Leukemia now breast cancer

serenity92
serenity92 Member Posts: 84
Hi my name is Jayne. Six years ago I was diagnosed with leukemia (cml). I have been in treatment ever since. I am on my fourth kind of a targeted chemo treatment. Three weeks ago during my regular oncologist appt. I mentioned a change in my breast I had noticed. Because of my pre existing cancer he immediately sent me to Piper for a mammogram. Well three hospitals, four mammograms, two ultrasounds, a breast MRI and a MRI guided breast biopsy later and my oncologist calls me on thursay to say my 'messy breasts' do indeed have cancer. I didn't hear much after that.... I was standing at the service counter of my job when he called. Now I see a surgeon on Thursday and my head is swimming. I am a single mom and the sole support of my family. I do not have a caregiver and I work full time, plus. I am already so exhausted every day I just have no idea how I am going to handle this new challange. Overwhelmed, exhausted, scared and just needing to vent.... I dont want to scare my little girl. Jayne
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Comments

  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    Bless you, Jayne. I am so
    Bless you, Jayne. I am so sorry about this diagnosis. People here will listen and answer questions for you. Of course once you get over this shock, you can begin to piece things together. While this isn't good, it may not be as bad as you think right now. Our minds head to the darkest places first. Vent all you want and know that my prayers and others will be with you.
  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
    Hi Jayne
    I'm so sorry for what you've been through and for what your still facing.I would like to ask you, do you know the Lord? are you saved? this is all overwhelming but my God is a healer and he doesn't give us a spirit of fear but i know we are human but please ask God to guide you and to help you,I know all the ladies on this board can give advice but God can do more for you than any of us.Do you have a bible? if not google it, find psalms 23 and read it over and over it will give you peace and then find healing scriptures and read them,if you believe God will heal you it can be done i don't know where you are spiritually but that sounds like who you need to call on. I love you for who you are a human being and i don't have to know anything about you to love you Jayne i will pray for you tonight God already knows about your situation but he's waiting on you to ask for what you want. MOLLYZ
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    mollyz said:

    Hi Jayne
    I'm so sorry for what you've been through and for what your still facing.I would like to ask you, do you know the Lord? are you saved? this is all overwhelming but my God is a healer and he doesn't give us a spirit of fear but i know we are human but please ask God to guide you and to help you,I know all the ladies on this board can give advice but God can do more for you than any of us.Do you have a bible? if not google it, find psalms 23 and read it over and over it will give you peace and then find healing scriptures and read them,if you believe God will heal you it can be done i don't know where you are spiritually but that sounds like who you need to call on. I love you for who you are a human being and i don't have to know anything about you to love you Jayne i will pray for you tonight God already knows about your situation but he's waiting on you to ask for what you want. MOLLYZ

    So sorry Jayne
    I know this

    So sorry Jayne
    I know this must be terrifying for you. But until you've met with the Onc. or surgeon and find out what kind of cancer{there are several kinds, some more agressive than others),the stage and grade, whether it's ER{estrogen fueled) etc, try not to immagine the worst. It may turn out that you've caught it early, that it's one of the less agressive forms and that you will be just fine. Take someone with you to your appointment to take notes and
    ask questions. You will need time to digest what you are hearing, and having someone else there helps. I took my best friend with me and she has been my support through the whole ordeal. I worked through part of my chemo and all of my rads. It is doable. Now it is 2 years after my dx and my life is pretty much back to normal. Please know that everyone on here has been where you are now, and most of us are doing well. Ask anything that you are confused about once you have seen your doctor. Someone will know the answer.
    Dee
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    mollyz said:

    Hi Jayne
    I'm so sorry for what you've been through and for what your still facing.I would like to ask you, do you know the Lord? are you saved? this is all overwhelming but my God is a healer and he doesn't give us a spirit of fear but i know we are human but please ask God to guide you and to help you,I know all the ladies on this board can give advice but God can do more for you than any of us.Do you have a bible? if not google it, find psalms 23 and read it over and over it will give you peace and then find healing scriptures and read them,if you believe God will heal you it can be done i don't know where you are spiritually but that sounds like who you need to call on. I love you for who you are a human being and i don't have to know anything about you to love you Jayne i will pray for you tonight God already knows about your situation but he's waiting on you to ask for what you want. MOLLYZ

