10 years on colorectal board and just diagnosed with breast

I'm sorry you need to come here. You've had plenty on your plate in your lifetime. Enough to know that waiting to find out things is scary and yucky. 

We're here for you. If you have a question, chances are somebody will have an answer.

Again, welcome. 

xoxo

Victoria

Hi, Maggie

     It's nice to meet another friend on this page.  You have already experienced so much, but I always feel the challenges we work through in our lives help us to be prepared for the next chapter.  You will be well ready to discuss treatment options.  My Dad had colorectal cancer, and I have IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma).  I have come through chemo the past 4 months, and I, too, am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow to discuss how well the chemo shrunk my tumor and what extent of surgery will now be needed.

     So maybe we can think of tomorrow as a day of enlightenment- finally knowing how we can best be helped.  Know that you will be able to get some great advice on this page.  Everyone has been so supportive here.  Once you have more information, you might wish to share with the ladies here - things like treatment plan, chemo drugs, etc.  There are many options for BC treatment, and knowing that others can help you understand, or just having someone to vent to is of great comfort.

     Good luck getting answers tomorrow.  Come and visit us often!

kathy

maglets said:

kathy

kathy thank you so so very much.  I have spent part of the day just casting through the breast forum....there is so so very much I do not understand.....letters, numbers, acronyms....a whole new language to absorb.  

one thing does not change ....I sit here terrified chest stiff....unknowing what to do....yup that is the start of a fresh cancer.....

 

mags

 

Nice to meet you and sorry it has to be here.  Sounds like you've had quite the run with cancer already.  More than your share. We'll be here for you when needed. Let us hear about your appointment.  Hugs, Linda

KathiM has let us know of your "situation"...we welcome you with open arms and hearts that just want to listen, pray and walk with you on the journey. 

~Melanie

Whatever is planned ahead, someone here has experienced the exact same type of cancer, grade and  treatment.  There will be very helpful advice on any questions you have.  Sorry you have already endured chemo.  Staging/grading can come with biopsy, lumpectomy or surgery.  Just start off by making sure you warm to, trust your cancer team.  Some need a caring attitude, I don't care about a bad bedside manner but thought it more important the medical staff were thorough and good in the breast cancer field.  We are all different and that's just fine.

good luck

maglets said:

tears

oh my precious Kath.....so so sorry about your mom.  Seeing your pic with your precious boy has me a weepy mess....thanks for being here.

I got the call today from surgeon's office....pre ops tomorrow and mastectomy of right breast on Tuesday.....no staging of course yet but hopefully that will follow with the testing of the lymph nodes and the breast tissue itself.  It could of course be part of the ongoing stage IV colorectal or a brand new cancer.....time will tell

this is a day surgery in Canada so apparently start at 7am with dye injection that will show the lymph nodes and the sentinel node.  Surgery itself will occur at perhaps 2pm that day and then home.

absolutely any advice about surgery is welcome......I understand there will be home care for a few days to look after the drain that will be in place. Hopefully will get nightgowns with buttons but would really appreciate any other practical tips

love you Kath.......mags

 

Mags,

I'll be carrying you in my heart all week.   I am sure those on the board who have experience with breast cancer will answer any questions you may have.   We just found out about my mom on Sunday.   I am stunned and deeply saddened.  She was my rock throughout ****'s illness and has continued to be there for the girls and me.   I am holding out great hope for both of you.   Sending you so much love.

Aloha,

Kathleen

maglets said:

today is it

up bright and early and off for surgery today.....have to start with the dye at 7 and surgery is not booked until 2 pm.....hope I still get home tonight.

The staging apparently takes two weeks but I will check in for tips on recovery and handling the drains.....

thanks and love to all,

maggie

I hope your surgery went well yesterday and you're recovering comfortably.  I'm sure you're anxious about your staging report and it will be a long 2 week wait.  I, too, am a 2-fer, having had both breast and uterine cancers (2 primaries at the same time), hence my screen name.    Just wishing you the best and hoping for good news about your staging. 

Suzanne

Hi Maggie, I am sorry to hear that you had to join this group! I pray that you are doing well after surgery! Soon you will get your final Staging! Hopefully it is low grade.  This group is so encouraging and loving.  I do not post often, but I am more of a lurker.  May you feel blessings through this time.  Mary

maglets said:

two weeks

well I have to say the surgery was a bigger shock than I had anticipated.  Looking in the mirror for the first time was so surprising.....I guess after 5 major abdominal surgeries I thought I could handle it!!!!! but seeing that flat bruised chest with no breast was hard.  Had the staples out today and hopefully drain tomorrow.....

then in the afternoon I am scheduled to get my pathology reports......no idea if they will have arrived with Christmas in there.

I find myself self-conscious in public......cannot wear a bra yet so one big braless boob and one flat.....does anyone have any advice .....tips of diguising .......how long before you can put a bra on comfortably......

 

hoping and praying tonight for a nice low staging number......one Stage IV is enough .....

Love to all and a hug........mags

I've noticed several of the ladies in my support group wear the heavier scarves around their neck that are popular, with the dangling ends over the boobless side of their chest.

maglets said:

two weeks

well I have to say the surgery was a bigger shock than I had anticipated.  Looking in the mirror for the first time was so surprising.....I guess after 5 major abdominal surgeries I thought I could handle it!!!!! but seeing that flat bruised chest with no breast was hard.  Had the staples out today and hopefully drain tomorrow.....

then in the afternoon I am scheduled to get my pathology reports......no idea if they will have arrived with Christmas in there.

I find myself self-conscious in public......cannot wear a bra yet so one big braless boob and one flat.....does anyone have any advice .....tips of diguising .......how long before you can put a bra on comfortably......

 

hoping and praying tonight for a nice low staging number......one Stage IV is enough .....

Love to all and a hug........mags

I am so sorry to hear that you are now dealing with Breast Cancer.  It seems like one cancer diagnosis is enough for anyone to handle.  My husband recently passed away from Colon cancer after he took care of me for 3 years when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer 10 years ago.   I had a similar problem with one side completely flat(actually concave) and the other side large.  It was not comfortable at all but as you heal in a few weeks you will be able to wear a sports bra. You will be surprised at how fast you will heal and the scar will look better.   I got one of those bras that fasten in the front from a medical supply store.  It was soft cotton and easy to get on using a soft breast prosthesis(light weight).  You can get a inexpensive prosthesis on-line that will work for the short term.  Praying for good results from your biospy.

Hugs,

Teri