Discussions

I was diagnosed on Thursday with breast cancer and went through a whirlwind of tests yesterday.  Next week brings the first round of chemo, a port that needs to be put in, another biopsy and a PET scan.  All I can say right now is I am really scared.  I am 37 and have two young children.  I really don't even know what to ask at this point since I am still so overwhelmed.

There is nothing more overwhelming than to hear those words. You are still in the shock phase, there are possibly more phases you will go through. Sadness, anger, and most of all fright. First of all let me tell you, welcome to our little "club", though I hate you had to join. We have some great ladies here in all different stages. We can answer just about anything, but we are also here to take your hand and help you through this. You can cry on our shoulders, or you can vent by ranting and raving. It doesn't matter sweetie, we are here for you, just tell us what you need to know. It's a scarry time and you are so young, it's so unfair. Take a deep breath and ask your questions, we are always here. I will keep you in my prayers, hope to hear from you soon.

Cajun Lady 

An unfortunate welcome to our group here. Hearing you have breast cancer is a very scary thing, but you will get through it. There are lots of us at different stages of this journey, and there is always someone ahead of you to pull you forward, or behind you to give you a push. We are here for hugs, holding your hand, or just listening. And to answer any questions you may have. One suggestion, when you go to your dr. appts, make sure you take someone with you when you can. Its a lot to absorb, and it will help a lot to have an extra set of ears.

 Just remember to breath......  Hold tight to your faith........  Get in touch with your inner strength..........  and fight like heck....  show this disease that YOU are in control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Big Mississippi Hug!!! Now Kick some Cancer Butt!.......... bj

 How is everything going this week.

We all know what your feeling.  Just take a deep breath.  It's not easy to hear the C word.  Get a note book and write down everything your thinking It will help you to get it all together.  Just remember we're here for you.  You'll be OK. Just breath!

 I had my surgery on May 7, 2009, I had a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed.  I was diagonosed with stage two breast cancer.  I was the oncologist on Wed. May 20 and he told me that it was stage 2 and that I would have to have Chemo and radaition.  I have to go for a full body pet scan and stomach CT scan on May 27 and then the next day I have to go back and see my doctor again and he will let me know when I'll start all the treatments.  I saw my surgeon to and he told me I would be seeing him again soon to have the Port put in.  I am really scarred.  I really haven't let myself think about it too much because if I would start crying and not being able to stop.  I live with my daughter and have two little grandsons here I don't want them to see me break down.  I am trying to be strong for them and my two sons and other grandsons.  I really want to cry and scream and yell at the top of my lungs.  I am really scared of the treatments that I still have to go through.  I really don't have anyone I can talk to about my feelings because the only person that has had breast cancer was my grandmother and she passed away 3 years ago of old age. If any one can help me with how to let my feelings out with out scaring everyone else like my grandsons, they are too young to know what is happening, please let me know. 

Hi Karen, yes this is a very scarry thing to go through, but you will get through it. Chemo is no fun, but it is doable. Your attitude will change once you get started. The port will cause you some soreness, use ice packs for the first 48 hours, that helps. If you drive, just go park some where nice and secluded, keep your windows up, then scream and cry, get out and kick the tires, that takes away the anger. Then just ask God to help you get through this, he will. I had every test known to man, a port put in, 4 chemos, a bilateral mastectomy, 2 more chemos and I am doing fine. Acceptance is the hardest part, and it seems you are always waiting for some kind of test results. When it's all over, you sit and say, what do I do now. Well honey, you go on with your life. It sounds like you have a great support system, that helps a lot. Do it for those grandbabies, you will make it, I will keep you in my prayers. Keep coming here and we will hold your hand, give you a shoulder to cry on, and let you know what to expect through each phase you have to go through, that way you will have no surprises. These women are great, they have been ther, are there, or going there. We can give you better answers than the doctor about what to expect because we have lived it. Let us hear from you about anything, we are always open 24/7. Take care Karen.

cajun Lady 

 hello calimom,

welcome aboard to the BC family......yes it is such an unfourtante thing to have happen to all of us, but this is a wonderful place to be during your time of need. i am also 36 soon to be 37 mother of 3 with stage IIB cancer, i have already had modified radical mastectomy with 15 lymph nodes removed 1 cancerous, i am currently undergoing aggressive chemo treatments i have about 7 weeks left to go, thankfully i do not have to have radiation!........

all of this news can be so overwhelming and i agree make sure you take some one with you ask all the questions you want take notes too, i have a personal journal i take with me everytime i go i write questions i want to ask, i make note of everything i go through, i jot down everything my doc's and nurses have to say, so if i miss something i can go back and look it over, just some pointers for ya...

and if you have any questions this is the place to get alot of answers, i pray everything goes fairly smooth for you, i send my blessings and hugs, and by the way if you don't mind me asking, where abouts in cali do you live? i'm in the inland impire, the reason i am asking to is i know a few oraginzation that are there to help you with finacial needs, or even if you need a wig, scarfs, hats, little things like that and one great thing to check out too is "look good, feel better" its through the american cancer society and its free!......they give you makeup, good stuff too, like channel, clinique, estee lauder, just to name a few, i went to one and came home with lots of nice makeup to use....so please keep in touch your welcome to view my profile, and like i said i will keep you in prayer, hugs to you and good luck my friend!

lisaof3

You are right breast cancer is  a whirlwind.  Hold on, trust in God and you will make it through.  There a plenty of women here who will help you get through this.

Carroll

KKaren,

I had my port put in today.  It was not as bad as I thought it would be.  I slept afterwards for about 4 hours.  Now, 9 hours after, I am feeling good, sore, but good.  Just like everyone here keeps telling me...breathe.  I am having to learn to let others support me and come to me.  I have always been the strong one and the caretaker, now I have to realize that I need to be cared for.

God Bless,

Kristi

I read this really user friendly book, "Be a Survivor." It tells what to expect and even gives questions to ask. I have three young children and will have my port put in next week then chemo on the 10th of June. Hope we both do well on it! 

 I am so sorry to hear your news.  I am a 36 year old mother of a 4 year old and I am so incredibly scared as I just got diagnosed but won't know the stage for another week.  The not knowing is the worst. I plan to have a double mastectomy due to family history but not knowing if it has spread or not is the worst anticipation I've ever experienced. 

I know the worse part is the wait to find out what is in your future.  For me the whole thing has be such an emotional roller coaster.  I can not wait until mine slows down.  Such hang on get close to God.  Reach out to the people around you and find you some people to reach out to who know what you are going through.  The people here are great for that support.

When is your surgery?  Let me know how that goes.

His Child

 Thank you Cajun Lady,  It really helped me with what you said.  I had 28 lymph nodeds removed and 3 of the were cancerous.  I have the Pet Scan and CT scan done then I see the doctor the next day. He will give me the results of those then.  It is really hard on me going through this is because I have a daughter that is an acholiac and has cirrous of the liver and she won't stop drinking so I am pretty much on my own with this.  She says she will take care of me but I'm the one taking care of her and my 2 grandsons.  That is the main reason I can't break down and cry because I have to be the strong one.  The day before I went into the hospital she ended up in the hospital. I have always been the one to take care of everyone else and now when I need help I don't know if I'll get it.  I'll make it through as best as I can, I two sons and 5 more grandsons and my parents and sisters and several other family members that are pulling for me and praying for me and want me to live and I want to live.  I keep checking back here every day reading everyones postings and it helps.  I am glad I found this site. Thank you all for being here it helps reading about what everyone is going through.  I'll keep everyone updated on what is going on.