recently diagnosed-need support

mutz

I am a week out of my bilateral mastectomy with cancer in my left breast. I had 6/19 nodes test positive. Soon I will meet with my oncologist. I am looking for support from many of you that have been where I am at so early in this journey. Please share your story with me to help build up my hope and encourage me.

AnnaB

First off, you are surrounded by survivors on this website! I was diagnosed in November, 2002 and had a mastectomy in December, 2002. I'm currently going through chemo. Honestly, chemo is not fun. But, just think of this time as a small "blip" on the radar screen of your life - you will get through it. My motto has been "one day at at time" - I know, it's much easier said than done, but try to only take each step of your process in small pieces. It's not so overwhelming that way. You'll be amazed at the kindness of complete strangers - soak it in and let your family and friends love and support you. If it works for you, educate yourself and write down what the doctors tell you, so you can come home and research what they've said. Just do whatever works for you -
I'll be thinking of you.

TylersMom1

I was diagnosed in April 2002 with Stage II BC. I had a lumpectomy with 1 node positive, 6 months of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation. When I began in April I thought I would never see the end of the tunnel. But I did, finished my treatment in January and started back to work part time today! You will be done before you know it and getting on with your life. I tried to focus on the positives (I know it is hard to believe there is anything positive to focus on but there is). I focused on my family and taking care of myself. This is the time in life to be selfish and to take care of yourself. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful support system and pray that you have the same. If you can, take someone with you to your oncologist's appointment. They will throw so much information at you and you won't be able to absorb it all. I was fortunate enough to have my husband go to all my appointments. He would sit and write down all the questions and answers so that when I got home, I could go over it again and do research. It really helped me a lot. You are in my prayers and if you would like to talk more, my email is cfbryant@together.net. Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing...Cheryl

TommiRB

TylersMom1 said:

I was diagnosed in April 2002 with Stage II BC. I had a lumpectomy with 1 node positive, 6 months of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation. When I began in April I thought I would never see the end of the tunnel. But I did, finished my treatment in January and started back to work part time today! You will be done before you know it and getting on with your life. I tried to focus on the positives (I know it is hard to believe there is anything positive to focus on but there is). I focused on my family and taking care of myself. This is the time in life to be selfish and to take care of yourself. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful support system and pray that you have the same. If you can, take someone with you to your oncologist's appointment. They will throw so much information at you and you won't be able to absorb it all. I was fortunate enough to have my husband go to all my appointments. He would sit and write down all the questions and answers so that when I got home, I could go over it again and do research. It really helped me a lot. You are in my prayers and if you would like to talk more, my email is cfbryant@together.net. Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing...Cheryl

Hello mutz. I am also new to this board - wish I found it earlier. I was diagnosed July 2001. Mastectomy with TRAM flap recons. Stage IIB BC with 2 of 9 lymph +. I went thru 6 rounds of CEF chemo then needed additional surgeries for breast and 2 hernias (a side effect from TRAM flap). I was very nervous at first but always kept a positive attitude. I have 2 children in HS and I knew I had to stay positive for them and my husband. I NEVER got sick during chemo - I took Torecan and it worked. I planned for being tired the 2nd and 3rd day after each chemo treatment so I planned all my treatments on Thursdays so I could rest on the weekends. With the positive attitude, I really didn't slow down from my normal activities. I also had alot of support from family and friends. My hair is now back - quite honestly it didn't bother me being gone, and I am on Arimidex for the next 5 years. Keep a positive attitude and know that there is light at the end of this long tunnel. You are not alone and this group will help you along the way. Good luck and keep us posted. Tommi

sandytrif525

Hello. I was diagnosed July of 2001 like tommi. I had stage 3 invasive lobular with all nodes clear (took 23). I had chemo for 6 mos. then the mastectomy with tramflap. I have had no problems with either surgery. I was on Chemo for almost 6 more months with 6 weeks of radiation to follow. It was a long road, but take each day as it comes. We are only given that anyway. I had treatments on Monday's so that by the weekends I could function for my family. I have 4 children ages 19 to 12. I would recommend that you have the time to rest and rest. I slept for the first 3 days after the AC and towards the end with the 5FU I became tired as well. That was 2 weeks on and 2 off. Ask every question you have. There is no stupid question. I still write out my questions. Sometimes the Doc just reads my questions. Find a doc that you like and can trust. I will be praying for you. The Lord can see you through. God bless. Sandy

