Manderella:

I too was told that I was lucky that I had DCIS because it was supposed to be the easiest to treat.  I also felt like I didn't belong in a cancer support group at first because as one person put it "it wasn't really cancer".  That comment was made by a nurse navigator at the hospital. It angers me greatly.  My stage was 0.  I felt as though if you weren't at least a stage 1or having chemo, rads or hormone therapy I just didn't belong here.  Those feeling changed.  I was fortunate to not have to go through chemo, radiation or hormonal therapy.  I lost an awful lot not for my cancer to be "real" and I have met so many people on this website that actually made me feel welcomed.  They have helped me through the emotions, anger and questions.

Please don't ever feel like you don't belong.  Our diagnosis may not be identical but the feeling sure are!  You too will find some wonderful people that will listen when you need to vent and will help guide you when you need answers.  Don't be afraid to reach out!
Take care.

Tina    
dx 2/1/11 DCIS
Lumpectomy 2/27 results DCIS/LCIS Stage 0 ER+ PR+
Bi-lateral Mastectomy 4/26 with expanders 
6/3 Surgery to remove contaminated expander due to infection.
7/22/11 Surgery to reinsert the expander. 
10/11/2011 Surgery to replace tissue expanders with implants. 
 

:) Thanks very much. It feels very good to be able to be in touch with other women who are going through or have been through similar experiences.
Mandy

Low grade multifocal DCIS
Lumpectomy 9/6/11
Started radiation 10/10/11
Due to have 21 treatments
Started Tamoxifen 10/4/11

Hi, I'm Claire in Az. Dx w/breast cancer 16 days ago, still in shock although things are moving quickly. Lumpectomy confirmed that the lump I found in my rt breast was ILC, 2 c. in some lymph nodes, just received a negative PET scan and I'm grateful. I still have a drain in from the lumpectomy/biopsy site and as soon as that comes out, a port will be inserted and then I expect to start chemo every other week in Sedona. I'm a Univ. lecturer, full time, and hoping not to freak out my students too much when I tell them why I cut/shaved my head/am bald. I'll be taking a family medical leave for next semester. I'm to get dose dense therapy, radiation and mastectomy/recon, I think I that order. Any encouragement would be helpful. I was not prepared for this and thought I was taking excellent care of my body. No breast cancer in my family or cancer of any kind, actually. Just the luck of the draw, I guess. Thanks--look forward to meeting some of you!

Hi Clair

I think for most of us this dx came as a shock and there was no history in my family either, I hope you get the drain out soon as know how uncomfortable that can be.

I hope you'll check out the chemo and radiation forums where you'll get lots of tips and advice to help you through this and also chat to other ladies currently having these treatments.  I had chemo and rads too and although its tough it really was not as bad as I had imagined and there's usually a med to help counteract any side effects you may have if any.  Good luck and you'll find everyone is very helpful and supportive here so if you need anything just ask:)

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia

Welcome Claire:

This site is amazing and the number of women who are here to support one another is wonderful.  It's a tough road to travel and some routes are easier than others.  I did not have chemo or radiation so I cannot comment on how it feels or what is to come with it.  I can comment on the mastectomy and the emotions that come with that.  I was extremely suprised with my diagnosis and immediately dove into research mode.  I wanted to know everything.  I am/was fortunate with the medical team that I put together.  They are wonderful doctors and I really don't think I could have asked for better.  The reason that I said I put together is because they shared one hospital and they had never met. I received one doctor's name from my primary, one from my gynecologist and one from a friend.  They worked so well together. 

A word of advice:  Don't be afraid to vent your feelings and to ask questions. Share only as much information with others as you are willing to.  Good luck to you.

Tina    
dx 2/1/11 DCIS
Lumpectomy 2/27 results DCIS/LCIS Stage 0 ER+ PR+
Bi-lateral Mastectomy 4/26 with expanders 
6/3 Surgery to remove contaminated expander due to infection.
7/22/11 Surgery to reinsert the expander. 
10/11/2011 Surgery to replace tissue expanders with implants. 
 

