I am new here

rene9
rene9 Member Posts: 214
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi. I am 38 years old and have just been told that I have Infiltrated Ductal Carcenoma (IDC). I will have an MRI on next Tuesday and I'm scheduled to meet with a plastic surgeon on the following Monday. I am told I will have my surgery before Christmas. I will more than likely have a masectomy so I won't have to go back for another surgery. I am really looking forward to beginning the process so I can begin to heal. I am a teacher, wife, and mother of a 16 yr old and 10 yr old and hope that I can continue my life as much as normal. Thanks in advance for any support and if/when I can provide support, I am here. Thanks!

Rene9
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Comments

  • Sam726
    Sam726 Member Posts: 233
    hello
    Welcome to the site....i know you dont want to be here but glad you found us. Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I too am young, 33...HER2+....no mastectomy, but having lumpectomy after xmas, once Im done with chemo. R u going to have chemo also?
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    For the record, you would be
    For the record, you would be truly amazed at just how many teachers we have in this BC family~ it is incredible. Perhaps that is why we find ourselves here; we learn, share, read, educate and are educated!

    Though a cancer diagnosis is never easy to hear, we still welcome you to the most empathetic, supportive group of women you will ever hope to meet!It has wisely been said that "you are our past and we are your future". We will hold your hand through this adventure in Beast-Killing, and sometimes, if you feel a tug, it's ony us pulling you!

    Come in as often as you need or want; we are always open and you will find yourself in good company.

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    Sam726 said:

    hello
    Welcome to the site....i know you dont want to be here but glad you found us. Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I too am young, 33...HER2+....no mastectomy, but having lumpectomy after xmas, once Im done with chemo. R u going to have chemo also?

    I'm not sure about my
    I'm not sure about my treatment plan yet. I think I'll find out after my MRI next Tuesday. I was hoping I could go through this and not broadcast it at work, but with chemo it seems I will lose my hair. Then, I guess it won't be any hair to sew into so...And yes you are young and I hope you continue to progress well!
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    chenheart said:

    For the record, you would be
    For the record, you would be truly amazed at just how many teachers we have in this BC family~ it is incredible. Perhaps that is why we find ourselves here; we learn, share, read, educate and are educated!

    Though a cancer diagnosis is never easy to hear, we still welcome you to the most empathetic, supportive group of women you will ever hope to meet!It has wisely been said that "you are our past and we are your future". We will hold your hand through this adventure in Beast-Killing, and sometimes, if you feel a tug, it's ony us pulling you!

    Come in as often as you need or want; we are always open and you will find yourself in good company.

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Thanks so much for your
    Thanks so much for your support. I think I'm still in shock. I reacted more before I actually received the news. I don't want to get depressed because my parents will be depressed enough for me. I think because I teach special education I can remain very calm when most people would panic. Thanks again-
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    Welcome but sorry you need
    Welcome but sorry you need to be here. Lots of women here to give support.
  • S3
    S3 Member Posts: 28
    Also new
    I am also new here, but it looks like a great site. I am middle age with HER/2+ and posttive nodes. I have been able to work during most of my chemo and I only have 1 dose left.
    If you do end up needing chemo, most insurance companies will cover a wig up to like 350 dollars, mine did. They said to get your hair cut short and fitted for a wig before you lose your hair and that it won't be as much as a shock and people won't notice as much. I work in the operating room, so cannot wear a wig at work, however people come and get me to use as an example for patient having a port inserted to help tame their fears. The worry seems to be on getting sick. Follow the recomended food intake, (High protien), and other things really will make a hugh difference in how you feel.
    Just make a post when you have a concern and do some research, caring4cancer.com
  • LC815
    LC815 Member Posts: 155
    Good for you -- you're very strong!
    Hey, I'm a teacher, too. I couldn't WAIT for my mastectomy so I could get the beast out of me. It's not so bad, and you'll be fine. I could have gone back to work in two weeks, but I took six so I could have my chemo in the summer. I hope the family is prepared to treat you like a princess for a little while!

    What age do you teach?

    If you're meeting with your Plastic Surgeon, that tells me you're going to have reconstruction at the same time. I did a latissimus flap recon and walked out of the hospital looking "normal" in clothes. I think it helped a lot.

