Newbies - introduce yourselves

Christmas Girl

Warm welcome...
To all newcomers. This is an amazing group, the best online cancer support network. No matter what your current circumstances - know that when you're here, on the board, you are surrounded by survivors. 6+ years for me. I joined to mark my 5 year anniversary for completion of all invasive treatment, intending to give back - provide support and encouragement to others.

The board is always open - 24/7, each and every day. Visit often.

Best wishes to all.

padee6339

sherria49 said:

Another Newbie!!
Thanks Pitt!!
Hi I'm Sherri, 49, in Maryland, with 3 adult children, 28, 26, & 19 and a beautiful granddaughter who is 7. I have been on the site for a month or so now. Only a few posts from me, but have received a wealth of info from all of the threads. Omg, everyone is so wonderful here! My Dr was so shocked at how informed I had become in such a short time. I was diagnosed in Aug this year with IDC in left breast, bilateral mastectomy (my choice) scheduled for Oct 30th with immediate reconstruction w/expanders & chemo port. Meeting with onco this Friday. Everytime I visit the site I have new questions & info to go to the Dr's with. Which makes me feel a little more in control of the situation. Hmmmmm, how much control do I really think I have. I'm still working and it seems everyone at work is sick! I use alot of hand sanitizer, trying to stay as healthy as possible. I have been doing fairly well with the whole BC thing until now... Just lost my ex father in law tonight (R.I.P Pop) He had a massive stroke over 25 years ago with little to no recovery from it. Just started going downhill last week and got the call this evening that he probably wouldn't make it through the night. So I gathered the kids together and we went to visit with him and say our goodbyes(he was at home). As soon as I returned home, we got the call that he passed. Reality kicked me straight in the teeth!! I just lost it!! I need to be strong for the kids. So...now I need to gather myself together, get through the funeral, and get my head ready for surgery! Thanks everyone for your encouraging kind words, & wealth of knowledge. Without you guys & this site I would be completely BC iliterate. Sherri

Hi Sherri
I just read your post and see you are from Maryland. Me too. I'm in Central Maryland, smack dab in between DC and Baltimore. Are you near or far? I'm sorry about your father in law (ex), he must have meant a lot to you and your kids.

I hate the reason why you and all the newbies are here, but like the rest of the group, am glad you found us. There are no support groups in my town, and this has been a life saver to me.

Hugs to you and all the newbies -
Pat

Skeezie

Christmas Girl said:

Warm welcome...
To all newcomers. This is an amazing group, the best online cancer support network. No matter what your current circumstances - know that when you're here, on the board, you are surrounded by survivors. 6+ years for me. I joined to mark my 5 year anniversary for completion of all invasive treatment, intending to give back - provide support and encouragement to others.

The board is always open - 24/7, each and every day. Visit often.

Best wishes to all.

Hi Everybody
Hi, I'm Judy. Was diagnosed with invasive ductal triple negative in July 09. After a re-xision and sentinal node biopsy (clean nodes)I had a simple mastectomy 9-11. I am having 1 to 6 chemo treaments of cytoxin/taxotere with a Neutlasta shot the next day. Last week all the girls were just going thru their first chemo's so I wanted to wait to see how I made out. Infusion day, piece of cake, 2nd day, great, then came the third day and getting fatigued, since Day 4 pretty achey and fatiuged. Today I'm finally feeling a lot better. I have not been nauseated, they gave me a 4 day shot in my chemo. I'm glad to have a group that is going thru it and girls that have been there. I have lurked since July but finally decided the time is right.

Even tho I haven't written til now, I have received a lot of good information and support from these boards. I hope I can be of some help to someone down the road.

