48 hrs since diagnosed

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Chefrox
Chefrox Member Posts: 32
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
OMG....I'm scared...no idea how long I have had this...it's big and was told for years it was just a cyst..I watched my son die of Melanoma 5 1/2 yrs ago...took 93 days...if it has made it to stage 4 is there hope or do I start planning the end? I see a Breast Cancer Specialist the 22nd ..I have had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy...I'm a few days from 58th b-day...I'm in a horrible marriage and my only happiness is that I started back college to be a Dietary Manager which seems impossible now...

Any words or thoughts right now would be appreciated.....

Chef Rox

Comments

  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
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    Welcome Chef Rox
    It is always the scariest in the beginning. take a deep breath everything will be fine. My tumor was also large. By the time I finished chemo they couldn't even find it!! The surgeon told me I had it for about 5 years and didn't know. Mine was Inflammatory breast cancer. I have had chemo, surgery was on Nov 1. Now I have Radiation to do. So try not to upset your self to much. Knowledge will make you feel better and you will find that here. Read back post and check out the blue box on the left side of this page Marked cancer.org there is a wealth of information there. We will all be with you all the way through your journey. Anything you want to ask we are here. Any help we can give you. You got it.. It is a long road but your not alone you just got about 5000 sisters that all have done this or are going through it now. We all want to help you. Take care Kay
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
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    Welcome Chef Rox
    It is always the scariest in the beginning. take a deep breath everything will be fine. My tumor was also large. By the time I finished chemo they couldn't even find it!! The surgeon told me I had it for about 5 years and didn't know. Mine was Inflammatory breast cancer. I have had chemo, surgery was on Nov 1. Now I have Radiation to do. So try not to upset your self to much. Knowledge will make you feel better and you will find that here. Read back post and check out the blue box on the left side of this page Marked cancer.org there is a wealth of information there. We will all be with you all the way through your journey. Anything you want to ask we are here. Any help we can give you. You got it.. It is a long road but your not alone you just got about 5000 sisters that all have done this or are going through it now. We all want to help you. Take care Kay

    I was 58 when diagnosed almost 2 years ago.
    Chef Rox,
    I'm very sorry about your diagnosis. Kay is right about taking a deep breath and do that whenever you start to panic. I know someone who had an 8 cmm lobular tumor which had not spread to her lymph nodes. Don't let the size alone terrify you.

    No matter the stage of your bc, there is a lot they can do so don't think you can't finish school and have your dreams. You will have surgery, maybe chemo and radiation and maybe even hormone theropy pills for 5 years (that will depend on the type of bc you have). Many of us have gone down that path and are still here and living good lives.

    I'm very happy to hear that you are in school. Having goals and plans are very healing.

    Be sure to get plenty of rest so if you can't sleep, ask you doctor for something to help.
    We'll be here for you every step of the way so come back often. Hugs.

    Roseann
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
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    roseann4 said:

    I was 58 when diagnosed almost 2 years ago.
    Chef Rox,
    I'm very sorry about your diagnosis. Kay is right about taking a deep breath and do that whenever you start to panic. I know someone who had an 8 cmm lobular tumor which had not spread to her lymph nodes. Don't let the size alone terrify you.

    No matter the stage of your bc, there is a lot they can do so don't think you can't finish school and have your dreams. You will have surgery, maybe chemo and radiation and maybe even hormone theropy pills for 5 years (that will depend on the type of bc you have). Many of us have gone down that path and are still here and living good lives.

    I'm very happy to hear that you are in school. Having goals and plans are very healing.

    Be sure to get plenty of rest so if you can't sleep, ask you doctor for something to help.
    We'll be here for you every step of the way so come back often. Hugs.

    Roseann

    Oh Chef Rox
    My heart goes out to you. Losing your son is an unimaginable tragedy. Now you are scared for yourself and I don't blame you, but like others have said, take a deep breathe and try hard to think positive. We are all here for you and I'm sure that you know, having a fighting attitude will help get you through this.
    Please keep us posted and God Bless.
    Wanda
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
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    Chef Rox,
    I know how scary &

