New diagnosis, new to this community
I've lost 2 people I love to cancer. My sister was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with secondary tumors in her leg and brain in 2001 & died that same year. Then my husband's mom was diagnosed with a grade 4 GBM (brain cancer) in May 2006 and died on February 1 of 2007. I'm sorry to saynthat I don't personally know anyone who has won their fight against cancer. Rationally I KNOW that people beat it every day, but it's scary to look around at easily half a dozen (or more) people in my immediate family and friends and acquaintances who have died from cancer. I'm here because I need to meet and see survivors. I need to know it's a fight that can be won.
Comments
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Hi Jennifer, Welcome
Sorry you're here, but you've come to the right place. I was diagnosed with Stage 3, Grade 3, IDC last November. I had 2 surgeries in Dec.--lumpectomy and axillary node dissection--10 out of 23 lymph nodes were positive. Needless to say, I was terrified and never thought I'd have another day of peace in my life. I finished chemo on May 6th (TAC) and have had 24 out of 35 radiation treatments. I did not have a family history of this disease and it was quite an unpleasant surprise. Even though it's so scary and the future is uncertain, I know there are many survivors on this discussion board and I love to hear their stories. It makes me feel hopeful and gives me strength and courage. Even though I still have days of uncertainty and fear, they are getting fewer.
Good luck and many prayers on your upcoming surgery. Try to stay positive and think positive thoughts. I did not know how strong I was until this, and I'll bet you're stronger than you think also.
Stop by here often--it's helped me so much.
Hugs, Renee0 -
Hi. As it has already beenmissrenee said:Hi Jennifer, Welcome
Sorry you're here, but you've come to the right place. I was diagnosed with Stage 3, Grade 3, IDC last November. I had 2 surgeries in Dec.--lumpectomy and axillary node dissection--10 out of 23 lymph nodes were positive. Needless to say, I was terrified and never thought I'd have another day of peace in my life. I finished chemo on May 6th (TAC) and have had 24 out of 35 radiation treatments. I did not have a family history of this disease and it was quite an unpleasant surprise. Even though it's so scary and the future is uncertain, I know there are many survivors on this discussion board and I love to hear their stories. It makes me feel hopeful and gives me strength and courage. Even though I still have days of uncertainty and fear, they are getting fewer.
Good luck and many prayers on your upcoming surgery. Try to stay positive and think positive thoughts. I did not know how strong I was until this, and I'll bet you're stronger than you think also.
Stop by here often--it's helped me so much.
Hugs, Renee
Hi. As it has already been said, I'm sorry you are here but you are definitely in the right place. There are so many wonderful people who are willing to help and be there. There is no question too small, no fear that is considered silly and I truly don't know where I would have gotten all the information and support right from chemo to rads to Femara. ( I was scared of it all). Please know how much we care and welcome.0 -
Welcome Jennifer
But definitely sorry to meet you here. You're only a few years older than my daughter. I was dx in May but I'm 61. I'm also the 5th in my family. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You've come to a wonderful group though. You can ask anything and you'll have lots of support.
Char0 -
Welcome
Hi Jennifer! Like everyone else I'm sorry you're hear but glad you found us so quickly (wish I had!) There is a wealth of info on this site and lots of caring people willing to share. If you're looking for survivors, there are plenty of us. I was dx 2 1/2 years ago and have lived to tell the tale! I also have two friends that have survived over 10 years. You will have difficult times ahead but you will make it thru and you will have plenty of support from us. Any questions you have, someone here will have an answer for you.
Take care and stay positive. Hugs, Sally0 -
good news /bad newsMiss Murphy said:Welcome
Hi Jennifer! Like everyone else I'm sorry you're hear but glad you found us so quickly (wish I had!) There is a wealth of info on this site and lots of caring people willing to share. If you're looking for survivors, there are plenty of us. I was dx 2 1/2 years ago and have lived to tell the tale! I also have two friends that have survived over 10 years. You will have difficult times ahead but you will make it thru and you will have plenty of support from us. Any questions you have, someone here will have an answer for you.
