Guest guest Posted December 25, 2006 Report Posted December 25, 2006 I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . Quote
Guest guest Posted December 25, 2006 Report Posted December 25, 2006 Welcome to the group. I had a mastectomy May 24, 1990. I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, 2.5cm and one out of twenty threes nodes was bad. I had 6 months (12 treatments) of chemo, no radiation and no reconstruction. I think most of us tend to think the worst. Once you learn all the facts and know what lies ahead it will get easier. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will do our best to answer them. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.26/601 - Release Date: 12/24/2006 Quote
Guest guest Posted December 26, 2006 Report Posted December 26, 2006 I was diagnosed in Feb 2006, eventually a mastectomy with triple negative (no help from hormone or other treatment) and 10/12 nodes positive. Although I know I'm Stage III (probably IIIc) I've always looked at my treatment, my options as..... I'm either going to beat it or I'm not, but I'm certainly not going down without a fight. I finished treatment 4 months ago and realize that the next 2 years are going to be rough but again, its not really in my hands, but God's. I can look at the percentages, but haven't, basically because no one knows which side of the percentages they are in. It's been hard for me this Christmas when I was dwelling on whether or not I'd get another Christmas.... until I realized, I'm here now. I could have not gotten THIS Christmas and I am blessed to be here right now! Each day is a blessing whether we have bc or some other illness or NO illness!!! Just take it one day at a time. Consider all your options, make your own choices and then enjoy EACH AND EVERY DAY! Barb Michigan Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . Quote
Guest guest Posted December 26, 2006 Report Posted December 26, 2006 Hi, I was diagnosed at 39 with bc. There are stages you'll live through such as shock, oh no not me and many others. My best advice is to work hard at keeping your attitude positive and taking things one step at a time. Get all the information you can gather about bc and your alternatives. There is life after bc. My Mother had passed on from bc 20 years before my diagnosis, so I naturally thought I would too. I had two young boys that I wouldn't see grow up. So see we all think the worst at first. I had no node involvement, but had a mastectomy. They didn't do bilaterals back in 'olden' times, even though I requested one. They told me the rules were 'it just wasn't done if the second breast was healthy'. Then 3 1/2 years later it mirrored in the other breast and I had the other mastectomy. I'm still here living my 22nd year. Again, there is life after breast cancer! Our blessings, prayers and positive thoughts are going out to all. > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Posted December 27, 2006 I am stage 111 also and have made it over 4 yrs...had operation Memorial Day 2002 then lost my mom in Sept 2002 suddenly...what a year...but I went on...cant believe it has been 4 yrs...and have 1 year to go on Arimidex out of the 5 yrs. Betsy Note: forwarded message attached. Quote
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2006 Report Posted December 28, 2006 What an amazing outlook!!! I, too, was diagnosed triple negative with 12/17 nodes positive. I have approached this " thing " with the same frame of mind. Either I'll beat it or not. All my friends and family applaud my bravery, however, I'm not sure anyone would feel differently than you and I, if put in the same situation. I never NEVER look at the statistics. No piece of paper can tell me when my time is up. Only God can make that decision. I pray everyday to see the next but its been almost 2 years since my diagnosis and it gets easier every day. I smile a lot more than cry these days. I'm ok today and chances are, I'll be ok tomorrow. Just take it one day at a time. Blessings to you all Josie Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . Quote
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2006 Report Posted December 28, 2006 So great to hear from you ladies! The surgeon called with the pathology report. 3 cm tumor, 7/10 lymph nodes positive, Stage IIIa. I have an appointment with the Multi-Disciplinary Team on Jan. 11. I'm hoping for scans or some othe diagnostics before I meet with them. I'm a lot more hopeful since I've heard from you! Thanks so much! > > What an amazing outlook!!! I, too, was diagnosed triple negative with 12/17 nodes positive. I have approached this " thing " with the same frame of mind. Either I'll beat it or not. All my friends and family applaud my bravery, however, I'm not sure anyone would feel differently than you and I, if put in the same situation. I never NEVER look at the statistics. No piece of paper can tell me when my time is up. Only God can make that decision. I pray everyday to see the next but its been almost 2 years since my diagnosis and it gets easier every day. I smile a lot more than cry these days. I'm ok today and chances are, I'll be ok tomorrow. Just take it one day at a time. > > Blessings to you all > Josie > Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 Josie, It's good to know it gets easier as there are days for me (especially this Christmas) that are hard. I just pray I don't forget the lessons I've learned.... like taking each day as a blessing, loving like this is the only day and appreciating all those that love me. Barb Michigan Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 If your treatment runs like many of us, there will be several tests before treatment. I had the MUGA heart test, bone scan, PET scan and CT scan and who knows what else I can't remember any more. It was interesting that I found out the other day from my regular physician that the bone scan showed arthritis in my knees, ankles and shoulder. I'm currently having a terrible problem with my knees which my onc said was probably arthritis. He didn't drag out the bone scan, but my regular physician did and said it looks like that is what it found. So now I'm on to regular x-rays to see what they say. So sometimes those tests not only help what you are going through now, but also what you don't know. Keep us posted. Barb Michigan Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 hi barb, just wondering when my journey started i had bone scan ect like u said, i do not see my onc until march will i get another bone scan then, i am in tears with the pain in my shoulders and knees and lower back?? I am torn as i do not like the arimidex which i have been trying every other day, and i cannot go on to some of the diets suggested on here, i just dont know some days what to do for the best, ugh all the doctors are on holiday now , anyhow i can never contact them by phone, thanks forlistening sandy in oz Barb Roy blroy1@...