New here Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

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Comments

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    I have contacted so many agencies and therapist my head spins. This too shall pass.

  • Pasturesedge
    Pasturesedge Member Posts: 14 Member

    Thanks. I just bought the book Handbook for Breast Cancer that you recommended-got it at a good price on Thrift books.com . Having a Pet scan for the first time next week. Called the Dr. asking for medication as I am extremely claustrophobic- so far no response. I appreciate reading your posts on this site everyone.Prayers- Pasturesedge

  • Pasturesedge
    Pasturesedge Member Posts: 14 Member

    Congratulations Sunny on finishing and being cancer free .Pasturesedge

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    Thanks, but I have read so much about it my brain is in overload. I just enjoy posting where I can. I sit her alone in the house a lot during the day with my parrot. To tired to go anywhere and its really hot out right now.

  • Pasturesedge
    Pasturesedge Member Posts: 14 Member

    When you refer to a round on chemo-does that mean having one session of chemo or a set of sessions? Thanks.I am new to all of this and have not started treatment yet which will be chemo then surgery (if the cancer has not metastacized) . Thanks. Pasturesedge( yes I live on a farm!)

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    I was told by my medical oncologists 22 treatments, I was so upset at the time, I took it as 5 months. I don't want to set off fears here. I have had friends and family not survive with chemo, I spoke to many friends that opted not to take chemo. It is really a personal choice. My cancer did not spread, so I took 20 treatments of radiation, which turned out to be 4 weeks, the last week was 3 days focused on tumor bed, where it was removed. I had a friend with a family history of bc, her mother, grandmother and aunt, she chose DMX, chemo and rads she is now 10 years cancer free. I can recommend you research as much as you can and chose what is best for you. Listen to your gut, your decision is your own and you are the one that that has to live with that decision.

  • simli1
    simli1 Member Posts: 4 Member

    I experienced the same anxious and scared feelings, as I am sure the Cancer word would do for most people. Give yourself the grace to be scared, because often the unknown part of the diagnosis is what is driving the fear. The next thing - see the oncology team as soon as possible. I had to wait 9 days, and it seemed interminable. Once there, I was relieved of a majority of anxiety. I ended up with bilateral breast cancer, so am 3 weeks out from bilateral mastectomy and doing well. Reach out to me if you are still scared. No one should have to go through that anxiety unchecked

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    Wow you are amazing, I feel like a whimp over my lumpectomy and diagnosis is cancer free. 3 weeks after radiation and I still can't seem to eat, feel like doing anything. Therapist and a lady I chat with here tell me its all normal. I don't know how to dig myself out of this hole.

  • simli1
    simli1 Member Posts: 4 Member

    I am not amazing, just human. Don't call yourself names - I say that because I did it too, and it didn't help at all. I called myself Bride of Frankenstein for several days. While I said it jokingly, unfortunately that was how I felt.

    I set intentions daily, I write a gratitude journal, and i focus more on the good things I have received more than the bad. This took some work, but it changed my daily living.

    I don't want it to sound like i am a "pollyanna", but realistically, I had choices - I chose to be breast cancer free rather than live out life without doing anything (5 year life expectancy, tops). So living without breasts (reconstruction in the works) seemed like the best option for me to continue living my best life.

    I didn't have to do radiation or chemo but its all a mind f_ck! Give yourself grace to get through it.

    All the best to you,

    Lisa

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    Thank you. Guess I'm just having an off day. I don't why, yesterday was great, I met with a social worker and she made me feel great. I was energetic and felt hopeful and today, I'm up in my feelings., not eating or taking care of myself and I know that's not helping. You were very strong to choose the treatment you did. I was fortunate that mine was caught early and it did not spread. Yes I agree it, this is a mind F-ck! One reason why I post here so I can get these feelings out and I remind myself we are all scared. We aren't alone. I was shocked when I found out how many women, even two of my friends, have had Breast Cancer. (I didn't know) Thank you for your reply it really helped me a lot.