Take care and stay positive. Hugs, Sally
this is my second primary cancer. I was diagnosed at age 34. was well for 16 years and got diagnosed in the other breast. two different cancers. My friend has survived for 20 years. with a 5cm tumor and 2 positive lymph nodes. She got married and had two children afterwards. I know many people who are surviving living great lives and are happy.0 -
Welcome Jennifer
You are in the right place! I'm an 8.5 year survivor. I was 35 when diagnosed. Like you, I had no prior family history of breast cancer.
I know it's scary, but there are LOTS of survivors. I know MANY! I have several friends who are 10, 15 and 24 years survivors. My mom's best friend is also a survivor going on 10 years who was diagnosed with Stage 4 and had several positive lymph nodes!
So...as scary as it is, there is HOPE! Stay focused on the positive and know that you are not alone and you will get through it! One day at a time!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Welcome and so glad you
Welcome and so glad you found us. I had a lumpectomy in March, have finished chemo and start rads tomorrow. I am pretty new here too. There is a wealth of info here, someone always has an answer to any question I have seen ask. I am also the first in my family with BC.This journey is not always easy but it is doable. I did really well with chemo, fatigue was about the worst part of it for me. I have 2 different friends that are survivors, one is an 11 yr. survivor and the other a 20 yr. It is all very overwhelming at first but you can do it! God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice0 -
welcomeBoppy_of_6 said:Welcome and so glad you
Welcome and so glad you found us. I had a lumpectomy in March, have finished chemo and start rads tomorrow. I am pretty new here too. There is a wealth of info here, someone always has an answer to any question I have seen ask. I am also the first in my family with BC.This journey is not always easy but it is doable. I did really well with chemo, fatigue was about the worst part of it for me. I have 2 different friends that are survivors, one is an 11 yr. survivor and the other a 20 yr. It is all very overwhelming at first but you can do it! God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice
so sorry you had to find us this way...but glad you are here....I am new here too....the ladies are wonderful, no question or concern is too small...and everyone is friendly, willing to help/listen....keep coming back, with things as they come up...these ladies will be there for you..0 -
Sorry to hear about your
Sorry to hear about your sister and husbands mother...Now you...but on this board we are all survivors...including you too!!!
Im just recently out of chemo but many on this board have been cancer free for a long time and some have had to deal with it more than once but we are still here...and winning!!!0 -
Hi Jennifer and welcome to
Hi Jennifer and welcome to this site. I am like you in that I experienced immediate family members, dad and husband, dying of cancer. I can without a doubt tell you that there are many, many individuals alive today that have battled breast cancer and they are living fulfilling lives. It's very scary at first because it's all the unknown. Once you have your surgery and treatment underway you'll feel like you are doing something. You are already a survivor along with the rest of us here. Please come here often and ask any questions you have. There is always someone here 24/7. We will encourage and support you throughout your treatments and beyond. Take care.0 -
Welcome
Welcome to the site, and as others have said, sorry you have to be here. That said, this is the best place to be. These ladies (and men) are the most supportive, awesome, group of people on the planet and best of all they've "been there - done that". When you need to vent, or want information, or need to feel scared, this is the place to be.
I was diagnosed in April, 20009 with stage IIIa, grade 2 IDC. Finished chemo (ACT) in 10/09 and radiation in 01/10. Had my six month after treatment mammo the other day and "no evidence of disease". YAY!!!!!
It's no walk in the park and sometimes it sucks, but it's doable. You can get through this with support - and we're here to give you that.
It's overwhelming right now, but you'll get through it and come out on the other side a survivor.
Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help.
marge0 -
Hi Jennifer, Welcome, Sorry
Hi Jennifer, Welcome, Sorry for all your loss. I was also DX with IDC a year ago April. I have had a lumpectomy, Chemo, Rads and am currently doing herceptin, the whole package deal. I can tell you that everything is doable, because it has to be. You will find a lot of support here and it will help you get through. We are here for you. Vent when you need to. Take care.
Kathy0 -
Hi Jen
Please accept my sincerest condolences on such a great loss.
It IS a fight that can be won. We are ALL survivors here so you'll meet many, many wonderful people on this site.
I just read a post from a 20+ year survivor. Be encouraged! Don't lose faith.
