Re: newly diagnosed with stage 2

[Guest guest]

I just would like you to know that God gives you the strength to fight and

go on.. In April of 2006 I had my kidney and uoreta removed due to Cancer. I

then was told I have cancer in the right breast. I have had a double

mastectomy and all the nodes removed under my right arm. The mastectomy was

done

August 10 and the nodes were removed Sept 6, 2006. It all seems quite

unbelievable that your life can change in an instant. But, keep the faith, as

I am

trying to do everyday. I was healthy one day and with cancer the next. You

will find that you look at life differently. You appreciate the little

things. I too find myself crying one minute and okay the next. I know the

feelings you are having regarding being scared. Just try to think of positive

thoughts and that God only puts on your shoulders what you can bare. So

I think you probably are very strong. My prayers are with you and I hope

all will be okay for you.

Love Carol

[Guest guest]

,

I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had one bad node.

I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or reconstruction. 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

newly diagnosed with stage 2

Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee Moffitt

Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I just

had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered the

lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph nodes.

Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread to

my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual he

said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can remain

in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation? And,

of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any advice

or help? Thanks much.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

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[Guest guest]

,

I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had one bad node.

I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or reconstruction. 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

newly diagnosed with stage 2

Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee Moffitt

Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I just

had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered the

lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph nodes.

Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread to

my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual he

said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can remain

in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation? And,

of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any advice

or help? Thanks much.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date: 10/1/2006

[Guest guest]

,

I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had one bad node.

I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or reconstruction. 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

newly diagnosed with stage 2

Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee Moffitt

Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I just

had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered the

lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph nodes.

Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread to

my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual he

said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can remain

in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation? And,

of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any advice

or help? Thanks much.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date: 10/1/2006

[Guest guest]

- Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there just so much

information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr. Love's

most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and from

one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out to

be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you the

best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

Hugs,

Ellen

>

> ,

> I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had

one bad node. I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or

reconstruction. 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

> newly diagnosed with stage 2

>

>

> Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

> business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

> stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

Moffitt

> Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

just

> had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

the

> lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

> hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

> recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

nodes.

> Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

to

> my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

> birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

> course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual

he

> said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

remain

> in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation?

And,

> of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

> only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

advice

> or help? Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date:

10/1/2006

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there just so much

information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr. Love's

most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and from

one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out to

be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you the

best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

Hugs,

Ellen

>

> ,

> I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had

one bad node. I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or

reconstruction. 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

> newly diagnosed with stage 2

>

>

> Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

> business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

> stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

Moffitt

> Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

just

> had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

the

> lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

> hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

> recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

nodes.

> Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

to

> my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

> birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

> course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual

he

> said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

remain

> in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation?

And,

> of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

> only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

advice

> or help? Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date:

10/1/2006

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - you are in the " information overload " phase of

the program (it does get better, honest : ) I had an SLNB &

lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy and am now in my

chemo phase. Try (and it's hard!) to take it one step at a

time...

- Jen

On Mon, 2 Oct 2006 14:59:32 -0500 " & nne Svihlik "

writes:

> ,

> I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had

> one bad node. I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or

> reconstruction. I will keep you in my prayers.

> Hugs

> nne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

> business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

> stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

> Moffitt

> Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

> just

> had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

> the

> lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

> hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

> recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

> nodes.

> Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

> to

> my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

> birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

> course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual he

>

> said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

> remain

> in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation? And,

>

> of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

> only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

> advice

> or help? Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date:

> 10/1/2006

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - you are in the " information overload " phase of

the program (it does get better, honest : ) I had an SLNB &

lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy and am now in my

chemo phase. Try (and it's hard!) to take it one step at a

time...

- Jen

On Mon, 2 Oct 2006 14:59:32 -0500 " & nne Svihlik "

writes:

> ,

> I was 44 when diagnosed that was 16 yrs ago. I was Stage II. I had

> one bad node. I had a mastectomy, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or

> reconstruction. I will keep you in my prayers.

> Hugs

> nne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy, busy

> business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed with

> stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

> Moffitt

> Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

> just

> had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

> the

> lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And it

> hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon has

> recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

> nodes.

> Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

> to

> my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop my

> birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so of

> course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual he

>

> said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

> remain

> in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation? And,

>

> of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we are

> only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

> advice

> or help? Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date:

> 10/1/2006

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

All of this info can make your head spin, thats for sure. But it DOES get

better.

I had 6 mo of chemo and never got sick. That was 16 yrs ago and they have more

drugs and improved drugs. I didn't have radiation but from what I hear its not

that bad. Some women get a little burnt but if you talk to your radiologist and

get some cream that should help there.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Just take it one day at a time.

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

Re: newly diagnosed with stage 2

- Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there just so much

information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr. Love's

most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and from

one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out to

be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you the

best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

Hugs,

Ellen

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

>

> I am so scared about possibly needing chemo.

michelle - I know what you mean - the doc had told me

at first - " stage 1 - just radiation " ...but when he

did the lumpectomy and got the path report, it changed

to " chemo for 6 months " ...

The day before I began chemo, I had willed myself into

a state of inertia - I just laid in bed and stared at

the TV...I was so scared...

Will I lose my hair?

yesw--but it will grow back (that is, if you need

chemo)

Will my skin change?

amazingly, my *skin* looks great (really!)

Where do you all get the strength through all of

this?

you're a mom ...it comes from somewhere deep inside

of you...from a place you never knew was there--at the

same time, it all becomes pretty routine, and you

start counting down to the end--one treatment at a

time...I don't know you, but I dare-say " dont

underestimate the strength that is inside of you " ...

> if I can do it. But I have to. I have 2 great kids -

> a son who is 10 and a daugher who is 22.

I have an 8 year old son...(who, btw, knows...indeed,

he met my surgeon...when they met, jude, my son, shook

his hand and said " you know, you look like that guy,

jesus christ... " --and now he wants " dr. shelly " to be

his pediatrician...-- my son also came to chemo with

me - it took alot of the scaryness away for him, I

think...)

Is

> radiation as bad as chemo? Or better?

I don't know...

I guess it really doesn't matter how good you have

taken care of yourself, does it?

it terms of whether you get b/c? - *that's* pretty

much a crap-shoot, though there are known risks, lots

of women who get b/c don't have those risks...

I mean, I eat well - exercise

> - not overweight - don't smoke - rarely drink. In

> fact, most people think I am 10 years younger. Where

> did i go wrong? I guess it's not discriminatory - is

> it?

sweetie, you didn't go wrong anywhere! 1 in 7 women

now get b/c...

>

michelle - take care--

marisa

> Oh my - so much, so much. Well, thank you so much

> for keeping me in your prayers. My surgery is

> scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20. Until then - I guess

> I just wait and have faith and trust in God.

>

> Hugs,

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, -

Yes, finding out you have cancer is a shock, and shock affects how you look

at things. I think that will wear off, and you will be able to cope with

this new kind of life. And you will have plenty of time to learn all of the

new long words! This is all very educational <G>.

You may well get chemo - lots of us do. I had eleven months of it (once

every three weeks), but most people have less. It affects everyone

differently, especially as there is a wide range of chemo drugs your

oncologist will choose from. I lost some skin from my hands and feet, had

some pain in my legs and joints, got numb fingers and toes, and lost my hair

(but that has come back now). And I think everyone on any kind of chemo

gets very tired.

Radiation is generally (I believe) easier to take than chemo. I had 25

doses (5 days a week for 5 weeks). Some people have more, some less. I had

no problems with mine.

And I have had a mastectomy, which I am very pleased with. It's what I

wanted, right from the time I first found my lump.

We survive the treatment, all of us, because we can - and you will, too!

You say you've looked after yourself, eaten well, and all that - that's

great! It doesn't stop you getting cancer (that's not your fault, it just

happens) but it makes your body better able to cope with the disease and the

treatment.

