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sinai
Member Posts: 24
Hi I'm new here. I just wanted to let everyone know a little bit about me. I'm 32 years old, I was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 3a with 2+ lymph nodes. It's very advanced due to the fact that my dr. and me were thinking it was something else so we didn't worry about it until the biopsy results came in. I was really devastated, my whole family was. So far I've gotten my portacath and a sln biopsy and my 1st chemo treatment, my hair fell off last week so my husband just shaved it off. It was really hard to see my hair falling in chunks, I knew it was going to happen but I didn't expect for it to happen so soon. I bought a really expensive wig, but I've never used it I like scarves better. So far I have never asked God why me or try to find an explanation of why this happened, I know something good must have to come out of this, even if its just me becoming a better person. God works in mysterious ways. I might be contradicting myself but I'm afraid to ask what is going to happen to me, I work at a clinic so I kind of know what is going to happen. I'm just really afraid to find out that I may die and leave my kids and my husband. Right now I just want for someone to find a cure and for all of this to end.
Gabby
Gabby
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Gabby
So sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. I always feel sad when a young person or young mom has cancer. I try not feel sorry for myself knowing there are some with young children. I am 57, diagnosed in Jan with Triple Negative Invasive Ductile. I had a Bi Lateral Mastectomy March 2nd and finished 4 ACs and 4 Taxols in July. Just had my exchange surgery last week.I was told it will take 6 weeks before my breast settle in and look normal. I remember the awful feeling when my hair started falling out. I had long dk. brn hair past my shoulders. Had gotten it cut a little hoping it wouldnt't hurt as much. It did though. Oh, and I also got a port. Was so glad as my veins are awful.You will find many wonderful Pink Sisters on here with great advice and lots of love. I am new here too. I wish I was here when I first started out. It's good to see how everyone is dealing with this. Good luck to you and lots 9f hugs
Sandy0 -
So sorry
So sorry that you have to be here, but glad you found us. I had a similar diagnosis in April 2009, IDC, stage 3a, 2 nodes, my tumor was 6.5 cm. I've finished lumpectomy, chemo and rads as of 1/15/10. I'm happy to say my hair is back, and I don't color it anymore since falling out was a great way to deal with roots growing out, and I'm feeling great.
It's a long journey and sometimes you're convinced you can't do it, but there's a whole group of us here to tell you you can do it.
I remember praying every morning in the shower, thanking God that they caught it, that treatment wasn't too bad, and thank you for letting me keep my hair (this was the first two weeks of chemo mind you and I thought I was gonna be the one who didn't go bald. I was devastated when it started falling out, cried on my husband's shoulder and he looked at me and said "but that means it's working".
Point of my really long, meaningless story is that you'll get through this. Even at 3a, I plan to be around for a long time and I'm 57.
Be good to your self, do what makes you happy and we're all here for you.
marge0 -
Hi Gabby
Welcome! Im so glad that you found this site. You will find lots of support and love here from women who have been where you are in treatment or are there with you now. I can imagine how frightening this must be for you , with everything happening so fast. Can you tell us a little more about your DX and treatment? Why do you think it's very advanced? Has it metastisized? Please feel free to ask questions, vent, share your progress, whatever
you feel like posting.Someone I'm sure will have some good info to share with you.
Hugs
Dee0 -
Welcome Gabby. Just sorry
Welcome Gabby. Just sorry that you had to come here in the first place. I joined a few months ago and am forever great full that I found these wonderful woman. I was lost until I came here. Hopefully we can offer you some comfort or answer some questions. Lots of hugs to you~
Angela0 -
Hi Gabby
So sorry you are going through this right now. I know how scary everything is, especially at first. I am glad to hear that your family is by your side and helping you. This board is a very supportive place with lots of women who have been through this already and many who are going through it like you. Feel free to ask questions, seek advice, or just plain vent. There are no judgments here.
Good Luck to you.
Clementine0 -
Hi Gabby and welcome to the
Hi Gabby and welcome to the board. I'm sorry you are going through this. But you have come to the right place for information and understanding. I had Inflammatory breast cancer. Dx April 2010. I have had chemo done Oct 12th 2010, Surgery Nov 1 2010 and finally Radiation every day for 6 weeks ending in Jan this year. I had the same fears you have in the beginning. I'm not afraid anymore that has passed. When I lost my hair I was in Walmart!! It just started falling out in clumps in the store. I had hair hagging off my glasses LOL. I called my husband and he said get out of the store. I said I will when I get what I came for. That was pretty traumatic not having any hair. I did the scarfs also. Wigs were to hot for me. You are in the beginning of your journey. I want you to be certain we will all be here if you need anything. You can get all your questions answered. And it is nice to talk to other women that have been or are going through the same thing as you and know how you feel. I learned allot from this board. I learned things that would have scared the crap out of me had I not read it here first. So read past post and ask anything you want.
take care darlin. Kay0 -
Welcome Gabby
Welcome Gabby! I also am so sorry you have joined us. One marvelous side effect has been the connection with the incredibly awesome ladies on this board. The support and information on this site is amazing.
