Is there anyone to talk to me ? :( plzzzzzzzzzz
Comments
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Hi,
I'm so sorry that you
Hi,
I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. I wish I had answers for you but I don't. They started with a lumpectomy with me and then found out I had to have a mastectomy. I guess that is one way to go. Every case is so different, even if it's the same cancer, because each one of us is so different. It is confusing. I would recommend that you check out some sites and see what they can tell you. I know the American Cancer Society is reliable. There are many others but I am drawing a blank. I'm sure that someone here has more info. for you.
I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Please let us know what you decide and how it goes.
Gentle Hugs,
Donna0 -
Hi uzee. I am sorry that
Hi uzee. I am sorry that this is happening to you. I don't understand why you are waiting 2 months for your surgery. Was that your choice? Have you had a consultation with your surgeon and your oncologist? If not, you need to. You need to have all of the options explained to you for you to make a decision on what you want to do. After all, it is your choice. I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks after my diagnosis. I had clear margins and my lymph nodes were clean. My tumor was small, under 1cm, so, I had radiation treatments and no chemo. I am still in radiation treatments, but, will be done soon. I guess I need to know what specific questions you need answered and I will answer them the best that I can as others here will too. But, Uzee, your pathology report actually designates what treatment you should do. And, that is after your surgery. I also had a MRI, CAT scan, bone scan and a liver scan prior to surgery. Those were to determine if there was any more cancer anywhere and there wasn't. You need to talk to your oncologist, your surgeon, your radiation oncologist prior to making your decision. You need answers and they are the ones to help with that. Whatever I or anyone can do for you, we are more than willing to. Just ask!0 -
decisions
Welcome, sorry that you are here. As the others have said, you need to know what *your* cancer means. We are all different. I had DCIS so I opted for lumpectomy, radiation and am now on hormone blocking therapy.
I also wanted to let you know that the American Cancer society 800-227-2345 and Y me 800-221-2141 are 24 hour lines and are able to give you information. Also the treatment decision portion of this web site can help you look at options and figure out questions to ask.
Maureen0 -
I chose least invasive...
I was 2cm, ER/PR+, HER2 negative (after a FISH test...I was borderline).
I had a lumpectomy, with node removal (had hit the sentinel nodes). Chemotherapy and radiation. My surgeon gave me the choice of lump- or -mastectomy, with about the same reoccurance stats, etc. This was my second cancer in 6 months, so I REALLY wanted to get on with my life ASAP.
I have no regrets. I am 4 years clean on the rectal cancer, and almost 3 years clean on the breast cancer. I have a small amount of residual pain, most likely from the node removal, when I overdo.
I know you have heard this, but it IS such a personal decision. I preferred to 'run the odds' of keeping my breast. But, my rectal cancer was much more life threatening, so I figure that if something's going to get me, it's that...my choice, however, would probably still have been lumpectomy, even without the first cancer...I'm rather vain for a 50-plus year old gal...lol!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
challenging to decideKathiM said:I chose least invasive...
I was 2cm, ER/PR+, HER2 negative (after a FISH test...I was borderline).
I had a lumpectomy, with node removal (had hit the sentinel nodes). Chemotherapy and radiation. My surgeon gave me the choice of lump- or -mastectomy, with about the same reoccurance stats, etc. This was my second cancer in 6 months, so I REALLY wanted to get on with my life ASAP.
I have no regrets. I am 4 years clean on the rectal cancer, and almost 3 years clean on the breast cancer. I have a small amount of residual pain, most likely from the node removal, when I overdo.
I know you have heard this, but it IS such a personal decision. I preferred to 'run the odds' of keeping my breast. But, my rectal cancer was much more life threatening, so I figure that if something's going to get me, it's that...my choice, however, would probably still have been lumpectomy, even without the first cancer...I'm rather vain for a 50-plus year old gal...lol!
Hugs, Kathi
I had dcis, lumpectomy and radiation-then 2 yrs later returned in same breast so had mastectomy. Currently in reconstruction. I went least invasive at the start, bc doesnt' run in my family-I was the first. Deciding what to do is so challenging. I suggest you read some older posts on this site, and gather info. talk with your doctors and ask questions that pertain to your diagnosis, and life style. I made decisions that at the time I felt fit my situation, unfortunately my situation changed--things we don't foresee. So, we cross the bridges as we come to them. I wish you the best.
Melanie0 -
Uzee
First I would like to welcome you to our amazing group of sisters here. What a blessing it has been to me. I only waited a couple of weeks until i had my surgery, so i really didn't have much time to think, and just did what my Dr. suggested. I did choose a left mastectomy, and now wish i would have had a bilateral. I was stage 3, (lump was 2.5 cm) and also her2 pos. I had 6 pos. out of 23 lymphnodes taken.
