Hi....my first time to post....long post

[Guest guest]

First off my name is Sam (short for ). I am 40, married for

21 yrs next Tuesday and have 2 terrific kids ages 10/girl....12/boy.

I was reading posts and there was a gentleman ( believe his name was

, hope I got that right) who basically didn't know where to

start with his girlfriend's diagnosis of breast cancer. A friend of

ours sent my husband a book that was extremely useful to him. He

highly recommends it to other men facing this situation. It's

titled " Breast Cancer Husband " .....how to help your wife (and

yourself) through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Written by Marc

Silver who has been through this with his own wife just 3 yrs ago.

Another book that would be useful for your girlfriend is " The Breast

Cancer Companion " by Kathy LaTour. It covers everything from

diagnosis through treatment to recovery. We learned a lot reading

these two books after I was recently diagnosed.

I was watching the today show in October '05 and they were talking

about early detection and aired an actual mammogram. I never really

did self exams on a regular basis but since I had just turned 40 I

thought I should start. So that evening while in the shower I did an

exam. I found a little lump on the right breast almost under the

arm. I didnt think much of it but my husband insisted I make an appt

and have it checked asap. His mother died a year ago of lung/breast

cancer so he was very persistant about seeing the doctor. I went and

had my ob/gyn do an exam. She said there was a thick spot but

doubted it was cancer. The thick spot wasn't even what I went in for

and I didnt feel any of it when I did my exam. She sent me for a

mammogram since I just turned 40 just to be safe. I went and had it

done and they said it looked suspicious and needed me to do another

one. I did and it too was suspicious. They had me do a sonogram.

Again suspicious but still thought it was nothing. So they sent me

to an oncology surgeon. She looked at the films and said she didnt

see any cancer but wanted a biopsy just to be 100% positive. With

much coaxing from my husband and family I had the biopsy. Never in

my wildest dreams did I ever think it could be postive.

December 2nd I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage

2, grade 3. I was devistated and so was my husband. The doctor

suggested a mastectomy. I scheduled it for after christmas. I was

then called back the next day and told we couldn't wait and it

needed to be done now. Apparently another mass had grown in that two

weeks time between the biopsy and her reading me the report. I had a

mastectomy with reconstruction on Dec. 14th. I was then sent to an

oncologist. My pathology report finally came back from the

mastectomy. The surgeon took 35 nodes and one was infected. That was

the lump I had orginally found the surgeon that did the biopsy had

told me. I was then read the report and it said I have Invasive

Ductal Carcinoma, Lympho-vascular invasion, Ductal Carcinoma IN-

SITU, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, hormone receptive, Her-2 positive.

Needless to say my husband and I have been in a state of shock.

There is no family history of breast cancer in my family. The

last 3 months have just been a whirlwind of doctors and tests. I

have now started chemo. I go ever week for lab, procrit injections

and chemo ever 3rd week. I will have to do chemo for a year and a

half. For someone who is deathly afraid of needless this has been

extremely traumatizing having to get labwork done weekly and chemo

every 3 weeks. I had to have a port put in 2 weeks ago. I'm now

losing my hair and missing a breast. This has been extremely

overwhelming not only for me but my husband, children and both sides

of our family. My kids and husband are awesome. They are my

cheerleaders and they are always postive even when I'm not. When I'm

having a bad day they give me the " lets kick butt and beat the

cancer " pep talk . I have been very depressed and very scared. But

the last couple of weeks have been really good. I am getting use to

the idea that I have Breast Cancer. I have come to the conclusion

that I do not have a death sentence and that I will beat this

disease no matter what. I am only sharing a body with this disease

temporarily until the doctor can cure me. Eventually the disease

will have to move out . I get up everyday now with a smile on my

face and grateful that I survived another day. I've learned to find

humor in a lot of what is going on with me right now. I am a very

lucky woman as I have a huge network of support and it is still

growing. I am so lucky to have all of them in my life.

