Hi, Just found out I have breast cancer, is it as scary as I'm told?

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I recently got diagnosed with ovarian cancer and am now in treatment. I hope you have good doctors and a good support system. Make sure you feel comfortable with your doctors and if neccessary get a second opinion. I will keep you in my  prayers. God Bless You! Cindy in NH

 I am so sorry for you diagnosis. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, so am finished treatment and have gotten through it - my friends and family will say I went through it fairly easily.

I don't know how much you know about your breast cancer yet, but there are so many different kinds and different chemo (if you even have to have chemo) and different treatment options.

I think cancer is scary and I don't know how long it will take to return to a life that is not defined as "before cancer" and "after cancer".. Maybe never. 

I also think what what you tell yourself as you go through treatment can make it easier or harder. If you think it will be hard it will, though I don't think you can think yourself into an easy time, but it can be tolerable and for me this past year was similar to others... I laughed, cried, had good dinners, bad dinners, enjoyed friends and had quite a few laughs with my 7 year old daughter over cancer! Didn't  think that was possible, but having a 7 year old take pictures of the back of your bald head will make you laugh.

I also went to Bosom Buddy support meetings in the beginning for support and information.

Let me know how you are doing.... Kathleen  

 I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I found out in 1999 right after the holidays!  I was in taking a bath and started shaving under my armpits when I found a lump about the size of a dime.  I had never noticed it before, which I thought was really odd.  I had been getting mammograms months before.  Well I ended going to a surgeon and he did a needle biopsy and it did turn out to be breast cancer.  The lump was way over to the side of my breast so it did no show up on a mamo.   So I had my Auxillary nodes and other nodes, plus a double masectomy done.  Oh, I also had reconstruction at the same time which I am glad I did it then.  I did chemo , which was Adrimycin an Cytoxin every 4 weeks.  If you ever feel nauseated try a very bland food, ie: applesauce, baked potatoe, plain.  keep something in your tummy!  You may not feel like it but make sure you do!  I also did juicing and made myself drink the veggie juice!  I truly believe that helped me.  Have good scents around to smell, and keep them by you!   You will get through this, and then be able to move on with your life!  Before you know it your life will be back to whatever it is you do! 

 thank you for that information. glad to hear you are doing well!!!

Thank you!  My girlfriend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1992, and the way they found out she had it was she was pregnant with twins.  Well she is still here and happy as ever!  She is so active it is unbelievable, I get tired watching her.....LOL  Bless you! 

 Click on "Find a Friend" at bottom of this page and search  "barbjod" 

 Hey, just wanted to offer some support... friends and family of mine have been affected by breast cancer, and I have seen how easy it can be to give up early on or listen to those who believe that life is over after breast cancer.  Kudos for stepping up and getting some answers... I bet hearing nitty gritty details about someone's breast cancer experience would make you feel better about your own...Check out this woman's story:

www.wellsphere.com/breast-cancer-article/i-have-breast-cancer/240947

I hope it helps!

Andrea

Your post was more than a month ago, so you may have already had your surgery. Breast cancer is not the death sentence it used to be It's more like a chronic disease. For me, it was big blip that took away my summer, but  I got to see how many friends I have and that they are genuinely ready to help in any way they can. My main advice would be to always have another pair of ears with you at every doctor appointment and to take notes. Prepare a list of questions BEFORE you go to the doctor. Get a second opinion - surgeons expect that. Start keeping a journal. I did, and writing down my fears helped make tham easier to handle and put them in perspective. People will offer to help. Let them! Especially if you have chemo. Let someone do your grocery shopping or vacuuming or anything else.

 Hi,

I've just had my 3rd chemo and have 5 more to go before surgery, probably in Dec.   My lymph nodes and breast lump have shrunk significantly. My hair is almost gone but I went to the "Look Good Feel Better" class done by the ACA and also got a pretty good looing wig.  I also went to a support group meeting held once a month at the cancer center and think I'll be going back to that.

I had someone come clean my house and have my husband doing some shopping and errands, so I'm managing.  Yesterday, after a shot of Neulasta (sp?) I spent the day in bed with an audio book; I feel better today.

I broke my knee cap in half in early May and did not start getting PT until mid-August.  This has been a real challenge on top of chemo as I'm not able to walk even on days I feel like I could manage one.

I feel like I've lost the entire summer and will probably not be through with radiation until late Jan. or early Feb. but I don't mind missing winter as much. I miss my old self and don't know how to figure out what to expect of myself when treatment is behind me.

Hoping for the best.

Marti 

I was just officially diagnosed with breast cancer 9/22/08 - triple negative tumor, now relatively large in size 6cm that came out of nowhere, I do monthly checks an a month earlier it wasnt there. I have decided to do chemo first, started AC today and will do that for 4 rounds every 2-3 weeks, then 12 wks of Taxol next, then Surgery, and then finally radiation. I do believe attitude has alot to do with how you handle things. I am a psych nurse also, so i can play head games with myself. I have cancer all in my family but no one has breast cancer so i get to be the first. I am just looking at this like its one more Fight I am supposed to deal with. I am planning on working throughout my treatment as I am a single female so taking time off isnt a option. Alot of my friends thing  I have a weird way of handling this as I have been making jokes along the way. I know its something serious and I know its something I will always have to be watched for with reoccurences. Right now I am living life one day at a time.

Barb