> wrote: If your treatment runs like many of us, there will be several tests before treatment. I had the MUGA heart test, bone scan, PET scan and CT scan and who knows what else I can't remember any more. It was interesting that I found out the other day from my regular physician that the bone scan showed arthritis in my knees, ankles and shoulder. I'm currently having a terrible problem with my knees which my onc said was probably arthritis. He didn't drag out the bone scan, but my regular physician did and said it looks like that is what it found. So now I'm on to regular x-rays to see what they say. So sometimes those tests not only help what you are going through now, but also what you don't know. Keep us posted. Barb Michigan Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 barb - when I was first diagnosed, i felt weirdly empowered...but that was before my surgery, my port and chemo...then came chemo...A/C was remarkedly uneventful--except for the " chemo " pause...I feel quite sad that my cycles ended this way...then came taxotere---OMG!!! it absolutely flattened me; but I learned about my limitations--an important lesson to learn...and now, at the other end of the chemo-trip, I'm learning about my strengths... My son calls breast cancer " bullshit " - he says " this is just bullshit, ma " (and I don't scold him for cursing ) I cherish my life, and I cherish my son...I cherish ddh (dear departed husband) and miss him dearly...but I've learned through this journey, that somehow, we'll meet again...(this coming from me, who never goes to church, etc., etc....) of course, I can be all wrong--but what's wonderful is that it doesn't matter...I've learned that what I believe matters...(it took being 45 and dx'ed with breast cancer to learn that ) anyway, will I forget what i've learned?---probably not, though I do allow for momentary lapses... barb - you won't forget what you've learned--this " bullshit " (in the words of my son) is too visceral; too much of a rock hard reality to ever allow us to " forget " the lessons that have come from it - different for each of us...(unless we get a lobotomy )) peace to us all marisa > > Josie, > It's good to know it gets easier as there are days for me (especially this Christmas) that are hard. I just pray I don't forget the lessons I've learned.... like taking each day as a blessing, loving like this is the only day and appreciating all those that love me. > > Barb > Michigan > > Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 I've only had 1-3 month check up and no additional tests (other than blood test for tumor markers) was ordered. I don't imagine another bone scan would be ordered unless I started complaining of bone pain. Sounds like the Arimidex might be causing you problems. I'd contact the Onc's office and let them know about the pain you are in. The cancer center I use has a nurse coordinator for each Onc and an on-call system after hours. Do your Drs have someone to look in after their patients during the holidays? Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Barb Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2006 Report Posted December 29, 2006 Marisa, Cherish is the word...... (and I won't burst out in song, but you picked the right words). Thank you Barb Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2006 Report Posted December 30, 2006 > > > > Josie, > > It's good to know it gets easier as there are days for me > (especially this Christmas) that are hard. I just pray I don't > forget the lessons I've learned.... like taking each day as a > blessing, loving like this is the only day and appreciating all > those that love me. > > > > Barb > > Michigan > > > > Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. > The > > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and > lymph > > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x > 2 > > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I > will be > > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. > In the > > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a > tendency to > > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the > lack of > > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a > lot of > > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > > > Hey Marisa, Thanks for the heads-up on those " Taxs " I'll be taking Taxol my last 4 cycles and my chemo nurse just said yesterday(Friday)that if you breeze through the A/C, the TAXOL WILL LAY YOU OUT AND VICE VERSA. WELL, IT LOOKS LIKE THAT WILL BE MY STORY...had my 2rd round of A/C...I was up at 5am(my usual)I've downloaded a couple more pics for site my photo album answered a couple of posts, took my neupogen shot and other meds...going to the cleaners and check out a couple more properties for my business, Drpo the meals of for the up-coming week for the 2 facilities I manage...OMG Taxol is gonna kick my ____. This is bullsh*t in the words of your son! Keep you head up, Sandy from Los Angeles Quote
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2006 Report Posted December 30, 2006 thanks for the reply, all my onc said when i saw him last time was to try the tamo. so i did and nearly had another heart attack, even my family doctors r not open until the 4th jan. i do have the fibro which gives me the pain, but yeah had enough of the armi, plus i take pandienforte which i think u call vidcon or something like that as for morphine ect i cannot take that as i have adverse reactions to them. this is what makes things hard my onc as he is on the medicare sytem travels from hospital to hospital and no one is there over the next few mths, so basically u have to just wait and u cannot contact them as they are all over the city.plus all our specialits go on holiday now and eg if u have a heart attack someone is on call maybe just an intern, anyhow somehow i will get through, just having a really bad time, it will i hope pass , sandy in oz Barb Roy blroy1@...> wrote: I've only had 1-3 month check up and no additional tests (other than blood test for tumor markers) was ordered. I don't imagine another bone scan would be ordered unless I started complaining of bone pain. Sounds like the Arimidex might be causing you problems. I'd contact the Onc's office and let them know about the pain you are in. The cancer center I use has a nurse coordinator for each Onc and an on-call system after hours. Do your Drs have someone to look in after their patients during the holidays? Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Barb Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2006 Report Posted December 31, 2006 Sandy, keep pushing.... if things get bad, I'd check into the ER and see what they have to say. Barb Hi, eveyone! I'm new here! > > I'm 51 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 17. The > lump was found on a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and lymph > node dissection on 12/20. The tumor was infiltrating ductal. 1 x 2 > cm, ER negative, PR negative. The first 3 lymph nodes that were > removed were positive, so the surgeon removed 10 or 11 more. I will be > seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon to get the final results. In the > meantime, I'm considering all the possibilities. I have a tendency to > dwell more on the worse outcomes than the good ones, but the lack of > factual information is making me uneasy. I know that I have a lot of > testing ahead as well as radiation and " maybe chemo " . > > Quote
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