I was really glad to have found this group. My doctors feel it is

important to interact with people that are in the same boat I am and

to be able to interact with survivors of breast cancer. Thanks for

letting me post my story. I look forward to getting to know you

ladies. Have a terrific evening.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam and welcome to the group. You sound like you have a great attitude and thats half the battle. I am Stage II, I had a mastectomy May 24, 1990. had one bad node out of 23, 6 mo of chemo and no radiation or reconstruction.

Another great book that has ALL cancers in it is Choices.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Hi....my first time to post....long post

First off my name is Sam (short for ). I am 40, married for 21 yrs next Tuesday and have 2 terrific kids ages 10/girl....12/boy. I was reading posts and there was a gentleman ( believe his name was , hope I got that right) who basically didn't know where to start with his girlfriend's diagnosis of breast cancer. A friend of ours sent my husband a book that was extremely useful to him. He highly recommends it to other men facing this situation. It's titled "Breast Cancer Husband".....how to help your wife (and yourself) through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Written by Marc Silver who has been through this with his own wife just 3 yrs ago. Another book that would be useful for your girlfriend is "The Breast Cancer Companion" by Kathy LaTour. It covers everything from diagnosis through treatment to recovery. We learned a lot reading these two books after I was recently diagnosed. I was watching the today show in October '05 and they were talking about early detection and aired an actual mammogram. I never really did self exams on a regular basis but since I had just turned 40 I thought I should start. So that evening while in the shower I did an exam. I found a little lump on the right breast almost under the arm. I didnt think much of it but my husband insisted I make an appt and have it checked asap. His mother died a year ago of lung/breast cancer so he was very persistant about seeing the doctor. I went and had my ob/gyn do an exam. She said there was a thick spot but doubted it was cancer. The thick spot wasn't even what I went in for and I didnt feel any of it when I did my exam. She sent me for a mammogram since I just turned 40 just to be safe. I went and had it done and they said it looked suspicious and needed me to do another one. I did and it too was suspicious. They had me do a sonogram. Again suspicious but still thought it was nothing. So they sent me to an oncology surgeon. She looked at the films and said she didnt see any cancer but wanted a biopsy just to be 100% positive. With much coaxing from my husband and family I had the biopsy. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it could be postive. December 2nd I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage 2, grade 3. I was devistated and so was my husband. The doctor suggested a mastectomy. I scheduled it for after christmas. I was then called back the next day and told we couldn't wait and it needed to be done now. Apparently another mass had grown in that two weeks time between the biopsy and her reading me the report. I had a mastectomy with reconstruction on Dec. 14th. I was then sent to an oncologist. My pathology report finally came back from the mastectomy. The surgeon took 35 nodes and one was infected. That was the lump I had orginally found the surgeon that did the biopsy had told me. I was then read the report and it said I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Lympho-vascular invasion, Ductal Carcinoma IN-SITU, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, hormone receptive, Her-2 positive. Needless to say my husband and I have been in a state of shock. There is no family history of breast cancer in my family. The last 3 months have just been a whirlwind of doctors and tests. I have now started chemo. I go ever week for lab, procrit injections and chemo ever 3rd week. I will have to do chemo for a year and a half. For someone who is deathly afraid of needless this has been extremely traumatizing having to get labwork done weekly and chemo every 3 weeks. I had to have a port put in 2 weeks ago. I'm now losing my hair and missing a breast. This has been extremely overwhelming not only for me but my husband, children and both sides of our family. My kids and husband are awesome. They are my cheerleaders and they are always postive even when I'm not. When I'm having a bad day they give me the "lets kick butt and beat the cancer" pep talk . I have been very depressed and very scared. But the last couple of weeks have been really good. I am getting use to the idea that I have Breast Cancer. I have come to the conclusion that I do not have a death sentence and that I will beat this disease no matter what. I am only sharing a body with this disease temporarily until the doctor can cure me. Eventually the disease will have to move out . I get up everyday now with a smile on my face and grateful that I survived another day. I've learned to find humor in a lot of what is going on with me right now. I am a very lucky woman as I have a huge network of support and it is still growing. I am so lucky to have all of them in my life. I was really glad to have found this group. My doctors feel it is important to interact with people that are in the same boat I am and to be able to interact with survivors of breast cancer. Thanks for letting me post my story. I look forward to getting to know you ladies. Have a terrific evening.

