Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 By the time I send out each personal message of hope and inspiration to ALL our new members, it will be Christmas (!!)...so, I've decided to send one big message to all of you! Welcome to a wonderful, caring group of some amazing women who helped me keep my balance and kept me from sinking to the bottom of the abyss after my diagnosis 2 years ago. Double mastectomy (at 46), 23 nodes removed (6 positive), chemo, radiation and just completed 9 months of herceptin, with 3 more to go (YAY!). I want all of you to know you will rise above the confusion, depression and anger and that it just takes some time. Don't frustrate yourselves by comparing yourself to your life " before " BC. There is BC, DC, and AC (before, during and after, each an individual stage.) Take one day at a time and one stage of treatment at a time. There is no book on what you should be feeling and when. No one is expecting ANYTHING of you except to gain back your strength at your own pace. You are the one who has to find out for yourself the strength you possess inside and the ability to pick yourself up and go on with your life in a way that is fullfilling, compassionate and full of love. It took me TWO years to get back into a job I love, filled with challenges and acommplishments and to find out that I CAN'T BE what I was...I can be BETTER. Don't take things for granted, stick with your instincts and count your blessings each day. Life is beautiful and will be again for you. YOU are beautiful. Then, you should revel in the fact that YOU possess the strength and ability to rise above this " temporary " inconvenience in your life and this IS all about you! I welcome you to into this " sisterhood, " although NONE of us ever wanted entry into this sorority. But we're here, we're strong and we're staying! Hold on tight! Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Dear : Thank you so much for your thoughts. I woke up this morning saying I can and I will. I am trying to not cry so much. It just seems that I am sensitive to everything. I read your wonderful words and began to cry. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in March and on April 6, 2006 had my kidney removed. At the same time I went for my annual mammogram and was told I needed a needle biopsy to see further. 85% sure no cancer. Well, while I was recovering from Kidney surgery the Breast Cancer Doctor was scheduling to do a Lumpectomy (which I wanted him to do) I had DCIS. Well, pathology came back out of 19 slides all had pre cancer. So, now I needed a mastectomy. I chose to do both breasts. This was done August 10, 2006 . Well, pathology came back and I needed to get my nodes out on the right side. 29 nodes were removed on Sept 6 and once again pathology came back. Out of the 29 nodes one had the cancer. So last week I went to see an oncologist who wants to look further into the pathology because with all of my operations there is some contradictions and she wants to be sure how to treat me. I have been having a real problem with the node situation. I have to get liquid drained from under my arm twice a week. It is so painful when it is full. I feel like I am caring another person under my arm. I am so sorry for being so wordy but I am a new member and I asked the question has anyone experienced what I am going through with this node situation. The doctor said it will stop, but when he can not say. I am anticipating the need for chemo from what this oncologist was telling me and my husband. I am just so scared and uncomfortable with the expanders in my chest and the fluid filling under my arm I do not think I can be strong enough for chemo. No one has replied to me about the node situation. But I found your words so inspirational. I appreciate it. Thanks, and may God bless you and keep you strong. Love Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Dear : Thank you so much for your thoughts. I woke up this morning saying I can and I will. I am trying to not cry so much. It just seems that I am sensitive to everything. I read your wonderful words and began to cry. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in March and on April 6, 2006 had my kidney removed. At the same time I went for my annual mammogram and was told I needed a needle biopsy to see further. 85% sure no cancer. Well, while I was recovering from Kidney surgery the Breast Cancer Doctor was scheduling to do a Lumpectomy (which I wanted him to do) I had DCIS. Well, pathology came back out of 19 slides all had pre cancer. So, now I needed a mastectomy. I chose to do both breasts. This was done August 10, 2006 . Well, pathology came back and I needed to get my nodes out on the right side. 29 nodes were removed on Sept 6 and once again pathology came back. Out of the 29 nodes one had the cancer. So last week I went to see an oncologist who wants to look further into the pathology because with all of my operations there is some contradictions and she wants to be sure how to treat me. I have been having a real problem with the node situation. I have to get liquid drained from under my arm twice a week. It is so painful when it is full. I feel like I am caring another person under my arm. I am so sorry for being so wordy but I am a new member and I asked the question has anyone experienced what I am going through with this node situation. The doctor said it will stop, but when he can not say. I am anticipating the need for chemo from what this oncologist was telling me and my husband. I am just so scared and uncomfortable with the expanders in my chest and the fluid filling under my arm I do not think I can be strong enough for chemo. No one has replied to me about the node situation. But I found your words so inspirational. I appreciate it. Thanks, and may God bless you and keep you strong. Love Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 , What wonderful words of inspiration! Even after one year I feel the same. Thank you! Debra ssist@... wrote: By the time I send out each personal message of hope and inspiration to ALL our new members, it will be Christmas (!!)