Just diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

lintx said:

Kathy

I was there last April and now getting ready for that one year cancerversary!  Don't be afraid.  I was 62 at the time and had a bilateral w/immediate Diep flap reconstruction.  It was about a 10 hr surgery.  My biggest pain was not being able to be active for the first couple weeks.  I'm always doing everything and hated the drains and not being able to drive.  I promise that you'll be sleepy most of the time, and the first two weeks will go by very fast. I didn't even take a pain pill. I live alone w/no family here, so my son came for the first 2 wks to help me.  You'll need help in the beginning, but I'd advise you to get out of the chair several times a day for a walk around the house.  It really does help regain strength and will prevent clotting. Try to take things one step at a time and not get too far ahead of yourself.  Be a compliant patient, and everything will be fine!  Take care, Linda   

 

 

Kathy,

I was diagnosed with bilateral IDC on Aug 8, 2012 I am 45.  I had a bilateral mastectomy on Sept 5, 2012 and chemo started in Oct.  I too have a daughter, she is 23.  I went through all three genetic tests all came back neg.  I worry about my daughter as well, her OBGYN now does an ultrasound on her yearly check ups.  I know she has a greater chance of having bc at some point however, she will not have to go through what I have gone through because she be watched closely from this point on.  No one on either side of my family, and we did an extensive search, has had bc before me.

They have a shirt called a mastectomy tank/cami, get one.  It was the best shirt I have ever bought, it has "pockets" that hold the bulbs at the end of your drains and makes it so much easier to deal with.  I ended up getting a few and really wore nothing else while my drains were in.

I have felt and still feel all of the things you describe...it's normal.  Having cancer stinks, it's scarey and treatment is no picnic BUT it is doable and this site is full of "pinks" who will lift your spirits and give you great advice or just let you vent:) 

Patti:)

kmenurse said:

Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Thank You.. Linda and Patti, I will look for that Mastectomy Tank/Cami shirt Patti. I was worried about the drains.  I also am the first in my family to get BC and I come from a large family.  I would never wish this on anyone but it is hard not having anyone close to talk to, that has been in this situation... Thank God!!! I found this site.  All the posts I have read so far show that everyone truly cares and just by reading the post from others it gives me encouragement... Thank You!

Hi Kathy,

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My wife is also going through the same thing as you, she had 8 rounds of chemo and just had her bi lateral mastectomy last friday. She is doing well. She was in a little pain the first few days but as of today she is only taking tylonol for the pain. Yes, the drains are a pain in the butt , but they will not be in for too long. Hers should come out this tuesday. YOu will find alot of great friends here on this site who have been through the same things that you will go through. I have found the biggest fear is of the unknown. Asking questions about what your next appointment /proceedure will entail will help you greatly. Think of this as a fight that you will not give up on. There will be good days and bad days, if the bad days out number the good, do not wait to seek help (medication/therapy or both) . My wife waited until she was deeply depressed to seek help and it was a very rough road. She wishes she would have done so in the beginning.  Do not be afraid or embarrased to ask anything on this post as we are all here to help. I cannot related to having BC but I can relate as a husband who has watched and helped his wife through her ongoing treatment. God bless you .  Oh by the way, definitly go with the tank / cammi witht he drain pockets.  We were lucky as our ONc center gives every one of their patiens one before surgery. Here is the link   http://www.lookbetterthanyoufeel.com/home.php 

Dennis

Sending good thoughts your way..

Denise

I want to welcome you to the club nobody want to join. I did not have the same surgery as you but I did have all the same fears. I was also your age when I started my journey and have been NED since I completed my treatment. Keep as positive as you can and remember we are here for you. I know this site helped me and I am sure it will help you too. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Hugs,

Georgia