    Terri

  • simli1
    simli1 Member Posts: 4 Member

    As i said in the "chatroom" before i realized you left it: Reach out, to anyone and everyone willing to support you, me included! They only took my breasts, so my shoulders are broad and can support your woes.


    Bad days are exactly what they are - 24hr period that you don't feel great. It is finite, and doesn't mean tomorrow won't be good. Try to pick out anything positive on your bad day and thank "the powers that be", for me it is God, and thank them for sending you a little "gift". It could be a hummingbird that hovers on your porch, a funny show that made you laugh out loud, a beautiful flower... For me, it's you I am thankful for today. You chose to reach out, and it made a difference in how my day went. So thank you!!!! Have a day - good or bad, but know its just a day.

    Hugs from San Diego

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    Oh you made me cry with your kind words. I just joined I think 2 weeks ago. I'm still learning how to use this site and for some reason, today I can't see the entire chat box? It cuts off the end of sentences. I will tell myself every day, take small steps and remember it is just a day. Glad we met, I truly do believe that people and events happen for a reason and I'm glad I found this site and met you! I am smiling!

    Hugs from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia!

  • simli1
    simli1 Member Posts: 4 Member

    The chat is the same for me. Frustrating!

    No worries, reach out any time. Today was my first day on this site, so glad i reached out as well, my friend.

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    You're first day? Welcome to you. I am always on my lap top, yeah I know I need to get back out among the living again, and I'm stressing over what to tell a future employer why I've been out of work all year and my gut tells me do not say a word about cancer. It is 5:17 pm here, what time is it there? That way I will know when you are sleeping lol!

    Terri

  • memefox
    memefox Member Posts: 1 *

    Hi, I was diagnosed in September 2021 with stage 1, grade 2 DCIS no lymph nodes involved. I didn't want to tell anyone about my diagnosis but my husband thought I would be better off telling people. He told all of his family & friends. Needless to say I was very angry & told him that I felt betrayed by him.. He had prostrate cancer in 2019 & told everyone. I am more private about these things. I was so angry with all the phone calls telling me I would be fine that I changed my phone message to say " I'll be fine please respect my privacy ".

    Everyone handles cancer differently!! Do what makes you comfortable.

  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    I had a PET Scan, I had what they call eyes to thighs. That's the length this machine went over me. It started at my forehead, moved down to my knees, it did this a few times. I didn't feel like I was in a tube, the only reason I was nervous is I didn't know what to expect and it didn't take long. I didn't lay in a long tube. Maybe I didn't notice? I laid down and either it moved up and down or I did. It wasn't fast or slow.


  • Truckincrazy1
    Truckincrazy1 Member Posts: 95 Member

    Hi memefox, for someone reason this site is piggy backing on different posts. I was stage 1 DCIS, grade 3, margins and lymph nodes clear. I understand how you feel, I told a few close friends, and two haven't said a word about it since, my adult girls think oh its over be happy get back to life, move on. Then one friend told everyone at the gas station I used to work at. I did not want that to happen. So now I feel like I'm wearing a scarlet letter. Its true, respect peoples privacy.

  • Sunny5
    Sunny5 Member Posts: 147 Member

    I mean one session. I had it once every two weeks. Seven times. I was supposed to have 8 but I was getting neuropathy in my fingers and he stopped it. I still have the neuropathy and it's very annoying! Dr said it might go away, but if it isn't gone in a year, it won't. I'm praying it does. I use Nervive cream from Walmart, which contains Lidocaine and it helps. He approved it. Be sure and ask the dr. about any OTC medications you use. What is your parrot's name? They are so pretty!

  • Sunny5
    Sunny5 Member Posts: 147 Member

    Terri, I hope you won't be afraid to tell an employer you have had cancer. I don't think they would hold it against you. And they do like to know why you didn't work for a year. If you don't want to mention cancer, just tell them you were ill and under doctor's care. Encourage them to look at your previous work record. Of course that is your decision, but there is no shame in cancer. You might be surprised at people you know who have had it and didn't tell you. I am a very open book person, and not everyone is comfortable sharing this with others. Prayers and best wishes to you! Sunny