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Sam, le, , and good to hear from you again Trisha.

This is a good group to join for support.

nne mentioned that this is the largest BC group on Yahoo.

That's good and bad - good that we have so much support; bad that so

many of us have BC, or know someone who does.

Sam - sounds like your BC is similar to mine, except you're hormone

receptor positive. I've finished my AC treatment, and am on a year of

herceptin, which I presume is what you're doing. I'm glad you have

family and friends and a positive attitude. It's OK to complain too;

that's what we're here for :-)

le - the initial diagnosis time is very scary - so much

information coming at you and so many decisions to make. Someone

mentioned some good books. Also, breastcancer.org explains the whole

journey from diagnosis through treatment in a clear way.

- your wife's oncologist will make recommendations for treatment.

If you don't agree with the recommendations, get a second opinion. I

second whomever recommended The Breast Cancer Husband. My mother gave it

to my husband and he read the whole book (and he's not one to normally

look at stuff like that).

take care,

[Guest guest]

Hi nne. It's nice meeting you. Thanks for the recomendation of

the book. I like to read everything I can on breast cancer. My

attitude wasn't always this good. When I was first diagnosed in

November I hated the entire world and was seriously depressed. I did

the nonstop crying and the " why me " game. It's only been the last

few weeks that I had a change of attitude. Everything from the

mammograms to the surgery was so overwhelming. I had no idea that

anything was even wrong with me. It was just a chain of events that

led me to my diagnosis. Like I said though, I have a change of

attitde. I refuse to let this get me down. I will beat this and come

out on top no matter what. I have 2 kids depending on it . I wish

I had done like you and not started reconstruction. Its a hassle

while I'm going through everything else. Oh well, gotta finish what

I started I guess . Thanks for the warm welcome.

>

> Hi Sam and welcome to the group. You sound like you have a great

attitude and thats half the battle. I am Stage II, I had a

mastectomy May 24, 1990. had one bad node out of 23, 6 mo of chemo

and no radiation or reconstruction.

> Another great book that has ALL cancers in it is Choices.

>

> I will keep you in my prayers.

> Hugs

> nne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

>

> Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

> also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

> http://www.cancerclub.com

> ----- Original Message -----

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I'm really glad to have found this site. I wouldn't wish

this on anyone but it is nice to find people that have been or is in

my shoes and that can relate to what I'm going through. When youre

diagnosed sometimes you feel like you are the only one and all alone

and that noone knows what your going through or how you feel.

Today was quite a shock for me. I knew it was coming but sort of

thought I might be one of the few that got to keep their hair. I woke

up today to find a whole lot of my hair hanging out on my pillow

instead of my head. I ran to the bathroom to check out my head and it

just kept falling out. I was so shocked at how fast it was falling

out. Needless to say I am officially bald today. Just another

milestone on my journey to recovery. My husband and kids actually

thought I looked cute without any hair lol. That was a relief. I was

ready for the " Mr. Clean " jokes to start .

Hope everyone is having a great evening.

[Guest guest]

It takes some people awhile to get over the initial shock of being diagnosed but you are over that and on your way. Keep up the good attitude. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Re: Hi....my first time to post....long post