...so, I've decided to send one big message to all of you! Welcome to a wonderful, caring group of some amazing women who helped me keep my balance and kept me from sinking to the bottom of the abyss after my diagnosis 2 years ago. Double mastectomy (at 46), 23 nodes removed (6 positive), chemo, radiation and just completed 9 months of herceptin, with 3 more to go (YAY!). I want all of you to know you will rise above the confusion, depression and anger and that it just takes some time. Don't frustrate yourselves by comparing yourself to your life " before " BC. There is BC, DC, and AC (before, during and after, each an individual stage.) Take one day at a time and one stage of treatment at a time. There is no book on what you should be feeling and when. No one is expecting ANYTHING of you except to gain back your strength at your own pace. You are the one who has to find out for yourself the strength you possess inside and the ability to pick yourself up and go on with your life in a way that is fullfilling, compassionate and full of love. It took me TWO years to get back into a job I love, filled with challenges and acommplishments and to find out that I CAN'T BE what I was...I can be BETTER. Don't take things for granted, stick with your instincts and count your blessings each day. Life is beautiful and will be again for you. YOU are beautiful. Then, you should revel in the fact that YOU possess the strength and ability to rise above this " temporary " inconvenience in your life and this IS all about you! I welcome you to into this " sisterhood, " although NONE of us ever wanted entry into this sorority. But we're here, we're strong and we're staying! Hold on tight! Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 - You made me cry! That's a good thing. Thank you for your words of wisdom - what a special woman you are. Hugs, Ellen > > By the time I send out each personal message of hope and inspiration to ALL > our new members, it will be Christmas (!!)...so, I've decided to send one big > message to all of you! > > Welcome to a wonderful, caring group of some amazing women who helped me > keep my balance and kept me from sinking to the bottom of the abyss after my > diagnosis 2 years ago. Double mastectomy (at 46), 23 nodes removed (6 > positive), chemo, radiation and just completed 9 months of herceptin, with 3 more to > go (YAY!). > > I want all of you to know you will rise above the confusion, depression and > anger and that it just takes some time. Don't frustrate yourselves by > comparing yourself to your life " before " BC. There is BC, DC, and AC (before, > during and after, each an individual stage.) Take one day at a time and one > stage of treatment at a time. There is no book on what you should be feeling and > when. No one is expecting ANYTHING of you except to gain back your strength > at your own pace. You are the one who has to find out for yourself the > strength you possess inside and the ability to pick yourself up and go on with > your life in a way that is fullfilling, compassionate and full of love. It > took me TWO years to get back into a job I love, filled with challenges and > acommplishments and to find out that I CAN'T BE what I was...I can be BETTER. > Don't take things for granted, stick with your instincts and count your > blessings each day. Life is beautiful and will be again for you. YOU are > beautiful. Then, you should revel in the fact that YOU possess the strength and > ability to rise above this " temporary " inconvenience in your life and this IS all > about you! > > I welcome you to into this " sisterhood, " although NONE of us ever wanted > entry into this sorority. But we're here, we're strong and we're staying! Hold > on tight! > > Love, > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Someone will answer sweetie just be patience. I haven't any problem with fluid build up so I can't help you but some people take longer to heal than others. Just give it to god and he will take over. I hope I don't step on toes because I believe . Hugs and prayers Carol in n. Michigan -- Re: All our new members... Dear : Thank you so much for your thoughts. I woke up this morning saying I can and I will. I am trying to not cry so much. It just seems that I am sensitive to everything. I read your wonderful words and began to cry. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in March and on April 6, 2006 had my kidney removed. At the same time I went for my annual mammogram and was told I needed a needle biopsy to see further. 