One question, does each treatmnet get worse? Stay the same? Get better? Different for everyone? :-)

roseann4

expresslove said:

hello!!
Hello, well I am a newbie as well and haven't really posted very much, but am trying to do this more often because it helps me. I have been using this website for about two weeks now. I am 21 years old and have been diagnosed with a phyllodes tumor in my left breast. So far I have gone through a lumpectomy and am about to have another surgery this Friday. I am currently in a limbo because I am waiting for the results of my chest x rays, and I still don't know if I will have to undergo more surgery on my breast after this Friday or what. Waiting has been the hardest part of the journey. Its been over a month from the first time I went in about a lump. I am trying to do the best I can and lead a regular life (not at home with my parents but with my roommates etc.) I try to keep myself smiling, maintaining strength and loving my life. My biggest goal is to graduate in the Spring! If not, at least walk during the ceremony.
-Expresslove
Also, I am having a hard time talking about it and telling people in my life about what is going on. I find it easier to tell people over the phone, but haven't really done it in person. any advice? Its hard because I wont want to make people worry about me.
Thank you for the chance to introduce myself!

Do what works for you.
Hi Expresslove,

It is difficult to tell people when you do not have all the information. Many of us are more concerned about their reaction than how we feel. I would wait to tell people who aren't in your inner circle until you feel up to it and have all the information. You are under no obligation to tell everyone about your health. You are not your breast cancer. You have other things in your life that have nothing to do with it. Men are often much better about seperating things in their lives. I knew a man for several years before I he told me he had had colon cancer 10 years earlier. It simply wasn't my business. When I was diagnosed I felt I needed to tell everyone. I was wrong.

I know your fear must be overwhelming at times but there is so much hope. Be sure to ask your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping. You need your rest now more than ever because you are handling lots of responsibility.

You are not alone. We're all on the same journey so continue to let us guide you when we can.

Roseann

sherria49

bahallock said:

It's OK to lose it now and then
I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm glad you were able to say goodbye. I know you need to be strong for your kids. but you need to care for you also. You are facing a battle and deserve all the support and self care possible.

Thanks...........
so much for your support. This board & all the people are the best. I couldn't be more proud (considering) to have come to such warm and caring group.

Luv to all!!!

sherria49

padee6339 said:

Hi Sherri
I just read your post and see you are from Maryland. Me too. I'm in Central Maryland, smack dab in between DC and Baltimore. Are you near or far? I'm sorry about your father in law (ex), he must have meant a lot to you and your kids.

I hate the reason why you and all the newbies are here, but like the rest of the group, am glad you found us. There are no support groups in my town, and this has been a life saver to me.

Hugs to you and all the newbies -
Pat

Hi Pat!!!
Yes! Right in the middle!!! I'm in the Columbia area....

My father-in-law was the best. Such a kind caring man. He has been in my life for 30+ years and the kids were very close to him.

I actually haven't looked for a support group yet. I will soon though to help me after surgery. I agree....this board has been a saving grace for me. I enter the message boards on a daily basis now and love to hear the encouraging words of others. Reading some of the stories that seem to be so similiar to my own.

Hugs right back at ya!!! and all the new found friends here!!

Sherri

padee6339

sherria49 said:

Hi Pat!!!
Yes! Right in the middle!!! I'm in the Columbia area....

My father-in-law was the best. Such a kind caring man. He has been in my life for 30+ years and the kids were very close to him.

I actually haven't looked for a support group yet. I will soon though to help me after surgery. I agree....this board has been a saving grace for me. I enter the message boards on a daily basis now and love to hear the encouraging words of others. Reading some of the stories that seem to be so similiar to my own.

Hugs right back at ya!!! and all the new found friends here!!

Sherri

Hi Sherri
Wow, I'm in Laurel. I have a friend in Columbia off of Snowden Parkway who goes to a support group up there. I'll get the name of it for you. I think its affiliated with Howard County Hospital.

marilyndbk

helen e said:

New in September
I am 44, married with 2 kids, girl 14 & boy 12 both athletes. I have a very close family. 2 sisters live near and a sister & 2 brothers in another state. Dad is visiting and mom is too sick to come from another state. I get calls everyday from them. I also teach special education to middle school kids. The building I work in is a family, they send home dinners so I don't have to cook and tell me to just get well and not to worry.

