Just diagnosed
I'm newly diagnosed - not quite a month ago. I've been in the whirlwind of appointments, procedures, test and more information than one (well, two since my husband and I are in this together)brain should ever have to hold.
I'd like to talk with people who are "new" like me but also others who are farther in their journey.
I welcome any advice, tips and encouragement available. I am trying to remain as positive as possible, not only for myself but for my children and family. I've also got a 20 month old grandson and we just found twins are on the way!!
I've done the genetic testing as my sister is a survivor. We will get the results of that testing as well as the PET scan tomorrow. I'm sure the next step will be the chemo plan. The potential sickness from the chemo and the inevitable hair loss are what I fear the most at this point. I'm kind of a baby when it comes to feeling nauseous but I hear there are great things to help with that!
Comments
-
Welcome!
Congrats on your grandchildren!!!! This is a blessing.
I am sorry we have to meet this way. But you've come to a GREAT place of sisterhood - so much support here, and knowledge. This is indeed a scary journey, but in most cases -- at least the ones from this forum -- the fear is bigger than the actual experience. I was dx last year, stage 2A, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It wasn't pleasant at first. I was going nuts (at 32). But as time went by, and I shared my feelings with this fantastic group of wonderful ladies, the journey seemed so much easier.
When you get ready for your chemo, we will be able to give you some tips. I am too a baby when it comes to feeling nauseous. But guess what? I didn't vomit once! And many here did not either. Treatments have improved a lot. And remember, everyone is different. So try not to think about side effects as you may be one who doesn't experience them at all! The hair loss is different for everyone, emotionally that is. It didn't affect me, although my hair was down to my waist. For some its emotional at first, but then it gets easier. I think the fact that we are fighting this piece of s%^& beast, we get our brain in a mode not to care too much about those things. Or at least, it happened to me. I didn't even cry when I lost my hair, surprisingly. I think expecting it will also help you emotionally.
I want to wish you the best of luck with your PET. I pray you get good results. And please don't worry about what may not even happen. We will be here supporting you in all we can. Hang in there. You are not alone.
God bless you.0 -
Welcome!LoveBabyJesus said:Welcome!
Congrats on your grandchildren!!!! This is a blessing.
I am sorry we have to meet this way. But you've come to a GREAT place of sisterhood - so much support here, and knowledge. This is indeed a scary journey, but in most cases -- at least the ones from this forum -- the fear is bigger than the actual experience. I was dx last year, stage 2A, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It wasn't pleasant at first. I was going nuts (at 32). But as time went by, and I shared my feelings with this fantastic group of wonderful ladies, the journey seemed so much easier.
When you get ready for your chemo, we will be able to give you some tips. I am too a baby when it comes to feeling nauseous. But guess what? I didn't vomit once! And many here did not either. Treatments have improved a lot. And remember, everyone is different. So try not to think about side effects as you may be one who doesn't experience them at all! The hair loss is different for everyone, emotionally that is. It didn't affect me, although my hair was down to my waist. For some its emotional at first, but then it gets easier. I think the fact that we are fighting this piece of s%^& beast, we get our brain in a mode not to care too much about those things. Or at least, it happened to me. I didn't even cry when I lost my hair, surprisingly. I think expecting it will also help you emotionally.
I want to wish you the best of luck with your PET. I pray you get good results. And please don't worry about what may not even happen. We will be here supporting you in all we can. Hang in there. You are not alone.
God bless you.
So sorry that we'll get to know you under these circumstances but we will love you and help you as much as we possibly can. I just had a mastectomy and was on chemo for 9 months prior to surgery (stage #4). The chemo definitely shrank the tumor and I ended up with very clear wide margins. I can honestly say I never had any digestive upset. I had some lung distress but I am a pretty serious asthmatic so that was not all that surprising. They gave me a shot into the IV before I actually got the chemo. They also gave me two scripts to take at home if I started to feel sick. I never did. Since chemo is cumulative, I did get tired going down the road. But I was able to work most of the time except when my lungs were bad. My children and grandchildren never saw me without hair. I had beautiful scarves which I learned to wind around my head in a cool way with a big knot on the side. I bought bright fun earrings and I also put on a bit more makeup than I usually wear. Now my hair is growing in, albeit very short. I've lightly colored it (it came in silver) and still wear fun earrings and makeup. My hair was down to the bottom of my neck so this is a different look but the kids will be fine with it. It's never a journey we'd choose but it is a hand we're dealt and we all try to play it the best way we can. You will find much help and support here and absolutely no judgement. Please keep us informed as to how you're doing.