    oops sorry dbl post
    So sorry Jayne
    I know this must be terrifying for you. But until you've met with the Onc. or surgeon and find out what kind of cancer{there are several kinds, some more agressive than others),the stage and grade, whether it's ER{estrogen fueled) etc, try not to immagine the worst. It may turn out that you've caught it early, that it's one of the less agressive forms and that you will be just fine. Take someone with you to your appointment to take notes and
    ask questions. You will need time to digest what you are hearing, and having someone else there helps. I took my best friend with me and she has been my support through the whole ordeal. I worked through part of my chemo and all of my rads. It is doable. Now it is 2 years after my dx and my life is pretty much back to normal. Please know that everyone on here has been where you are now, and most of us are doing well. Ask anything that you are confused about once you have seen your doctor. Someone will know the answer.
    Dee
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    doctors and help
    Jayne,
    Having gone through this before, you are probably better at talking to docs than most of us. If you don't already, have them write down as much of the information as they can. Bringing some one is also important. Your mom/aunt or sister/brother or a friend.
    As far as BC, it could just mean a lumpectomy and radiation. BC can be less to manage than leukemia.
    As far as help, www.avonwalk.org may have resources. Susan Komen may also. I know Avon works with local groups to provide meals for women undergoing treatment. I am sure they have other resources. Church groups are also a big source of help. My daughters MOPS group always does meals for people when they have health issues. ACS probably has some other resources.
    You will find the strength to overcome this. All you have to do is look at your daughter. Come here any time you need to. You will find encouragement, hugs and prayers in abundance.
    Cindy
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    mamolady said:

    doctors and help
    Jayne,
    Having gone through this before, you are probably better at talking to docs than most of us. If you don't already, have them write down as much of the information as they can. Bringing some one is also important. Your mom/aunt or sister/brother or a friend.
    As far as BC, it could just mean a lumpectomy and radiation. BC can be less to manage than leukemia.
    As far as help, www.avonwalk.org may have resources. Susan Komen may also. I know Avon works with local groups to provide meals for women undergoing treatment. I am sure they have other resources. Church groups are also a big source of help. My daughters MOPS group always does meals for people when they have health issues. ACS probably has some other resources.
    You will find the strength to overcome this. All you have to do is look at your daughter. Come here any time you need to. You will find encouragement, hugs and prayers in abundance.
    Cindy

    Dear Jayne,
    Your plate is

    Dear Jayne,
    Your plate is full to overwhelming. My prayers will be with you. I am not so good on pointing out resources but I know many of gals are great with ideas. They will chime in.
    I hope that everything can go as easily as possible for you. Do you have other family or friends that can give you assistance whether emotional, physical or financial? Good thoughts and hug coming your way.
    Stef
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    mamolady said:

    doctors and help
    Jayne,
    Having gone through this before, you are probably better at talking to docs than most of us. If you don't already, have them write down as much of the information as they can. Bringing some one is also important. Your mom/aunt or sister/brother or a friend.
    As far as BC, it could just mean a lumpectomy and radiation. BC can be less to manage than leukemia.
    As far as help, www.avonwalk.org may have resources. Susan Komen may also. I know Avon works with local groups to provide meals for women undergoing treatment. I am sure they have other resources. Church groups are also a big source of help. My daughters MOPS group always does meals for people when they have health issues. ACS probably has some other resources.
    You will find the strength to overcome this. All you have to do is look at your daughter. Come here any time you need to. You will find encouragement, hugs and prayers in abundance.
    Cindy

    Jayne .. I am so sorry ...
    that you have another cancer. Life is so unfair. I am a loss for words ..

    Please know that I will be praying for you and your little girl, as well as sending positive thoughts in your direction.

    My suggestion ...Ask for a face to face appointment with your Oncologist, and see what type of chemo he/she is sugguesting - take a friend or family member with you - tape record as well. You will be overwhelmed with information and jargon.

    With all chemo therapy infused drugs .. there are side efforts, and many of us WARRIORS .. suffer from 1 or 2, while others suffer a great deal.

    I had taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin ... I did suffer with mouth and throat sores (Tom Natural toothpaste helped); the steroids and other meds helped with my nauseated before and during chemo .. after chemo infusions -- nausea plagued me for several days (everybody is different -- just my case, and my body) I did suffer with fatigue and bouts and constipation issues - please do not hesitate to call your Oncologist in attempts to find relief.

    Hydrate, rest, and hydrate some more. Small meals can often help with nausea. I also splashed / flavored my never ending water consumptions with crystal light, lemonade, cranberry juice or apple juice. Herbal tea worked in the evenings, for me. .. drinking plain water endlessly, got a little boring for me.

    Lastly, please put your Oncologist telephone on speed dial .. and call when any and all concerns - regardless of time of day or night!

    Strength, Courage and Hope.