    My kids were 12, 10 and 8 when I was first diagnosed in 2004. They barely noticed that I was unwell. In fact, I wanted to shout sometimes, "Hello, I have cancer! Could you please get your own juice?!"

    Peace,
    Linda
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
    LC815 said:

    Good for you -- you're very strong!
    Hey, I'm a teacher, too. I couldn't WAIT for my mastectomy so I could get the beast out of me. It's not so bad, and you'll be fine. I could have gone back to work in two weeks, but I took six so I could have my chemo in the summer. I hope the family is prepared to treat you like a princess for a little while!

    What age do you teach?

    If you're meeting with your Plastic Surgeon, that tells me you're going to have reconstruction at the same time. I did a latissimus flap recon and walked out of the hospital looking "normal" in clothes. I think it helped a lot.

    My kids were 12, 10 and 8 when I was first diagnosed in 2004. They barely noticed that I was unwell. In fact, I wanted to shout sometimes, "Hello, I have cancer! Could you please get your own juice?!"

    Peace,
    Linda

    Hi Renee
    My older heart goes out to your young heart and to all of you younger women with bc. I'm so sorry you are here but it just happens to be one of the best support groups around. There are incredible women here, strong courageous and a lot of love and support. All of you have your plate full with being young, working and having a family to take care of. You will find out that this will pull it all together and you'll find out how strong you really are. Again welcome, and keep us posted on how you're doing. Much love.
  • Vonn
    Vonn Member Posts: 8
    Sunrae said:

    Hi Renee
    My older heart goes out to your young heart and to all of you younger women with bc. I'm so sorry you are here but it just happens to be one of the best support groups around. There are incredible women here, strong courageous and a lot of love and support. All of you have your plate full with being young, working and having a family to take care of. You will find out that this will pull it all together and you'll find out how strong you really are. Again welcome, and keep us posted on how you're doing. Much love.

    Hello everyone, I am new
    Hello everyone, I am new here as well. I recently found out that I have BC. I will be going into surgery on Tuesday to do a lumppectomy and check on a few lymph nodes. So far this is my 1st topic I chose to read and I feel so welcomed. My prayers go out to each and everyone of you in my new family!
  • kimber10
    kimber10 Member Posts: 47
    Im new to this site as well
    Im new to this site as well I had a bilateral mastectomy in July no chemo or radiation just tamoxafin, Its nice to read everyones posts and see how supportive everyone on this site is I have family support but sometimes I think they are so worried about making sure they "stay positive" that I cant have a real conversation about my feelings and fears.
    So I just hope that I can be there for someone if needed

    Kimber10
  • Tux
    Tux Member Posts: 544
    kimber10 said:

    Im new to this site as well
    Im new to this site as well I had a bilateral mastectomy in July no chemo or radiation just tamoxafin, Its nice to read everyones posts and see how supportive everyone on this site is I have family support but sometimes I think they are so worried about making sure they "stay positive" that I cant have a real conversation about my feelings and fears.
    So I just hope that I can be there for someone if needed

    Kimber10

    Welcome to all newcomers! I
    Welcome to all newcomers! I am a teacher also. My doctors have tried to work around my schedule as much as possible, but I had to tell everyone at school--there was just no way to keep it to myself. I wish everyone good luck on their treatments. My advice---get plenty of rest, eat right, follow doctors instructions, and let others help you.
  • jbug
    jbug Member Posts: 285
    kimber10 said:

    Im new to this site as well
    Im new to this site as well I had a bilateral mastectomy in July no chemo or radiation just tamoxafin, Its nice to read everyones posts and see how supportive everyone on this site is I have family support but sometimes I think they are so worried about making sure they "stay positive" that I cant have a real conversation about my feelings and fears.
    So I just hope that I can be there for someone if needed

