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luvnlife 
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Joined: Feb 19 2011 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 9 |
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 Topic: First Time PostingPosted: Feb 20 2011 at 12:22am |
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Hi Everyone,
This is my first time posting so I do not know how to put my diagnosis at the bottom of my post.
Here is a summary of my journey as of today - found lump in left breast 12/12/10; went to my gyn on 12/13/10; mammogram and ultrasound 12/15/10; met with surgeon 12/16/10; biopsy 12/17/10; diagnosed 12/21/10 - triple negative, stage 1, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma; met with oncologist on 1/3/11; bone scan 1/5/11; lumpectomy and node dissection 1/26/11 - 1.1 cm x 1.7cm tumor, 1/2 nodes positive re-classified as stage 2; port surgery 2/15/11; ordered cranial prosthesis (wigs, just like using the medical term) 2/17/11; start TAC chemo on 2/21/11 (will be receiving 6 treatments every 3 weeks); radiation to follow. There have been numerous other visits and/or conferences with doctors and such but I just gave the highlights so to speak.
It has been a whirlwind of events, emotions and uncertainties. Not sure how I really feel about everything. Everyone keeps telling how upbeat I am, how well I am handling it all and such, but I think it is all mainly because I don't know how to act. My husband, children, family and friends are for the most part taking it pretty hard. It seems that I am the one who ends up consoling everyone - letting them know that everything is ok and that I will be all right.
Every day brings a new discovery, a new 'guess what now" event and a new emotion. I can't really say I am scared, it is a more of a "WTF" feeling (I greatly apologize if anyone finds this comment offensive and please believe me that is not the intent). I know that God has everything under control and has a plan, I just wish I had a better insight into it all. It is as if I have been living the last two months in fog or dream-like state.
I appreciate the opportunity to share, unload or whatever you want to call it. I have been reading the posts over the last couple months and finally decided it was time to come out myself, so here it goes: Hi, my name is Michele and I have breast cancer. I am 53 and there is not a history of breast cancer in my family. So I decided or realized tonight, the people who post here are my family and I think that is what I need most. A family who understands what I am going through.
Thanks for being here and listening.
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snugltz
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Joined: Jul 10 2010 Location: Reedley Status: Offline Points: 438 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 12:55am |
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Welcome, but so so sorry that you have to be here. I am still in a fog and I was diagnosed in May of 2010. I was very upbeat until the chemo started. I guess reality set in at that point. The people here have been absolutely wonderful and so helpful. It is nice to have people who understand my fears and pains. And boy I too wish I had a better insight into Gods plan.
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1 cm, 0/2 neg nodes, lumpectomy 6/16/10, cytoxin/taxotere 4x every three weeks, rad start 11/8 33X
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 1:08am |
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Luvnlife, We all know the fog you feel you have been in. We are your family. We all understand as no others can. We will be here for whatever we can help with. I was always the strong one in the family, always looking straight ahead, never looking to the left or right or behind me. That carried me through diagnosis, mastectomy, chemo, emergency surgery and reconstruction surgery. Then I fell apart. Only for a short time, but it was a long time coming. Don't feel you have to be strong all the time. There was no history of breast cancer in many of our cases. It's frequently not genetic, but it can be. Best of luck with your upcoming chemo. Lee in Denver |
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Falcon
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Joined: Apr 23 2010 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 55 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 1:43am |
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Hi Michele, My daughter was dx Dec 15, 2009 at the age of 32 Just after the birth of her second child this web site has been a great place to receive support and wisdom from so many.
I will be keeping you in prayer for the gift of healing stay strong and believe that God can and will heal you!
Susan
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My daughter Jessica
Treated and Healed!!!!! |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 2:21am |
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Hi Michelle and welcome. I think we all know what you're feeling and experiencing right now. The fog is normal. I felt (and still do) that all of this is so surreal, kind of like an out of body experience. The hardest part is realizing this is the new normal for us and accepting what we must endure to fight this disease.
You seem to have educated yourself about this bc and this disease, which is helpful. Stay strong but allow others to help too. When we've been the caregiver for so long, it's hard for us to ask others for help or show our weaknesses. All of us on this site get it and understand. We're here for you and will help you on this journey. To get your information so that it appears at the bottom of your posts, go to the upper left side of the screen and click on Member Control Panel. Go to Edit Profile and scroll down until you see Signature. Type your information and go to the bottom of the page and Save/Update profile. Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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poppet75
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Joined: Feb 20 2011 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 1 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 8:59am |
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Hello All from the UK!
I'm from Manchester England and have found this site via a friend, as far as I know there is nothing like this in the UK for TNBC and I'm pleased to have found it.
