Hi Dondon0808,

I have empathy for you and all who are fighting cancer.  I understand your fear but recommend educating yourself as much as possible.  Knowledge on what you have, what it means and what your options are can be your sword during your fight. 

I am proof that you can overcome this diagnosis.  In May of 2005, at age 39, I was diagnosed.  Scariest day of my life.  I had breast cancer -  triple negative, stage 3 grade 3 cancer...it was very aggressive.  The initial treatment plan was to do chemo and then a lumpectomy.  After an MRI revealed a second mass deeper in the breast, the treatment plan changed. I now had two differnt types of cancer growing in me and all I ould think of was "GET IT OUT NOW!!"  But I had to wait a bit.  On June 13, I had a modified full mastectomy (lymph nodes were clear!) with a natural reconstruction at the same time (8 hour surgery). I started chemo (8 rounds) one month later on July 13.  I had a small infection that postponed one chemo treatment but otherwise infections were not an issue. I did lose ALL my hair as the cold caps had not been invented in 2005. Me personally, I could not where a wig...not for lack of trying...I had 3 different ones.  But the chemo had also put me into a temporary menopause state so the hot flashed were unbearable with a wig on.  And it's not like you can just pull the hair off when it public...it freaks people out. Hahaha, I still remember this ladies face when I did that!.  Plus, when I would where the wig, I didn't feel like myself.  I felt like a different person and that did not work for me.  It felt like I was hiding. So I went with hats.  Wasn't a great look, but it was me.  I was open to the ridicule (and boy, people sure can be mean) if it meant people would stop calling it the "C" word!  I had CANCER and what good would it do to hide?  Anyway I finished chemo on October 26th and then had one last surgery in December to balance out the breasts (DD to a C).  I now call it a long journey on my life path and I joke about having a belly boob (reconstruction used tissue from my belly)!!  

This journey changed me in many ways!  I now think that it was a way of preparring me for my next steps in life...showing me how strong I can be!  I truly would not want it to be any different.  The trials we go through, shape us into who we are supposed to be.  This might not be where you are now, at this stage in your treatment, but someday.

So, 15 years, 5 months and 11 days after diagnosis, I am still here and healthier than before.  It took several years of figuring out the best ways to get the nutrients built back up in my body after chemo. But I have learned so much about holistic and natural ways to do this with supplements and diet. I AM healthy, I AM not taking any long-term medications or suplements and I AM so much more aware of my body, how it feels and how things affect it.  It brought me closer to spirit and showed me the link between mind, body, health and spirit.  I discovered that "dis-ease" of one's spirit causes "disease" in the body.  It showed me love and support like I had never known before.  Many, many good things came out of what I had thought was so very tragic at the time.  

So, keep a positive attitude!!  This is key...do not let yourself become a "victim".  Watch as many funny movies as possible or what ever makes you laugh and your heart smile. 

Peace and love to you!

 Dear Kem, no words, just thank you so much for your post. It has made my day .

justaphase80

Thank you boob off then when chemo finished not looking forward to that xx

Hi Zelda,
I have had both boobs off and honestly found it easier than having a lumpectomy a year before.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Did you where you bad how about the drains i hate things like this I won't be able to empty them . I hate things like that lol xx

Hi Zelda,

The hospital supplied 2 shoulder bags which held the drains. I only had a problem with the drains once, when I pulled one out in the shower. Fortunately, I was still in hospital at the time and one of the nurses came and helped me out. My drains were removed before I left hospital and, I never had to empty them myself. The nurses wanted to do this, so that they could measure the amount of fluid removed.

It was a bit of a faff having them on both sides at first, but i got used to them.

Kind regards,
Jolamine xx

Hi, I have also just been told that I need the same treatment as you. However, my cancer in the breast is now totally clear, the lymph nodes were not affected although they removed one for prevention. They’ve told me it’s unlikely cells have broken away as the cells around the lump were all clear and healthy. The lump was 12mm and from biopsy to operation it was 3 weeks. I had a mammogram in Jan which was clear and found the lump 4 weeks after the mammogram. They told me that they put your information into a database and anyone over 4% is advised to have chemo. My score was 3.5% so they have recommended it as a prevention but have stressed it’s my choice and other women have said no. I am going to ask for a circulating cancer blood test before I decide. If I decide not to have chemo, I will have 15 sessions of radiotherapy.

Hi Rachelbest,

Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that has brought you here. It is good news that your lymph nodes were clear and that the cells surrounding the lump look clear.

Don't be afraid to ask all the necessary questions of your care team so that you can make an informed choice on whether or not to go for chemo. I hope that you manage to reach the right decision for you. Please let us know how your blood tests go and what you eventually decide. We ae always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

So good to hear this.  Just finished treatment x

Can totally understand we’re your coming from I can’t move on at all for worrying about it coming back I had great response to chemo  surgery but just can’t shift this fear or move on with my life am trying to see it as a bad year not a bad life but it’s so hard xx

Hi Lovely Ladies 

New to posting, was having a bad day but read your posts and words of encouragement .....thank you all so much and hope your all having a good day !

R

Hi Lovely Ladies 

New to posting, was having a bad day but read your posts and words of encouragement .....thank you all so much and hope your all having a good day !

R