Hugs,

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: newly diagnosed with stage 2

>

>

> - Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there

> just so much

> information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

> keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

> appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr. Love's

> most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

> that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

> plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

> impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

> this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and from

> one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out to

> be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

> treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

> years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

> language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

> me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

> ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

> wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you the

> best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

> of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

>

> Hugs,

> Ellen

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, -

Yes, finding out you have cancer is a shock, and shock affects how you look

at things. I think that will wear off, and you will be able to cope with

this new kind of life. And you will have plenty of time to learn all of the

new long words! This is all very educational <G>.

You may well get chemo - lots of us do. I had eleven months of it (once

every three weeks), but most people have less. It affects everyone

differently, especially as there is a wide range of chemo drugs your

oncologist will choose from. I lost some skin from my hands and feet, had

some pain in my legs and joints, got numb fingers and toes, and lost my hair

(but that has come back now). And I think everyone on any kind of chemo

gets very tired.

Radiation is generally (I believe) easier to take than chemo. I had 25

doses (5 days a week for 5 weeks). Some people have more, some less. I had

no problems with mine.

And I have had a mastectomy, which I am very pleased with. It's what I

wanted, right from the time I first found my lump.

We survive the treatment, all of us, because we can - and you will, too!

You say you've looked after yourself, eaten well, and all that - that's

great! It doesn't stop you getting cancer (that's not your fault, it just

happens) but it makes your body better able to cope with the disease and the

treatment.

Hugs,

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: newly diagnosed with stage 2

>

>

> - Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there

> just so much

> information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

> keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

> appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr. Love's

> most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

> that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

> plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

> impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

> this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and from

> one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out to

> be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

> treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

> years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

> language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

> me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

> ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

> wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you the

> best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

> of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

>

> Hugs,

> Ellen

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Ellen has given you some very good advice. If you're looking for more

research, breastcancer.org is a great site where they take you through

diagnosis to treatment and to survivorship, all in basic English. Plus

they have a great discussion board.

I have the Love book - it's very informative, but can also give

some worst case scenarious which sometimes I just don't want to read.

It's understandable that you're on an emotional rollercoaster.

Your pathology report will guide your oncologist's recommendation. Chemo

is no cakewalk (at least for most women), but it is doable with the

support of your family, friends, and us. If there's one thing you learn

from this, you are stronger than you think! Even when being strong might

mean sleeping all day, that is one step more on getting through treatment!

take care,

[Guest guest]

>...If there's one thing you learn from this, you

are stronger than you think! Even when being strong

might mean sleeping all day, that is one step more on

> getting through treatment!

well said!!

marisa

>

> take care,

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

You hang in there too - and good luck with your radiation. You will

do great.

>

> Dear ,

>

> Well I can't give you advice or help but I can empathize. I am

right there with you, starting my radiation Oct 30th. We're waiting

because my breast is so swollen that they want it to heal more

before they get their machines set up.

>

> Hang in there. I've heard that Moffett is an excellent cancer

center - my parents wanted me to go there, but I opted to stick it

out here.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jen,

I laughed so hard when I read your email! Thank you so much - you

are hysterical! I really needed that. I love your attitude and way

of looking at this. Maybe that is how I will have to cope as

well I can totally relate to flooding the church. I felt the

same way yesterday. And I LOVE the 50lb Hershey's chocolate bar!

>

> :

> The human brain is an amazing machine...just when

> you think it will finally explode - it adapts. I couldn't even

> say the " C-word " for the first couple of days without

> wigging out. And now I am literally wigged out (bad pun,

> sorry...I couldn't help myself : ) and making jokes about

> things that are really not supposed to be funny (this is

> how I cope best).

> The Sunday I went to church after my diagnosis, I had

> managed to pull myself mostly together but was still one

> step away from waterworks. Sometimes it just amazes

> me how awesomely God makes things work (no matter

> what, He gives us what we need at the right time).