    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    mollyz said:

    Hi Jayne
    I'm so sorry for what you've been through and for what your still facing.I would like to ask you, do you know the Lord? are you saved? this is all overwhelming but my God is a healer and he doesn't give us a spirit of fear but i know we are human but please ask God to guide you and to help you,I know all the ladies on this board can give advice but God can do more for you than any of us.Do you have a bible? if not google it, find psalms 23 and read it over and over it will give you peace and then find healing scriptures and read them,if you believe God will heal you it can be done i don't know where you are spiritually but that sounds like who you need to call on. I love you for who you are a human being and i don't have to know anything about you to love you Jayne i will pray for you tonight God already knows about your situation but he's waiting on you to ask for what you want. MOLLYZ

    I am so sorry Jayne. I am
    I am so sorry Jayne. I am sending you lots of prayers!
  • NJMom10
    NJMom10 Member Posts: 176
    Praying for strength for you
    Just letting you know that I am praying for strength for you to get through this. You sound so strong already, having gone through treatments for Leukemia. Venting here is a great resource, but consider, if you haven't already some local American Cancer Society support groups. They may have help available like babysitting and counseling for your little girl. You will get through it. Prayers, Barbara
  • poeticrevolver
    poeticrevolver Member Posts: 7
    I've been there....
    Wow, I am so very sorry for what you are going through right now,and ever since your diagnosis of leukemia. Cancer does suck!

    Sorry, I just get mad because I too have more than one cancer. First it was Hodgkin's Lymphoma, then breast cancer.

    Now, I go tomorrow for a breast biopsy , looks like a recurrence. Not so good. Also, a new, very large lymph node showed up. Breast surgeon said it might be the lymphoma coming back, so soon??

    I just finished chemo about one month ago for hodgkins. 27 weeks of it. It was terrible. However, I made it through.

    Look at what you have been through. I don't know all the details, but it must have been so difficult without help.

    I have three children. 15, 13, and 10. This has been very hard on them.
    I make sure to talk with them whenever they want to. I want them to be involved, and not feel left out or scared.

    If you have gotten through all of what you already have, sounds like this , even though unwanted, will be doable. I know you can do it.

    It's actually , from what I'm learning , quite common for a cancer patient to get a secondary cancer.

    I know it is not fun, at all. Loosing our hair, gaining weight from the steroids, the mood swings, the crying, the severe pain.

    I know.

    I am here for you, and I will be praying for you, especially for the Lord to send some help your way. Someone who will reach out to you, and help get you through this bump in the road.

    You are a survivor!

    God bless you,
    J
  • serenity92
    serenity92 Member Posts: 84

    I've been there....
    Wow, I am so very sorry for what you are going through right now,and ever since your diagnosis of leukemia. Cancer does suck!

    Sorry, I just get mad because I too have more than one cancer. First it was Hodgkin's Lymphoma, then breast cancer.

    Now, I go tomorrow for a breast biopsy , looks like a recurrence. Not so good. Also, a new, very large lymph node showed up. Breast surgeon said it might be the lymphoma coming back, so soon??

    I just finished chemo about one month ago for hodgkins. 27 weeks of it. It was terrible. However, I made it through.

    Look at what you have been through. I don't know all the details, but it must have been so difficult without help.

    I have three children. 15, 13, and 10. This has been very hard on them.
    I make sure to talk with them whenever they want to. I want them to be involved, and not feel left out or scared.

    If you have gotten through all of what you already have, sounds like this , even though unwanted, will be doable. I know you can do it.

    It's actually , from what I'm learning , quite common for a cancer patient to get a secondary cancer.

    I know it is not fun, at all. Loosing our hair, gaining weight from the steroids, the mood swings, the crying, the severe pain.

    I know.

    I am here for you, and I will be praying for you, especially for the Lord to send some help your way. Someone who will reach out to you, and help get you through this bump in the road.

    You are a survivor!

    God bless you,
    J

    thank you to all who
    thank you to all who responded...hopefully will know more after thursday..Jayne
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    Jayne, so sorry that you are going through this
    Once you have more answers it is so much easier to set out a course, but the unknown throws us. One thing I have been blessed with is caregivers appearing like angels. I was so worried the first time around because my boys were teenagers, this time around they are grown, I have no family living here to help, but I found how blessed I am with friends who sincerly wanted to help!
    Prayers and hugs coming your way!
    Carol
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member

    I've been there....
    Wow, I am so very sorry for what you are going through right now,and ever since your diagnosis of leukemia. Cancer does suck!

    Sorry, I just get mad because I too have more than one cancer. First it was Hodgkin's Lymphoma, then breast cancer.

    Now, I go tomorrow for a breast biopsy , looks like a recurrence. Not so good. Also, a new, very large lymph node showed up. Breast surgeon said it might be the lymphoma coming back, so soon??

    I just finished chemo about one month ago for hodgkins. 27 weeks of it. It was terrible. However, I made it through.

    Look at what you have been through. I don't know all the details, but it must have been so difficult without help.

    I have three children. 15, 13, and 10. This has been very hard on them.
    I make sure to talk with them whenever they want to. I want them to be involved, and not feel left out or scared.

    If you have gotten through all of what you already have, sounds like this , even though unwanted, will be doable. I know you can do it.