I had a mammogram on 9/2 and they found a lump. Biopsy 2 days later - invasive ductal carcinoma, aggressive. 1.8 cm lump (stage 1) removed on 10/2 - centinel node biopsy clean. ER+, Her2nu -. All good. Only during surgery found more cancer spots in the duct. Now they want to do a mastectomy because chance for recurrence is 30-40%, even with radiation & chemo. I was floored by this now cancer takes on a whole meaning for me as a woman. Am having trouble trying to deal with this, any suggestions?

I love this site already. Have tried another and came back here, just not the same. Everyone is so sincere, compassionate, and helpful. I have been blessed to find this site. Thanks to everyone for their support, I have a feeling I will be needing it soon.

Helen

Hi Helen. I don't have a
Hi Helen. I don't have a lot of suggestions. I am 5 wks post op for bilateral mastectomy with Latissimus flap reconstruction with expanders and I am still having trouble emotionally. I was dx in 2001 with lumpectomy and had 33 rads. Dx Aug, 2009 in same breast. they found microscopic invasive tumor with only treatment the surgery I had. I am trying to focus on healing and hope the emotions clear up. I am so lucky that my cancer was found early both times and my future as far as cancer recurrence is good. Sometimes I feel guilty about being concerned about the lack of breasts when so many of our sisters are fighting worse. I am 59 yrs old with 3 grown children. Take care of yourself. Marilyn

sherria49

padee6339 said:

Hi Sherri
Wow, I'm in Laurel. I have a friend in Columbia off of Snowden Parkway who goes to a support group up there. I'll get the name of it for you. I think its affiliated with Howard County Hospital.

Thanks Pat!
Wow! We are close. If you ever need help with anything or just need an ear, let me know. We could always get together for lunch or dinner, compare notes, vent, laugh or whatever.....Always good to have someone that understands what you are going through. I have a great support system of family & friends but they have never walked in our shoes.

My onc is right down the street from the hospital so any support groups in that area would be great. Do you go to that same support group??

meena1

Skeezie said:

Hi Everybody
Hi, I'm Judy. Was diagnosed with invasive ductal triple negative in July 09. After a re-xision and sentinal node biopsy (clean nodes)I had a simple mastectomy 9-11. I am having 1 to 6 chemo treaments of cytoxin/taxotere with a Neutlasta shot the next day. Last week all the girls were just going thru their first chemo's so I wanted to wait to see how I made out. Infusion day, piece of cake, 2nd day, great, then came the third day and getting fatigued, since Day 4 pretty achey and fatiuged. Today I'm finally feeling a lot better. I have not been nauseated, they gave me a 4 day shot in my chemo. I'm glad to have a group that is going thru it and girls that have been there. I have lurked since July but finally decided the time is right.

Even tho I haven't written til now, I have received a lot of good information and support from these boards. I hope I can be of some help to someone down the road.

One question, does each treatmnet get worse? Stay the same? Get better? Different for everyone? :-)

This is a busy site lately,
This is a busy site lately, can't believe all the newbies. Welcome. I am happy that you have gotten a lot of information from us, keep reading and posting. Let us know how you are doing. Take care

roseann4

helen e said:

New in September
I am 44, married with 2 kids, girl 14 & boy 12 both athletes. I have a very close family. 2 sisters live near and a sister & 2 brothers in another state. Dad is visiting and mom is too sick to come from another state. I get calls everyday from them. I also teach special education to middle school kids. The building I work in is a family, they send home dinners so I don't have to cook and tell me to just get well and not to worry.

I had a mammogram on 9/2 and they found a lump. Biopsy 2 days later - invasive ductal carcinoma, aggressive. 1.8 cm lump (stage 1) removed on 10/2 - centinel node biopsy clean. ER+, Her2nu -. All good. Only during surgery found more cancer spots in the duct. Now they want to do a mastectomy because chance for recurrence is 30-40%, even with radiation & chemo. I was floored by this now cancer takes on a whole meaning for me as a woman. Am having trouble trying to deal with this, any suggestions?