I'm presently being treated for a regional recurrence (lymph note mets and celll activity in auxillary) only 7 months after finishing treatment for my original dx. I'm 36 and never thought this could happen to me but I guess that is what we all think. I'm on Gemzar/Carboplatin and feel quite poorly during treatment (3 cycles to date) and I'm due for a scan after my next cycle to see if I'm responding to it (had 2 x cycles of Abraxne intially but had progression on it) suffering with headaches, stomach and bone pains so unsure if this is side effects of chemo or whether its an indication of further spread, the scan will obviously determine what is happening. When I have my break between cycles I feel strangely well although the fatigue is something I battle with on a daily basis.
I'd like to hear from anyone who can offer advice and support.
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DX June 09 WLE 4/11 nodes affected followed by MX Chemo & Rads. Recurrence Oct 10 lymph node mets presently undergoing more Chemo scan soon to determine if further spread
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 11:20am |
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Hi Poppet75,
I'm glad you found us, but sorry you have a reason to be here. I just completed my 3rd cycle of Carbo/Gemzar and having problems with fatigue too. Please keep us posted on how you're doing and the results of your next scan. Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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Charlene
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Joined: Aug 14 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Status: Offline Points: 613 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 12:09pm |
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Hi, Michele, Luvnlife,
I don't know if it helps, but I know what you are going through and I will be thinking of you tomorrow. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Try to have some fun and enjoy life as much as you can even during chemo. There will be some times you won't feel like it, but there will probably be some very "normal" days in between treatments, too. Radiation is not much to worry about, much easier than chemo, I thought. I wish you the best.
Charlene
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DX 3/10 @59 ILC/TNBC
Stage 1, Grade 2, Multifocal; Lumpectomy/re-excision SNB 0/4 nodes, BRCA-; Taxotere/Cytoxan X4, 30 rads 3/14:NED |
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DawnP
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Joined: Feb 14 2011 Location: Minnesota Status: Offline Points: 21 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 12:55pm |
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Welcome Luvinlife! I'm still in a bit of a fog too! I went through that whirlwind last May for diagnosis and surgery and then on..... I have a recurrence found last month and have now began chemo again. So, the "fog" continues! There's lots of living to do in-between! Stay positive and may God heal you.
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DX 4/10 4.5 cm lump 5 of 14 nodes positive Had bilat mast chemo (AC&Taxol) and Radiation. Clear PET scan 10/10. Recurrence in 3 nodes 1/11. Starting Carboplatin & Gemcitabine.
Dawn |
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Lillie
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Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 2:45pm |
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Dear Michelle,
brain fog, happy-go-lucky for now, ying/yang, zig/zag, up/down, etc. Sounds normal to me for a newly diagnosed breast cancer (triple negative) girl. You hit it on the head, in the beginning we don't know how we are supposed to act. I'm glad you found this site and there is a wealth of knowledge, understanding and support here. I see Donna told you how to get the info into your signature line. I'm from NC too. I'm also (almost) a 5 year survivor. Please be encouraged by that fact. You will have some rough days ahead, but keep posting and let us help and encourage you. We also have a Spiritual Support thread if that is something you would be interested in. Last Friday I had a 6 month oncology follow-up and I was so covered with prayer by ladies on the SS thread. God Bless, Lillie |
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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Lillie
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Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 2:50pm |
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Hello Poppet75,
I just wanted to welcome you to the TNBC site. Sorry any of us have to be here, but glad we are here for each other. I have not had a recurrence so I cannot address that, but as you can see there are many ladies here offering all kinds of support. I also extend an invitation to visit the Spiritual Support thread if that is of interest to you. God Bless, Lillie |
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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sue
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Joined: Aug 13 2010 Location: NJ Status: Offline Points: 650 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 4:42pm |
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Welcome Poppet75.
Glad you have found this site. There are a lot of supportive, caring people here who are happy to help when they can, and share their stories or just listen when needed. Hoping for the best for you. Sue |
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Dx 7/10, age 53. TNBC left breast, stage I, grade 3, IDC 0.5 cm, DCI 2.5 cm, 0/8 lymph nodes neg. BRCA-. T/C x4 finished 2/09/11, rads x34 finished 4/21/11.
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sue
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Joined: Aug 13 2010 Location: NJ Status: Offline Points: 650 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 4:46pm |
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Hi Michele,
You truly have found a family here who understands and cares about everything you are going through. Hoping for the best outcome for you in the future as you fight this TNBC. Sue
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Dx 7/10, age 53. TNBC left breast, stage I, grade 3, IDC 0.5 cm, DCI 2.5 cm, 0/8 lymph nodes neg. BRCA-. T/C x4 finished 2/09/11, rads x34 finished 4/21/11.
