newly diagnosed

Never give up!  When I was diagnosed, I was Stage 3, large tumor, 4 nodes.  My prognosis at the time was not good.  Well, here I am, nearly 26 years later and, while breast cancer is a chronic incurable disease for me, I am doing very well.  Currently, I am back in remission and still working at the job that I love.

Before my diagnosis, as a Nurse Practitioner, I always felt like it was important to give patients the truth.  After diagnosis, I would always say to give patients the truth, but also give them hope!

so sorry to hear...YOU were smart to find this site right away..I didndt' for years even think about it..it would have been a great help to me during my time of need.

I had DCIS no nodes...lumpectomy...

YOU will be able to vent, cry and ask opinions here...

Denise

I was DX w/invasive/infiltrating Lobular w/inflammatory cells present in the same mass.  It was stage 1, and I had a bilateral in May '12.  It was 3/4 of a centimeter, remained in the duct, no node involvement.  The biopsy had threadlike tentacles attached.  Looked like a tiny octopus.  Like the other Linda suggested, you should ask what the surgeon would want for their own family member in your shoes.  Mine volunteered that info and said surgery would save my life for now.  He said he'd want his wife to give it her best shot.  I take tamoxifen and had no chemo/rads.  It was caught early at my annual mammogram.  I can't say that I love knowing all the possibilities of this cancer, but right now they are just that...possibilities!  I was exactly like you are today in the beginning of this mess, but I slowly began taking it a step at a time.  So many of the people on this board came forward and told me their stories.  Cynthia has been a huge inspiration.  She's been here a lot of years beyond her first DX. The thing I take from my onco's ofc is that everyone's cancer is different, just like a fingerprint.  It's very hard to compare exactly, so don't even try.  Please come back and let us know about your surgeon's visit.  Everyone here is caring, and we're here for just about anything.  We'll even share our family recipes!  Love to you, Linda  

Unhappy said:

Hoping all goes good for you

they could not tell  if my cancer was in my lymph nodes or the stage until after surgery.It was not in my lymph nodes ,Had breast removed. They found mind with my yearly mamagram then biopsy that comformed it was cancer.At this time I am cancer free

My story .....

August 14, 2010

18 weeks of consecutive chemo therapy TCH -- ending on December 18, 2009 - dose dense chemo treatment plan .. I made it ... crawling to the finish line

1 year of Herceptin -- ending August 20, 2010

Lumpectomy -- 8-10-09
Breast Cancer diagnosis 8-14-09
Bilateral Mastectomy January 12, 2010
Vacation to Grand Canyon April 6th

Emergency surgery and 5 day hospital stay 4-18-10 to removed right tissue expander infection by staph (Staph infection and where or how I contacted is still a mistery to this day - My Infectious Disease Doctor has ordered me to stay in the US for the next 3 years // no traveling outside US)
5 weeks with 1 expander - Unbearable and emotional
Surgery to add a new right expander - 5-22-10
Exchange surgery -- 7-21-10 (no nipples, no areola) Incisional scars very visible, and raised (due to the many cuts)

Severe reactions to my chemo drugs (TCH) -- insomnia,depression and chronic fatigue appeared to be my only friends for so long. I cried daily, had many very dark days and nights, I did have family around - but found myself lonely and unable to convey my feelings. I was no longer the Vicki I remembered. 

 I don't cry not as much, its just very hard to accept what has happen in my life. I try to be positive but that has its moments. I always wonder will it come back, the dreaded "C" word. My husband is very supportive of all of emotional craziness, as my Oncologist gave us statistics from my prognosis this past Friday. I face several reconstructive surgery, and no health insurance at the end of September 2010.

My next step and goal -- do all that I can to affect a good outcome (exercise, meditation, massage, foods etc) but I also accept that the outcome is ultimately not in my hands, and I am trying to“live in the here and now. However, I do worry that going back to my old life and work and pretending like nothing happened is denial rather than acceptance and that if I don't use this time "wisely" that I will regret it later. I am adopting my teenager's sense of invincibility, with slight caution!

Putting 1 foot in front of the other :-))

WE ARE WARRIORS!!!!

....   fast forward to  January 20th 2013

I had breast cancer, but breast cancer no longer defines me. I am a breast cancer SURVIVOR!
  

Another year has passed ... There is hope for getting back to our 'normal', or new normal as many of us will never look at life thru those rose colored glasses.  I no longer take anyone, or anything for granted.  I stop to smell the roses, and taste each cup of coffee. Treasure time with family, friends and enjoy trying to regain my strength, and rid myself of this contrique fatigue.

I now walk 2.5 to 3 miles 4 x a week, up from my 1/2 miles walks this time last year. Gym visits and work outs continue, as well.  I've signed up for 2 College courses -- starting school on 8/31 -- purchased a 'pink' over the sholder back pack in preparation of my first day of school.  Yoga is something I can not master, not so limber yet .. WHO said, Yoga was relaxing???  I have resumed my Culinary classes -my husband, and friends are enjoying the fruits of my labor.  Painting classes are no longer a passion of mine.  I want to be free, and allowed to move about freely.  Played a round of golf 2 weeks ago, not too excited about golf any longer.

WE ARE WARRIORS!!!!

Vicki Sam

Tux said:

New

So sorry, Kenny's Mom, that you have had to join the club no one wants to belong to, but

you have come to the right place!  It is so scary at first--before you know your plan of

treatment.  I agree with the above posters--ask lots of questions!  Also, bc changes

so many things in your life that you never get back to the "old normal" but instead

you can find a "new normal."  Best wishes as you go forward--one day at a time.

Hugs & prayers....

Any updates???  How are you doing?  Have you had the opportunity to met with your Oncologist?

Please let us know when you can.

Vicki Sam