I love this site already. Have tried another and came back here, just not the same. Everyone is so sincere, compassionate, and helpful. I have been blessed to find this site. Thanks to everyone for their support, I have a feeling I will be needing it soon.

Helen

Hi Helen!
My only advise is to take time to let this set in. Decisions are very difficult but staying alive and healthy is the goal. There are many women on this site who can help you with your concerns about the mastectomy. I was Stage 1 but had a partial mastectomy. That means that they took more tissue but the breast does not need reconstructive surgery. It's just a little smaller and definately perkier than it was before. Just know that it will be fine.

Please keep us posted.

Roseann

jennN

Newbie
Hi All,

I'm Jenn and I had stage II BC. I had a 6x7x8 ductal insitu tumor and a 2.5 cm. invasive tumor. I had a mastecomy in August and have had one round of chemo. I am Her2nu positive and ER/PR positive. I was told I had a high liklihood of my cancer returning if I didn't do chemo...like 70% or more. However,I never had an onco (sp?) test. Should I ask to do this? My oncologist entered my info into the computer and it had a % for it recurring. I did have the BRACA1 & 2 test done and it was negative.

I just turned 41 a few days ago and have 3 children. I have 2 boys (16 & 14) and a girl (11).

What all does the onco test say?

Thanks,

Jen

ruthielaine

expresslove said:

hello!!
Hello, well I am a newbie as well and haven't really posted very much, but am trying to do this more often because it helps me. I have been using this website for about two weeks now. I am 21 years old and have been diagnosed with a phyllodes tumor in my left breast. So far I have gone through a lumpectomy and am about to have another surgery this Friday. I am currently in a limbo because I am waiting for the results of my chest x rays, and I still don't know if I will have to undergo more surgery on my breast after this Friday or what. Waiting has been the hardest part of the journey. Its been over a month from the first time I went in about a lump. I am trying to do the best I can and lead a regular life (not at home with my parents but with my roommates etc.) I try to keep myself smiling, maintaining strength and loving my life. My biggest goal is to graduate in the Spring! If not, at least walk during the ceremony.
-Expresslove
Also, I am having a hard time talking about it and telling people in my life about what is going on. I find it easier to tell people over the phone, but haven't really done it in person. any advice? Its hard because I wont want to make people worry about me.
Thank you for the chance to introduce myself!

bi-lateral newbie
Hello - My name is Ruth and I'm 52 years old and I am fairly new here also - a few weeks although my cancer was diagnosed a couple months ago and I have to say I felt very lost until I found all of you on this site. Since then, I've had 2 lumpectomys without clean margins, a bi-lateral mastectomy and went from initial diagnosis of stage 0 to stage 3A - this is a very confusing and frustrating disease - even my surgeon was frustrated. But it turns out that choosing the bi-lateral was a very good decision since my left breast was heavy with DCIS and a small 3mm tumor and 4 positive nodes. Even though the right breast had nothing, I wanted to reduce my chances of having to deal with this in the future. Now I have expanders in, getting 70 cc's every week, starting Herceptin and chemo next week. Getting my port in tomorrow. What a few months this has been - but I will do whatever it takes to survive. We all have too much to live for! I have asked many questions of the wonderful women on this site and received so much info - I try to never leave a session without answering someone elses question or giving support - everyone here has been so good to me. Like I said I was lost until I found this site.

ruthielaine

JmG86 said:

