Newly diagnosed IDC, 62 years old and terrified

2

Comments

  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    JanPat said:

    Find your own ways of coping
    There is no doubt that you are facing one of the most frightening times of you life, if not the most frightening. I am not going to sugar coat it and tell you that it is no big deal because there are probably going to be some days ahead that are rough. However, you will be doing yourself a favor if you find simple little ways to help you cope. I was diagnosed with Stage IIB last December and had a lumpectomy on December 16th followed by chemo and radiation. My daughter made one of the glasses that you can place your own picture in with pictures of my grandsons and I took that glass with me to every chemo treatment. It was hard not to find a smile when I could see their beautiful little faces. I also bought a pair of fun socks for each one of my treatments. They brought a smile to the staff's face as well as mine. Most importantly, I made sure I had someone with me that loved me at every treatment. It's okay to be afraid and most definitely okay to cry but you can do this and there are a whole bunch of us that will be praying for you and cheering you on!

    Thank you janpat.
    And how

    Thank you janpat.

    And how are you doing now?
  • JanPat
    JanPat Member Posts: 25

    Thank you janpat.
    And how

    Thank you janpat.

    And how are you doing now?

    Each day is a gift
    Physically I am doing well. Still get tired easier than before but nothing that stops me from enjoying what matters to me. I also deal with residual effects of chemo with mild neuropathy of my feet but again, I do not let it keep me from enjoying life. My hair started coming back in within a month of my last chemo treatment and within three months I was able to shed my hats .... Yay!!! I am now taking Arimidex and have been fortunate not to have to deal with any of the side effects.

    Emotionally, there are still times that I am overwhelmed with everything that happened especially when I meet someone that was recently diagnosed. It was also a blow when one month after my last radiation treatment my father was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Four weeks ago today he went to meet Jesus and while I am so thankful that he no longer has to suffer, my heart is hurting especially having to face Christmas without him. I continue to hold tightly to the hand of God!
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    JanPat said:

    Each day is a gift
    Physically I am doing well. Still get tired easier than before but nothing that stops me from enjoying what matters to me. I also deal with residual effects of chemo with mild neuropathy of my feet but again, I do not let it keep me from enjoying life. My hair started coming back in within a month of my last chemo treatment and within three months I was able to shed my hats .... Yay!!! I am now taking Arimidex and have been fortunate not to have to deal with any of the side effects.

    Emotionally, there are still times that I am overwhelmed with everything that happened especially when I meet someone that was recently diagnosed. It was also a blow when one month after my last radiation treatment my father was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Four weeks ago today he went to meet Jesus and while I am so thankful that he no longer has to suffer, my heart is hurting especially having to face Christmas without him. I continue to hold tightly to the hand of God!

    Glad you are doing mostly
    Glad you are doing mostly ok.

    So very sorry about your dad :-(

    I lost my MIL to pancreatic, and my mom (40+ year 2 pack a day smoker) to lung cancer

    I'm so scared and worried, but appreciate the support here
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member

    Oh ok. Well t they know
    Oh ok. Well they know exactly where the lump is, i found it, is close to the surface do maybe i don't need that

    They said i needed chemo because the tumor size is t2 and is her2+ es+ and pr+,,

    Thanks for letting me know

    Wishing you good luck!

    Wishing you good luck!
  • hestko76
    hestko76 Member Posts: 2

    Glad you are doing mostly
    Glad you are doing mostly ok.

    So very sorry about your dad :-(

    I lost my MIL to pancreatic, and my mom (40+ year 2 pack a day smoker) to lung cancer

    I'm so scared and worried, but appreciate the support here

    HER2
    Hi diane,
    This is my first post on this board. You might was to join the HER2 forum. It is specifically for us sisters in pink who are in the 20% of breast cancers that are HER2+++. I am almost done with herceptin treatments. My timeline went something like this:

    diagnosed on Halloween at the age of 59 - this was last year... I'm now 60
    Lumectomy Surgery on 11-18-11 in Tucson, AZ at the NCI
    TCH - 6 rounds of chemo ending in APril 2012 (taxetere, carboplatin, herceptin)
    Herceptin continued every 3 weeks for 17 times. Actually, my last herceptin treatment in December 10, 2012.