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luvnlife
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Joined: Feb 19 2011 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 9 |
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Posted: Feb 20 2011 at 10:16pm |
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Thanks for all the replys! I do feel like I have a support network that understands. I will let you all know how chemo goes tomorrow. My husband, Bill, was so cute tonight. He came to show me his clothes for tomorrow, pink shirt with a pink ribbon lapel pin (he found this afternoon as a surprise for me). He does make me smile.
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TNBC, 53, Diagnosed 12/21/10, Lumpectomy w/Node Dissection 1/26/11; 1.1cm x 1.7cm tumor w/clear margins, 1/2 Nodes pos, Stage II, Grade 3 IDC L-Breast, 6X TAC every 3 weeks to be followed by Radiation
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luvnlife
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Joined: Feb 19 2011 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 9 |
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Posted: Feb 21 2011 at 10:14pm |
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I had my first TAC chemo treatment today. The totally process took about 3.5 hours. I realize that it was my first of six treatments but it went well (I guess, I really don’t have anything to measure it by at this stage). I actually fell asleep several times. It is now 7 hours since the treatment and I’m feeling ok, taking precautionary nausea medicine and have only felt queasy a copy of times. I also feel a slightly shaky and my hands seem a little puffy, and have experienced a moment or two of dizziness (which could be a result of the anti-nausea medicine and the fact I have barely slept over the past few days). As suggested by my oncologist, I am drinking plenty of fluids and resting. I go back tomorrow after for my nadir shot to help boost production of white blood cells. I will keep everyone updated. Thanks, Michele |
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TNBC, 53, Diagnosed 12/21/10, Lumpectomy w/Node Dissection 1/26/11; 1.1cm x 1.7cm tumor w/clear margins, 1/2 Nodes pos, Stage II, Grade 3 IDC L-Breast, 6X TAC every 3 weeks to be followed by Radiation
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Feb 21 2011 at 10:24pm |
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Michele,
I'm glad the first chemo went well for you. That's typical. We worry about it so much and then it's over with. Get plenty of rest and drink, drink, drink. You want to wash the chemo out of your system. It's done it's job now and needs to leave your body. Good luck with all your treatments.
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Falcon
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Joined: Apr 23 2010 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 55 |
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Posted: Feb 22 2011 at 2:09am |
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Praying for you Michele and sending you hugs.
Susan
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My daughter Jessica
Treated and Healed!!!!! |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Feb 22 2011 at 7:32am |
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Michele,
Here's a link to "Chemo Tips" put together by some of the members. If you get bone pain from the Neulasta shot, remember Claritin may help. http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/the-chemo-tips_topic3101.html Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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luvnlife
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Joined: Feb 19 2011 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 9 |
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Posted: Feb 22 2011 at 6:06pm |
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Went to work for four hours this morning, I had my stitches removed from chemo port surgery, met for a consult with my oncology radiologist and received my nadir shot. It has been a rather busy day. I noticed last night's post was full of mistakes (sorry about that - I guess I wasn't as on track as I thought I was, lol). Still waiting to see if nausea will sit in. When does it normally hit and how long does it stay around? I still feel a little queasy now and then, but that is all. I would also love insight into when the bone pain from the nadir will start and hopefully end.
Once again, I thank each and every one of you for letting me share.
Take care,
Michele
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TNBC, 53, Diagnosed 12/21/10, Lumpectomy w/Node Dissection 1/26/11; 1.1cm x 1.7cm tumor w/clear margins, 1/2 Nodes pos, Stage II, Grade 3 IDC L-Breast, 6X TAC every 3 weeks to be followed by Radiation
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Desaree
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Joined: May 10 2010 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 52 |
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Posted: Feb 22 2011 at 6:44pm |
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Hi Michelle,
Glad to hear your first chemo went well. I just completed 9 months of chemo...and I must say I coped pretty well throughout. It is tough and I won't lie---I did have bad days, but I like to say it is "DOable." Be kind and gentle with yourself. Cry when you need to and then move on! Enjoy those good days. Take care of yourself on the bad days...sleep as much as you need to and drink lots of water. You'll get to the other side of doing chemo too.
Smiles,
Desaree
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Dx@41 yrs 5/5/10,, Gem/Carb/Parp failed, quadrantectomy 8/13/10 Stage III, grade 3, 0/11 nodes+, DD 4AC-12Tax 9/8/10, Allergic Tax,Abraxane (10) start 11/22/10, finished 2/18/11+ 33 rads done 2/8/11
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