Pep talk

amd0716
amd0716 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello Everyone,

I'm Andrea.  I've come here for lack of better words a "pep talk".  I found out in December that I have a second breast cancer.  I fought invasive breast cancer 14 years ago at age 38, and now at 52 I have been diagnosed with what we hope is only a DCIS in my other breast.  My lumpecomy and recontruction surgery is next week.  

To my family, friends, and co-workers I show a bright face and smile, but in all honesty I'm mad as hell and scared.  Those in my life have been supportive and loving, but none of them have fought the fight so they don't really know the physical and mental toll this disease takes on a person. I'm not 38 anymore, I honestly don't know how my body will handle the surgery and radiation this time.  As long as the cancer has not become invasive, I'm not looking at chemo this time.  Though my first go around with the awful disease, they thought I only had a DCIS until the path report came back after surgery.  I dread the thought of chemo again.  I'm doing my best to take all of this one step at a time.  But knowing what is ahead of me and knowing how it effected me the first time makes it hard.  

Comments

  • runt1964
    runt1964 Member Posts: 33
    #2
    I'm sorry!

    My heart goes out to you.

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #3
    I am so sorry you are facing this again.

    You are right.  It is hard scary and unless someone has been thru it, as much and hard as they try, they really dont know how you feel, and hopefully never will never have to experience it themselves.

    I was dx'd at 44 with IDC.  Had biopsy, then mastectomy, chemo and Tamoxifen.  Was only able to do 3 of 4 chemo infusions, and 9-10 months of the Tamoxifen due to allergic reaction.

     I had always assumed that if it came back it would be in my other breast!  No one told me differently and once I was through with the first round, and made it 5 years, I was feeling pretty confident.  8 years after 1st dx, it was back, but not a recurrence,   it had metastasized to my bones and skin. My other breast is still cancer free!

    I am so sorry you are facing this again, yet so hopeful as it appears to be confined to your breast.  As horrible as facing chemo again is.... a recurrence in the other breast gives you so many positive options.  It could be DCIS, and if that is what they are thinking, it sounds like you are looking at what could be a total remission!

    Please keep us informed, and I am wishing for the best!  I do understand the anger and how scary it is.  I don't think it matters what the dx is, just hearing cancer is so scary.

    Hugs.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #4
    WE get it...and yes Pep talk

    WE get it...and yes Pep talk is  a good thing...

    keep us updated..I"ll check back

     

    Denise

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #5
    So unfair

    After 14 years? Such awful news, but I hope it can be cleared up with surgery and rads. Even if it takes chemo again, you can do it! But just take it one step at a time right now. As you say, it's hard knowing what is ahead, but at least you are starting this with knowledge. Knowledge means power...Hugs, Anna

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    #6
    button2 said:

    So unfair

    After 14 years? Such awful news, but I hope it can be cleared up with surgery and rads. Even if it takes chemo again, you can do it! But just take it one step at a time right now. As you say, it's hard knowing what is ahead, but at least you are starting this with knowledge. Knowledge means power...Hugs, Anna

    Hi Andrea

    We're all familiar with fighting the fight.  I'm sorry you are going through this again and know what you mean about people  understanding.  We'll be here waiting to hear about your good outcome.  Please stay in touch. Hugs, Linda

Discussion Boards