Newly diagnosted today - IDC level 3

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  • mercjall
    mercjall Member Posts: 11
    #22
    tasha_111 said:

    Maria
    I just lived the last year in shock, but somewhere along the line you accept.............Unbelievable, this stuff happens to other people...not you/me.........but it does. A BIG HUGE HUG on its' way to you....
    Luv J xxxxxxxxxxxxx

    thanks for the hugs. i feel
    thanks for the hugs. i feel it.
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #23
    I'm sorry to welcome you to
    I'm sorry to welcome you to the club no one wants to join, but I am so happy that you have found us. You will meet many women here that are in all stages of fighting the beast. I was diagnosed on June 1, 2007 with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 1 grade 3 which made the cancer very aggressive. I had a mastectomy on June 7, 2007 and had 7 lymph nodes removed. Luckily, those were clean but I had to go through 8 rounds of chemo because they found some cancer cells in the blood vessels in the breast. Maria, we do what we have to do which is to fight this beast. There were many days especially after going through chemo that I couldn't even lift my head off the pillow, but did persevere because of my kids. You will also find the strength to fight. Especially for your little ones. Here is a bit of advice:

    1) Write down every question you have in a small note pad.
    2) Take someone with you to ALL of your doctor appointments. Sometimes (all the time) we are so overwhelmed with the cancer diagnosis that we do not pay attention to everything they are telling us so it helps to have another set of ears.
    3) Take all the help you are offered. Especially with young kids, you will need help after surgery and if you have to go through chemo.
    4) If you are working, continue to do so until your surgery, it helps not to sit home and dwell on it. At least at work, you will be somewhat distracted.

    Post here as often as you want. Here you can vent, cry, and yes rejoice at the good news also. We are here to offer are support, and give you our experiences. The best of luck to you and know you are in our prayers. You will meet a great group of co-warriors and caregivers here on this board.

    Hugs and prayers to you, Lili

    PS. Did you have a biopsy already or was this the result of a mammogram?
    If this was after a biopsy, what stage and grade?
  • Skybuf
    Skybuf Member Posts: 143
    #24
    Dear Mercjall
    Hon you have come to the right place. The Sisterhood here are so helpful and loving, they give all the support we need to help us thru this.
    I was dx in 2005, Stage III with many malignant lymphnodes...dr didn't hold much hope for me but God had other plans :) Twice now I've been put thru the 'scare again' and twice it was nothing.....let people help you hon, they feel good doing so and let your family help any way they can. Listen to your body and keep a positive outlook......I didn't allow anyone negative around me....you will get thru this and be giving others your advise soon....God bless you as you undergo this journey....we're here for you.
    Love and hugs......
  • sueinspringfield
    sueinspringfield Member Posts: 7
    #25
    Have you had surgery yet?
    Maria I found out Jan 13th I had to have another mamogram to see what was going on with a lunp they found, and had surgery on Feb 10. I hated that it took almost a month to get it out of me! Have you had surgery yet and if so what does the path. report say?
    Do not be afraid to ask any question you may have. Everyone here is very loving and willing to help all they can. Good luck!
  • allissen
    allissen Member Posts: 1
    #26
    Newly DX

    Hello Everyone,
    I was just overwhelming myself with all the information on the internet about breast cancer.I decided to stop and just focus on stories of survival. I am 31 years old and I was dx a few days ago. I have two boys and I have to live. I know God is my healer.

    Dr's are recommending chemo first then surgery. I just have that, get this breast off of me...you can take it attitude. But every dr I have talked too recommends chem o first.
    I am not looking forward to chemo at all. I have my cat scan today.

    It is just so much to process and think about.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #27
    allissen said:

    Newly DX

    Hello Everyone,
    I was just overwhelming myself with all the information on the internet about breast cancer.I decided to stop and just focus on stories of survival. I am 31 years old and I was dx a few days ago. I have two boys and I have to live. I know God is my healer.

    Dr's are recommending chemo first then surgery. I just have that, get this breast off of me...you can take it attitude. But every dr I have talked too recommends chem o first.
    I am not looking forward to chemo at all. I have my cat scan today.

    It is just so much to process and think about.

    Welcome
    Sorry that you are here, Allissen. I know it is an overwhelming time for you right now, but take a deep breath. You will make it through this. Many of us, including myself, have been through or are going through chemo. It's not a laugh riot, but something to get through. Many of us who have been there will hold your hand through it. We all need each other here, so feel free to ask anything.

    I had surgery before chemo, but chemo first is a common protocol for many. The chemo often shrinks the tumor and allows for a smoother surgery. Plus, it is possible to test the effectiveness of the chemo drugs if there is a visible tumor present.