    Chef Rox,
    I know how scary & confusing it is in the beginning. We are a group of very strong warriors here, fighters and survivors. And I'm so glad that you've found us-we're here for you. Breast cancer is very fightable -do you have any information on your pathology yet? Do not start planning for the end! This is in all probability just a speed bump in the road of your life. You will find your inner strength in abundance as you fight this - and we will be here every step of the way with advice, information, encouragement, love and hugs. My fight with cancer started in June of this year -it has been 5 months - my Oncologist officially declared me in remission 3 weeks ago. Since June I've had a mammo, ultrasound, core biopsy, Bi-lateral mastectomy, tissue expanders placed for reconstruction, fills on my tissue expanders every 2 weeks, surgery for a chemo port placed under my skin, chemotherapy on the opposite weeks, again evey 2 weeks, and my mom also diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months after me, so I've been going through everything with her too. But you know what? I'm here, and I've got a clean bill of health. I'm having my last surgery in 2 days (yaaay!!!) to get my expanders replaced with silicone breast implants, and have my chemo port removed. All that & it's only been 5 months. YOU can do it. There is SO much support out there for women with breast cancer. I've found organizations that have sent me a box of free hats for when my hair fell out, a free silk headwrap, an organization gave me $250 worth of vouchers to poay for daycare for my 2 year old when i was too weak to care for her by myself, free wigs, counseling for my 9 yr old daughter who is terrified that since mom & grandma had breast cancer that she & her sister will get it too. And then again, there's this website, I've gotten more information & peace of mind from here than all of the doctors, books, magazine articles put together. Sorry I've gone & written you a long chapter here - you'll find that I tend to do that sometimes :) I just want to welcome you here & give y ou piece of mind that even though you're scared now & don't know what to expect, everything about this is do-able & when you fell like you can't keep going, we will find the words & prayers to keep going for you.
    Best of luck & health to you, and please keep us updates as to how you're doing & as you get more information about your diagnosis.
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
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    Chef Rox,
    I know how scary &

    Chef Rox,
    I know how scary & confusing it is in the beginning. We are a group of very strong warriors here, fighters and survivors. And I'm so glad that you've found us-we're here for you. Breast cancer is very fightable -do you have any information on your pathology yet? Do not start planning for the end! This is in all probability just a speed bump in the road of your life. You will find your inner strength in abundance as you fight this - and we will be here every step of the way with advice, information, encouragement, love and hugs. My fight with cancer started in June of this year -it has been 5 months - my Oncologist officially declared me in remission 3 weeks ago. Since June I've had a mammo, ultrasound, core biopsy, Bi-lateral mastectomy, tissue expanders placed for reconstruction, fills on my tissue expanders every 2 weeks, surgery for a chemo port placed under my skin, chemotherapy on the opposite weeks, again evey 2 weeks, and my mom also diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months after me, so I've been going through everything with her too. But you know what? I'm here, and I've got a clean bill of health. I'm having my last surgery in 2 days (yaaay!!!) to get my expanders replaced with silicone breast implants, and have my chemo port removed. All that & it's only been 5 months. YOU can do it. There is SO much support out there for women with breast cancer. I've found organizations that have sent me a box of free hats for when my hair fell out, a free silk headwrap, an organization gave me $250 worth of vouchers to poay for daycare for my 2 year old when i was too weak to care for her by myself, free wigs, counseling for my 9 yr old daughter who is terrified that since mom & grandma had breast cancer that she & her sister will get it too. And then again, there's this website, I've gotten more information & peace of mind from here than all of the doctors, books, magazine articles put together. Sorry I've gone & written you a long chapter here - you'll find that I tend to do that sometimes :) I just want to welcome you here & give y ou piece of mind that even though you're scared now & don't know what to expect, everything about this is do-able & when you fell like you can't keep going, we will find the words & prayers to keep going for you.
    Best of luck & health to you, and please keep us updates as to how you're doing & as you get more information about your diagnosis.
    *hugs*
    Heather

    Chef Rox--come here for comfort and support anytime.
    We all know your fear--we've all been where you are. We all go through stages in this journey. After diagnosis, it took a few days for me to be able to take a deep breath and stop crying. But then, I decided--no way am I going to wimp out right now--I'm going after this thing and I'm going to fight like I've never fought before. I put on my suit of armor, my steel hat with horns and grabbed a long sabre. On Nov. 17th I will celebrate my one year cancerversary since my diagnosis with Stage 3, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with 10 positive lymph nodes. I've been through 2 surgeries, 6 rounds of TAC chemo and 33 rad treatments. Before this happened, if someone told me I would be going through this I would have said, "NO WAY--I CAN'T DO IT!" It hasn't been easy. But, guess what--I did it and you will too--no matter what your journey entails.