Love,
Pam0 -
Hi
Welcome to this wonderful site. We are here to give you all the support you need. We will pass along information, be here to encourage and be an ear to just listen if that is what you need. I cannot comment on chemo because I was one of the "lucky" ones that did not have to do it. Try to take one day at a time and remember You CAN do this.
Hugs,
Georgia0 -
I'm relatively new. After aPam5 said:Welcome!
So sorry that we'll get to know you under these circumstances but we will love you and help you as much as we possibly can. I just had a mastectomy and was on chemo for 9 months prior to surgery (stage #4). The chemo definitely shrank the tumor and I ended up with very clear wide margins. I can honestly say I never had any digestive upset. I had some lung distress but I am a pretty serious asthmatic so that was not all that surprising. They gave me a shot into the IV before I actually got the chemo. They also gave me two scripts to take at home if I started to feel sick. I never did. Since chemo is cumulative, I did get tired going down the road. But I was able to work most of the time except when my lungs were bad. My children and grandchildren never saw me without hair. I had beautiful scarves which I learned to wind around my head in a cool way with a big knot on the side. I bought bright fun earrings and I also put on a bit more makeup than I usually wear. Now my hair is growing in, albeit very short. I've lightly colored it (it came in silver) and still wear fun earrings and makeup. My hair was down to the bottom of my neck so this is a different look but the kids will be fine with it. It's never a journey we'd choose but it is a hand we're dealt and we all try to play it the best way we can. You will find much help and support here and absolutely no judgement. Please keep us informed as to how you're doing.
Love,
Pam
I'm relatively new. After a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed the first of this year and well remember the whirlwind of tests and appointments. I've completed 8 weeks of every other week Adriamycin & Cytoxan and 3 weeks of weekly Taxol. There are wonderful drugs now that are given before and/or after chemo that prevent nausea. Everyone is different, but I have not had any problems with that. In fact, I have gained weight since starting chemo--certainly was NOT expecting or wanting that!
We also have grandchildren and just had twins arrive March 1! This is a wonderful place to ask questions and get support. Welcome to our group that no one wanted to join!
Angie0 -
You came to the right place
to get support and advice from these sweet ladies and men on this board. I have been here for almost three years and in my recovery have found that helping others is my therapy. April 10th will be three years since i was diagnosed. I was 36 then and a single mom of three beautiful children. I had a double mastectomy in July 2009 and because i was choosing to do reconstruction surgery, my tissue expanders were placed in right after my mastectomy surgery. I went through chemo and finished that in October of 09. I started my filling process on my tissue expanders which is where they inject a saline solution into them to start stretching your skin to prepare it for the actual implants. In Dec of 09 i had gallbladder removed because of a few large gallstones. I started on Tamoxifen and had complications from that. In feb 10 i developed an infection in my left breast from the expander and had to have it removed and tissue grafted to cover a hole that had formed and exposed my expander and that is why they had to remove it. That pushed back my reconstructive surgery for three more months and i still had my expander on the right, so i was totally flat on my left and not on right side. In May of 10 i had to have a total hysterctomy because of developing the breast cancer in my cervix and in the endometrial lining and cysts in my ovaries. In june i developed celulitis and sepsus from my breast and was in icu for five days. January of 2011 i finally had my implants placed in, but they were rejected and ended up having the dorsal muscle from my back from both sides brought around. My skin was just too thin to be able to hold my implants so they borrowed skin and muscle from my back. I just got my nipples a couple of months ago and go april 26th for my tattoos.
Keep as much support as you can. Family, friends and of course this board. I also joined a support group at the Wellness Center that helped me alot. Cancer family care also got therapy for my kids to where they went to see them at their schools and that helped them a lot. We are so strong together and i know if it werent for them and finding god through all this i dont know how i would have made it.
You will go through all kinds of emotions. I had shock, anger, fear and sadness all mixed up and was a mess some days and loved to feel the sun on my face on other days. I love to try to help other women who are batteling with breast cancer. I feel so blessed to be able to do so. You are in my prayers
take care
Laura0 -
Welcome aboard sorry you had
Welcome aboard sorry you had to find us but glad you are here.You didn't say what kind of cancer you where diagnosed with.
