Stage III breast cancer

chicojack
chicojack Member Posts: 2
in Breast Cancer #1
I was recently diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. PET scan shows no metastasis beyond the lymph nodes removed at surgery. Would like to hear from others with this diagnosis of Stage III. Had one chemo session three weeks ago and another scheduled for this week. Anyone out there who can talk to me about this? Thanks.

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Hi I am out Here 4 years from initial diagnosis stage III C
    I was doing fine for the past 4 years, however my PET scan last Monday showed progression. You can do it just embrace your situation and live your life.
    Hugs
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #3
    What Type?
    Stage is only part of the DX. The prognosis is different for the different Types (DCIS/LCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC). ER/PR and HER2 status also enter into it and TX.

    I'm IBC, Stage IIIC., DX'd Aug '09 and still riding NED. I did 4 DD A/C 2 weeks apart, surgery, 12 weekly Taxol, 25 rads and Femara since.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #4
    I am stage IIIa diagnosed in
    I am stage IIIa diagnosed in 2008. I had a bilateral mastectomy, then Adriamycin/Cytoxin for 4 treatments and paclitaxol for 4 treatments - each two weeks apart (dose dense). Following chemo, I had radiation treatments - I think 33 and then a week of boosters. Surgery was the beginning of April '08 and treatment was completed in October of '08. Since then I've taken Arimidex daily.

    Take it easy on yourself and be in the moment as much as you can. You can do it, day by day. Many of us on here have stood where you are standing now and are happy to share with you and support you. xoxoxo Lynn
  • tko683
    tko683 Member Posts: 264 Member
    #5
    Hi
    Hi, just wanted you to know that I was diagnosed with stage 3 in 2004 and am still here. I had chemo, mastectomy, radiation, herceptin, and I am still on tamoxifen. None of the treatment was ever as bad as I dreamed it would be. When I was first diagnosed I gathered information from everywhere and got second opinions on everything. I remember speaking to a family friend who was a surgical oncologist and he told me that I was going to be okay, and so will you. Just take one day at a time. Blessings, Teri
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #6
    tko683 said:

    Hi
    Hi, just wanted you to know that I was diagnosed with stage 3 in 2004 and am still here. I had chemo, mastectomy, radiation, herceptin, and I am still on tamoxifen. None of the treatment was ever as bad as I dreamed it would be. When I was first diagnosed I gathered information from everywhere and got second opinions on everything. I remember speaking to a family friend who was a surgical oncologist and he told me that I was going to be okay, and so will you. Just take one day at a time. Blessings, Teri

    Welcome to the most wonderful, unique
    group of Sisters and Brothers in PINK. We are here 24 hours a days, 7 days
    a weeks.

    The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and the myriad of emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company. I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Get your results, talk to your doctor, give yourself some time to digest, etc. Please let us know later today if you feel up to it. We are here to support you.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure!

    Vicki Sam
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #7
    VickiSam said:

    Welcome to the most wonderful, unique
    group of Sisters and Brothers in PINK. We are here 24 hours a days, 7 days
    a weeks.

    The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and the myriad of emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company. I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Get your results, talk to your doctor, give yourself some time to digest, etc. Please let us know later today if you feel up to it. We are here to support you.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure!

    Vicki Sam

    Also Stage 111
    Hi,
    I had lumpectomy with re-excision and chemo and radiation. Was diagnosed in April of '09 and finished all treatment in December of that year.

    I am cancer free as of this date and if you have any questions feel free to post or private message me. I know it's scary but there are a lot of Stage 111 gals and guys out here who are still dancing with NED as well as Stage 4.

    At Relay for Life this weekend, I met an 18 year survivor of Stage 4 Ovarian cancer and if that doesn't give us hope, I don't know what does. :)

    Hugs,
    Wanda
  • 3cbrca
    3cbrca Member Posts: 206
    #8
    Diagnosed in 2006 with 3C -
    Diagnosed in 2006 with 3C - treatments were tough but worth it - no recurrance - no mets.
    I wasn't sure I'd be around much less disease free, but I am and you will be too!
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
    #9
    3cbrca said:

    Diagnosed in 2006 with 3C -
    Diagnosed in 2006 with 3C - treatments were tough but worth it - no recurrance - no mets.
    I wasn't sure I'd be around much less disease free, but I am and you will be too!

    Also stage 3(a)
    Diagnosed in April 2009. Had a lumpectomy, 4 A/C, 12 (weekly) taxol, then 33 rads. 2 lymph nodes out of 14 positive. Half way done with arimidex (2 1/2 years to go on that). Treatment isn't fun, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and the "new you" will be someone you recognize.