    I'm sending tons of positive energy, healing thoughts and prayers your way.

    Keep checking in with us--we're a very caring group of kindred spirits.

    Hugs, Renee
  • gagee
    gagee Member Posts: 332
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    so sorry to hear ... I was
    so sorry to hear ... I was terrified when I first heard. Still worried but getting better. Had surgery Aug.3 and just finished rad. I think we can be our own worst enemy. People tell me being more positive will help a lot. My prayers are with you. I found that going on this board and chat room that I feel better. Talking with ones who have gone through it are a great help... for me any way. Take care and God is there for you.
  • Chefrox
    Chefrox Member Posts: 32
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    gagee said:

    so sorry to hear ... I was
    so sorry to hear ... I was terrified when I first heard. Still worried but getting better. Had surgery Aug.3 and just finished rad. I think we can be our own worst enemy. People tell me being more positive will help a lot. My prayers are with you. I found that going on this board and chat room that I feel better. Talking with ones who have gone through it are a great help... for me any way. Take care and God is there for you.

    WOW
    I was here when my son got sick but now to be here for me and have all of you offering
    support is just more thanks than I can tell you. I am very lucky as my sister is a big wig in a great hospital and when I broke the news to her she immediately gave me the info on a BC specialist Dr. Momanus...He is in Canton Ohio and he does nothing but BC. Doc just received a 5 million grant from Susan G. Koman for his research. I feel very lucky to be going to him and since my sister has worked with him on some projects, she knows first hand how he works.

    I also have type 2 diabetes and severe sleep apnea so I have alot on my plate. My mom is a 30+ year cancer survivor and this morning we all went to breakfast and I told them unless Doc says I'm a gonner I'm gonna fight. When my son got sick he was terminal. We had him 93 days and I have always said thats the worst thing I will ever live through. I also lost a step daughter 2 yrs ago after a 15 yr fight with non-hogkins lymphoma.

    I will be here alot and when it's my turn I'll be here for the next ones that may need me too. My next education is Dietary Manager so specialized diets will be my specialty and I want to work with Diabetes and Cancer patients.

    THANK YOU to each and every one that wrote.....

    Chef Rox
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
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    Chefrox said:

    WOW
    I was here when my son got sick but now to be here for me and have all of you offering
    support is just more thanks than I can tell you. I am very lucky as my sister is a big wig in a great hospital and when I broke the news to her she immediately gave me the info on a BC specialist Dr. Momanus...He is in Canton Ohio and he does nothing but BC. Doc just received a 5 million grant from Susan G. Koman for his research. I feel very lucky to be going to him and since my sister has worked with him on some projects, she knows first hand how he works.

    I also have type 2 diabetes and severe sleep apnea so I have alot on my plate. My mom is a 30+ year cancer survivor and this morning we all went to breakfast and I told them unless Doc says I'm a gonner I'm gonna fight. When my son got sick he was terminal. We had him 93 days and I have always said thats the worst thing I will ever live through. I also lost a step daughter 2 yrs ago after a 15 yr fight with non-hogkins lymphoma.

    I will be here alot and when it's my turn I'll be here for the next ones that may need me too. My next education is Dietary Manager so specialized diets will be my specialty and I want to work with Diabetes and Cancer patients.

    THANK YOU to each and every one that wrote.....

    Chef Rox

    We all do what we have to do
    to fight this beast - and we discover it's all doable and get through it with the help and support of this group. So sorry about your diagnosis, but glad you stumbled on us. I've had so much fear and dread throughout this process and still worry about the "what ifs". I hear it gets better. I was just diagnosed in April so I remember and know all too well about your fears. Please stay in touch and let us know your progress.