Hi. My name is Julia. I was
Hi. My name is Julia. I was dx in July 2003 with stage 4 bc. I had been getting a mammo every year, and a physical check by my gynec twice a year, and they still missed it! I started having very bad back pain. My chiropractor wanted to do more aggressive treatments, and my regular doctor did an x-ray of my back, which showed nothing. (He also missed my numbers being way out of whack when my blood work came back from a complete physical). Finally went to an orthopedic specialist. He wanted to do physical therapy - I had to beg him to do an MRI first. That's when they found the cancer in my bones. I had radiation on tumors in my back immediately (they were getting to close to spinal column), had a lumpectomy, and was on hormone treatment until a year and half ago, when I started chemo. Taxol every week, 3 weeks on, one week off, for about a year. Just a few weeks ago I started a new chemo, Xeloda. 2 weeks on, one week off. I have an Avastin drip every 2 weeks, and a Zometa treatment once a month. Is that too much information? Sorry. I just found this site about 3 weeks ago, and I love it! I find great comfort here, in the sisterhood of the pink ladies! I have read a lot of your stories, and I laugh and cry with all of you, get scared with you and pray for you. Thank you for giving me that bond...

Julia we need you
We need to hear the stories and backgrounds from others like you Julia - you were diagnosed 6 years ago with Stage 4 and your still here to tell the story - thats the kind of hope and inspiration we all need - thank you thank you for sharing your story.

ruthielaine

helen e said:

New in September
I am 44, married with 2 kids, girl 14 & boy 12 both athletes. I have a very close family. 2 sisters live near and a sister & 2 brothers in another state. Dad is visiting and mom is too sick to come from another state. I get calls everyday from them. I also teach special education to middle school kids. The building I work in is a family, they send home dinners so I don't have to cook and tell me to just get well and not to worry.

I had a mammogram on 9/2 and they found a lump. Biopsy 2 days later - invasive ductal carcinoma, aggressive. 1.8 cm lump (stage 1) removed on 10/2 - centinel node biopsy clean. ER+, Her2nu -. All good. Only during surgery found more cancer spots in the duct. Now they want to do a mastectomy because chance for recurrence is 30-40%, even with radiation & chemo. I was floored by this now cancer takes on a whole meaning for me as a woman. Am having trouble trying to deal with this, any suggestions?

I love this site already. Have tried another and came back here, just not the same. Everyone is so sincere, compassionate, and helpful. I have been blessed to find this site. Thanks to everyone for their support, I have a feeling I will be needing it soon.

Helen

dcis is tricky
I was also diagnosed with dcis early on - to make a long story short and 2 failed lumpectomys later I opted for a bi-lateral mastectomy. I'm glad I did because the path report showed that I had massive amounts of dcis and 1 small tumor growing. I didn't want to keep wondering about the other breast and reoccurance - so I did what I did. No matter what course you choose, do your research, talk to your docs, ask lots of questions, and come here for support. Good Luck and keep us posted

JmG86

sherria49 said:

Another Newbie!!
Thanks Pitt!!
Hi I'm Sherri, 49, in Maryland, with 3 adult children, 28, 26, & 19 and a beautiful granddaughter who is 7. I have been on the site for a month or so now. Only a few posts from me, but have received a wealth of info from all of the threads. Omg, everyone is so wonderful here! My Dr was so shocked at how informed I had become in such a short time. I was diagnosed in Aug this year with IDC in left breast, bilateral mastectomy (my choice) scheduled for Oct 30th with immediate reconstruction w/expanders & chemo port. Meeting with onco this Friday. Everytime I visit the site I have new questions & info to go to the Dr's with. Which makes me feel a little more in control of the situation. Hmmmmm, how much control do I really think I have. I'm still working and it seems everyone at work is sick! I use alot of hand sanitizer, trying to stay as healthy as possible. I have been doing fairly well with the whole BC thing until now... Just lost my ex father in law tonight (R.I.P Pop) He had a massive stroke over 25 years ago with little to no recovery from it. Just started going downhill last week and got the call this evening that he probably wouldn't make it through the night. So I gathered the kids together and we went to visit with him and say our goodbyes(he was at home). As soon as I returned home, we got the call that he passed. Reality kicked me straight in the teeth!! I just lost it!! I need to be strong for the kids. So...now I need to gather myself together, get through the funeral, and get my head ready for surgery! Thanks everyone for your encouraging kind words, & wealth of knowledge. Without you guys & this site I would be completely BC iliterate. Sherri

Sherri
I'm so sorry that on top of being diagnosed your father in law passed away. It will be crazy for you...vent here! We are all here with you to give you the strength to make it through the funeral, and then your surgery. Try to take it one day at a time, stay focused on that day. And when you need to laugh, scream or cry...we're listening. Good luck with everything, and God Bless.