I'm 4 years 5 months cancer FREE and it's so very nice to meet you
Blessings,
Sylvia0 -
Hi Jennifer
Hi Jennifer and welcome So sorry you have to be here but you are in a great place (well -in cyberspace that is) and in great company. There are phenomenal ladies (and guys!) on here who will take the time to support, congratulate, and inform you, to answer your questions, so share in your joys and bring you up when you're feeling down. I found this site the night after I was diagnosed (June 16th) and it's been such a great source of information and inspiration. I am 34 years old, have no family history, and found the lump myself. Breast cancer is beatable, I know many many women who are. I had my surgery 11 days ago, today I had surgery to have my chemo port put in, and next Wednesday I have my first of 6 chemo treatments. You CAN do this, and we will be with you every step of the way
*hugs*
Heather0 -
Hi, Jennifer - welcome to
Hi, Jennifer - welcome to this wonderful place - we all wish that we weren't here, of course, but we are - and, in my opinion, it is a place that gives much support & comfort.
I am quite encouraged by the progress in breast cancer treatments and think that we have every reason to be hopeful - and to believe that we can & will win this fight. I lost a sister to breast cancer - she was diagnosed 23 years ago - and I know that treatments have come a long way since then. So I am determined to see this through and survive!
I am glad you found this site at this time in your bc journey. I did not find this until after surgeries & radiation - and I would have so loved to have had this support and information from these sisters earlier this year. But, at 6 mos. post-dx, I still need this support group - I know that I am in a place where we celebrate with others when there is good news and support each other when we need that.
Hope your journey goes as well as possible. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers - and let us know how things go for you.
♥ Lynn ♥0 -
JenniferMNLynn said:Hi, Jennifer - welcome to
Hi, Jennifer - welcome to this wonderful place - we all wish that we weren't here, of course, but we are - and, in my opinion, it is a place that gives much support & comfort.
I am quite encouraged by the progress in breast cancer treatments and think that we have every reason to be hopeful - and to believe that we can & will win this fight. I lost a sister to breast cancer - she was diagnosed 23 years ago - and I know that treatments have come a long way since then. So I am determined to see this through and survive!
I am glad you found this site at this time in your bc journey. I did not find this until after surgeries & radiation - and I would have so loved to have had this support and information from these sisters earlier this year. But, at 6 mos. post-dx, I still need this support group - I know that I am in a place where we celebrate with others when there is good news and support each other when we need that.
Hope your journey goes as well as possible. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers - and let us know how things go for you.
♥ Lynn ♥
Im so glad that you decided to join us here. This is a very wonderful site and you will get to see that you are not alone on this battle. There are many of us who are Survivors! I am one. I am now 37 and was diagnosed at 36. The battle is long and hard and can seem like it will never end. You will have days that you feel like you are going to loose it. Thats when you come here to us and vent away and post whats going on. With each treatment, visit, surgery or whatever else, remember that its one day closer to becoming a warrior and a survivor. It is so so important that you have a support system. My journey was long and hard as everyones here has been. Some are just starting, others celebrating or fighting reoccurence. Know that here you will never be alone and someone can almost always have an answer and put a smile on that tired face. Keep your head up. Welcome to the site.
Take care
Laura0 -
Welcome to this site. This
Welcome to this site. This is a great place for support. I am really sorry about your diagnosis.
I too don't know anyone personally who has won the 'fight' with cancer, in fact seen several people die, one recently. At one point, I was also very afraid, diagnosed with Stage 3A IDC her2+, with other 50% of my breast DCIS, 4 postive nodes, one with a large mass in it. I felt I was teetering on the edge. However this site has been brilliant and helped to put things in perspective, there are many survivors here and others who have been to hell and back and are still putting one foot in front of the other. The women on this site have such courage and are such a source for inspiration and most of all incredibly supportive. I admit, I don't have quite the same fear and really feel that I can overcome the cancer and continue to live life free of it.
Take care and best wishes.0 -
Just saying hi Jennifer andBoppy_of_6 said:Welcome and so glad you
Welcome and so glad you found us. I had a lumpectomy in March, have finished chemo and start rads tomorrow. I am pretty new here too. There is a wealth of info here, someone always has an answer to any question I have seen ask. I am also the first in my family with BC.This journey is not always easy but it is doable. I did really well with chemo, fatigue was about the worst part of it for me. I have 2 different friends that are survivors, one is an 11 yr. survivor and the other a 20 yr. It is all very overwhelming at first but you can do it! God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice
Just saying hi Jennifer and welcoming you to this great site!
Lex♥0
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