Hi nne. It's nice meeting you. Thanks for the recomendation of the book. I like to read everything I can on breast cancer. My attitude wasn't always this good. When I was first diagnosed in November I hated the entire world and was seriously depressed. I did the nonstop crying and the "why me" game. It's only been the last few weeks that I had a change of attitude. Everything from the mammograms to the surgery was so overwhelming. I had no idea that anything was even wrong with me. It was just a chain of events that led me to my diagnosis. Like I said though, I have a change of attitde. I refuse to let this get me down. I will beat this and come out on top no matter what. I have 2 kids depending on it . I wish I had done like you and not started reconstruction. Its a hassle while I'm going through everything else. Oh well, gotta finish what I started I guess . Thanks for the warm welcome. >> Hi Sam and welcome to the group. You sound like you have a great attitude and thats half the battle. I am Stage II, I had a mastectomy May 24, 1990. had one bad node out of 23, 6 mo of chemo and no radiation or reconstruction. > Another great book that has ALL cancers in it is Choices.> > I will keep you in my prayers.> Hugs> nne> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html> > Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html> also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:> http://www.cancerclub.com> ----- Original Message ----- >

[Guest guest]

Hair loss after beginning A/C is usually around 13 days - it's just something I will never forget my oncologist saying. I actually was experiencing it prior to the 13th day, so just had it shaved by my hair stylist...I remember she wouldn't charge me - she said it was a "gift."

I had 4 treatments of A/C, dose intensive which was every 2 weeks; then I started Taxol, 4 treatments every 2 weeks also. Two weeks later, started radiation every day for 6 weeks.

I wish you well and I'm sure you look adorable! Keep smiling!

Best,

[Guest guest]

How long after your first treatment did you experience this hair loss? I am wondering when mine will start. I had my first A/C treatment today.

Trisha

-- Re: Hi....my first time to post....long post

Thanks . I'm really glad to have found this site. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but it is nice to find people that have been or is in my shoes and that can relate to what I'm going through. When youre diagnosed sometimes you feel like you are the only one and all alone and that noone knows what your going through or how you feel. Today was quite a shock for me. I knew it was coming but sort of thought I might be one of the few that got to keep their hair. I woke up today to find a whole lot of my hair hanging out on my pillow instead of my head. I ran to the bathroom to check out my head and it just kept falling out. I was so shocked at how fast it was falling out. Needless to say I am officially bald today. Just another milestone on my journey to recovery. My husband and kids actually thought I looked cute without any hair lol. That was a relief. I was ready for the "Mr. Clean" jokes to start . Hope everyone is having a great evening.

[Guest guest]

Trisha,

I am so glad your 1st chemo went well. Just remember to take your

anti-nausea pills on schedule to avoid any delayed nausea.

I remember being constipated - hence the Sennekot-S pills. Don't recall

diarrhea, though definitely my BMs were affected by the chemo and were

'different' the whole time.

I was on the dense-dose AC schedule (every 2 weeks). My hair fell out

shortly after my second treatment. I remember being happy I made it

through Christmas, but had to shave it New Year's eve right before a

party we were having, so I got to debut my wig.

-

[Guest guest]

You should start loosing your hair within 10-12 days...and I had a wig ready when i started loosing my hair...one day went to my hairdresses and she shaved my hair off...a few days after I started loosing my hair... I had chemo and radiation...after the radiation I started to see my hair grow back...almost a year...grew in curly then wavey...went back to almost straight...which I had ...but a little darker...It is almost as thick as I had before... Been since Valentines Day 2003 I finished Radiation. Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached.

How long after your first treatment did you experience this hair loss? I am wondering when mine will start. I had my first A/C treatment today.

Trisha

-- Re: Hi....my first time to post....long post

Thanks . I'm really glad to have found this site. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but it is nice to find people that have been or is in my shoes and that can relate to what I'm going through. When youre diagnosed sometimes you feel like you are the only one and all alone and that noone knows what your going through or how you feel. Today was quite a shock for me. I knew it was coming but sort of thought I might be one of the few that got to keep their hair. I woke up today to find a whole lot of my hair hanging out on my pillow instead of my head. I ran to the bathroom to check out my head and it just kept falling out. I was so shocked at how fast it was falling out. Needless to say I am officially bald today. Just another milestone on my journey to recovery. My husband and kids actually thought I looked cute without any hair lol. That was a relief. I was ready for the "Mr. Clean" jokes to start . Hope everyone is having a great evening.

