I have recently been told I have breast cancer

you are right, I have meet wonderful supportive people, I feel that each one is an angel sent to me. My dx report states it is a small lump that has become invasive ductal carcinoma. Only during surgery will the doctor know if any thing spread. Hopeful it has not. I am interested in the targeted Proton radiation, for afterwards, since from what I have read, if it is in the left breast (which it is), regular radiation can damage the heart and lung. The Proton radiation targets only the cancer spot and little if no damage elsewhere in the body.
There is only one center in Jacksonville, Fl, that does this type of radiation.
What are your thoughts on all this ?
elvandi

what was the size of your lump ? I understand my lump is about 5/8" in size. wonder if I would need Chemo before surgery ?

Did the lymph node removal effect how you feel now ? I was told, that the arm swells up and you can have infections . Was there pain involved in the removal of lymph nodes ? How long did it take to heal ?
elvandi

I am a breast cancer survivor. Was dx with triple negative ductal carcinoma, had chemo, surgergical removal of right breast and lymph nodes, then radiation. Also, am positive for BRACA2 so had left breast removal. The lymph nodes were removed at the same time as mastectomy. Not everyone who has lymph nodes removed gets lymphodema, the swelling you referred to. My sister had hers removed and she didn't but i did. It's very treatable, i do massages to drain the lymph, wear a sleeve and wrap it as needed. FYI i was in a research on sential nodes, they know much more about it now than when i had mine done, ask your surgeon about it. The inconvenience of my lymphedema is a 1 on my scale of 1 to 10. Just a part of my daily routine, like brushing my teeth. Everyones journey is different. You asked where we went for treatment. I live in Texas so i went to MDANDERSON in Houston. I live 5 hrs away so for chemo MDAnderson formulated my chemo, administered my first 2 infusions, then sent the prescription to my local cancer center where i received the other ones. I went to MDAnderson for checkup to evaluate the chemo. I had all surgeries and radiation at MDAnderson. I love MDAnderson and credit them with saving my life however i believe Mayo Clinic is top notch world leader also, don't know anything about Moffit. Go where you feel confident about their cancer treatment. God bless you and a safe and peaceful journey.

Welcome to Connect, @barbarah,

Thank you so much for such insightful information and for sharing your story. It is indeed amazing to learn how quickly the world of medicine has evolved. Keep in touch, and let us know if the Connect community can help answer any questions, too.

Hi, I was diagnosed with two different types of cancer in my left breast in May of 2013. I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy so that I didn't have to worry about getting cancer in my right breast. My lymph nodes were clear, so no chemo or radiation. I felt such relief and never thought I would have to worry about cancer again. I blame myself now for not being smart enough to stay informed about breast cancer and the fact that even though they told me I was cancer-free, the cancer could return. I feel that every woman should have a PET scan performed one year after having any type of lumpectomy or mastectomy done. My doctor told me I would have a MRI done five years after my mastectomy. It wasn't even four years later that I started having severe back pain. Low and behold, my back is full of cancer. If only someone had told me to watch for signs and if only I had been more aware! I am not afraid to die, I just don't want my family watching me die on a bed during my last days. My ex-husband's aunt went through that and was bed ridden her last two years. Horrible!

Thank you for sharing your story . So so sorry you are dealing with cancer again . I know many people who have lived long happy life's with reoccurrence and are still alive today . I know it's hard but try to keep your chin up it's an important part of healing to try and stay positive as much as you can . I am also a breast cancer survivor as well as my 2 sisters we all had it at the same time . We all fear what you are now dealing with I pray every day we have long healthy lives . Make sure you allow family and friends to help you . Hugs to you my dear . Also there are many private Facebook support group pages if you want the info let me know .