> Anyway, I remember thinking right after church that if one

> more person hugged me and told me they loved me I

> was going to boo-hoo and flood the sanctuary (and I really

> didn't want to cry anymore) when an older woman came

> up, gave me a big hug and proceeded to list every person

> she'd known that had DIED from breast cancer. Her

> mother, her oldest sister, then the next sister, and then

> her sister-in-law who " fought a good 6 years before she

> finally died " ...Oh, and let's not forget the terrible time her

> sister had with hemorrhaging....she went on and on and

> everything was so AWFUL it got to be funny (I'm a little

> bent, sometimes : ) I kept waiting for the " silver lining " in

> her stories but there just wasn't one and by the time she

> wandered off I was bent over a pew laughing; after all, she

> was doing her VERY BEST to cheer me up...

> I highly recommend you go get something chocolate (lg)

> and watch a really stupid, silly movie (anything that makes

> you laugh) while you eat your 50lb Hershey Bar - it'll be ok!

>

> - Jen : )

>

> > Ellen - thank you so much. YES! I feel like I am drinking

> > > from a firehose ....so much to learn, so much to do, so much

> > > to know, so overwhelmed. Yet, while all of this, my life has

> > > totally been pulled out from under my feet as I knew it and

> > > changed instantly. I no longer look at anything the same.

> > > What happened? How can this be? Why me?

> > > I am so scared about possibly needing chemo. Will I lose

> > > my hair? Will my skin change? Where do you all get the

> > > strength through all of this? I admire each and everyone of

> > > you. I really just don't know if I can do it.

> > > Oh my - so much, so much. Well, thank you so much for

> > > keeping me in your prayers. My surgery is scheduled for

> > > Friday, Oct. 20. Until then - I guess I just wait and have

> > > faith and trust in God.

> > >

> > > Hugs,

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I can't believe it - we have the same doctor! Dr. ! I heard

from several people that he is the best. Sounds like our cases and

recommended treatment is almost identical. I just hope mine turns

out as well as yours seems to have so far. I undergo the lumpectomy

on October 20 - with testing of my sentinel nodes then - so keep

your fingers crossed. Hopefully they will be negative. And like

you, Dr. is trying to steer clear of chemo for me so far. I

think you have made a great decision - and i know you will do

fabulous. Are you coming back here to FL for the radiation? We

should meet up for lunch or something. I wish you all the best and

complete success - I know you will. This site seems really great

for support so I am sure we both will like it.

Keep me posted

> >

> > Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy,

busy

> > business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed

with

> > stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

> Moffitt

> > Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> > thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

> just

> > had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

> the

> > lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And

> it

> > hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> > people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon

has

> > recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

> nodes.

> > Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

> to

> > my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop

my

> > birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so

of

> > course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> > biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual

he

> > said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

> remain

> > in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> > anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation?

> And,

> > of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we

are

> > only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> > aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

> advice

> > or help? Thanks much.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

Your emotions are perfectly normal and I remember well feeling

all of the things you are feeling now. Honestly, once you are

in " fight mode " it will be somewhat easier to bear. I found that

once I got my complete diagnosis and I was in treatment, I gathered

inner strength (and leaned on my family 4 kids, one dh and tons of

friends) to pull me through it all. Chemo does s " *k! There's no

denying that, but it effects everyone differently and there are

GREAT medications for the nausea and side effects. Losing your hair

also s " *k's, but it does grow back (even though it's not the color

you've always dreamt about, or gotten from a bottle) and radiation

is a piece of cake compared to the chemo (short visits, 15 minutes a

day, but every day) which can be draining. Skin can change, tastes

change, and there are a host of other side effects that you just

deal with to get through it. The question I always asked myself,

and still do on occasion, is " am I doing enough to stop a

recurrance? " And, if that's a " yes " then I'm doing everything I

can. Try to take small steps, take each process as it comes and

know that you'll make it through this treatment, hopefully on the

short-track and become stronger from it. I'm only diagnosed last

March, so I'm not even a year survivor yet, still very tired and

working with the side effects of the Arimidex that I will

(hopefully) take for the next 5 years. The best thing you can do

for yourself right now is take the time you need, when you can

(which is difficult with kids) and gather some confidence that you,

too will beat this thing. That's what I call " fight mode " .