[Guest guest]

Sunnydaze

I am supposed to start losing hair this week but according to all reports it will only be thinning. I made an appt today to have my hair trimmed, I usually have it really short, on Thursday. She is really good at cutting curly hair so I always go to her. Another friend who had breast cancer went to her first.......so now I go too. My friend with breast cancer died March 8, 2004...I can hardly believe it's only been two years. Her hair came back after losing it and it was so curly.......looked great.

I just hope mine doesn't straighten out and stay there. Also I don't like thin so I may decide to shave it.

Hugs

JanetA

IDC - stage I

[Guest guest]

Trisha

I have a bit of diarrhea too. I had asked about taking Immodium AD for it, as it's over the counter. The onc nurse said if it didn't work well to call the dr and they could prescribe a little heavier dose. Haven't had to use it as mine goes back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. I had irritable bowel syndrome anyway. ...before I started chemo, so that is pretty normal for me.

Janet

IDC - Stage I

[Guest guest]

I lost my hair 18 days after my first treatment of

adriamycin/cytoxan. It started falling out a little after 14 days.

But it was coming out by the handful yesterday. It kind of scared me

when I woke up and saw all that hair on the pillow. I ventured out

tonight to the store. I was so self conscious. My husband told me to

just hold my head up high and don't worry about what others think.

My head sure feels cold without any hair lol. Be sure and buy you

some hats. I bought mine right before I started chemo. American

Cancer Society has some really cute hats to keep your head warm.

Good luck with your chemo. If you ever have any questions feel free

to email me at Suneedayze4me@.... Hugs

>

> How long after your first treatment did you experience this hair

loss? I am

> wondering when mine will start. I had my first A/C treatment

today.

>

> Trisha

>

> -- Re: Hi....my first time to post....long

post

>

> Thanks . I'm really glad to have found this site. I wouldn't

wish

> this on anyone but it is nice to find people that have been or is

in

> my shoes and that can relate to what I'm going through. When youre

> diagnosed sometimes you feel like you are the only one and all

alone

> and that noone knows what your going through or how you feel.

>

> Today was quite a shock for me. I knew it was coming but sort of

> thought I might be one of the few that got to keep their hair. I

woke

> up today to find a whole lot of my hair hanging out on my pillow

> instead of my head. I ran to the bathroom to check out my head and

it

> just kept falling out. I was so shocked at how fast it was falling

> out. Needless to say I am officially bald today. Just another

> milestone on my journey to recovery. My husband and kids actually

> thought I looked cute without any hair lol. That was a relief. I

was

> ready for the " Mr. Clean " jokes to start .

>

> Hope everyone is having a great evening.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I did pretty good until the middle of the night then I got really sick

and was having pain or I guess it was fatigue in my back and legs. The

next day was the worst for me. The day of chemo wasn't as bad. This

time I will take my nausea pills ahead of time to avoid that

discomfort. I experienced constipation but thought that was due to

pain meds and anesthesia from both surgeries. My sister-n-law who's a

RN told me that pain meds and anesthesia will do that. So I don't know

if its from that or chemo or probably both. But thanks for the heads

up. At least I'll know what to expect the rest of the treatments.

[Guest guest]

That was so sweet of your hair stylist. My husband shaved the little

bit that was still clinging to my head. We took pictures so I can

put it in my journal. I'm not so sure about adorable, naked maybe

lol. I felt like I was walking around naked today without any hair.

My son had a friend over and he wanted to see my head. So we showed

him. He was such a sweetheart and told me I didn't look any

different and to remember that Etheridge was bald and that

if she could do it I could do it too. Gotta love that kid. He just

earned a spot on my christmas list this year lol. I wish all the

best as well

>

> Hair loss after beginning A/C is usually around 13 days - it's

just

> something I will never forget my oncologist saying. I actually

was experiencing it

> prior to the 13th day, so just had it shaved by my hair

stylist...I remember

> she wouldn't charge me - she said it was a " gift. "

>

> I had 4 treatments of A/C, dose intensive which was every 2 weeks;

then I

> started Taxol, 4 treatments every 2 weeks also. Two weeks later,

started

> radiation every day for 6 weeks.