Sorry your hair fell out so soon. I've had 2 taxol/herceptin treatments and am just kinda waiting for mine to go. I have wigs and scarves just sitting in the room waiting. Not that I'm in a hurry, just want to get it over with.
Praying for you and your family.....lots of hugs!!
Debi0 -
Gabby
I just want to welcome you to this site. You sound very courageous to me and your attitude will be a blessing. You are so young (younger than my 2 children). My heart aches for you. Chemo and rads are all doable. While in treatment it may seem like a long time but really goes by fairly quick. After losing my hair I wore soft comfortable hats and went bare at home. My hair has finally grown back but is still short. I just had it colored a couple of weeks ago. This is a great site and many will have sage wisdom. Sending you healing thoughts and strength to get through treatment.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
I had a similar diagnosis
I had a similar diagnosis also. I was stage 3a with 2 nodes and large at 6cm and 3cm. I was diagnosed in 2003. It was grade 3 which is aggressive. But I was 52 at the time. Even tho there is no cure there are in these modern times better ways to treat breast cancer.
Hang in there.0 -
Welcome - 33 here.
Hi Gabby -- I am sorry you had to join us. I was also diagnosed at 32 this year so I can relate.
Let me start by saying no one knows what will happen. Only God knows. Yes, we have this to worry about, and it is serious. But this doesn't mean we will die from it. We can live long lives too. We just have to keep going and pray God gives us strength to enjoy each day and not make this our own focus. It's challenging, I am still going through it.
This is a great site! You'll find a lot of support and love. I am so glad I found this place. You'll see.
I finished chemo in July. Undergoing radiation treatments now. Started tamoxifen 3 weeks ago. It gets better, slowly but it does. And I was just diagnosed this year. Other women will share their experience here for you.
Please try and stay positive and don't ever give up faith. No matter what you hear or see.
And please keep posting if you can so we know how you're doing with everything. You'll do OK.0 -
Glad you found us, GabbyMarcia527 said:I had a similar diagnosis
I had a similar diagnosis also. I was stage 3a with 2 nodes and large at 6cm and 3cm. I was diagnosed in 2003. It was grade 3 which is aggressive. But I was 52 at the time. Even tho there is no cure there are in these modern times better ways to treat breast cancer.
Hang in there.
but sad you have to be here. I was diagnosed in Nov. '09 with Stage 3C invasive ductal carcinoma along with 10 out of 23 positive nodes. I had a lumpectomy, revision to get clean margins, 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. I am now on Arimidex for 5 years. I had no symptoms--in fact they said my mammo in June of '09 was "normal." But, because my breast tissue is very dense, they missed some small calcifications right up against the chest wall in my left breast. Miraculously, I went to my doctor in November of '09 because I felt "something was just not right." They thought I was nuts when I demanded an ultrasound--and low and behold--Stage 3C invasive ca!
Well, the road was not easy, but I made it. I like to think that God made me go in for the ultrasound and I don't think He's ready for me just yet!
Anyway, I'm doing well and the treatment was not as bad as I imagined and I am much stronger than I ever thought. You will surprise yourself as well and you will get through this.
This forum is wonderful--full of caring people whom I've gotten tons of good advice from, encouragement and love. Keep checking in with us to let us know how you're doing.
Hugs, Renee
P.S. I hated the wigs too! I always felt like I had a dead animal on my head. The scarves got to be kinda fun!0 -
Sorry you are here with us...
I am a 3c, diagnosed 11/1/10, made it through left mastectomy, port placement,chemo, radiation (by the skin of my teeth due to burning and treatment delays) and so far 1 clear CT, which I am very proud of LOL. I too was and am terrified due to the staging of my cancer and the risk of reoccurance, when I express my fears my MO tells me that I should not look at numbers I am 100% here, and even though she wants me to leave my port in for at least a year and do Tamoxifen 5 years and an AI 5 more years we are encouraged by my ct results in April and my clean bone scan done back in November. She also reminded me that hair loss meant the drugs were working, but it sure was hard to watch it go, and has anyone really had cancer of the hair follicle? Can't they figure that out somehow?
I am so happy that you found us, this is a great place to bring all of your cares and concerns, somebody or everybody will "get it"
Hang in there,
Jennifer0 -
Hi Gabby
Hi Gabby I was 34 last year when I was diagnosed. I'm sorry you're going through all this. If you're on facebook, look me up under Heather Kaylor Grontkowski. It's alot easier to communicate on there (faster at least!). I aldo have children, a 10 yr old and a 2 yr old daughter. I have definately become a better person after my journey with cancer. I hope they find a cure soon too. I'm positive for BRCA1 and that's scary for my daughters. My mom had breast cancer last year also, and we went through our treatments together. I'm glad that you have found this site, the support here is tremendous.
