New to the Site, Introduction

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BBK
BBK Member Posts: 53
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi! I'm new to this site (after seeing an ad on TV). I am currently being treated for breast cancer. On January 10th, I had a skin-sparing mastectomy (left side), for what they thought was DCIS. It turned out to be Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. Fortunately, there was NO lymph node involvement. At the same time, I had tram flap reconstructive surgery. I'm now 12 weeks out of surgery, and my breast is finally nearly healed (I had some trouble with dead tissue and a wound that was slow to heal). I'm also having chemotherapy (4 rounds of AC). I'm half way through with that. My CT scan, and bone scan both came back negative for any cancer prior to the start of chemo. Other than losing my hair, and having about a week of the sickie-ickies (thankfully, no vomiting!) after each treatment, I think I'm handling the chemo fairly well.My cancer is estrogen receptive, and my oncologist wants me to go through menopause (part of the reason for the chemo, I think). So far, I'm still as regular as clockwork...so, if I don't go through menopause by the time I finish my chemo treatments, then I will probably have to have surgery to remove my ovaries. We'll see. I am 43, and other than the discovery of breast cancer (I found the lump myself!), I have always been a very healthy person (other than being a bit overweight). I have been married for 22 years, and my husband and I have two daughters, 20 and 14. One in college, studying violin performance. And, one here at home, being homeschooled for 8th grade. I'm a stay-at-home Mom, but I work part-time at the camp my husband directs. In the summer, I run the camp store. During the rest of the year, I coordinate and teach an outdoor education program we run at camp. We live in Maine, and I was fortunate to find surgeons and doctors here in Maine -- the best in the State! So, if anyone else is facing the same thing, I'm here to listen, pray, and give what advice I can! It's nice to be here...among friends!

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  • kathybto
    kathybto Member Posts: 7
    #2
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    Hi, I was diagnosed with bc last may had surgery in june to remove my right breast. 2 nodes were positive,mine was estrogen negative. I am 47 married 28yrs,three boys ages 20,22,26. I was healthy no history of cancer.Boy it sure turns your life upside down. I had 6 months chemo, went trough it very well, my last treatment was dec 31rst 2002. My menstrual cycle stopped when I started chemo, I still have not started. hang in there good luck. kathybto
  • sandytrif525
    sandytrif525 Member Posts: 106
    #3
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    Dear BBK, Hi, My name is Sandy, I am 42 was diagnosed in July of 2001 with invasive lobular, had treatments and surgery then more chemo and then radiation. It is a journey that has an end in sight. It sounds like you live in a beautiful spot and that camp sounds neat. Is it a camp for kids or campground? We are thinking of visiting Maine for vacation this summer. I was like you, no prior history, no sickness etc. Just was there. Well hang in there. May the Lord Jesus watch over you. Will be praying. Sandy
  • sevey
    sevey Member Posts: 184
    #4
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    sandytrif525 said:

    Dear BBK, Hi, My name is Sandy, I am 42 was diagnosed in July of 2001 with invasive lobular, had treatments and surgery then more chemo and then radiation. It is a journey that has an end in sight. It sounds like you live in a beautiful spot and that camp sounds neat. Is it a camp for kids or campground? We are thinking of visiting Maine for vacation this summer. I was like you, no prior history, no sickness etc. Just was there. Well hang in there. May the Lord Jesus watch over you. Will be praying. Sandy

    Welcome BBK,
    I am a 45 yr old who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999-2000. I had a double masectomy. No reocurrance in that department other then a whole lot of weakness in arms!! I will be praying for you too. I wanted to say WELCOME, because all here are the BEST at support and prayers. Wanted to let you know another will be praying to and that is me.
    God Bless You
    Love Cathy
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #5
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    Hi welcome to the site.Iam 34 and had a mastecomy in jan.like you said it turns your world upside down i was helathy up too this point cant figrure out why it happened to me but guess we all ask that questioin.Iam 34 married for 14 years no children.My onocolgisy said chemo might throw me in too menopause there is a chance it can damage the ovaries wich is no big deal in our case becase we have dedcide not to have children.I have on chemo treatment left and cant wait to get it done.have had some vomitiing but iam a very weak stomache person to start with.My last treatmet will be the 25 of apirl cant wait util iam done and can go back to noraml life.If you have any other qestions dont hestitate too ask there is alwasy some one out there that can help.bunnie
  • ryley
    ryley Member Posts: 55
    #6
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    Hi, I am also new to this site. I am 43 and have invasive ductal carcinoma. I have had a mast on the left side and am now in my 7th round of chemo. I had 8 of 13 lymph nodes test positive, but my 2nd set of CT scans and bone scans shows the cancer hasn't spread beyond there. Good news! I can't have reconstruction until 6 mos. after radiation, so probably next Dec/Jan, but am really looking forward to that so I can get rid of my prosthesis. My last chemo should be 4/28 and am really looking forward to summer. Keep the faith and know that there is a much better future waiting for you!

    Ryley
  • MnCsMom4Ever
    MnCsMom4Ever Member Posts: 1
    #7
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    I've been newly diagonised with SECRETORY CARINOMA (aka as residual infilitrating dectal carcinoma). Told it's rare but has good prognosis with proper treatment. Pending mastectomy and chemo (2 kids so i want to be around for a while). Not sure what to do about the drs who basically ignored the lump in '01, their impressions were it was benign and negative; no cause for alarm, etc.

    Any suggestions and/or survivors of this form of breast cancer?

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