>

> I wish you well and I'm sure you look adorable! Keep smiling!

>

> Best,

>

>

[Guest guest]

" Been since Valentines Day 2003 I finished Radiation. "

Congratulations!!!!! That is quite an accomplishment

>

> You should start loosing your hair within 10-12 days...and I had a

wig ready when i started loosing my hair...one day went to my

hairdresses and she shaved my hair off...a few days after I started

loosing my hair... I had chemo and radiation...after the radiation I

started to see my hair grow back...almost a year...grew in curly

then wavey...went back to almost straight...which I had ...but a

little darker...It is almost as thick as I had before...

>

> Been since Valentines Day 2003 I finished Radiation.

>

> Betsy (NC)

>

>

> Note: forwarded message attached.

>

> How long after your first treatment did you experience this hair

loss? I am

> wondering when mine will start. I had my first A/C treatment

today.

>

> Trisha

>

> -- Re: Hi....my first time to post....long

post

>

> Thanks . I'm really glad to have found this site. I wouldn't

wish

> this on anyone but it is nice to find people that have been or is

in

> my shoes and that can relate to what I'm going through. When youre

> diagnosed sometimes you feel like you are the only one and all

alone

> and that noone knows what your going through or how you feel.

>

> Today was quite a shock for me. I knew it was coming but sort of

> thought I might be one of the few that got to keep their hair. I

woke

> up today to find a whole lot of my hair hanging out on my pillow

> instead of my head. I ran to the bathroom to check out my head and

it

> just kept falling out. I was so shocked at how fast it was falling

> out. Needless to say I am officially bald today. Just another

> milestone on my journey to recovery. My husband and kids actually

> thought I looked cute without any hair lol. That was a relief. I

was

> ready for the " Mr. Clean " jokes to start .

>

> Hope everyone is having a great evening.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am so sorry about your friend. I've had so many people tell me

that the hair comes back curly and healthy. I can hardly wait to

find out for myself .

>

> Sunnydaze

>

> I am supposed to start losing hair this week but according to all

reports it will only be thinning. I made an appt today to have my

hair trimmed, I usually have it really short, on Thursday. She is

really good at cutting curly hair so I always go to her. Another

friend who had breast cancer went to her first.......so now I go

too. My friend with breast cancer died March 8, 2004...I can hardly

believe it's only been two years. Her hair came back after losing

it and it was so curly.......looked great.

>

> I just hope mine doesn't straighten out and stay there. Also I

don't like thin so I may decide to shave it.

>

> Hugs

> JanetA

> IDC - stage I

>

[Guest guest]

Your husband is right, but keep that head covered up, it sure does get cold. I lost my hair in 2004 in November and it was cold for me.

Good luck.

ren

[Guest guest]

I had short straight hair and I had my head shaved after I started Chem. and after I finished Radiation Valentines Day 2003 it started coming in a little bit curley and then went to wavey and now it is straight with a little wave in the back...It came in a darker brown then I had before which was medium brown...It is just a little bit thiner than before but still thick...Everyone tells me I have thick hair... Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached.

I am so sorry about your friend. I've had so many people tell me

that the hair comes back curly and healthy. I can hardly wait to

find out for myself .

>

> Sunnydaze

>

> I am supposed to start losing hair this week but according to all

reports it will only be thinning. I made an appt today to have my

hair trimmed, I usually have it really short, on Thursday. She is

really good at cutting curly hair so I always go to her. Another

friend who had breast cancer went to her first.......so now I go

too. My friend with breast cancer died March 8, 2004...I can hardly

believe it's only been two years. Her hair came back after losing

it and it was so curly.......looked great.

>

> I just hope mine doesn't straighten out and stay there. Also I

don't like thin so I may decide to shave it.

>

> Hugs

> JanetA

> IDC - stage I

>