    I am a younger person with breast cancer, too. Let me know if you would like resources to talk to women under 40 who are going through this. We often have some special issues to deal with. Good luck.

    Mimi
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #28
    allissen said:

    Newly DX

    Hello Everyone,
    I was just overwhelming myself with all the information on the internet about breast cancer.I decided to stop and just focus on stories of survival. I am 31 years old and I was dx a few days ago. I have two boys and I have to live. I know God is my healer.

    Dr's are recommending chemo first then surgery. I just have that, get this breast off of me...you can take it attitude. But every dr I have talked too recommends chem o first.
    I am not looking forward to chemo at all. I have my cat scan today.

    It is just so much to process and think about.

    My surgeon suggested chemo
    My surgeon suggested chemo first also. Before my treatment I had not heard of this but since have heard many woman that had the same. I also had to have 4 cycle after surgery. Your doctor should base your treatment on your personal condition. I didn't want chemo either but I think it helped keep me alive. I was diagnosed in 2003. Everyone reacts differently to chemo.
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #29
    allissen said:

    Newly DX

    Hello Everyone,
    I was just overwhelming myself with all the information on the internet about breast cancer.I decided to stop and just focus on stories of survival. I am 31 years old and I was dx a few days ago. I have two boys and I have to live. I know God is my healer.

    Dr's are recommending chemo first then surgery. I just have that, get this breast off of me...you can take it attitude. But every dr I have talked too recommends chem o first.
    I am not looking forward to chemo at all. I have my cat scan today.

    It is just so much to process and think about.

    Dear Allissen
    Sorry about your diagnosis, it is so very overwhelming. I think i went through it in a blur.I was so scared that i just did whatever they said had to be done.I had my surgery in Dec. and listened to the Dr. tell me stage 111a 6 pos. lymph nodes but i would not read my pathology report until Feb. I was afraid to find out any more.The best thing i did was to stumble upon this board. Support of those who have been there is soooo important. I really don't know what i would do without these courageous women.
    What stage are you? And what size was your tumor? These are the questions that will explain the chemo first. Write down all your questions for your DR. and keep us posted. We will be right here with you. Good luck with the cat scan. My prayers are with you. give your boys a big hug and God Bless.
    Jackie
  • Copto
    Copto Member Posts: 1
    #30
    Your diagnosis
    Hi there, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer 6 Months ago, I received chemo and radiation. I am 43. Its scary at first to surf the net, but you need to look for all the help you can get, there are a lot of things you can do to help your body go through it. I worked very hard at ensuring I put the right stuff into my body to prevent the cancer from spreading and to help fight it. I have been surfing the net to see what there is out there that I can do to help myself. I have found: Apricot seeds, they have vitamin b17, a big cancer fighter (you can only have max 40 per day at intervals though, you can buy them off the net), I have also found a Dr. Simoncini, he has discovered that all cancers are made of a fungus. Bi-carb Soda kills fungus, he suggests 1 teaspoon of bi-carb in a glass of water 1/2 hour before each meal, this makes you Alkaline (removes body acidity) fungus loves acidity and sugar, so I've stopped all sugar as well, if I must sweeten I use stevia (You can find online to buy) or a little fructose. I don't drink soft drinks (very acidy)or eat sweets or biscuits or any carb stuff like pastas, potatoes or rice as all these turn into sugar in your body. I bought a juicer and juice fruit and veggies (carrot, pineapple, celery, beetroot, apples) every morning for the day(minimum 4 gasses a day) this also alkalines the body. I take vitamin supplements as well to keep my body fighting hard. I buy chemical free shampoos and soaps and I've stopped using make up and wear gloves if I touch any detergents etc. Its been hard at first to make the changes, but you get used to it. Every now and then I spoil myself with a bit of pasta! My favourite. Oh yes, shark oil if you can find it is also said to be excellent. I figured that eating healthy would surely help. I have had my first biopsy since the chemo and radiation last Thursday, the result was "signs of radiation changes to the cells but negative on active cancer cells" my Doctor was extremely pleased, he actually scratched his head in surprise of my quick positive pick up. I am now continuing with my regime, I am very strict with myself. I think positive and hope it will never return. Don't cut yourself short, what the doctors do these days is absolutely wonderful, but don't forget, the body is made to heal itself, it can do this if you help it by staying healthy. So take responsibility, surf the net and get all the info you can, then get in there and help yourself as well, its worth it! Good luck :-)
  • kevindee
    kevindee Member Posts: 72
    #31
    hang in there
    I pray for all the people on this site. believe me i know the feeling too. it's good to have someone to talk with that knows how you feel, alot don't and feed you pity. mercjall it is very scary but in have heard that md anderson is very good. these are all caring ,loving ladies. honestly try to help and give their very best advice, and like i told my sister going thru throat cancer dont or try not to be alone. i was sometimes and it makes you think to much. praying for you deedee
  • kevindee
    kevindee Member Posts: 72
    #32
    Skybuf said:

