1. < Breast Cancer

Four months after suspicious mammogram, I can palpate the lump now.

Posted by msandbreastcancerwarrior @msandbreastcancerwarrior, Oct 5, 2023

I guess that’s a reminder, my two masses of cancer keep growing the whole time I wait for surgery. Long waiting times here in Northern Virginia for everything.

A little less than two weeks now until my surgery and I am glad.

I’m actually experiencing some off and on achiness from the small tumor near my chest wall, which surprised me. I thought cancer pain only happened in the last stages before dying.

Just so ready to get this surgery done and over with.

Multifocal, so my chances of surviving 5 years are 76% and there is greater than a 50% chance it has already spread to my lymph nodes.

To be honest with all of you, even though I know I must think positive, part of me thinks…this might be the end for me.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

anjalima | @anjalima | Oct 14, 2023
In reply to @msandbreastcancerwarrior "Thank you so so much for your kind reply, Zebra! I will hope for the best..." + (show)
@msandbreastcancerwarrior

Thank you so so much for your kind reply, Zebra! I will hope for the best and I am thinking the three days of numbness might get me through the worst of it anyway, pain wise.

I wonder how long it will take me to be healed enough that I can lift my arms enough to wash my own hair and wear sweaters that go over my head instead of button down things?

I’m hoping after the first week, I might be recovered enough to sit at my easel and paint, but I will play it by ear. Surely after two weeks I will have reached that point.

Thank you again so much for your help!

This is the first step in beating this cancer, so I’m going to get it done and do whatever else I need to do to stay alive!

Wishing you all the best, and no cancer ever again! ❤️🌹

Jump to this post

I painted by day 14… no interest before then but seated or standing at an easel was not a problem as I lowered the easel to avoid stretching. Lifting my paint box and squeezing out paint from certain tubes was the issue I needed help with.

Best to you on your recovery🌸

REPLY
chickenmom10 | @chickenmom10 | Oct 15, 2023

Don’t think that way. Stay positive listen to the doctors and if you need second opinions get them. I live in Virginia as well. I went to the VCU Massey Cancer Center. They treated me with respect and I wasn’t a number. If your insurance will allow you see them I would check them out. I find out in February that I had a 2 stage Breast cancer. Had reconstructive surgery in May 2022. They checked my lymphs while in surgery so I did not feel those awful shots. I had 2 lymphs that were invaded with cancer. They took 4 lymphs as of day I can tell you I am cancer free.
My breast cancer was estrogen positive taking anastrozole for the next 5-7 years. Positive thinking will get you through this. Do things like you enjoy. Going for walks clears the mind. Keep family and closes friend close. Tell them what your thinking it keeps or get a journal and write down your feeling thought that helps
Remember you are stronger than you think!!!!

REPLY
1 reply
maliamd | @maliamd | Oct 15, 2023

Please try not to worry too much. I know it is hard but when facing any cancer diagnosis you must remain positive. There are many stories out there where people had a tough cancer diagnosis and have lived and are living for many many years. I am fighting the good fight. I had a very small lesion removed 4 years again. No lymph node involvement. Rad and AI. I have been a runner for my whole life and it is not unusual to have aches and pains after a run. I was having lower back and hip pain. So my IM decided to take x-rays to see if arthritis or spine issues from my years of running. Found breast cancer lesion in my lower back.. Bone scan and PET scan showed breast cancer in my lower back, left femur, shoulders, and two spots on my ribs. I can tell you cancer does hurt. Rad done on all areas and my pain is gone. Taking usual breast cancer meds orally, shots and IV. I feel great. Running now but a bit slower!! My care team says I have a great prognosis and I am living my life with cancer. You got this so don't let the negative thoughts bring you down. You have a life to live so go live it. Hugs.

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1 reply
msandbreastcancerwarrior | @msandbreastcancerwarrior | Oct 15, 2023
In reply to @chickenmom10 "Don’t think that way. Stay positive listen to the doctors and if you need second opinions..." + (show)
@chickenmom10

Don’t think that way. Stay positive listen to the doctors and if you need second opinions get them. I live in Virginia as well. I went to the VCU Massey Cancer Center. They treated me with respect and I wasn’t a number. If your insurance will allow you see them I would check them out. I find out in February that I had a 2 stage Breast cancer. Had reconstructive surgery in May 2022. They checked my lymphs while in surgery so I did not feel those awful shots. I had 2 lymphs that were invaded with cancer. They took 4 lymphs as of day I can tell you I am cancer free.
My breast cancer was estrogen positive taking anastrozole for the next 5-7 years. Positive thinking will get you through this. Do things like you enjoy. Going for walks clears the mind. Keep family and closes friend close. Tell them what your thinking it keeps or get a journal and write down your feeling thought that helps
Remember you are stronger than you think!!!!

Jump to this post

Thank you so very much for this kind and helpful reply!

I will do my best to have a positive mental attitude like you brave ladies!

Tomorrow is D-Day for me in this fight against the cancer, and I am going to do everything I can to win this battle and enjoy my life for many years to come, hopefully!

Thank you so very much for this, I will keep your words in mind as I recover from my surgery!

REPLY
msandbreastcancerwarrior | @msandbreastcancerwarrior | Oct 15, 2023
In reply to @maliamd "Please try not to worry too much. I know it is hard but when facing any..." + (show)
@maliamd

Please try not to worry too much. I know it is hard but when facing any cancer diagnosis you must remain positive. There are many stories out there where people had a tough cancer diagnosis and have lived and are living for many many years. I am fighting the good fight. I had a very small lesion removed 4 years again. No lymph node involvement. Rad and AI. I have been a runner for my whole life and it is not unusual to have aches and pains after a run. I was having lower back and hip pain. So my IM decided to take x-rays to see if arthritis or spine issues from my years of running. Found breast cancer lesion in my lower back.. Bone scan and PET scan showed breast cancer in my lower back, left femur, shoulders, and two spots on my ribs. I can tell you cancer does hurt. Rad done on all areas and my pain is gone. Taking usual breast cancer meds orally, shots and IV. I feel great. Running now but a bit slower!! My care team says I have a great prognosis and I am living my life with cancer. You got this so don't let the negative thoughts bring you down. You have a life to live so go live it. Hugs.

Jump to this post

Thank you so so much for your wonderful reply.

I am so sorry your cancer has spread. It seems so unfair, because you are a runner and so healthy and doing everything right, and it still happened to you.

But what a brave and positive attitude you have, and I can’t tell you how much I admire you, and pray for the cancer to be arrested and for you to have many many many more happy pain free years of life to enjoy.

Thank you again so much. This is a little scary, a little daunting, but I will keep you and the other wonderful brave amazing ladies in mind as I fight this cancer, and my mind is set on winning and living a very good life!

❤️🌹

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