    My tumor was 7mm, no lymph nodes were found cancerous, and I'm ER-, PR-. I, too, had to have chemo because of the HER2 ++. You will find a wealth of knowledge and sisters in HER2 pink at http://her2support.org

    Good luck and prayers sent your way ..... Let me know if I can help.
    Helen
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    hestko76 said:

    HER2
    Hi diane,
    This is my first post on this board. You might was to join the HER2 forum. It is specifically for us sisters in pink who are in the 20% of breast cancers that are HER2+++. I am almost done with herceptin treatments. My timeline went something like this:

    diagnosed on Halloween at the age of 59 - this was last year... I'm now 60
    Lumectomy Surgery on 11-18-11 in Tucson, AZ at the NCI
    TCH - 6 rounds of chemo ending in APril 2012 (taxetere, carboplatin, herceptin)
    Herceptin continued every 3 weeks for 17 times. Actually, my last herceptin treatment in December 10, 2012.

    My tumor was 7mm, no lymph nodes were found cancerous, and I'm ER-, PR-. I, too, had to have chemo because of the HER2 ++. You will find a wealth of knowledge and sisters in HER2 pink at http://her2support.org

    Good luck and prayers sent your way ..... Let me know if I can help.
    Helen

    Thanks Helen.,
    Since our

    Thanks Helen.,

    Since our situations are so similar (ya with the caveat that every one is different), can you share some of what you experienced? How did you find your tumor, via regular mammo, or you found it yourself? Did you have that dye injection , how was it, pain and everything wize? How was the surgery? What was your physical condition before surgery? In shape? Not in shape? Normal weight, thin, or overweight? And how was the experience of chemo? You seem to write about it in very effortless way, which Im sure it was not. Also what do you mean by HER2+++?

    And most important HOW are you feeling now?

    Thanks for your kindess and taking the time to post and talk to me.

    Diane
  • Kelly513
    Kelly513 Member Posts: 13
    New_Path said:

    I am as scared as you are.
    I am as scared as you are. I was just diagnosed last Wed. Will have surgery on Dec 17. So fast..scary and sad. So far I have been numb, no tears, no feelings at all. Joined this site yesterday after spending a few hours reading the posts.

    Please stay strong.

    New path stay strong and
    New path stay strong and positive girl! Being scared is normal I was numb in the beginning every day is a new feeling! Looks like we came to the right site I joined a few days ago:)
  • Kelly513
    Kelly513 Member Posts: 13
    So sorry you are going thru
    So sorry you are going thru this I too have IDC had right mast on Nov 7th. I can totally relate to how you are feeling I use to be such a carefree girl without any worries in the world now my life seems consumed with fear sadness and Doctor apps. I had the blue dye for node detection was not numbed! alone for two hrs without my husband or family but I remained as brave as possible and to tell you the truth it wasn't so bad so please don't make yourself crazy scared over it. It sure does suck but it's was very quick and watching the nodes light up on the computer was very interesting. Have a tattoo and that was way more painful lol:) different for everyone I am sure! Good luck you came to the right place everyone here is wonderful and full of knowledge. I know it is scary and difficult but you have to remember to take deep breaths and try to stay calm and positive. Crying is so normal it is ok to feel your feelings I cried my eyes raw this past week!! I feel like breast cancer has consumed me and that I am not normal but believe me we are all normal my husband keeps reminding me lol:)
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    Kelly513 said:

    So sorry you are going thru
    So sorry you are going thru this I too have IDC had right mast on Nov 7th. I can totally relate to how you are feeling I use to be such a carefree girl without any worries in the world now my life seems consumed with fear sadness and Doctor apps. I had the blue dye for node detection was not numbed! alone for two hrs without my husband or family but I remained as brave as possible and to tell you the truth it wasn't so bad so please don't make yourself crazy scared over it. It sure does suck but it's was very quick and watching the nodes light up on the computer was very interesting. Have a tattoo and that was way more painful lol:) different for everyone I am sure! Good luck you came to the right place everyone here is wonderful and full of knowledge. I know it is scary and difficult but you have to remember to take deep breaths and try to stay calm and positive. Crying is so normal it is ok to feel your feelings I cried my eyes raw this past week!! I feel like breast cancer has consumed me and that I am not normal but believe me we are all normal my husband keeps reminding me lol:)

    Thanks Kelly
    Why were you

    Thanks Kelly

    Why were you alone for two hours? Did you have the option to be numb or just did not know if it was available?

    How are you now post surgery, and what is next for you?
  • Kelly513
    Kelly513 Member Posts: 13

    Thanks Kelly
    Why were you

    Thanks Kelly

    Why were you alone for two hours? Did you have the option to be numb or just did not know if it was available?

    How are you now post surgery, and what is next for you?

