doesn't "get" me. I have found guided meditation helps me get control of the "crazies". You can find CDs on the internet and in bookstores. I also recommend asking for help when you need it if you have difficulty sleeping or have symptoms of depression. Fortunately, meditating (not medicating) myself to sleep worked for me but everyone is different.

Do something nice for yourself whenever you can. When friends ask what they can do for you, tell them. Have them make meals for you and your family while you're getting chemo, ask them to take you to treatments and sit with you, they can help with laundry and house cleaning. Let them help! It is a gift to them as well as to you. Many of us with BC have a history of putting the needs of others before our own and that needs to stop NOW. We matter, too. For me, the bravest thing I ever did was to ask for and accepting help from those who love me. I was exclusively the giver until BC. My relationships are better and closer because of it.

Hugs.

Roseann

And, by asking for help, it just makes you stronger...not weaker, like I thought...

I don't know what I would have done without my support team...

Hugs, Kathi

Thanks to everyone I didn't personally respond to for your support! Here is my HUG back at you! I am taking notes-

Welcome. I know you don't want to be here. You will however find strength beyond measure here. Compassion and understanding that brings peace when it is greatly needed. Like many women I am not one to seek help...but the one who usually offers it. This is a forum where you will find so joy in seeking help and in doing so find strength you never knew. But remember in the process that those who are around you daily...at home, work, church, school they are on this journey with you. All they can do is help, if you let them. Ask! It is healing for all to stay connected. That is why this site works...the connection. Try to allow it in person as well. They may not help the way you want or always know what to say. But don't avoid asking or receiving.
becky

WOW, thanks Roseann for your words here! (and everyone else)...right now, this is my greatest challenge. Professionally, I am a nurse (ICU) and have ALWAYS been the one to take care of people, at work and at home. I don't know how to ask or accept gracious offers of help. My sister arrives today to be w/me for my sentinal node biopsy on 25 Nov...she's giving up Thanksgiving w/her family for me! I really hate that and am touched by it as well.

I'm still early in the diagnosic stage, but have been emotionally overwhelmed. I even find it difficult to discuss a good prognosis here on this site in the light of others that are so much worse than mine. I feel guilty for still being so scared! Rationally, i know i still have the same fears to deal with...as well as that long term worry that will be with me forever. Right now, I can't help but feel that I should be not as worried and therefore not be so tearful.

Ok I have officially found my 2nd family right here! You all are the best! Even so, I will be a nervous wreck until December 1 when I hear my treatment plan. I don't mind the masectomy,, I just want it over too so I can continue my life, but better. Right now, I am actually feeling better about everything because I am always expecting the worst, but now I will expect the best. Thanks!

I am happy for you that ypu may not needs rads or chemo, I'll pray for you!

Wishing you good luck with your surgery on the 15th Rene!

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

Welcome walker to the site noone wants to join. You will find a lot of support here and lots of encouragement. Post and let us know how you are doing. Good luck with your treatment.

Hugs, Diane ♥

Thanks, Diane! I just got home from the port surgery and it went fine. I woke up while they were finishing, but that was planned because they asked me questions. It didn't hurt at all. I did have some trouble taking a deep breath...like my ribs hurt, but that's a bit better now. Left arm is a little sore, but assuming that is all normal. Overall, doing pretty good. I was given a prescription for Vicodin in case I need it. Not yet, but maybe in a while I will be sore...maybe not.

Thank you for your thoughts! Kathy