Breast Cancer Support

Hi...I just joined--so this is my 1st entry.  I should have logged on a while ago, but right now I really need some support.  This morning I was finally able to take a shower after 2 weeks.  I had a mastectomy 2 Fridays ago (along with the start of reconstruction and the installation of a medi port) and got the clearance to shower 2 days ago.  I didn't mean to look at my left area where I had the mastectomy, but I forgot, and looked at it.  Resulting in a bit of an emotional meltdown. 

A little bit about me...I am so fortunate that my breast cancer, found 7/22/08 had not spread to my lymphnodes as a result of a lumpectomy on 7/25.   I had a follow up mammogram from February in July that displayed an unidentified mass.  A sonogram confirmed and the next day, 7/18, they did a biopsy.  I didn't even know it existed.  The sonographer (if that's the correct word) asked me to feel the area and that's how I found it. When I got the results that I had cancer I really couldn't believe it, but took it in stride and started going through the notion that I have it for a reason, and as a result I have made it my mission to share my story with others about early detection and early mammograms to give myself a purpose in all this.

Well...this morning has not been a good one for me.  I have all the prayers and support from friends and family, and my two little ones, aged 3 and 1.  It was just too much for me to see this today.  Added to all that, I have made an appointment with my hair dresser to cut my hair tomorrow so that I can donate it to Locks of Love, BEFORE it falls out with the chemo.  I start the TAC cocktail on Wednesday.

You know what, just typing this makes me feel a bit better...I think that if I heard your stories, maybe that would help too.  I also really need to hear from ladies like me, under 40 (I hit the big 40 next month), that are in the early stages of all this.  The other day I attended a Looks Good Feels Good workshop sponsored by the American Cancer Society.  Great program, but all of the other ladies were older than me by 25-30 years and were on the other side of this whole experience (ie.  hair growing back, done with chemo, etc). 

Again, I have a wonderful family and friend support system, but no one is going through what I am going through.  Anyone care to chime in to this discussion.  I could really use the support this morning...and whenever.

Thanks so much, and have a great day.

Hi there,

I am 38, I have 3 kids, age 16, 10 and 8.  I found a lump in my breast in May, went for the biopsie, where they also biopsied a lymph node, was told by the Dr she was sure it was nothing, and was called on my wedding anniversary to be told both tests were positive!!

I have had chemo first, have 2 treatments left, and then have surgery and will have one year of herceptin.  The chemo hasnt been half as bad as I thought it would be.  I seem to have one really rough day per treatment, the other days are doable, and about a week before my next treatment, ive bounced back, oh and I go every 2 weeks.  Emotionally, Ive found one I started treatment, found out all my options, and got started it got easier.  Sure I have my rough moments and dark days, but overall i am very optimistic, the chemo is working, there have been so many advances made in breast cancer in just the last few years, and many new treatments that wern't available before.  You will be suprised at how strong you are!  Hang in there :) Even during chemo i havent missed too many of my kids activities, and our lives overall havent changed too much :)

Laura

Welcome to the board.  I have been where you are and it is not easy.  I was 33 at diagnosis (IBC, Stage IIIb, ER/PR+, Her2+) and am now 35.  I was diagnosed on 8/22/06, just 13 days after the birth of my 1st child.  I can remember the first time I saw my chest where my breast once had been and it was not easy.  But, you are fortunate in that you were able to begin reconstruction immediately.

Laura is right...chemo is not as bad as you might think it to be.  I imagined never being able to care for my son but I did most of the time.  I had family and friends taking me to chemo and coming over to sit with DS while I slept and DH worked.  Having a good support network is very important.

I had hair down to the middle of my back that was very thick and curly.  I had been letting my hair grow since middle school.  I was devastated when I thought about being bald even though I had always complained about my hair.  But, when it fell out, it wasn't so bad.  I liked being bald, actually.  But, I hate this in between stage of growing out.  It is a pain in the butt. LoL

Once you are diagnosed with cancer, your life is forever changed.  I have lost some friends and have gained many more.  I love this club of women even though it is a group I never asked to join.  I love my friends and family but my BC friends are the ones that really get it.  They are the ones that truly understand what I am feeling and thinking.  I think it is hard on those that care for us but they will never really understand what we are going through.

Keep your head up.  Focus on one step at a time and check each one of the list as you accomplish it...one chemo, check, two chemo, check...This is a great board and there are so many women on here with some really great advice and loving support.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  I have BTDT and am very knowledgeable on BC and treatment.  I read and research a lot and I am not shy about anything.  There is no question that you can't ask me.  If you want to read my story, it is here on iVillage (http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/everything-that-never-knew-always-wanted.html).

I'm 48 (turning 49 the 22nd of this month, yeah - happy birthday to me!) I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and my doctor has recommended a mastectomy.  I have DCIS in more than one area.  I keep researching everything I can, but this is really scary.  My husband and friends have been so supportive, but I still have so much emotion and anxiety.