    Not sure if it was
    Not sure if it was available assume they would have told me if it was but maybe not:( my family was not allowed to go with me because it was in the nuclear medicine ward of the hospital I made small talk with everyone there and they held my hand and were super nice. They take all sorts of pictures after the dye goes in, Like I said the doctor was really quick with the needle so that was great!

    I am pretty great post op I started arm exercises right away by my doctors recommendation the only downside is somedays my expander feels like a bowling ball on my chest lol:) I head to my oncologist tomorrow to see if the rest of my results are in waiting on Her2 and fish test. I am Er+ Pr- all my nodes were clear except one cell on one node. Not sure if I am headed for chemo or chemo and hormone therapy wow I can't believe how educated I sound about all this i didn't know squat about breast cancer three months ago lol!! Had two types of cancer in my breast one being invasive aggressive that didn't show on mammo doctor thinks I should consider left mastectomy because of this reason. So torn now because I feel like I kept the left one for a reason now I doubt my decision every day, I know I just need to dig deep and make myself at peace with a decision real soon!! So after my results I plan on doing just that!

    Good luck with everything try really hard to stay positive and try to get some sleep sweet dreams
  • Venus2012
    Venus2012 Member Posts: 4
    Newly Diagnosed 62 years old
    My heart goes out to you. It is very scary to go through and you will have many moments of emotions coming up. You are in a great facility. My girlfriend was diagnosed last December and did her treatments at MD Anderson Orlando. I was diagnosed in April this year in Texas and fortunate to have a great crew at Medical City Dallas.
    Write all your questions down in a journal so when you see your doctors you can ask questions that you think of when you are home. Your husband is wonderful and supportive, but he is also having his own emotions about this and mostly his concern for you. BE STRONG. You are taking care of your body now and will get it back on the right track. You are going through this to enjoy a longer healthier life with your husband. YOU ARE STRONG.
    Your SCARY LIFE is over, you are going to get healthy again.
    Thinking of you my dear.
  • ColoradoDani
    ColoradoDani Member Posts: 65

    Everyone keeps telling me to
    Everyone keeps telling me to stay strong. I have no idea what that even means. I'm just falling apart :-(

    I have never in my 62 years felt anything close to this level of fear and sadness.

    Ugh

    All the best to you newpath (what is your first name), you seem to have better coping skills than i do

    It's okay not to be strong
    at least all the time. Let's be honest, breast cancer is really scary. But it is something that you can get through. I was diagnosed at the age of 42 last July. It was a small tumor and I went in for the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (the dye) at the same time. I was under anesthesia for this. I did end up having 3 positive nodes and a full axillary node dissection,which probably hurt more than the sentinel node biopsy would. Honestly, I recovered from this quickly. There was some pain, but not too long lasting. I did make sure to stretch and eventually started lifting 2 pound weights to promote mobility, though.

    I began chemo on August 15 and finished this Weds. before Thanksgiving (just a couple of days ago). It hasn't been fun, but it was completely do-able. I have been tired, but for each cycle (2 weeks for each cycle), I was almost back to normal by the end except for the level of physical activity I'm used to, which is high. I do have to have another surgery--bilateral masectomy because they found DCIS on all margins of the lumpectomy. I found great surgeons and am ready to get this over with and focus on survivorship. I was really scared about this until I found surgeons I liked and trusted. I think that's really important--find docs you trust and can ask questions to. This is scary stuff, but life does bring scary stuff from time to time, and you can do this. I did, and even in the midst of all the treatment, you'll still find yourself living life (I went on field trips with my kids, taught classes online, cooked, took etc.) So, it's okay to feel scared right now, but arm yourself with information and realize that you can do this. Keep asking questions and good luck.
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    Venus2012 said:

    Newly Diagnosed 62 years old
    My heart goes out to you. It is very scary to go through and you will have many moments of emotions coming up. You are in a great facility. My girlfriend was diagnosed last December and did her treatments at MD Anderson Orlando. I was diagnosed in April this year in Texas and fortunate to have a great crew at Medical City Dallas.
    Write all your questions down in a journal so when you see your doctors you can ask questions that you think of when you are home. Your husband is wonderful and supportive, but he is also having his own emotions about this and mostly his concern for you. BE STRONG. You are taking care of your body now and will get it back on the right track. You are going through this to enjoy a longer healthier life with your husband. YOU ARE STRONG.
    Your SCARY LIFE is over, you are going to get healthy again.
    Thinking of you my dear.

    Wow both your gf AND you
    Wow both your gf AND you stricken with this? That is so NOT fair, but then NONE of this is.