    Suzanne
  • heidijez
    heidijez Member Posts: 441
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    take a deep breath chef rox!
    you can do this! the fact that you have found us is the first step of this journey. i am so sorry to hear about your son and your horrible marriage. i was 57 when i was diagnosed in december of 2009, the love of my life walked away when i found out that i was a chemo failure and cancer had spread in june of this year. i was determined to fight with everything i had and started more chemo in june. i had my left breast and axillary lymph node mastectomy on september 15. altho the pathology results were not we hoped for, i am currently going through physical therapy for lymphedema and radiation. i am NOT giving up. i have fought too hard to get to this point to give up now!!

    the women (and men) on this website are incredible - they will laugh with you, cry with you, they share and they care - and they are a big part of what is keeping me going.

    i know it is scary right now, but you will get through this!

    hugs to you from heidi
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
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    heidijez said:

    take a deep breath chef rox!
    you can do this! the fact that you have found us is the first step of this journey. i am so sorry to hear about your son and your horrible marriage. i was 57 when i was diagnosed in december of 2009, the love of my life walked away when i found out that i was a chemo failure and cancer had spread in june of this year. i was determined to fight with everything i had and started more chemo in june. i had my left breast and axillary lymph node mastectomy on september 15. altho the pathology results were not we hoped for, i am currently going through physical therapy for lymphedema and radiation. i am NOT giving up. i have fought too hard to get to this point to give up now!!

    the women (and men) on this website are incredible - they will laugh with you, cry with you, they share and they care - and they are a big part of what is keeping me going.

    i know it is scary right now, but you will get through this!

    hugs to you from heidi

    ChefRox,
    I will keep you in

    ChefRox,

    I will keep you in my prayers and good thoughts. You have heard such good advise from the others that I won't add anything right now but try to relax and take it one day, one thing at a time. As you know from your son, it can be overwhelming. We are here for you.
    Stef
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
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    Chefrox said:

    WOW
    I was here when my son got sick but now to be here for me and have all of you offering
    support is just more thanks than I can tell you. I am very lucky as my sister is a big wig in a great hospital and when I broke the news to her she immediately gave me the info on a BC specialist Dr. Momanus...He is in Canton Ohio and he does nothing but BC. Doc just received a 5 million grant from Susan G. Koman for his research. I feel very lucky to be going to him and since my sister has worked with him on some projects, she knows first hand how he works.

    I also have type 2 diabetes and severe sleep apnea so I have alot on my plate. My mom is a 30+ year cancer survivor and this morning we all went to breakfast and I told them unless Doc says I'm a gonner I'm gonna fight. When my son got sick he was terminal. We had him 93 days and I have always said thats the worst thing I will ever live through. I also lost a step daughter 2 yrs ago after a 15 yr fight with non-hogkins lymphoma.

    I will be here alot and when it's my turn I'll be here for the next ones that may need me too. My next education is Dietary Manager so specialized diets will be my specialty and I want to work with Diabetes and Cancer patients.

    THANK YOU to each and every one that wrote.....

    Chef Rox

    It sounds like you've
    It sounds like you've already taken that deep breath. You're already talking about what you're future will be, and you have a specific plan. I think it's wonderful that you want to work with cancer and diabetes patients.

    You've already gone through so much, I know you are a strong warrior woman. That strength will help you in this battle as well.

    Clearly, your sister is supporting you, and it sounds like the rest of your family will too. And so will all the pink sisters here, we'll be with you, and we'll thank you for sharing. Please continue to let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
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    Chef Rox
    Nothing is impossible! Don't plan on anything except fighting and coming out of this stronger! You are in our positive thoughts and prayers that you'll get through all this.

    Hugs to you,

    Sylvia
  • Marsha Mulvey
    Marsha Mulvey Member Posts: 597 Member
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    sea60 said:

    Chef Rox
    Nothing is impossible! Don't plan on anything except fighting and coming out of this stronger! You are in our positive thoughts and prayers that you'll get through all this.

    Hugs to you,

    Sylvia

    don't panic!
    AND above all, don't give up before you even get started. Though you have had a diagnosis of cancer, it takes a lot more than that to make it Stage IV. Regardless of the size of the tumor and even lymph node involvement, it will not be Stage IV unless it has metastasized to other organs. I'll pray that it has not!

    I'm so very sorry that you lost your son to cancer and can't imagine the pain this has caused you. I'm also sorry that you are in an unhappy relationship. I was divorced in August of '08 and diagnosed in February this year (a month and a half before my 58th birthday). I am Stage IV with nearly all lymph nodes on my left side involved and mets to my liver, bones, and skin. Needless to say, it's been a tough 2 years. But, we CAN fight this fight!