    It's actually , from what I'm learning , quite common for a cancer patient to get a secondary cancer.

    I know it is not fun, at all. Loosing our hair, gaining weight from the steroids, the mood swings, the crying, the severe pain.

    I know.

    I am here for you, and I will be praying for you, especially for the Lord to send some help your way. Someone who will reach out to you, and help get you through this bump in the road.

    You are a survivor!

    God bless you,
    J

    Wishing you good luck with
    Wishing you good luck with your biopsy poeticrevolver.
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    Jayne
    my heart goes out to you. BC can be overwhelming. Hopefully, there will be those at your cancer center who can guide you to the help you so desperatly need. I'll be praying for you and know that we're here to listen so vent all you want.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    camul said:

    Jayne, so sorry that you are going through this
    Once you have more answers it is so much easier to set out a course, but the unknown throws us. One thing I have been blessed with is caregivers appearing like angels. I was so worried the first time around because my boys were teenagers, this time around they are grown, I have no family living here to help, but I found how blessed I am with friends who sincerly wanted to help!
    Prayers and hugs coming your way!
    Carol

    I will add you to our prayer
    I will add you to our prayer list at church Jayne.


    Huge hugs!
  • serenity92
    serenity92 Member Posts: 84
    cahjah75 said:

    Jayne
    my heart goes out to you. BC can be overwhelming. Hopefully, there will be those at your cancer center who can guide you to the help you so desperatly need. I'll be praying for you and know that we're here to listen so vent all you want.
    {{hugs}} Char

    Hi everyone. I saw the
    Hi everyone. I saw the surgeon yesterday, evidently I have something called microinvasive lobular carcinoma and LCIS. Because of the size and location they want to do the masectomy. A member of my cancer support group who has been through this went with me to my appointment which was really helpful because I just had no idea what to ask. I meet with a plastic surgeon Tues morning to see if I am a canidate for reconstruction at the time of surgery. Than surgery will probably be Friday. This all seems to be happening really fast. I have to stop my leukemia chemo ahead as it can be toxic on my heart taken with other drugs. Its all very confusing. I feel like there are just to many doctors...i dont know who to ask what question. The primary, the oncologist, the surgeon, the plastic surgeon....I am so sick of my days off from work always being at one hospital or another. Still scared, feeling kinda numb about it all, worried about missing some paychecks. My brain just feels like it is overload. My thanks again to you all. Jayne
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member

    Hi everyone. I saw the
    Hi everyone. I saw the surgeon yesterday, evidently I have something called microinvasive lobular carcinoma and LCIS. Because of the size and location they want to do the masectomy. A member of my cancer support group who has been through this went with me to my appointment which was really helpful because I just had no idea what to ask. I meet with a plastic surgeon Tues morning to see if I am a canidate for reconstruction at the time of surgery. Than surgery will probably be Friday. This all seems to be happening really fast. I have to stop my leukemia chemo ahead as it can be toxic on my heart taken with other drugs. Its all very confusing. I feel like there are just to many doctors...i dont know who to ask what question. The primary, the oncologist, the surgeon, the plastic surgeon....I am so sick of my days off from work always being at one hospital or another. Still scared, feeling kinda numb about it all, worried about missing some paychecks. My brain just feels like it is overload. My thanks again to you all. Jayne

    Praying for you
    Jayne, you are on a roller coaster ride. I am so sorry that this is happening to you at all. I wish there was something I could for you other than pray. Please keep us updated and vent here anytime you want. We are your pink sisters!


    Hugs, Jan
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    NJMom10 said:

    Praying for strength for you
    Just letting you know that I am praying for strength for you to get through this. You sound so strong already, having gone through treatments for Leukemia. Venting here is a great resource, but consider, if you haven't already some local American Cancer Society support groups. They may have help available like babysitting and counseling for your little girl. You will get through it. Prayers, Barbara

    Good luck with your doctor
    Good luck with your doctor appointments. Keep us posted as to what you find out.


    All of the pink sisters are praying for you!


    Hugs, Megan
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member

    Praying for you
    Jayne, you are on a roller coaster ride. I am so sorry that this is happening to you at all. I wish there was something I could for you other than pray. Please keep us updated and vent here anytime you want. We are your pink sisters!


    Hugs, Jan

    I can see where you feel
    I can see where you feel like your brain is on overload. Mine was just from reading your post.

    I want to add my good wishes and good luck to you. Let us know how next week goes for you.


    Praying,

    Sue :)
  • serenity92
    serenity92 Member Posts: 84
    Ritzy said:

    I can see where you feel
    I can see where you feel like your brain is on overload. Mine was just from reading your post.

    I want to add my good wishes and good luck to you. Let us know how next week goes for you.


    Praying,

    Sue :)

    thanks

    thanks