1. < Breast Cancer

A whirlwind

Posted by dottieh @dottieh, Aug 28, 2018

Hi. My name is Dottie. I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer 03/27/2018 (DCIS one side, invasive ductal the other). It's been a blur since. Numerous tests, biopsies and physician visits. Treated for three months with Anastrozole. Underwent bilateral mastectomies 07/16/2018 with immediate reconstruction / placement of tissue expanders. Recovered quickly physically and returned to work two weeks post op. Told margins clear. One positive lymp node out of four. Told I needed chemo by my medical oncologist. Asked for other options. Sent for CT's chest, abdomen and pelvis. Come back good. Pathology sent out for Onc type test. Result 13. Told low risk no chemo. Now she wants me to see radiation oncology. Have had three expansions. Just feeling overwhelmed like I'm doing everything asked of me and it never ends. Just ready to start my recovery and seems there is just one more thing I have to do. Trying to stay strong and positive but there are days I'm ready to say I'm done. Sorry so long winded. First time I have had a chance to get this out. Thank you for letting me vent.

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cindylb | @cindylb | Aug 28, 2018

Hello Dottie,
Welcome to cancer. This is EXACTLY how it feels at first. Scary and overwhelming. There will be tests (lots of tests) and there will advice to do one thing and then that might be taken off the table and then there will be a different treatment plan. So.........no doubt you are overwhelmed, worried and stressed about the back and forth and options presented to you. Doctors try to find the best treatment plan with the best outcome and fewest side effects or negative effects on the patient but I have found it's usually a bit confusing and frustrating. Break it down into smaller pieces and take your time making decisions. Ask lots of questions. Know why certain things are recommended and then I really suggest doing your own research as well. But, be forewarned...the more you read and learn the more questions you have. Take those questions to your oncologists and other doctors and ask them what the relative upside is of say...chemo vs. radiation or nothing at all or hormone drugs or......YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are many, many good people on here who have or are going through the same uncertainty and it's natural to want to move on with your life, recover and get back to a more normal life.

REPLY
1 reply
dottieh | @dottieh | Aug 29, 2018
In reply to @cindylb "Hello Dottie, Welcome to cancer. This is EXACTLY how it feels at first. Scary and overwhelming...." + (show)
@cindylb

Hello Dottie,
Welcome to cancer. This is EXACTLY how it feels at first. Scary and overwhelming. There will be tests (lots of tests) and there will advice to do one thing and then that might be taken off the table and then there will be a different treatment plan. So.........no doubt you are overwhelmed, worried and stressed about the back and forth and options presented to you. Doctors try to find the best treatment plan with the best outcome and fewest side effects or negative effects on the patient but I have found it's usually a bit confusing and frustrating. Break it down into smaller pieces and take your time making decisions. Ask lots of questions. Know why certain things are recommended and then I really suggest doing your own research as well. But, be forewarned...the more you read and learn the more questions you have. Take those questions to your oncologists and other doctors and ask them what the relative upside is of say...chemo vs. radiation or nothing at all or hormone drugs or......YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are many, many good people on here who have or are going through the same uncertainty and it's natural to want to move on with your life, recover and get back to a more normal life.

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Thanks much. Nice knowing someone "Get's it"! I appreciate the recommendations as well.

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goldendays1 | @goldendays1 | Aug 30, 2018

Hi Dottie, I just joined this group though I've been a "breast cancer warrior" since 1991. I saw your message and don't often reply on line - but I feel for you because this journey can be very heart-wrenching, especially in the beginning when you are not expecting it and need to reinforce your spirit and optimism.

My experience began when I was in my early fourties. I was given estrogen replacement by a dr unaware of the grief it would cause down the road. The tumor was tiny (2 cm) and he told me to stop the estrogen as soon as we had the cancer diagnosis. These days they warn against estrogen replacement in most cases but at the time it was one of the pitfalls many innocent people fall into with the best of intentions.

I had extensive chemo for 9 months, 6 weeks of radiation therapy, and 5 years of Tamoxiphen. At that point I was told I was cured and get on with my life. I went back a couple years later, asking if they were sure I didn't need to take any further steps and was assured I was safe.

In 2014 I went into the hospital with some abdominal pains and after scans was told I had developed terminal breast cancer. I've been actively battling it ever since.

There are many courageous people who face this challenge to live a good life as long as destiny allows and you will find their messages on many forumns. My favorite is Inspire.com but they all offer hope and knowledge and amazing friendship. We are learning that there is FAR more that is UNKNOWN than is known about this journey but I can promise you that the love and faith and support you get every day is well worth the effort.

We are all praying we will find the answers that will strengthen us, maybe with God's help, the medications that will heal us. Amazing new discoveries and options are coming out every day. In the meantime, we nourish each others hearts and souls with what we learn, and share the sweetness and joy of every second we can wring out of every day of our lives through the devoted efforts of our doctors and scientists and everyone in the quest for healing that we can embrace.