Best of luck and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Ellen

>

> Ellen - thank you so much. YES! I feel like I am drinking from a

firehose ....so much to learn, so much to do, so much to know, so

overwhelmed. Yet, while all of this, my life has totally been

pulled out from under my feet as I knew it and changed instantly. I

no longer look at anything the same. What happened? How can this

be? Why me? Doesn't make ANY sense to me. One minute I am fine -

the next I break down. Will I ever stop crying? I will definitely

get that book - thank you. I have already started a notebook - just

started writing down some questions and things I have found surfing

around the internet.

>

> I am so scared about possibly needing chemo. Will I lose my

hair? Will my skin change? Where do you all get the strength

through all of this? I admire each and everyone of you. I really

just don't know if I can do it. But I have to. I have 2 great

kids - a son who is 10 and a daugher who is 22. Is radiation as bad

as chemo? Or better? I guess it really doesn't matter how good you

have taken care of yourself, does it? I mean, I eat well -

exercise - not overweight - don't smoke - rarely drink. In fact,

most people think I am 10 years younger. Where did i go wrong? I

guess it's not discriminatory - is it?

>

> Oh my - so much, so much. Well, thank you so much for keeping

me in your prayers. My surgery is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20.

Until then - I guess I just wait and have faith and trust in God.

>

> Hugs,

>

>

>

> Re: newly diagnosed with stage 2

>

>

> - Sorry about your diagnosis. Isn't there just so

much

> information to try to digest at this point? My suggestions are, to

> keep a notebook with you, have someone go with you to your

> appointments, another set of ears is always helpful, get Dr.

Love's

> most recent edition of The Breast Cancer book (my bible) and know

> that you have time to make informed decisions about your treatment

> plan, whatever that may be. I can hear that you feel it just seems

> impossible that this is happening and I felt exactly the same way

> this past March when I was diagnosed. I had a mammo yearly, and

from

> one year to the next, there was a painful lump and it did turn out

to

> be a Stage I, Invasive cancer. 6 weeks ago I finished my 4 chemo

> treatments and then 33 radiation treatments, now on Arimidex for 5

> years. You'll be getting a barage of statistics, numbers and the

> language will be unfamiliar to you. For me, Dr. Love's book helped

> me sift through the findings and interpret them. Also, there are a

> ton of women here, all going through the same thing, who have a

> wealth of information, so check in when you are able. I wish you

the

> best of luck and will pray for good results for you. There's a lot

> of us out here, fighting the fight - and you can too!

>

> Hugs,

> Ellen

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

- Welcome! What Stage is your cancer ? Was it an invasive

grade? These two markers, plus the node positive, may be the reason

the second Doc. suggests chemo? Just a thought. Like you say, you

are still in the shock phase, but information and the best way to

fight a recurrance will make you a stronger fighter.

Best and Hugs!

Ellen

> >

> > Hello all. I am a 43 year old professional active, healthy,

busy

> > business woman and mom and wife and have just been diagnosed

with

> > stage 2 breast cancer (3.6cm lump in my right breast) at Lee

> Moffitt

> > Cancer Hospital. Needless to say, I am scared to death. Never

> > thought this possible with me since i am in such good shape. I

> just

> > had my " yearly " back in February and all was good. I discovered

> the

> > lump in August. How could this thing get there that quick? And

> it

> > hurts! I cried all weekend - now on a mission to talk to as many

> > people as possible and find out as much as I can. My surgeon

has

> > recommended a lumpectomy with sentenial mapping of the lymph

> nodes.

> > Then to follow 28 days of radiation. Possibly chemo if it spread

> to

> > my lymph nodes but he doesn't think it has. He told me to stop

my

> > birth control pills - thinking maybe that is why it hurts - so

of

> > course i did. It is right at the surface and he said when he

> > biopsied it, that it was " rubbery " - which was a little unusual

he

> > said. I also have silicone breast implants which he said can

> remain

> > in tact and should not be affected by the radiation. Is there

> > anyone out there who has gone through this similar situation?

> And,

> > of course, the problem is, I haven't had my surgery yet so we

are

> > only guessing at this point. We don't know how bad it is, how

> > aggressive, or even what type. Can anyone please give me any

> advice

> > or help? Thanks much.

> >

>