    Dear Mercjall
    Hon you have come to the right place. The Sisterhood here are so helpful and loving, they give all the support we need to help us thru this.
    I was dx in 2005, Stage III with many malignant lymphnodes...dr didn't hold much hope for me but God had other plans :) Twice now I've been put thru the 'scare again' and twice it was nothing.....let people help you hon, they feel good doing so and let your family help any way they can. Listen to your body and keep a positive outlook......I didn't allow anyone negative around me....you will get thru this and be giving others your advise soon....God bless you as you undergo this journey....we're here for you.
    Love and hugs......

    praise god
    skybuf thats beautiful. pplz email me kevindee62123@yahoo.com. theyre doing a whole body scan on me tues to see if it in the bone now. my faith is low/ ijust finshed chemo injune rad in oct. i'm very nervous too. they also want me to see an ent dr. i've had a sore throat for months. my drs. just kept telling me it was nothing.
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57
    #33
    Good Luck
    To the original poster. good luck, stay strong, pray, stay focused.
    I have heard nothing but good about M.D. Anderson, so you are definately in good hands there.
    My girlfriend (25 last month) got diagnosed this past Monday June 1. I haven't slept since. Mostly sitting up saying prayers and writing her love notes.
    She has been a trooper. thinking more about how the surgery will hurt than what may or may not happen in the long run.
    I will pray for you. good luck, and God bless.
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #34
    Life after cancer?
    You betcha!!! I lost one breast in 1986 and the other in 1988. I was 38 when it all began. This month I will be turning 61.
    Get the best treatment possible, (M.D.A. is famous for it), take it one step at a time, do what you need to do to care for yourself in every respect (even if it means getting help caring for the others in your life, we have all btdt), and come here often so we can hold the flashlight for you on the path.
    Soon you will be posting to someone else about 'life after cancer'.
    God bless.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #35
    zahalene said:

    Life after cancer?
    You betcha!!! I lost one breast in 1986 and the other in 1988. I was 38 when it all began. This month I will be turning 61.
    Get the best treatment possible, (M.D.A. is famous for it), take it one step at a time, do what you need to do to care for yourself in every respect (even if it means getting help caring for the others in your life, we have all btdt), and come here often so we can hold the flashlight for you on the path.
    Soon you will be posting to someone else about 'life after cancer'.
    God bless.

    Inspiration!!
    I want to be you!! Or at least do as well as you have...thanks for the inspiration!! :0) Pammy
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
    #36
    Akiss4me said:

    Inspiration!!
    I want to be you!! Or at least do as well as you have...thanks for the inspiration!! :0) Pammy

    Maria & Allison
    When I was first diagnosed, March 13 this year, this was one of the first places I found (my radiologist suggested I look at the ACS and Susan G. Komen sites for information instead of just randomly googling around -- these two sites are generally considered the most reputable), and it has truly been a lifeline.

    As you can see, already, there are so many women here who have been through that scary first day of the dx and have gone to be incredible, supportive, loving members of this Club That No One Wants to Belong To. Through every kind of cancer experience you can imagine, this group will be there with you, cheering you on, checking up on you, sending love and prayers.

    When you're here with us all, you're never alone, there's no question you can ask that someone can't help you with, and there's no judgment.

    And, Maria, my breast surgeon trained at MD Anderson (I adore her), and EVERYTHING I have heard about the facility is A1, top-notch. I think you are very blessed to live where you can get the most up-to-date cancer care with some of the best specialists in the world.

    Much love, many hugs, and God bless you both,
    Debi
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #37
    First let me say that I am
    First let me say that I am sorry about your dx... having said that I want you to know that we all all here for you... as you can see there are many of us on this journey with you, some of us just beginning our journeys some of us through the storm and some in the midst of the path... but we are all here, working through the emotions, medical terminology, emotions, the tests, the emotions, treatments, and did I say emotions... and we do work through it together... where one is scared there are 50 that give strength and comfort...it is truely like a roller coaster ride... but with all these people here, you are not alone...We are all here for you... go easy on yourself, when you are ready you'll be able to seek the information that you need.. and you will need to arm yourself with lots of information. I truly believe that the more we know about the beast the better prepared we are to kick it's a**.

    I send you a BIG HUG.... know my thoughts and prayers are with you...when you need us... we'll be right here!!

    ~T

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