    I know Im in a good facility, but my scary life is far from over, its really just beginning. You are way stronger than I am. I hope you both are doing well.

    Thanks for caring
  • hestko76
    hestko76 Member Posts: 2

    Thanks Helen.,
    Since our

    Thanks Helen.,

    Since our situations are so similar (ya with the caveat that every one is different), can you share some of what you experienced? How did you find your tumor, via regular mammo, or you found it yourself? Did you have that dye injection , how was it, pain and everything wize? How was the surgery? What was your physical condition before surgery? In shape? Not in shape? Normal weight, thin, or overweight? And how was the experience of chemo? You seem to write about it in very effortless way, which Im sure it was not. Also what do you mean by HER2+++?

    And most important HOW are you feeling now?

    Thanks for your kindess and taking the time to post and talk to me.

    Diane

    I'll try and answer your questions!
    Hi Diane,
    This definition tells you what HER2 is. You will see that this type of cancer IS NOT inherited, so gene testing for others in your family is not warranted.

    HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation and the elevated levels of HER2 that it causes can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer. This is a gene mutation that occurs only in the cancer cells and is not a type of mutation that you can inherit from a parent.

    My tumor was found with a mamogram. You can't feel a tumor until it is 1 cm, and you can't see it on a mamogram until it is 5 mm. Sometimes, with large breasts, it can't be felt at 1 cm, either.

    Yes, I did have the dye injected. It was VERY painful... probably the most pain I had during this year of treatment. Inserting the wire through my nipple was not painful. I started walking at age 50, because of a bone density test. I did no other exercise, but teach school! I've always been a few pounds over weight. I did gain 12 pounds during chemo. But, I'm counting calories again, and I've lost 18 pounds! Yea! I am retired now, but do substitute teaching and give piano lessons.

    Chemo wasn't a piece of cake, but very doable. I didn't feel too bad until days 4 and 5 after chemo. Very very tired..... There are meds to handle the other stuff: nausa, diareha, constipation. I never lost my appetite. My hair fell out between my lst and 2nd chemo. That is very typical.

    My surgery was long.... 5 1/2 hours! My surgeon tested the margins while I was still "under", and decided to get clearer margins then. My recovery from the lumpectomy was fine.

    I forgot to say in my earlier post.... I did get 33 radiation treatments which began 1 month after chemo. I did burn and peel, but light skinned women do burn worse than others.

    I feel good now, but still need more sleep than I used to get. My hair grew in very curly.... always had straight hair.... but at least it is hair!

    I hope this helps!
    Helen
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    hestko76 said:

    I'll try and answer your questions!
    Hi Diane,
    This definition tells you what HER2 is. You will see that this type of cancer IS NOT inherited, so gene testing for others in your family is not warranted.

    HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation and the elevated levels of HER2 that it causes can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer. This is a gene mutation that occurs only in the cancer cells and is not a type of mutation that you can inherit from a parent.

    My tumor was found with a mamogram. You can't feel a tumor until it is 1 cm, and you can't see it on a mamogram until it is 5 mm. Sometimes, with large breasts, it can't be felt at 1 cm, either.

    Yes, I did have the dye injected. It was VERY painful... probably the most pain I had during this year of treatment. Inserting the wire through my nipple was not painful. I started walking at age 50, because of a bone density test. I did no other exercise, but teach school! I've always been a few pounds over weight. I did gain 12 pounds during chemo. But, I'm counting calories again, and I've lost 18 pounds! Yea! I am retired now, but do substitute teaching and give piano lessons.

    Chemo wasn't a piece of cake, but very doable. I didn't feel too bad until days 4 and 5 after chemo. Very very tired..... There are meds to handle the other stuff: nausa, diareha, constipation. I never lost my appetite. My hair fell out between my lst and 2nd chemo. That is very typical.

    My surgery was long.... 5 1/2 hours! My surgeon tested the margins while I was still "under", and decided to get clearer margins then. My recovery from the lumpectomy was fine.

    I forgot to say in my earlier post.... I did get 33 radiation treatments which began 1 month after chemo. I did burn and peel, but light skinned women do burn worse than others.

    I feel good now, but still need more sleep than I used to get. My hair grew in very curly.... always had straight hair.... but at least it is hair!

    I hope this helps!
    Helen

    I know what HER2 is, I was
    I know what HER2 is, I was asking about +++ that was put after it. Is there a difference in HER2+ and HER2+++
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member

    Wow both your gf AND you
    Wow both your gf AND you stricken with this? That is so NOT fair, but then NONE of this is.

