I'm a newbie and scared

Kookie welcome to these
Kookie welcome to these boards. Unfortunately you have a condition which makes you a member of the "pink sisters club". You have already determined that you can find out just about anything you need to know right here. I have Stage 2. Had a lumpectomy, and 2 surgeries because the sentinel lymph node came back positive when it was sent out of state for a pathology reading. I also have a power port. I had swelling after surgery and it turned into a nasty infection. I'm still on antibiotics and will be for duration of chemo. so happy you are speaking with your doc tomorrow re: swelling. Please stay on top of it. You probably do qualify for disability.

have you read the post about the dumbest things people say to us? If not I suggest you read it. Unless a family member or friend has gone thru this, or walked it with someone treated for cancer, they havent a clue what to say or do for us. Of course they are worried and concerned, but I find I'm quite sensitive to their comments and suggestions. I've had to say to some, "I dont wish to discuss this anymore, I'm too exhausted and need to conserve my energy, so how are you"? They are getting the picture.

I know someone will respond to your concerns about reconstruction, inserts, and disability.

Hi Kookie
If you are looking for friends, you have come to the right place. Trust me, we all know the emotional rollercoaster you are on because we have been on it too.
I dont have any advice about radiation. Lots of gals have had it so I am sure they will post soon. I had a bilateral mastectomy in april and just finished chemo about 1 month ago. I still have reconstruction to do, have herceptin until august and possibly will be doing a clinical trial beginning of december.

Just a thought about the swelling...I had 21 nodes removed on the right side where the cancer was and I still have alot of lymphedema that collects under the right arm and along the side of my back and near the breast. If you havent been taught lymphedema massage, ask your doctor for a referral to a physical or occupational therapist and they will teach you how to do it. I do about 10 minutes per day...you need to redirect the fluid to other lymph nodes cuz they removed so many on the affected side. They will show you how to direct the fluid to the groin, clavicle and other breast nodes on the opposite side. If I do the massage I can keep the fluid in check.

Please know that eventually the diagnosis will not be the first thing you think about in the morning. I never thought that life would be good for me again after my diagnosis. I was scared and depressed and cancer was all I thought about. But I finished chemo, I am feeling better and I am starting to find my life again, only in some ways it is better because I appreciate things so much more...and I dont sweat the small stuff like I used to.

Post often...we are all friends here and we all welcome you.

Hugs
Linda T

Kookie
I also had the swelling in the arm and on my side after they removed the lymph nodes. Mimi is right, my dr sent me to a lymphedema clinic and the tech taught me the massages (which really help) and I also wear a compression sleeve. It does keep the swelling down but she says I will always have the numbness under the arm and on my side. Best of luck to you.
Hugs

Kookie
Welcome to the Board. I became a "newbie" myself back in August. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this site has helped me during this journey! You are right-this IS the place. I like to think of these ladies as the "Pink Angels". I am also the only one in my family that has had BC so I know how that feels, however, I don't feel so alone now that I'm here.
You can always find answers to your ?'s,there are plenty of ears and shoulders when you need them, and even jokes to remind you to laugh each day.
As for disability, I have heard you CAN receive the help as Cancer is one of the illness that meets the "requirements".
Keep us posted and let us know how your Pet Scan turns out.
Prayers & Hugz,
Cathy