This is all a decision that is really up to you and your Dr. make sure he/she gives you all the information on each plan of attack. It would help to take someone with you to take down notes. They will give you more information after your surgery and which treatment plan you will need to follow. I have had 6 rounds of chemo and will be starting radiation in the very near future. Let us know how everything is going and we will be here for you each step of the way.
God Bless
Jackie0 -
Decisions!
Hello uzee~
I had a lumpectomy, node removal, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. My surgery was scheduled 2 1/2 weeks after I was diagnosed~ I too am wondering why it is taking you so long. As someone else asked, is this your choice? My surgeon and oncolongist told me about the risks/benefits of a mastectomy vs lumpectomy and the survival rates with each. As I had what is called "substantial" breasts, my surgeon convinced me that a lumpectomy, also called Breast conservation therapy, would be worthwhile in my case.
If you have not done so, please take someone with you when you meet with your surgeon~ it is so hard to remember everything when the diagnosis is about us! Another pair of ears is vital in helping you get the information/recommendations you need to make a truly informed decision. And, as someone else wisely said, call the ACS for added information.
We welcome you here with open arms, we have been through this journey and we will nurture you as you find your way to Long Life After Cancer!
Keep us posted, please~ we care about you!
Hugs,
Claudia0 -
We are ALL here for you!
Welcome, uzee. Though so sorry for the reason. Many here would probably agree that one of the hardest parts of the breast cancer journey is the time between diagnosis & whatever is the first big step to fight back the disease - in your case, surgery. And, yes - the learning curve happens at lightning fast speed, causing confusion.
Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy is a very complicated & difficult decision. Not everyone is provided with this choice. Many times, one or the other is strongly recommended. Your post does not include very much specific information, which is not meant as a criticism in any way. Do you feel informed enough by your own doctors? I hope you understand that surgery, whatever your choice, is the most critical determining factor for any additional treatment afterwards. No matter what tests you've already had, the results are used for predictions. Pathology test results following surgery either revise or confirm those predictions.
If you feel you still have many questions unanswered, please consult with your own doctors. Like others here have already posted, a two month delay between diagnosis and surgery poses concerns. My own surgery occurred less than two WEEKS after diagnosis.
Best wishes & good luck to you.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
One thing you may want to
One thing you may want to think about. Chemo and radiation are said together like salt and pepper. But they are very different in severity to one's life (in my experience) Chemo is like your car breaking down, stranded in the country, and walking miles in the rain back home. Radiation is, by comparison, like getting a flat tire and you have triple AAA and there is a nice restaurant to have coffee in while it gets fixed. Radiation is a drag, and inconvenience, but don't think that just because it gets grouped with chemo that it is of the same caliber.
You might want to visit the radiation clinic. Again, compared to the chemo ward, it was like a spa!
Best luck with your decision.
You are going to be just fine!
love, Joyce0 -
You must have had a totallyJoycelouise said:One thing you may want to
One thing you may want to think about. Chemo and radiation are said together like salt and pepper. But they are very different in severity to one's life (in my experience) Chemo is like your car breaking down, stranded in the country, and walking miles in the rain back home. Radiation is, by comparison, like getting a flat tire and you have triple AAA and there is a nice restaurant to have coffee in while it gets fixed. Radiation is a drag, and inconvenience, but don't think that just because it gets grouped with chemo that it is of the same caliber.
You might want to visit the radiation clinic. Again, compared to the chemo ward, it was like a spa!
Best luck with your decision.
You are going to be just fine!
love, Joyce
You must have had a totally different type of radiation than I am having cuz it isn't a walk in the park. Some chemo's, I am sure, are quite bad, but, I don't think anyone was comparing the two. They are 2 treatments for cancer, totally different. But, radiation is most certainly not like a spa. It is a very serious form of treatment for cancer with side effects. And, with my having to take 37 treatments..I don't consider it an easy treatment or a day of fun..............0 -
Love your attitudeKathiM said:I chose least invasive...
I was 2cm, ER/PR+, HER2 negative (after a FISH test...I was borderline).
I had a lumpectomy, with node removal (had hit the sentinel nodes). Chemotherapy and radiation. My surgeon gave me the choice of lump- or -mastectomy, with about the same reoccurance stats, etc. This was my second cancer in 6 months, so I REALLY wanted to get on with my life ASAP.
I have no regrets. I am 4 years clean on the rectal cancer, and almost 3 years clean on the breast cancer. I have a small amount of residual pain, most likely from the node removal, when I overdo.