sassysally

Hi mutz, well, I guess of your replies so far, I am the "OLD LADY" of the group. I was diagnoised back in 1988 at the age of 28 with breast cancer. Had lumpectomy with chemo and radiation. It was nice enough to come for another visit 7 yrs later when I was 35/36. Again surgery and chemotherapy. I guess this thing just likes my house because again in 2002 he visited again. Now with this surgery I am as flat as a board. Finished up the chemo last Memorial Day. Thank God, would'nt want to screw up my summer. I am now 41, and hanging in there. Chemo is not a picnic, but you will get through it. Let your family and friends help you all they can, even if its just to talk or vent. Getting mad is ok. Sometimes I think it makes us stronger. Humor is an important thing. You need to see the humor in the little things. Cancer wins if you can't laugh. I have been there and done that too many times, but I continue to strive to let others know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you can make it out the other side. We are all here for support, what ever it may be. To laugh, to cry, to give you a hug or a smile. Know that we all walk with you, not in front of or behind you, but right by your side all the way. Stay strong,you are an amazing individual. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. All of the people that I have encountered on this web site let me know that through it all,I am not alone, many have walked where we now tread. There are angles everywhere, and inspite of it all I am here, and no matter what trials come my way, having met all the the wonderful people here that touch my life everyday I am truly blessed. Glad you came to visit my life. :-)

bridgetrae

mutz
I had stage II breast 7 years ago. I went through surgery, chemo radiation etc. I am also an onc. nurse. The therapies out there today are very good, you will do fine. Im here to prove it.Let me know if I can help.
bridget

stillstanding

sassysally said:

Hi mutz, well, I guess of your replies so far, I am the "OLD LADY" of the group. I was diagnoised back in 1988 at the age of 28 with breast cancer. Had lumpectomy with chemo and radiation. It was nice enough to come for another visit 7 yrs later when I was 35/36. Again surgery and chemotherapy. I guess this thing just likes my house because again in 2002 he visited again. Now with this surgery I am as flat as a board. Finished up the chemo last Memorial Day. Thank God, would'nt want to screw up my summer. I am now 41, and hanging in there. Chemo is not a picnic, but you will get through it. Let your family and friends help you all they can, even if its just to talk or vent. Getting mad is ok. Sometimes I think it makes us stronger. Humor is an important thing. You need to see the humor in the little things. Cancer wins if you can't laugh. I have been there and done that too many times, but I continue to strive to let others know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you can make it out the other side. We are all here for support, what ever it may be. To laugh, to cry, to give you a hug or a smile. Know that we all walk with you, not in front of or behind you, but right by your side all the way. Stay strong,you are an amazing individual. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. All of the people that I have encountered on this web site let me know that through it all,I am not alone, many have walked where we now tread. There are angles everywhere, and inspite of it all I am here, and no matter what trials come my way, having met all the the wonderful people here that touch my life everyday I am truly blessed. Glad you came to visit my life. :-)

Hi mutz, I am brand new to this site tonight. Had breast cancer in 2000. Lumpectomy no nodes involved
I had 4 rounds of chemo only, dr. said it was only for insurance also had 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. Chemo was not pleasant but took zofran for nausea. You CAN do this. Let your family or friends help when you need it. When you go for chemo remember ___its to get better! I scheduled my chemo day early in the week so that if I really didn't feel well I could still reach someone before the weekend. You will have very good days enjoy them. Sometimes they will not be so good thats the time you remember "this too shall pass" Unfortunately cancer has paid me another visit this time in my liver. Started chemo in Nov. still trying to shrink them. My chemo taxotere and herceptin is not bad ...not sick just hair thining. I am feeling good. Get your support system going, laugh at the craziness, and know you'll get through it. If you want to share a thought that you don't want to discuss with you family I'm here ...we all are. As my son tells me " Get busy living or get busy dying...the choice is yours. Stillstanding

Lynn1

Hi Mutz,
This is my first day on this site, and I am so glad I logged on. I just read all of the other replies to your request for support, and I am so grateful for the love and strength I feel coming form these remarkable women. There is also much wisdom there. I am in the sixth week of a 6 month course of chemo for stage 2 BC. I had 1 positive node. The nausea is very well controlled with the new meds available, and I have just a couple of really bad days between treatments. I just keep telling myself that it will pass, and of course it does. I was out shopping the other day with my little bald head and my cute little hat when a lady came up to me and asked me how I was doing. I looked into her face, and she smiled and said, "No, you don't know me, but I am a survivor too, and I just wanted to tell you to hang in there." So, I just want to tell you the same thing. Hang in there, and we'll just keep coming back to this wonderful site for some much needed support from these amazing women.

Survior

Hi Mutz
I am a breast cancer survior of 3 1/2 years. I was lucky the nodes were not affected.
I want to say to you "have a postive attitude" that you will beat this breast cancer, when others want to help you, let them. Pamper yourself.
I didn't have chemo, but if that's what is necessary for you, take it. Do everything you can to fight and win the battle. This board is proof people to survive.
I had the support of my wonderful husband, friends, neighbors. I also prayed a lot.
I don't know if this helps, I hope so.
You will beat this.