*hugs*
Heather0 -
Gabby
Welcome, I am glad that you found this site. It has been very helpful to me and I'm sure you will feel the same way. I am so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis at such a young age. I was diagnosed with stage 3a at the age of 44 in 2004. I will tell you that I had 8 cycles of chemo, radiation, mastectomy, and a year of herceptin treatment. I am still on tamoxifen now. I will say that none of the treatment was as bad as I imagined it coulb be, even the chemo, was not that bad. Take care of yourself and know that you have many people praying for you. Keep us posted and ask any questions, as you can see there are many stage 3 survivors out there. Strength and prayers, Teri0 -
Welcome Gabby!!!Heatherbelle said:Hi Gabby
Hi Gabby I was 34 last year when I was diagnosed. I'm sorry you're going through all this. If you're on facebook, look me up under Heather Kaylor Grontkowski. It's alot easier to communicate on there (faster at least!). I aldo have children, a 10 yr old and a 2 yr old daughter. I have definately become a better person after my journey with cancer. I hope they find a cure soon too. I'm positive for BRCA1 and that's scary for my daughters. My mom had breast cancer last year also, and we went through our treatments together. I'm glad that you have found this site, the support here is tremendous.
*hugs*
Heather
Sorry you have to be here... but this is the place for Extraordinary Support and Advice. Tons of caring spirits here. Yes, this is a hard journey, but doable. I was diagnoised in late Jaunary this year and have completed 6 rounds of Chemo (Tax/Carboplatin) and a bilateral, next steps radiation...
It's amazing what we can endure with Faith and Support of Family and Friends. Losing the hair is not fun, but that too is manageable. I bought several fun wigs and scarves. I had 3 rounds of chemo and loss my hair after the 2nd round, then had to stop treatments due to low WBC. During that break from chemo, I had the bilateral. It's amazing, also during that time, my hair began to grow back. Yay!!! But... I had to go back and complete the remaining 3 rounds of chemo... so I loss some of my hair again. Anways... Long story short, the hair grows back. :0)
Wishing YOU all the BEST and Welcome you to this Site!!!
Hugs~
Mitzi ;0)0 -
Hugs to you, Gabby
Gabby, Welcome to this site. I am sorry about your diagnosis, and I know you must be feeling so many emotions. Plus, so many physical feelings as you are going through your treatment. Please ask questions on this site if you need to. There are so many knowledgeable people on here. We have all been through some type of cancer treatment. Information is an important part of this site. So is caring and support...
BIG HUG to you,
Sybil
Oh, and PS-IDC, two lumpectomies, chemo, radiation, one more lumpectomy (benign), and Femara for past one year. No evidence of disease at present!0 -
Warm welcome, Gabby...
We're all here to support & encourage each other. Your waves of many emotions all at once, and your fears, are totally understandable to us. Seems like you've already made much progress along your own journey. Sometimes it helps to remind oneself that we can only proceed one forward step at a time.
The Board is open 24/7, each & every day. Visit often, whenever you need or would like to. Best wishes for successful treatment.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Gabby I just wanted to jumpChristmas Girl said:Warm welcome, Gabby...
We're all here to support & encourage each other. Your waves of many emotions all at once, and your fears, are totally understandable to us. Seems like you've already made much progress along your own journey. Sometimes it helps to remind oneself that we can only proceed one forward step at a time.
The Board is open 24/7, each & every day. Visit often, whenever you need or would like to. Best wishes for successful treatment.
Kind regards, Susan
Gabby I just wanted to jump right in this group hug we have surrounding you. We have all walked in your shoes and can tell you that it will get better. Have faith and take our hands, we will walk the path with you and get you though this. And when this is all over with you will be a stronger woman on the other side watching your children having children of their own. Put on that warrior paint and lets go to battle.
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
Wanting to welcome you toorobang13 said:Welcome Gabby. Just sorry
Welcome Gabby. Just sorry that you had to come here in the first place. I joined a few months ago and am forever great full that I found these wonderful woman. I was lost until I came here. Hopefully we can offer you some comfort or answer some questions. Lots of hugs to you~
Angela
Wanting to welcome you too Gabby. I am so sorry that you have bc, but, you are now with lots of pink sisters that are here for you.
Hugs, Diane0 -
THANKS EVERYONE!
Wow I didn't expect so many replies, thankyou! Well I'm supposed to get 6 chemos before my mastectomy and the treatments are every 21 days. The surgeon hasn't told me yet if it's going to be a bilateral mastectomy and removal of my ovaries, like I said I'm afraid to ask, but she did told me at the beginning it was a possibility. She also said because I was premenopausal my cancer was more aggressive. After that I'll get more chemo and radiation. I'm getting my second treatment tomorrow I'm not nervous anymore I found out they are not that bad.
Gabby0
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