JmG86

jennN said:

Newbie
Hi All,

I'm Jenn and I had stage II BC. I had a 6x7x8 ductal insitu tumor and a 2.5 cm. invasive tumor. I had a mastecomy in August and have had one round of chemo. I am Her2nu positive and ER/PR positive. I was told I had a high liklihood of my cancer returning if I didn't do chemo...like 70% or more. However,I never had an onco (sp?) test. Should I ask to do this? My oncologist entered my info into the computer and it had a % for it recurring. I did have the BRACA1 & 2 test done and it was negative.

I just turned 41 a few days ago and have 3 children. I have 2 boys (16 & 14) and a girl (11).

What all does the onco test say?

Thanks,

Jen

I'm not sure about that test
I'm not sure about that test either. I don't think it applies to me, but I've seen other women talking about it here, so I'm sure one of them could tell you. Or ask your oncologist! I hope you are feeling well and dealing well with the chemo!

expresslove

roseann4 said:

Do what works for you.
Hi Expresslove,

It is difficult to tell people when you do not have all the information. Many of us are more concerned about their reaction than how we feel. I would wait to tell people who aren't in your inner circle until you feel up to it and have all the information. You are under no obligation to tell everyone about your health. You are not your breast cancer. You have other things in your life that have nothing to do with it. Men are often much better about seperating things in their lives. I knew a man for several years before I he told me he had had colon cancer 10 years earlier. It simply wasn't my business. When I was diagnosed I felt I needed to tell everyone. I was wrong.

I know your fear must be overwhelming at times but there is so much hope. Be sure to ask your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping. You need your rest now more than ever because you are handling lots of responsibility.

You are not alone. We're all on the same journey so continue to let us guide you when we can.

Roseann

Thank you
Roseann, thank you for making me realize that I am NOT my breast cancer. I am sure that has been my mentality from the moment I heard my dx. I really am not that because I have sooo many other attributes and traits that describe me. You are also right in the fact that I don’t have to be telling people about my health or at least at this point, because I am not ready to tell everyone. I have been more concerned over the way people are going to react, than on my own emotional being.
-Belen

roseann4

jennN said:

Newbie
Hi All,

I'm Jenn and I had stage II BC. I had a 6x7x8 ductal insitu tumor and a 2.5 cm. invasive tumor. I had a mastecomy in August and have had one round of chemo. I am Her2nu positive and ER/PR positive. I was told I had a high liklihood of my cancer returning if I didn't do chemo...like 70% or more. However,I never had an onco (sp?) test. Should I ask to do this? My oncologist entered my info into the computer and it had a % for it recurring. I did have the BRACA1 & 2 test done and it was negative.

I just turned 41 a few days ago and have 3 children. I have 2 boys (16 & 14) and a girl (11).

What all does the onco test say?

Thanks,

Jen

Were you node negative?
The oncotypeDX test is for early stage (1 & 2) node negative breast cancers. It can show how effective chemo would be in improving our odds of reocurrance in 10 years. They test the aggressiveness of the cancer and confirm the receptors among others things. If you were node negative, you should discuss this test with your oncologist.

Roseann

kathyrcady

newbe
Hi everyone. I am a newbe, Iv done a little posting but was off line for a while. My name is kathy, I am 55 and was diagnosed with breast ca.sept 17th. I went for my lumpectomy yesterday and still have a tight binder on. I will be taking it off tomorro' I have not seen a med onch, or radiation man yet. My nodes were neg, and my dr. said she got clean margins with my surgery.I love this discussion site and have learned so much from it. sorry if I posted in the wrong place. my thanks to everyone for being there, and I wish everyone the best