Hugs Frankie0 -
Welcome
I heard you mention a genetic test. Does this mean you have triple negative breast cancer? As far as I know it is the only one that involves a genetic test but I could be wrong about that. I had triple negative breast cancer. I had stage 2 with two lymph nodes involved and a lumpectomy. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I am now doing fine and spoiling grandchildren when I get the chance.0 -
Thank you so much!!LoveBabyJesus said:Welcome!
Congrats on your grandchildren!!!! This is a blessing.
I am sorry we have to meet this way. But you've come to a GREAT place of sisterhood - so much support here, and knowledge. This is indeed a scary journey, but in most cases -- at least the ones from this forum -- the fear is bigger than the actual experience. I was dx last year, stage 2A, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It wasn't pleasant at first. I was going nuts (at 32). But as time went by, and I shared my feelings with this fantastic group of wonderful ladies, the journey seemed so much easier.
When you get ready for your chemo, we will be able to give you some tips. I am too a baby when it comes to feeling nauseous. But guess what? I didn't vomit once! And many here did not either. Treatments have improved a lot. And remember, everyone is different. So try not to think about side effects as you may be one who doesn't experience them at all! The hair loss is different for everyone, emotionally that is. It didn't affect me, although my hair was down to my waist. For some its emotional at first, but then it gets easier. I think the fact that we are fighting this piece of s%^& beast, we get our brain in a mode not to care too much about those things. Or at least, it happened to me. I didn't even cry when I lost my hair, surprisingly. I think expecting it will also help you emotionally.
I want to wish you the best of luck with your PET. I pray you get good results. And please don't worry about what may not even happen. We will be here supporting you in all we can. Hang in there. You are not alone.
God bless you.
Thank you so much!! I have a great support system but talking with people who really understand will be a great help to me!0 -
Thank you!Pam5 said:Welcome!
So sorry that we'll get to know you under these circumstances but we will love you and help you as much as we possibly can. I just had a mastectomy and was on chemo for 9 months prior to surgery (stage #4). The chemo definitely shrank the tumor and I ended up with very clear wide margins. I can honestly say I never had any digestive upset. I had some lung distress but I am a pretty serious asthmatic so that was not all that surprising. They gave me a shot into the IV before I actually got the chemo. They also gave me two scripts to take at home if I started to feel sick. I never did. Since chemo is cumulative, I did get tired going down the road. But I was able to work most of the time except when my lungs were bad. My children and grandchildren never saw me without hair. I had beautiful scarves which I learned to wind around my head in a cool way with a big knot on the side. I bought bright fun earrings and I also put on a bit more makeup than I usually wear. Now my hair is growing in, albeit very short. I've lightly colored it (it came in silver) and still wear fun earrings and makeup. My hair was down to the bottom of my neck so this is a different look but the kids will be fine with it. It's never a journey we'd choose but it is a hand we're dealt and we all try to play it the best way we can. You will find much help and support here and absolutely no judgement. Please keep us informed as to how you're doing.
Love,
Pam
I appreciate the encouragement! I also have thought about the fun earrings! We'll see what I decide when the time comes!
Jennifer0 -
Twins!AngieD said:I'm relatively new. After a
I'm relatively new. After a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed the first of this year and well remember the whirlwind of tests and appointments. I've completed 8 weeks of every other week Adriamycin & Cytoxan and 3 weeks of weekly Taxol. There are wonderful drugs now that are given before and/or after chemo that prevent nausea. Everyone is different, but I have not had any problems with that. In fact, I have gained weight since starting chemo--certainly was NOT expecting or wanting that!
We also have grandchildren and just had twins arrive March 1! This is a wonderful place to ask questions and get support. Welcome to our group that no one wanted to join!
Angie
It is so exciting!! My daughter told me she was pregnant the day I told her of my diagnosis. We just found out about the twins! I feel like God is telling me - "I'm here with you twice as much as you even think"!
Jennifer0 -
Thanks Georgia!ladyg said:Hi
Welcome to this wonderful site. We are here to give you all the support you need. We will pass along information, be here to encourage and be an ear to just listen if that is what you need. I cannot comment on chemo because I was one of the "lucky" ones that did not have to do it. Try to take one day at a time and remember You CAN do this.