    Dancing with NED (no evidence of disease) is a wonderful thing. Something we all hope to share with you for a long time.

    marge
  • deerello
    deerello Member Posts: 22
    #10
    Me too
    I also have Stage 3, with 6 positive lymph nodes but no cancer anywhere else according to pet scan. I have 2 more courses of chemo, then radiation. I had reconstruction following my bi-lateral mastectomy but finally had to have one implant(permanent, not tissue expander)removed due to a staph infection. Healing has been a major issue, especially after starting chemo. Practically impossible. Once I am done with radiation then more reconstruction. Am glad you posted, I have found for me it really helps and all our sisters are so supportive! It sucks there are so many of us, but also a blessing to know we are definately not alone and there is so much hope! Take care.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #11
    New Flower said:

    Hi I am out Here 4 years from initial diagnosis stage III C
    I was doing fine for the past 4 years, however my PET scan last Monday showed progression. You can do it just embrace your situation and live your life.
    Hugs

    I am not Stage III, but,
    I am not Stage III, but, wanted to say hi and to wish you good luck!


    Hugs, Debby
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    #12
    Not a stage 3
    But that does not mean that I don't wish you all the best of divine providence. Even many of our stage 4 sisters live well while living with thier cancer. We have to embrace all of our circumstances and get the most out of life while doing so.
  • kcred
    kcred Member Posts: 9
    #13
    Same Diagnosis but I was a delayed diagnosis
    When I first presented 2 masses to my doctor 12/2009, he referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram which than turned in to a ultrasound. Both doctors were aware of clinical symptoms I had as well as a strong family history of cervical and breast cancer. When I called a month later, for the results I was told by the receptionist after she reviewed my file that everything was good, and there was no reason for the doctor to see me for a follow up visit. Than in 4/2011 I noticed that the lumps had increased in size, so I tried to get an appointment at the same clinic as the first. I was denied because I did not qualify for the programs available. So I went to get Med-ical and was not approved til Sept 2011. When I returned for the second exam, I informed the physician of the history with the masses and that I had a mammogram. So I assumed she was taking notes. She than examined me let the room and returned to tell me that I would receive a referral in the mail in 2 weeks that this was not an urgent matter. I waited the 2 weeks, the referral never came. I went back to the clinic, explained the problem and no one could understand what I was talking about, finally I got the referral information. I finally was diagnosed in Oct. it took another 2 months for surgery. All along I was going crazy wondering why these people were so relaxed about getting treatment for me. It turns out, my records were misplaced, and the mammogram from 2010 had never been reviewed by a doctor at all. The records were finally discovered in the storage room stuck in a paper file system. I now have a lawsuit pending against both the radiologists and pc. It turns out it was recommended that I have a biopsy, and no one told me. It also turns out the radiologist was not a qualified diagnostic radiologists. Nevertheless it went from stage 1 to late stage 3.
  • kcred
    kcred Member Posts: 9
    #14
    Same Diagnosis but I was a delayed diagnosis
    When I first presented 2 masses to my doctor 12/2009, he referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram which than turned in to a ultrasound. Both doctors were aware of clinical symptoms I had as well as a strong family history of cervical and breast cancer. When I called a month later, for the results I was told by the receptionist after she reviewed my file that everything was good, and there was no reason for the doctor to see me for a follow up visit. Than in 4/2011 I noticed that the lumps had increased in size, so I tried to get an appointment at the same clinic as the first. I was denied because I did not qualify for the programs available. So I went to get Med-ical and was not approved til Sept 2011. When I returned for the second exam, I informed the physician of the history with the masses and that I had a mammogram. So I assumed she was taking notes. She than examined me let the room and returned to tell me that I would receive a referral in the mail in 2 weeks that this was not an urgent matter. I waited the 2 weeks, the referral never came. I went back to the clinic, explained the problem and no one could understand what I was talking about, finally I got the referral information. I finally was diagnosed in Oct. it took another 2 months for surgery. All along I was going crazy wondering why these people were so relaxed about getting treatment for me. It turns out, my records were misplaced, and the mammogram from 2010 had never been reviewed by a doctor at all. The records were finally discovered in the storage room stuck in a paper file system. I now have a lawsuit pending against both the radiologists and pc. It turns out it was recommended that I have a biopsy, and no one told me. It also turns out the radiologist was not a qualified diagnostic radiologists. Nevertheless it went from stage 1 to late stage 3.
  • kcred
    kcred Member Posts: 9
    #15
    Same Diagnosis but I was a delayed diagnosis
    When I first presented 2 masses to my doctor 12/2009, he referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram which than turned in to a ultrasound. Both doctors were aware of clinical symptoms I had as well as a strong family history of cervical and breast cancer. When I called a month later, for the results I was told by the receptionist after she reviewed my file that everything was good, and there was no reason for the doctor to see me for a follow up visit. Than in 4/2011 I noticed that the lumps had increased in size, so I tried to get an appointment at the same clinic as the first. I was denied because I did not qualify for the programs available. So I went to get Med-ical and was not approved til Sept 2011. When I returned for the second exam, I informed the physician of the history with the masses and that I had a mammogram. So I assumed she was taking notes. She than examined me let the room and returned to tell me that I would receive a referral in the mail in 2 weeks that this was not an urgent matter. I waited the 2 weeks, the referral never came. I went back to the clinic, explained the problem and no one could understand what I was talking about, finally I got the referral information. I finally was diagnosed in Oct. it took another 2 months for surgery. All along I was going crazy wondering why these people were so relaxed about getting treatment for me. It turns out, my records were misplaced, and the mammogram from 2010 had never been reviewed by a doctor at all. The records were finally discovered in the storage room stuck in a paper file system. I now have a lawsuit pending against both the radiologists and pc. It turns out it was recommended that I have a biopsy, and no one told me. It also turns out the radiologist was not a qualified diagnostic radiologists. Nevertheless it went from stage 1 to late stage 3.