    Kimber10

    I'm new too!
    I'm 45 and just received my diagnosis 12 Nov. Had an MRI guided bx that had some concerning types of cells-not cancer. They recommended local excision of this abnormal tissue. Surgeon and all seemed to think there would be nothing there, so when I got my biopsy results back, I was devastated. Nevertheless, the news, if it can be good so far, is. Very small tumor, the proverbial "needle in a haystack" at the lowest end of staging. No ER/PR results back yet. Still have to have sentinal node biopsy (scheduled for 25 Nov). Very nervous now, even though everyone says the percentages are in my favor. They were supposed to be for the tissue biopsy too, but I have cancer! Have already seen radiation oncology and am prayerful that at the end of this road, all I will need is a course of radiation. No further surgical excision is necessary at this point. Also had BRAC1/2 test drawn based on rad oncologist recommendation. Very remote possibility, but will certainly change my decision making process w/regard to more radical treatment such as mastectomy.
    I too have been reading on this discussion board...some of the stuff scared the stuffing out of me! I started to imagine the worst case scenario (i think most of us do this anyway!).
    Anyway, will be coming back often as I begin this unwanted journey...i'm sorry that others are in the same boat that I am, but also good to hear that I'm not alone in my fears and concerns.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Welcome all! From an 'oldie'......
    I personally send big hugs to all of you new to this site. I have been around for 4 years, both on this board and the colorectal board (I got the '2-fer', day after Thanksgiving, 2004).

    I came here often during my treatments. Sometimes to vent, sometimes to ask questions, sometimes just to bask in the warmth of sisterhood. Sounds corny, I guess, but I feel a part of a greater good!

    I can't give much advice on the newer treatments, I had ACT those many years ago, but I can offer my hugs...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • roseann
    roseann Member Posts: 2
    KathiM said:

    Welcome all! From an 'oldie'......
    I personally send big hugs to all of you new to this site. I have been around for 4 years, both on this board and the colorectal board (I got the '2-fer', day after Thanksgiving, 2004).

    I came here often during my treatments. Sometimes to vent, sometimes to ask questions, sometimes just to bask in the warmth of sisterhood. Sounds corny, I guess, but I feel a part of a greater good!

    I can't give much advice on the newer treatments, I had ACT those many years ago, but I can offer my hugs...

    Hugs, Kathi

    So many young women!
    Hi All,

    I am oldie at 59 but am definately young at heart. I'm so sorry you lovely young women are dealing with this. The treatments will be done before you know it but our biggest challenge (long term) is dealing with the fear that pops up from time to time. I have developed a system for dealing with it so it doesn't "get" me. I have found guided meditation helps me get control of the "crazies". You can find CDs on the internet and in bookstores. I also recommend asking for help when you need it if you have difficulty sleeping or have symptoms of depression. Fortunately, meditating (not medicating) myself to sleep worked for me but everyone is different.

    Do something nice for yourself whenever you can. When friends ask what they can do for you, tell them. Have them make meals for you and your family while you're getting chemo, ask them to take you to treatments and sit with you, they can help with laundry and house cleaning. Let them help! It is a gift to them as well as to you. Many of us with BC have a history of putting the needs of others before our own and that needs to stop NOW. We matter, too. For me, the bravest thing I ever did was to ask for and accepting help from those who love me. I was exclusively the giver until BC. My relationships are better and closer because of it.

    Hugs.

    Roseann
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    roseann said:

    So many young women!
    Hi All,

    I am oldie at 59 but am definately young at heart. I'm so sorry you lovely young women are dealing with this. The treatments will be done before you know it but our biggest challenge (long term) is dealing with the fear that pops up from time to time. I have developed a system for dealing with it so it doesn't "get" me. I have found guided meditation helps me get control of the "crazies". You can find CDs on the internet and in bookstores. I also recommend asking for help when you need it if you have difficulty sleeping or have symptoms of depression. Fortunately, meditating (not medicating) myself to sleep worked for me but everyone is different.

    Do something nice for yourself whenever you can. When friends ask what they can do for you, tell them. Have them make meals for you and your family while you're getting chemo, ask them to take you to treatments and sit with you, they can help with laundry and house cleaning. Let them help! It is a gift to them as well as to you. Many of us with BC have a history of putting the needs of others before our own and that needs to stop NOW. We matter, too. For me, the bravest thing I ever did was to ask for and accepting help from those who love me. I was exclusively the giver until BC. My relationships are better and closer because of it.