    I know Im in a good facility, but my scary life is far from over, its really just beginning. You are way stronger than I am. I hope you both are doing well.

    Thanks for caring

    Hi DianeHelen! Hearing
    Hi DianeHelen! Hearing those 3 awful words and then having to go thru everything that we have to in order to save our lives is scary and is also not fair. But, you've got so many pink sisters that have been thru it and can hopefully help to answer your questions and give you support. This site, these women are amazing!

    I am sending you lots of hugs and lots of support!


    Leeza
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    jnl said:

    Hi DianeHelen! Hearing
    Hi DianeHelen! Hearing those 3 awful words and then having to go thru everything that we have to in order to save our lives is scary and is also not fair. But, you've got so many pink sisters that have been thru it and can hopefully help to answer your questions and give you support. This site, these women are amazing!

    I am sending you lots of hugs and lots of support!


    Leeza

    Thanks Leeza
    I have seen

    Thanks Leeza

    I have seen some good info here, but yanno, sometimes I read stuff and it makes me more scared. I dont know whether to read or not. Ughh But I do agree there are some really great people here. Most seem much braver and stronger than I am in dealing with this.

    Thanks for caring
  • kacee999
    kacee999 Member Posts: 110

    Thanks Leeza
    I have seen

    Thanks Leeza

    I have seen some good info here, but yanno, sometimes I read stuff and it makes me more scared. I dont know whether to read or not. Ughh But I do agree there are some really great people here. Most seem much braver and stronger than I am in dealing with this.

    Thanks for caring

    Fear of the unknown...
    is what gets you. So when I was diagnosed I got on the net and started reading, reading, reading, reading, reading and I mean a LOT! I Learned the jargon of the cancer world, I read about the various types of cancer, the stages, the treatments, what to expect. I was Stage 1, IDC, DCIS (in situ), microscopic met to the sentinel node (but no others). I had a bi-lateral mastegtomy (I said TAKE IT ALL!!!!!), 6 rounds of TAC chemo - Taxotere, Adriamycin, Cytoxan, followed by 25 sessions of rads, follwed by (now) 5 years of Aromatase Inhibitor (Arimidex). I made it a point to be as versed as possible in all facets of my treatment. Being forewarned takes 90% of the fear away. And when you go to your doctor, take a cell phone and RECORD all your initial visits. You'll be getting WAY too much info to digest at once, even with a second person there to help. You'll find that you will "adjust" (if you need help and can't seem to get under control, demand some anti-anxiety meds!) to the "new normal" for the period of treatment and after. It is all doable. (By the way, I am 61)
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    kacee999 said:

    Fear of the unknown...
    is what gets you. So when I was diagnosed I got on the net and started reading, reading, reading, reading, reading and I mean a LOT! I Learned the jargon of the cancer world, I read about the various types of cancer, the stages, the treatments, what to expect. I was Stage 1, IDC, DCIS (in situ), microscopic met to the sentinel node (but no others). I had a bi-lateral mastegtomy (I said TAKE IT ALL!!!!!), 6 rounds of TAC chemo - Taxotere, Adriamycin, Cytoxan, followed by 25 sessions of rads, follwed by (now) 5 years of Aromatase Inhibitor (Arimidex). I made it a point to be as versed as possible in all facets of my treatment. Being forewarned takes 90% of the fear away. And when you go to your doctor, take a cell phone and RECORD all your initial visits. You'll be getting WAY too much info to digest at once, even with a second person there to help. You'll find that you will "adjust" (if you need help and can't seem to get under control, demand some anti-anxiety meds!) to the "new normal" for the period of treatment and after. It is all doable. (By the way, I am 61)

    Wow you are just so strong
    Wow you are just so strong and even clinical about all. You obviously handled it way better than i am. I envy that you have those qualities.

    I start reading stuff and just fall apart into tears and have to stop reading.

    I'm just a mess
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member

    Wow you are just so strong
    Wow you are just so strong and even clinical about all. You obviously handled it way better than i am. I envy that you have those qualities.

    I start reading stuff and just fall apart into tears and have to stop reading.

    I'm just a mess

    You'll find out that you are stronger than you think
    We all went into this wondering how we'd survive it, hearing tales of what others went through that made us shake in our boots, and feel totally inadequate.

    Somehow, we do what we have to do. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be scared. Your drs have seen it all - some will be more comforting than others.

    One day at a time, one step at a time. I think that the anticipation is the worst part.

    Sending giant hugs,
    Alice