Hugs,
Georgia
I totally CAN do this!!
Jennifer0 -
Welcomelaughs_a_lot said:Welcome
I heard you mention a genetic test. Does this mean you have triple negative breast cancer? As far as I know it is the only one that involves a genetic test but I could be wrong about that. I had triple negative breast cancer. I had stage 2 with two lymph nodes involved and a lumpectomy. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I am now doing fine and spoiling grandchildren when I get the chance.
Welcome to the pink sisterhood, I wish that you didn't have to join our club but I'm glad you found us. This is a wonderful board that is filled with a wealth of knowledge. You will find that you are not alone in this battle, we will always be right here fighting with you.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne0 -
Thanks Frankie!Frankie Shannon said:Welcome aboard sorry you had
Welcome aboard sorry you had to find us but glad you are here.You didn't say what kind of cancer you where diagnosed with.
Hugs Frankie
I have infiltrating ductal which I understand is the most common of the 16 types of breast cancer. Before this, I didn't even know there were so many!
Jennifer0 -
Genetic testinglaughs_a_lot said:Welcome
I heard you mention a genetic test. Does this mean you have triple negative breast cancer? As far as I know it is the only one that involves a genetic test but I could be wrong about that. I had triple negative breast cancer. I had stage 2 with two lymph nodes involved and a lumpectomy. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I am now doing fine and spoiling grandchildren when I get the chance.
I was told that because my sister had it before age 50, there was the possibility that we carry the BRCA (I think that's the name) gene. I will find out today. I've also been asked to participate in a large genetic testing at the UofW. It only involves having one blood draw. I'll do whatever I can to find out for my family - and maybe help others.
I do have triple negative breast cancer.
Jennifer0 -
Thanks Dawne!Texasgirl10 said:Welcome
Welcome to the pink sisterhood, I wish that you didn't have to join our club but I'm glad you found us. This is a wonderful board that is filled with a wealth of knowledge. You will find that you are not alone in this battle, we will always be right here fighting with you.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne
We'll all be fighting together!!
Jennifer0 -
Newbie
Aahmie, I know just how you feel! I was a newbie nearly 3 years ago, but I survived!
And you can, too! This board has been invaluable to me. It is wonderful that you have twins on the way--I have 4 grandchildren myself. Throughts of them really kept me going.
Check back with us anytime! Wishing you the best...0 -
As said already, althoughTux said:Newbie
Aahmie, I know just how you feel! I was a newbie nearly 3 years ago, but I survived!
And you can, too! This board has been invaluable to me. It is wonderful that you have twins on the way--I have 4 grandchildren myself. Throughts of them really kept me going.
Check back with us anytime! Wishing you the best...
As said already, although nobody wants to be here, welcome. You certainly will have a LOT of info coming your way. As far as chemo, I was terrified. I was so sure I was going to have the worse time. While not a picnic it is so doable. I was never nauseated. Had some very predictable issues with the other end but that was manageable also. I'm two yrs since chemo and my hair is getting very much back to normal. It came back quickly after chemo ended but was very curly. I was just glad to have hair. Do not be afraid to ask any and all questions here, it was my lifelie. Best wishes and I'm sure all will be fine.0 -
Welcome JenniferAahmie said:My replies...
My replies to each of you don't seem to be falling in the right place! Just know that I am so thankful to have found this sight - and all of you!
Love
Jennifer
The Twins will get you through this !!!!!!! Every low moment you have think of the twins. I will be 3 years since DX next week. I did the package deal. Chemo 16 weeks with herceptin because I am Her 2 pos and 25 Rads. They have good antinausea drugs out there, make sure you ask for them and take them before treatment even if your not nauseated. There is a drug called Emend that is very good but the others work good to. Getting started with all the information is really hard and all the waiting is even harder. Once you get going with a plan, it will get easier. We are all different so I can't tell you how you will feel,but just hang in there we have all been there and I can tell you that its all doable because we have done it. Stay on top of things, Ask lots of questions, Ask, ask, ask, know what there doing. Understand the best you can LOL. Thats kinda hard.
Hugs
Kathy0 -
Wishing you the bestAahmie said:My replies...
My replies to each of you don't seem to be falling in the right place! Just know that I am so thankful to have found this sight - and all of you!
Love
Jennifer
Wishing you the best Jennifer and I will certainly be praying for you.
Hugs, Debby0
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