I know you have heard this, but it IS such a personal decision. I preferred to 'run the odds' of keeping my breast. But, my rectal cancer was much more life threatening, so I figure that if something's going to get me, it's that...my choice, however, would probably still have been lumpectomy, even without the first cancer...I'm rather vain for a 50-plus year old gal...lol!
Hugs, Kathi
Kathi
Read your story, and just love your attitude.
I was diagnosed of BC on May 08, and then went through surgery, Chemo, and then radiation. On Nov. 08, I was then diagnosed with thyroid cancer (I found a mass by myself). Then I went through another round of surgery, radiation. I was so tired and think maybe another cancer was hiding somewhere in my body to wait for me.
My relatives are all in China, and I am 42 and live here with my husband and two kids (8 and 13 year old). I did not tell my kids about my cancer because I do not want them to worry about me. I am trying to be positive, but sometimes like right now, I am very sad. It is a huge encouragement to see the people like you.
Thank You!
Yihong0 -
Hi uzeemimivac said:uzee
Just wanted to check in since we haven't heard from you. Have you had your surgery? Please update when you can.
Mimi
There is nothing I can add to all the good advise and information you already got from all the other BC warriors.
The only thing I want to emphasize again, as others have said - DON'T DELAY. Talk to your doctors and make a decision to go forward. It's emotionally stressful to hang in limbo and stress is something you should avoid as much as possible at this stage.
Gitta0 -
I'm not saying I didn't WHINE....lol!Yihong said:Love your attitude
Kathi
Read your story, and just love your attitude.
I was diagnosed of BC on May 08, and then went through surgery, Chemo, and then radiation. On Nov. 08, I was then diagnosed with thyroid cancer (I found a mass by myself). Then I went through another round of surgery, radiation. I was so tired and think maybe another cancer was hiding somewhere in my body to wait for me.
My relatives are all in China, and I am 42 and live here with my husband and two kids (8 and 13 year old). I did not tell my kids about my cancer because I do not want them to worry about me. I am trying to be positive, but sometimes like right now, I am very sad. It is a huge encouragement to see the people like you.
Thank You!
Yihong
And now, it's faded to a memory...one I don't mind softening....
I remember my second cancer (the breast cancer) I actually got 5 (!) second opinions for chemo/no chemo!!!!
The last one, the head of oncology at UCLA breast cancer center, stopped me in my tracks. I said "I am so weary." SHE said "Why would you throw your first fight away by not fighting as hard as possible this time?" I called my oncologist on the way home and said "O.K., let's get this going!!!"
At that point, my emotionally disturbed daughter was still alive. I had not told her about my first cancer, till after it was over. THIS one I knew I had to tell her about, since I would be bald. It was hard, she always reacted strongly to anything wrong with any of us. I decided to make her a part of my team...as if she had a say in my treatment...it made it soooo much less scary for her...just a thought.
Hugs, Kathi0 -
Jeanne, I don't think JoyceJeanne D said:You must have had a totally
You must have had a totally different type of radiation than I am having cuz it isn't a walk in the park. Some chemo's, I am sure, are quite bad, but, I don't think anyone was comparing the two. They are 2 treatments for cancer, totally different. But, radiation is most certainly not like a spa. It is a very serious form of treatment for cancer with side effects. And, with my having to take 37 treatments..I don't consider it an easy treatment or a day of fun..............
Jeanne, I don't think Joyce meant to say it wasn't hard, but compared to chemo, it is a much easier treatment on the body. Joyce had both chemo and radiation. I only had chemo because I opted for a mastectomy and my lymph nodes were clean, but I wouldn't wish chemo on my worst enemy nor the anguish and despair one goes through when given a cancer diagnosis. Hugs, Lili0 -
Hi uzee and welcome. I was
Hi uzee and welcome. I was dx in april and I am not having surgery until June. It's was getting all the test's done and then I joined a clinical trial. I also like you, had to make a decision lumpectomy/mastectomy. I to wanted someone to just make the decision for me. This decision has to be yours. I did learn however and I also called the ACS and was told that if my concern was that the cancer had a better chance of coming back if I choose lumpectomy instead of mastectomy that I was wrong. If the cancer is going to come back it does not matter which you choose the risks are the same. I was told the difference may be that with lumpectomy it could return back in the breast tissue, with Mastectomy it could return in the chest wall. I have spoken to my doctor about this as well and she confirmed what the ACS told me. I have made my decision to be lumpectomy. For me right now I feel this is the right decision. Less invasive and not as many surgery's. Yes radiation is a must and I won't know about chemo untill after the surgery is over. I am so sorry at your young age that you have to go though this,but with the help of all your new friends they will see you though.0
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