    In the meantime, until you know exactly what you're facing, keep the faith, hope, and courage!
    All of these are necessities in doing battle. It sounds like you're going to be under the care of a very good doctor, that certainly is a plus. Stay strong and God bless.
    Marsha
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
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    I can see how scary this must be for you
    especially with the experience you have had. Please remember it is different for everyone.
    We have some very strong and brave sisters on here who have showed us to put a great
    big fight.

    So come here often and let them inspire you. You have a lot to fight for, you have your
    dreams to chase.

    Welcome and looking forward to your posts.

    Ayse
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
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    Welcome and so sorry
    you have to be here. I was diagnosed with stage 3a IDC 6.5 cm tumor with 2/14 nodes positive. That was in April 2009 and I've since finished treeatment and I have hair again and feeling pretty darn good.

    I'm sorry you're here, please try to remain calm, and as I type that I know it's stupid, but breathe. Stage 4 is NOT a death sentence. There are many women on this board who will attest to that. Try to take someone with you to help you remember questions, write down answers and just help you remember everything you hear.

    I'm sorry your marriage is bad, maybe this will do something to turn that around, I hope. Lastly, I worked through chemo (4 A/C and 12 taxol and 33 rads) so there's no reason to think you'll have to quit school. You may need to work online and may miss some time, but you can do it.

    Come back and vent any time. We're here for you.

    marge
  • weazer
    weazer Member Posts: 440
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    Welcome and so sorry
    you have to be here. I was diagnosed with stage 3a IDC 6.5 cm tumor with 2/14 nodes positive. That was in April 2009 and I've since finished treeatment and I have hair again and feeling pretty darn good.

    I'm sorry you're here, please try to remain calm, and as I type that I know it's stupid, but breathe. Stage 4 is NOT a death sentence. There are many women on this board who will attest to that. Try to take someone with you to help you remember questions, write down answers and just help you remember everything you hear.

    I'm sorry your marriage is bad, maybe this will do something to turn that around, I hope. Lastly, I worked through chemo (4 A/C and 12 taxol and 33 rads) so there's no reason to think you'll have to quit school. You may need to work online and may miss some time, but you can do it.

    Come back and vent any time. We're here for you.

    marge

    Hello Chef Rox
    Welcome and I'm sorry for your loses!
    You have come too the right place and if you need support or questions, were here for you.
    Take care sister.
    Hugs...Karie
  • veronica57
    veronica57 Member Posts: 98
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    Chef Rox
    I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I understand your fear. I was not diagnosed with breast cancer. But like you, I've been told that I have a cyst in my breast; both breast actually. But it's nothing to worry about. I'm trying to believe that. But it's worrying me because my mother had breast cancer twice and her sister also.

    I was diagnosed stage 4 thyroid cancer with mets to my lungs last March, 2009. I'm taking chemo pills to stop the growth of new cells that were still multiplying. But I have yet to find out if it's working.

    Happy Birthday in advance. I just celebrated my 53rd birthday in September. I will be praying for many more birthdays for the both of us. God bless you.

    Veronica
  • jbuff
    jbuff Member Posts: 27
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    NOTHING is impossible !
    Take a deep breath, maybe two, but find out everything you can before you decide to do anything. Don't let the "doctor that is leaving on vacation" rush you into anything....and remember...NOTHING is impossible!! Sending good thought and prayers your way.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
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    aysemari said:

    I can see how scary this must be for you
    especially with the experience you have had. Please remember it is different for everyone.
    We have some very strong and brave sisters on here who have showed us to put a great
    big fight.

    So come here often and let them inspire you. You have a lot to fight for, you have your
    dreams to chase.

    Welcome and looking forward to your posts.

    Ayse

    Welcome and I am so sorry
    Welcome and I am so sorry that you are here because of bc. It is scary..we all know. We will support you and listen to you when you need to vent.

    Big hugs, Leeza
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
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    There Is ALWAYS Hope
    I know it's scary, but statistics are just numbers. I have several friends that were stage 4 and were diagnosed 8, 10, 12 years ago and are STILL living life to the fullest!!! It really depends on what they find in the pathology reports. And most importantly if it's spread to distant organs.

    So...as hard as it is...try to just remain calm and stay possitive. I know waiting to go through the test and get the results is hard, but once you know what's going on you'll feel a little more in control as to what you need to do to fight the bc!!

    Don't let the statistics scare you. There are always exceptions and you darn well can be one of them!!! :)

    Blessings,

    Sally