Welcome Claire!!  It is a whirlwind that you get swept up in when you are diagnosed with cancer.  And there will be times that you look and feel like you've been in a whirlwind!!  I just want to comment about lecturing students and the opportunity you have to share your story with the next generation.  I bet you will find that the support they give to you thru this journey will be immense.  So very glad that the PET results were good!  It sounds as though you have a good grasp of what is being done for your treatment but if you do have any specific questions please let us know.  And support?  You have found the right place for that!!! I wish you well!

Jean S

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops...at all.
Emily Dickinson

IDC Stage IIB Grade 3 BC DX on 2-10-09
HER2+++
ER/PR+ 90% 
2 of 6 Node Positive
Double Mastectomy 2-23-09
Completed Chemo TC 7-10
Herceptin until 3-20-10
Arimidex for 5 years Started 8-09 

Hello everyone. i m the fiance of a beautiful woman named Chandra. She had a maamogram a week and a half ago. the person told her there was a mass that they wanted to take a closer look at, under her left arm. They scheduled an appointment at The Cancer center on Rt 91. 
they found, what was described as a lima bean sized mass. They told her that a biopsy could be done or she could wait 6 months to see what happens.
She was scared. her great grandmother, her grandmother, her mother, all have had cancer. She blurted out,"I'll wait 6 months", because she feared the answer. 
Since then, she has talked to me, her son, mother, and all other relatives. they want her to have the biopsy done. But they are telling her she can't, that she has to wait the 6 months. She has repeatedly told her doctor, she wants it done.
Is there anything we can do? I am fearful,I may lose her to something that could be prevented. 

Claire, I just wanted to say welcome to Komen.  I am so glad that you found this wonderful site.  You have already heard from several others.  It is a great place to come for advice, support or just to chat with others who are just starting their treatment and many survivors.  I am sending my best wishes to you as you start your treatment.  Please stop by often and let us know how you are doing.  Mary L 

Diag. Oct 2003 with 6mm mass, IDC grade III ductal carcinoma in-situ, Inflammatory Breast Cancer stage IIIB, Her2+++.   I had A/C followed by Taxotere (only had 2tx as I had heart problems from it); Left Mastectomy followed by 35 rads.  Recurence in 9 months as skin mets to mast. site. tx Carboplatin/Herceptin,  stayed on Herceptin every other week for almost 4 years only stopping when my ejection fraction would get too low. off herceptin & ned 3 years in 2010

Hello Spidey 1, I am so sorry that your fiance is going through all of this.  It is very hard at the beginning as you receive so much information and it can be scary.  I am so glad that she you to help her through this.  I really think getting a 2nd opinion would be a good thing to do in this situation.  If they originally said she could have the biopsy done now why are they refusing to do it. I would feel a lot more comfortable having the biopsy done sooner rather than later.  I hope that you can find another oncologist and have the biopsy done.  Please come back & let us know how she is doing.  You should put her online and let her talk to all of the wonderful women on this site.  Some are just starting their treatment and others are survivors like me.  Best Wishes,  Mary L

Diag. Oct 2003 with 6mm mass, IDC grade III ductal carcinoma in-situ, Inflammatory Breast Cancer stage IIIB, Her2+++.   I had A/C followed by Taxotere (only had 2tx as I had heart problems from it); Left Mastectomy followed by 35 rads.  Recurence in 9 months as skin mets to mast. site. tx Carboplatin/Herceptin,  stayed on Herceptin every other week for almost 4 years only stopping when my ejection fraction would get too low. off herceptin & ned 3 years in 2010

Hi Spidey,

I'd also urge another opinion asap if possible, if you call the komen hotline on the main page or your local komen office they can advise more, also google the Livestrong organization who can also help.

Most breast lumps are benign but in view of Chandra's family history the biopsy should be done as soon as possible for peace of mind and hopefully it will be benign.

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia