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debi.18
debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
I'm a newbie here to this forum and to having Breast Cancer. Your posts have made me laugh and cry, given me hope, encouragement and a feeling of special kinship with this pink sisterhood. Although I have to admit, some of the posts regarding Chemo are really making me dread it - but know I'll get through it just like all of you have. I even went out and purchased my first wig yesterday~

I am inspired and amazed by each and every one of you. Your strength, courage and determination to beat this nasty disease is incredible. I can't honestly say I'm glad to be here with you on this journey, but am so glad I found you to help me through it!! A BIG HUG and THANK YOU to you - my new heros!!

Debi

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  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #2
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    Welcome
    Debi,
    Sorry you are here, but Welcome. This is an amazing group of women. If you have a question, someone will be able to answer. If you need a hug, there are plenty. You can vent, cry, celebrate or just be yourself here.
    When I was diagnosed, a friend told me "you will find strength you never knew you had". And I did. (though I know it comes from God)

    This is a crazy ride, just hang on and ask for help when you need to.

    All the best,
    Cindy

    PS - you are young, chemo should not be too much trouble.
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #3
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    mamolady said:

    Welcome
    Debi,
    Sorry you are here, but Welcome. This is an amazing group of women. If you have a question, someone will be able to answer. If you need a hug, there are plenty. You can vent, cry, celebrate or just be yourself here.
    When I was diagnosed, a friend told me "you will find strength you never knew you had". And I did. (though I know it comes from God)

    This is a crazy ride, just hang on and ask for help when you need to.

    All the best,
    Cindy

    PS - you are young, chemo should not be too much trouble.

    Welcome, Debi
    Glad to meet you, but so sorry you have to be here. I was diagnosed in Nov. '09 with Stage 3C invasive ductal ca. Needless to say, I thought my life was over. I remember saying to my family, "that's it--my life is over. I will never have peace again." How wrong I was. After the initial shock wore off, I vowed to fight this beast with everything I had--and listen to the doctors that I had chosen to place my faith and trust in.

    I had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection in Dec. '09 and a re-excision and installation of a port 2 weeks later. (I had 10 + lymph nodes) I started chemo in Jan '10 (6 rounds of TAC) and then did 33 rads which finished last July. I never thought I could do this--I didn't think I was strong enough or brave enough. Once again, how wrong I was.

    My point is--you can do this to and you will. We will be with you every step of the way--to listen to you rant, rave, cry, laugh or give us a good story or two. There is a wealth of information and experience on this board which, to me, is invaluable.

    Chemo was not at all as bad as I imagined. Everyone is different, but I did NOT get many side effects at all. I was determined not to. I never threw up, never had mouth sores. Yes, there was fatigue, achy bones and joints from the Neulasta injections and a yucky feeling a few days after each infusion, but all in all, it went really well. And, rads was even easier for me. I looked at rads as a job I had to go to for 33 days, and the good thing was--I only had to be at work for 10-15 minutes!

    You will get there, my darling, no matter what your journey will be. Please keep us posted and come here often.

    Hugs, Renee
  • Annette 11
    Annette 11 Member Posts: 380
    #4
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    Welcome Debi
    Welcome in...even though you would rather not be a member. We will be here for you through all of you fears, happiness (there will be some), pain and confusion, etc. I had bil. mast. and completed chemo almost 8 months ago and it all went very fast for me. I was sooo very afraid of chemo but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Really!! Everyone is so different but I was lucky as I didn't have as many side effects (I was 63 at the time). Don't dread it because you may not have as many side effects as some. Is is not easy but very doable. What kind of BC do you have? Have you had surgery?
    Keep us posted.
    Hugs,
    Annette
  • margz35
    margz35 Member Posts: 53
    #5
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    Welcome, Debi
    Hi Debi: Welcome to this page. You are truly about to be connected with some amazing women who will become lifelong friends. Having finished my chemo on Friday, I am more than happy to help you through this and tell you what worked and what didn't for me - ok? Feel free to friend me if you want to chat off the board.
    My best to you and big big hugs!
    Margz
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #6
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    Debi: welcome..but sorry we
    Debi: welcome..but sorry we had to meet here...

    I did not have chemo...but wish you the best....I had surgery and radiation...

    SOON you'll be on here giving advice to others like many of us are...I DID NOT find this site until couple years after the start of all my issues...with cancer..
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #7
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    disneyfan2008 said:

    Debi: welcome..but sorry we
    Debi: welcome..but sorry we had to meet here...

    I did not have chemo...but wish you the best....I had surgery and radiation...

    SOON you'll be on here giving advice to others like many of us are...I DID NOT find this site until couple years after the start of all my issues...with cancer..

    Sorry you had to be here but
    Sorry you had to be here but it is a wonderful group.
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #8
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    I can honestly say, I'd
    I can honestly say, I'd rather not have to be here either. But you're right, there isn't a better group of people to help get through this. They've kept me sane and helped every step of the way.

    Welcome, and please come back to let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #9
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    The club you didn't want to join....
    We all feel that way but are so blessed to have found the support offered on this site.

    Be a warrior but don't be a hero. If you need anti-nausea meds or anything else to make you more comfy during chemo ASK for it. So much has been learned about this nasty disease and how to treat it and you should take advantage of all of the advances.

    I did 4 rounds of EC (adriamycin was on back order?????) 3 weeks apart and 4 rounds of Taxol 3 weeks apart starting the end of November 2010 and ending the end of April 2011.
    It wasn't as bad as I expected but it sure was scary to think about. I missed work for infusion day and had the luxury of taking off the 2 days following if I needed or wanted it. I ate and drank whatever sounded good to me and didn't worry about what I "should" be eating other than to research online to find out diets to help my blood counts and try to include those foods, my weight remained stable all through treatment. I avoided big box stores and sometimes church knowing that people go to those when they are not feeling well, and used a lot of hand sanitizer. Now if only I could get my fair skin to heal up so I can finish my last 2 radiation treatments and mark that off my to-do list.


    So glad you found this site, I didn't find it soon enough and then it took a while for me to feel that I had anything valuable to say. Now I know it doesn't matter, come here and say what you feel when you feel like it. Somebody here gets it.

    Positive thoughts headed your way,

    Jennifer
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #10
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    I dreaded chemo too but the
    I dreaded chemo too but the more years you put between it the less you remember. Keep notes or journal of things you want to remember. I was diagnosed in 2003 a stage 3a.
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #11
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    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    I can honestly say, I'd
    I can honestly say, I'd rather not have to be here either. But you're right, there isn't a better group of people to help get through this. They've kept me sane and helped every step of the way.

    Welcome, and please come back to let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Welcome to the best place
    Welcome to the best place nobody ever wanted to be! Anytime you need anything just come here and the outpouring of love and information will get you through. I was dx in April 09 with Stage 3 invasive ductal, 8 + nodes with chemo and rads. Honestly, chemo wasn't that bad so don't worry too much about it. They have drugs now to help with side effects.
    God Bless you on your journey.
    Hugs,
    Wanda
  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    #12
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    Welcome Debi. This is a
    Welcome Debi. This is a great place to be as you begin your journey. Chemo isn't a day at the park, but it was so much easier than I had imagined. I could see myself getting thin and weak and on the verge of dying from the treatment. It was nothing like that. I could still eat and I only lost about 3 or 4 pounds. I will pray that your treatments go as well as mine did.

    Judy
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #13
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    poplolly said:

    Welcome Debi. This is a
    Welcome Debi. This is a great place to be as you begin your journey. Chemo isn't a day at the park, but it was so much easier than I had imagined. I could see myself getting thin and weak and on the verge of dying from the treatment. It was nothing like that. I could still eat and I only lost about 3 or 4 pounds. I will pray that your treatments go as well as mine did.

    Judy

    Welcome, Debi
    As a 2010 survivor of chemo to reassure you that it's not that bad. While there is plenty to be scared about with any cancer diagnosis, try not to be scared -- and the more positive and relaxed you can be, the better all your surgery and treatments may go. Many knowledgeable people have been involved in helping determine the right treatment for each of us, because we are all different, and new treatments and studies are coming out regularly.

    My suggestion ... Information and foreign jargon is talked about during chemo sessions, and most Oncologist will see you, after your infusion has finished .. if not him/her then the PA -A tape record comes in handy .. record the conversation, so you can use it as a reference. Notebook for taking notes .. and writing down all questions you may have -- plus you have concerns, please write them down and address them during your Oncology appointment.

    With all chemo therapy infused drugs .. there are side efforts, and many of us WARRIORS .. suffer from 1 or 2, while others suffer a great deal.

    I had taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin ... I did suffer with mouth and throat sores (Tom Natural toothpaste helped); the steroids and other meds helped with my nauseated before and during chemo .. after chemo infusions -- nausea plagued me for several days (everybody is different -- just my case, and my body) I did suffer with fatigue and bouts and constipation issues - please do not hesitate to call your Oncologist in attempts to find relief.

    Hydrate, rest, and hydrate some more. Small meals can often help with nausea. I also splashed / flavored my never ending water consumptions with crystal light, lemonade, cranberry juice or apple juice. Herbal tea worked in the evenings, for me. .. drinking plain water endlessly, got a little boring for me.

    Lastly, please put your Oncologist telephone on speed dial .. and call when any and all concerns - regardless of time of day or night!

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #14
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    VickiSam said:

    Welcome, Debi
    As a 2010 survivor of chemo to reassure you that it's not that bad. While there is plenty to be scared about with any cancer diagnosis, try not to be scared -- and the more positive and relaxed you can be, the better all your surgery and treatments may go. Many knowledgeable people have been involved in helping determine the right treatment for each of us, because we are all different, and new treatments and studies are coming out regularly.

    My suggestion ... Information and foreign jargon is talked about during chemo sessions, and most Oncologist will see you, after your infusion has finished .. if not him/her then the PA -A tape record comes in handy .. record the conversation, so you can use it as a reference. Notebook for taking notes .. and writing down all questions you may have -- plus you have concerns, please write them down and address them during your Oncology appointment.

    With all chemo therapy infused drugs .. there are side efforts, and many of us WARRIORS .. suffer from 1 or 2, while others suffer a great deal.

    I had taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin ... I did suffer with mouth and throat sores (Tom Natural toothpaste helped); the steroids and other meds helped with my nauseated before and during chemo .. after chemo infusions -- nausea plagued me for several days (everybody is different -- just my case, and my body) I did suffer with fatigue and bouts and constipation issues - please do not hesitate to call your Oncologist in attempts to find relief.

    Hydrate, rest, and hydrate some more. Small meals can often help with nausea. I also splashed / flavored my never ending water consumptions with crystal light, lemonade, cranberry juice or apple juice. Herbal tea worked in the evenings, for me. .. drinking plain water endlessly, got a little boring for me.

    Lastly, please put your Oncologist telephone on speed dial .. and call when any and all concerns - regardless of time of day or night!

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam

    Debi, welcome to the family.
    Debi, welcome to the family. We will be with you through every step of chemo. I think you will find once you get the first one under your belt the anxiety will lesson. It's amazing the strength and love you will find along your journey.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • deeb111
    deeb111 Member Posts: 141 Member
    #15
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    Hello welcome and yes the
    Hello welcome and yes the women here are amazing people and they have helped and inspired me also when you feel down someone always picks you up because you know they do relate to what your going through I hope everything goes well for you and best wishes and remember you are also now one of the heros as you refer to the women here you have a good attitude and thats what you will need good luck to u
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    #16
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    Hi Debi
    Welcome to the group. Everyone here is amazing. When I started my journey a little over a year ago I was really scared. I learned a lot here and got a lot of support. You will find someone who can answer any question and we are always here to listen and give support.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    #17
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    Annette 11 said:

    Welcome Debi
    Welcome in...even though you would rather not be a member. We will be here for you through all of you fears, happiness (there will be some), pain and confusion, etc. I had bil. mast. and completed chemo almost 8 months ago and it all went very fast for me. I was sooo very afraid of chemo but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Really!! Everyone is so different but I was lucky as I didn't have as many side effects (I was 63 at the time). Don't dread it because you may not have as many side effects as some. Is is not easy but very doable. What kind of BC do you have? Have you had surgery?
    Keep us posted.
    Hugs,
    Annette

    Hi Annette,
    I'm so glad to
    Hi Annette,
    I'm so glad to hear you have completed your chemo and are now healthy! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll follow your lead and have few side effects.

    I have IDC (PR, ER & HER2 positive). I had surgery a little over a week ago (lumpectomy, lymph node dissection & chemo port put in). The initial biopsy during surgery on the lypmh nodes was negative, but the pathology report came back with cancer on the end of then nodes. My surgeon and onc want to go back and take additional nodes out, my radioligist says there's no need to, let the chemo do it's job. I have appointments with them next week, but I'd rather be safe than sorry and have them removed.

    Big Hugs~
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    #18
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    ladyg said:

    Hi Debi
    Welcome to the group. Everyone here is amazing. When I started my journey a little over a year ago I was really scared. I learned a lot here and got a lot of support. You will find someone who can answer any question and we are always here to listen and give support.

    Hugs,
    Georgia

    THANK YOU
    Happy 4th and thank you soooo much for so many of you taking the time to respond. I've learned so much already and have a wealth of helpful hints. Your support is amazing - HUGS and LOVE!!

    Debi
  • mckevnic
    mckevnic Member Posts: 71
    #19
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    debi.18 said:

    THANK YOU
    Happy 4th and thank you soooo much for so many of you taking the time to respond. I've learned so much already and have a wealth of helpful hints. Your support is amazing - HUGS and LOVE!!

    Debi

    I am triple positive too!
    Debi,
    I was diagnosed in 2/10 with IDC and had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, and my cancer was triple positive. Had port installed for all the upcoming infusions. 6 rounds of Taxotere/Carboplatin, 33 radiation. Went for Herceptin infusion every week during chemo then every 3 wks after that for a year. Treatments were not bad at all. I never got sick. Sure, I got the extreme weak feeling for a few days after treament, I lost my hair which was traumatic. When I was diagnosed, I thought "I can't do this" but somewhere in me I found the fight to fight attitude. Got my ovaries removed in Oct 2010 because of the link between breast and ovarian ca. Fast forward to today....I sit here with a new do and finished all treatment in April. I got the port removed as it was a constant reminder that I didn't want. I take Arimidex everyday and deal with the everyday stiffness. That part stinks but you know what? I'm alive and able to enjoy my teenagers. Hang in there....you can do this! Prayers for you!!
    Chris

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