85% sure no cancer. Well, while I was recovering from Kidney surgery the Breast Cancer Doctor was scheduling to do a Lumpectomy (which I wanted him to do) I had DCIS. Well, pathology came back out of 19 slides all had pre cancer. So, now I needed a mastectomy. I chose to do both breasts. This was done August 10, 2006 . Well, pathology came back and I needed to get my nodes out on the right side. 29 nodes were removed on Sept 6 and once again pathology came back. Out of the 29 nodes one had the cancer So last week I went to see an oncologist who wants to look further into the pathology because with all of my operations there is some contradictions and she wants to be sure how to treat me. I have been having a real problem with the node situation. I have to get liquid drained from under my arm twice a week. It is so painful when it is full. I feel like I am caring another person under my arm. I am so sorry for being so wordy but I am a new member and I asked the question has anyone experienced what I am going through with this node situation. The doctor said it will stop, but when he can not say. I am anticipating the need for chemo from what this oncologist was telling me and my husband. I am just so scared and uncomfortable with the expanders in my chest and the fluid filling under my arm I do not think I can be strong enough for chemo. No one has replied to me about the node situation. But I found your words so inspirational. I appreciate it. Thanks, and may God bless you and keep you strong. Love Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 I didn't have any problems with swelling either. 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 Re: All our new members... Dear : Thank you so much for your thoughts. I woke up this morning saying I can and I will. I am trying to not cry so much. It just seems that I am sensitive to everything. I read your wonderful words and began to cry. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in March and on April 6, 2006 had my kidney removed. At the same time I went for my annual mammogram and was told I needed a needle biopsy to see further. 85% sure no cancer. Well, while I was recovering from Kidney surgery the Breast Cancer Doctor was scheduling to do a Lumpectomy (which I wanted him to do) I had DCIS. Well, pathology came back out of 19 slides all had pre cancer. So, now I needed a mastectomy. I chose to do both breasts. This was done August 10, 2006 . Well, pathology came back and I needed to get my nodes out on the right side. 29 nodes were removed on Sept 6 and once again pathology came back. Out of the 29 nodes one had the cancer So last week I went to see an oncologist who wants to look further into the pathology because with all of my operations there is some contradictions and she wants to be sure how to treat me. I have been having a real problem with the node situation. I have to get liquid drained from under my arm twice a week. It is so painful when it is full. I feel like I am caring another person under my arm. I am so sorry for being so wordy but I am a new member and I asked the question has anyone experienced what I am going through with this node situation. The doctor said it will stop, but when he can not say. I am anticipating the need for chemo from what this oncologist was telling me and my husband. I am just so scared and uncomfortable with the expanders in my chest and the fluid filling under my arm I do not think I can be strong enough for chemo. No one has replied to me about the node situation. But I found your words so inspirational. I appreciate it. Thanks, and may God bless you and keep you strong. Love Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2006 Report Share Posted October 6, 2006 Hi Carol, I had masectomy in 2003.Had a 2.7cm tumour and 24 lymph nodes removed. 17 lymph nodes were cancerous. Had chemo and radiation. Now still on Arimidex. To cope with lymphedeama I'm still under the care of a therapist who taught me how to massage daily to help lymph drainage and do simple arm exercises. She also fitted me with a made-to-measure compression sleeve and gloves to ease discomfort.Get your doctor to refer you to the occupational therapy dept. Pl take good care of yourself. You have gone though so much. Nothing is insurmountable. Trust in God. Stay strong and positive. Lol & God bless, Aurelia. geme1@... wrote: Dear : Thank you so much for your thoughts. I woke up this morning saying I can and I will. I am trying to not cry so much. It just seems that I am sensitive to everything. I read your wonderful words and began to cry. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in March and on April 6, 2006 had my kidney removed. At the same time I went for my annual mammogram and was told I needed a needle biopsy to see further. 85% sure no cancer. Well, while I was recovering from Kidney surgery the Breast Cancer Doctor was scheduling to do a Lumpectomy (which I wanted him to do) I had DCIS. Well, pathology came back out of 19 slides all had pre cancer. So, now I needed a mastectomy. I chose to do both breasts. This was done August 10, 2006 . Well, pathology came back and I needed to get my nodes out on the right side. 29 nodes were removed on Sept 6 and once again pathology came back. Out of the 29 nodes one had the cancer. So last week I went to see an oncologist who wants to look further into the pathology because with all of my operations there is some contradictions and she wants to be sure how to treat me. I have been having a real problem with the node situation. I have to get liquid drained from under my arm twice a week. It is so painful when it is full. I feel like I am caring another person under my arm. I am so sorry for being so wordy but I am a new member and I asked the question has anyone experienced what I am going through with this node situation. The doctor said it will stop, but when he can not say. I am anticipating the need for chemo from what this oncologist was telling me and my husband. I am just so scared and uncomfortable with the expanders in my chest and the fluid filling under my arm I do not think I can be strong enough for chemo. No one has replied to me about the node situation. But I found your words so inspirational. I appreciate it. Thanks, and may God bless you and keep you strong. Love Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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