    Hugs.

    Roseann

    I agree....
    And, by asking for help, it just makes you stronger...not weaker, like I thought...

    I don't know what I would have done without my support team...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Cathy S
    Cathy S Member Posts: 1
    Vonn said:

    Hello everyone, I am new
    Hello everyone, I am new here as well. I recently found out that I have BC. I will be going into surgery on Tuesday to do a lumppectomy and check on a few lymph nodes. So far this is my 1st topic I chose to read and I feel so welcomed. My prayers go out to each and everyone of you in my new family!

    I recently had a lumpectomy in Oct/09 and they found a small amt of cancer in the lymph nodes. I have to have radiation treatments which I will start the week after Thanksgiving.
    I found everyone's prayers very comforting while going through each process. Stay focused and don't let yourself think the worse. It's very important to stay positive and just take one day at a time. Stay strong !

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone else going through this.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    S3 said:

    Also new
    I am also new here, but it looks like a great site. I am middle age with HER/2+ and posttive nodes. I have been able to work during most of my chemo and I only have 1 dose left.
    If you do end up needing chemo, most insurance companies will cover a wig up to like 350 dollars, mine did. They said to get your hair cut short and fitted for a wig before you lose your hair and that it won't be as much as a shock and people won't notice as much. I work in the operating room, so cannot wear a wig at work, however people come and get me to use as an example for patient having a port inserted to help tame their fears. The worry seems to be on getting sick. Follow the recomended food intake, (High protien), and other things really will make a hugh difference in how you feel.
    Just make a post when you have a concern and do some research, caring4cancer.com

    Also new
    Hi, I plan to get it cut short after I meet with the plastic surgeon next week, then I'll get my wig cut the same way. My husband keeps telling me I may not even need chemo, but this will be my excuse for a trendy short haircut! Thank you for your support!
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    LC815 said:

    Good for you -- you're very strong!
    Hey, I'm a teacher, too. I couldn't WAIT for my mastectomy so I could get the beast out of me. It's not so bad, and you'll be fine. I could have gone back to work in two weeks, but I took six so I could have my chemo in the summer. I hope the family is prepared to treat you like a princess for a little while!

    What age do you teach?

    If you're meeting with your Plastic Surgeon, that tells me you're going to have reconstruction at the same time. I did a latissimus flap recon and walked out of the hospital looking "normal" in clothes. I think it helped a lot.

    My kids were 12, 10 and 8 when I was first diagnosed in 2004. They barely noticed that I was unwell. In fact, I wanted to shout sometimes, "Hello, I have cancer! Could you please get your own juice?!"

    Peace,
    Linda

    Good for you
    My same thought is that I cannot wait to get these germs out of me! I assked yesterday if she scheduled my surgery yet and it was explained it won't be scheduled until after my MRI. So, Dec. 1 is when I go back to my breast specialst. Everything is happening so fast! I can't wait until the summer, wish I could, looks like I'll be taking a longer Christmas break. This past summer I had a TVH!- I am in GA and I teach special education to K-3rd grade students. I am also working on my doctorate (online) which I should complete the end of next summer. I plan to keep on doing everything- Thanks for your support it is really helping.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    kimber10 said:

    Im new to this site as well
    Im new to this site as well I had a bilateral mastectomy in July no chemo or radiation just tamoxafin, Its nice to read everyones posts and see how supportive everyone on this site is I have family support but sometimes I think they are so worried about making sure they "stay positive" that I cant have a real conversation about my feelings and fears.
    So I just hope that I can be there for someone if needed

    Kimber10

    Im new to this site as well
    Yes your words are very reassuring. I didn't realize you could have a masectomy and not receive chemo or radiation. I guess it depends on the person and the cancer. I can't wait to receive my treatment plan. I think I will feel a whole lot better. I am trying to remain positive because my poor husband doesn't know what to say right now-
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    KathiM said:

    I agree....
    And, by asking for help, it just makes you stronger...not weaker, like I thought...

    I don't know what I would have done without my support team...

    Hugs, Kathi

    I agree
    Thanks to everyone I didn't personally respond to for your support! Here is my HUG back at you! I am taking notes-