  • kcred
    kcred Member Posts: 9
    #16
    Same Diagnosis but I was a delayed diagnosis
    When I first presented 2 masses to my doctor 12/2009, he referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram which than turned in to a ultrasound. Both doctors were aware of clinical symptoms I had as well as a strong family history of cervical and breast cancer. When I called a month later, for the results I was told by the receptionist after she reviewed my file that everything was good, and there was no reason for the doctor to see me for a follow up visit. Than in 4/2011 I noticed that the lumps had increased in size, so I tried to get an appointment at the same clinic as the first. I was denied because I did not qualify for the programs available. So I went to get Med-ical and was not approved til Sept 2011. When I returned for the second exam, I informed the physician of the history with the masses and that I had a mammogram. So I assumed she was taking notes. She than examined me let the room and returned to tell me that I would receive a referral in the mail in 2 weeks that this was not an urgent matter. I waited the 2 weeks, the referral never came. I went back to the clinic, explained the problem and no one could understand what I was talking about, finally I got the referral information. I finally was diagnosed in Oct. it took another 2 months for surgery. All along I was going crazy wondering why these people were so relaxed about getting treatment for me. It turns out, my records were misplaced, and the mammogram from 2010 had never been reviewed by a doctor at all. The records were finally discovered in the storage room stuck in a paper file system. I now have a lawsuit pending against both the radiologists and pc. It turns out it was recommended that I have a biopsy, and no one told me. It also turns out the radiologist was not a qualified diagnostic radiologists. Nevertheless it went from stage 1 to late stage 3.
  • kcred
    kcred Member Posts: 9
    #17
    Same Diagnosis but I was a delayed diagnosis
    When I first presented 2 masses to my doctor 12/2009, he referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram which than turned in to a ultrasound. Both doctors were aware of clinical symptoms I had as well as a strong family history of cervical and breast cancer. When I called a month later, for the results I was told by the receptionist after she reviewed my file that everything was good, and there was no reason for the doctor to see me for a follow up visit. Than in 4/2011 I noticed that the lumps had increased in size, so I tried to get an appointment at the same clinic as the first. I was denied because I did not qualify for the programs available. So I went to get Med-ical and was not approved til Sept 2011. When I returned for the second exam, I informed the physician of the history with the masses and that I had a mammogram. So I assumed she was taking notes. She than examined me let the room and returned to tell me that I would receive a referral in the mail in 2 weeks that this was not an urgent matter. I waited the 2 weeks, the referral never came. I went back to the clinic, explained the problem and no one could understand what I was talking about, finally I got the referral information. I finally was diagnosed in Oct. it took another 2 months for surgery. All along I was going crazy wondering why these people were so relaxed about getting treatment for me. It turns out, my records were misplaced, and the mammogram from 2010 had never been reviewed by a doctor at all. The records were finally discovered in the storage room stuck in a paper file system. I now have a lawsuit pending against both the radiologists and pc. It turns out it was recommended that I have a biopsy, and no one told me. It also turns out the radiologist was not a qualified diagnostic radiologists. Nevertheless it went from stage 1 to late stage 3.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #18
    I had Stage 3 too: large
    I had Stage 3 too: large tumor and 4 nodes. ER+, PR+, Her2 neg. I have been 25 years! Can you believe it? Hang in there. I had mastectomy, chemo, radiation and many years of tamoxifen. I am so sorry that you had to find this board, but welcome. There are many supportive and knowledgeable folks here eager to help.
  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #19
    Stage IIIA -- because of the
    Stage IIIA -- because of the size of one of my tumors AND because I had one lymph node affected.

    Had a bilateral mastectomy because not only was there a problem on one side, but there were signs of a problem on the other. (Had two different kinds of cancer . . . lobular and dictal)
    Did ACT chemo, four of the AC every other week and then four of the "T" every other week.
    Had radiation therapy -- 33 total, with the final 5 being boosts directed at my scars.

    This all is do-able. Keep a good attitude. Live as much of a "normal" life as you feel up to doing. Don't hole yourself up in the house.

    I had surgery the last part of February, chemo from the second week of April until mid-July, and radiation from the second week of August to about the end of September. I have returned to work full time at school. I have often been told, even when I was doing chemo and rads, that no one would have any idea what I was/have been going through to see me (other than maybe realizing I was wearing a wig). I attribute that to these three things:
    1) Faith
    2) Family
    3) Friends

    PLUS keeping a good attitude, living as much of my "normal" life as I felt up to (and it was amazing what I was able to do), and not holing myself up in the house.

Discussion Boards