Best advice I can offer - trust God. Cherish life and true love and friendship. Stay strong because even when you don't think you can get through tough times, you can and good times often follow. And reach out and embrace others on the journey because we all need each other.

I pray you will be victorious, will have the guidance to defeat the illness and the spirit to make the most of every day.

May God keep his loving arms around you and keep a smile in your heart.

Love,
Goldendays1

REPLY
2 replies
dottieh | @dottieh | Aug 30, 2018
In reply to @goldendays1 "Hi Dottie, I just joined this group though I've been a "breast cancer warrior" since 1991...." + (show)
@goldendays1

Hi Dottie, I just joined this group though I've been a "breast cancer warrior" since 1991. I saw your message and don't often reply on line - but I feel for you because this journey can be very heart-wrenching, especially in the beginning when you are not expecting it and need to reinforce your spirit and optimism.

My experience began when I was in my early fourties. I was given estrogen replacement by a dr unaware of the grief it would cause down the road. The tumor was tiny (2 cm) and he told me to stop the estrogen as soon as we had the cancer diagnosis. These days they warn against estrogen replacement in most cases but at the time it was one of the pitfalls many innocent people fall into with the best of intentions.

I had extensive chemo for 9 months, 6 weeks of radiation therapy, and 5 years of Tamoxiphen. At that point I was told I was cured and get on with my life. I went back a couple years later, asking if they were sure I didn't need to take any further steps and was assured I was safe.

In 2014 I went into the hospital with some abdominal pains and after scans was told I had developed terminal breast cancer. I've been actively battling it ever since.

There are many courageous people who face this challenge to live a good life as long as destiny allows and you will find their messages on many forumns. My favorite is Inspire.com but they all offer hope and knowledge and amazing friendship. We are learning that there is FAR more that is UNKNOWN than is known about this journey but I can promise you that the love and faith and support you get every day is well worth the effort.

We are all praying we will find the answers that will strengthen us, maybe with God's help, the medications that will heal us. Amazing new discoveries and options are coming out every day. In the meantime, we nourish each others hearts and souls with what we learn, and share the sweetness and joy of every second we can wring out of every day of our lives through the devoted efforts of our doctors and scientists and everyone in the quest for healing that we can embrace.

Best advice I can offer - trust God. Cherish life and true love and friendship. Stay strong because even when you don't think you can get through tough times, you can and good times often follow. And reach out and embrace others on the journey because we all need each other.

I pray you will be victorious, will have the guidance to defeat the illness and the spirit to make the most of every day.

May God keep his loving arms around you and keep a smile in your heart.

Love,
Goldendays1

Jump to this post

Your story, courage, strength and faith is truly amazing and very inspirational. God bless you and thank you. The absolutely very best to you

REPLY
KKRogers | @roewes07 | Sep 10, 2018
In reply to @goldendays1 "Hi Dottie, I just joined this group though I've been a "breast cancer warrior" since 1991...." + (show)
@goldendays1

Hi Dottie, I just joined this group though I've been a "breast cancer warrior" since 1991. I saw your message and don't often reply on line - but I feel for you because this journey can be very heart-wrenching, especially in the beginning when you are not expecting it and need to reinforce your spirit and optimism.

My experience began when I was in my early fourties. I was given estrogen replacement by a dr unaware of the grief it would cause down the road. The tumor was tiny (2 cm) and he told me to stop the estrogen as soon as we had the cancer diagnosis. These days they warn against estrogen replacement in most cases but at the time it was one of the pitfalls many innocent people fall into with the best of intentions.

I had extensive chemo for 9 months, 6 weeks of radiation therapy, and 5 years of Tamoxiphen. At that point I was told I was cured and get on with my life. I went back a couple years later, asking if they were sure I didn't need to take any further steps and was assured I was safe.

In 2014 I went into the hospital with some abdominal pains and after scans was told I had developed terminal breast cancer. I've been actively battling it ever since.

There are many courageous people who face this challenge to live a good life as long as destiny allows and you will find their messages on many forumns. My favorite is Inspire.com but they all offer hope and knowledge and amazing friendship. We are learning that there is FAR more that is UNKNOWN than is known about this journey but I can promise you that the love and faith and support you get every day is well worth the effort.

We are all praying we will find the answers that will strengthen us, maybe with God's help, the medications that will heal us. Amazing new discoveries and options are coming out every day. In the meantime, we nourish each others hearts and souls with what we learn, and share the sweetness and joy of every second we can wring out of every day of our lives through the devoted efforts of our doctors and scientists and everyone in the quest for healing that we can embrace.

Best advice I can offer - trust God. Cherish life and true love and friendship. Stay strong because even when you don't think you can get through tough times, you can and good times often follow. And reach out and embrace others on the journey because we all need each other.

I pray you will be victorious, will have the guidance to defeat the illness and the spirit to make the most of every day.

May God keep his loving arms around you and keep a smile in your heart.

Love,
Goldendays1

Jump to this post

Your post gave me a sunrise an hour early this morning. Thank you for your positive words and encouragement. It was like a giant embrace that filled my being with all I need to enjoy this day. Thank you.

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