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Masectomy done, chemo ahead

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Posted 10/9/2004 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
confused  (I think I have mixed emoticons.) I had bilateral mas. Sept. 14 for lobular invasive BC. Good news: no lymph node involvement.

Now I go to chemo, which I find scarier than the operation. Had a port catheter put in yesterday.  I'm scared of being puny and tired and knocked out again. I had a mental breakdown in February (due to bipolar disorder) and then BC diagnosis in August. I'm so tired of being tired!

I'm looking for a laugh - maybe I just need a cookie. Thanks for being here.

Posted 10/9/2004 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, glad to see you back! One day at a time...BC is manageable! I would encourage you to keep close tabs on your mood, and maybe ask someone close to help monitor, but I bet you will do great! Most of us that have gone through chemo are likely to say that the fear of the unknown is the worst part of it. Once you get through it the first time, you will pretty much know what to expect. I did 4 AC and was so fortunate, with very few side effects. I was prepared for the worst, and was happy to not come close to it. I worked full time, minus about 3 days during each chemo cycle. It is just me, no kids to take care of, which also made it easier. But I never was nauseous, never felt puny or sick. A little tired the first couple days and then back to normal...with a few extra little side effects, such as acid reflux.

No guarantee you will have anything the same as anyone else. Just be aware of what 'might' happen, but do not expect them all. And the fear of the unknown is usually much worse than the beast itself.

And don't forget...we have been there done that, and we'll help you wherever we can!
Lori
Posted 10/9/2004 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Tracy, I know this is a tough time for you. But, like Lori said, breast cancer is managable. You can get through this. Right now, it seems a little bleak, but trust me, eventually you will look back at this time and be amazed at how strong you really are. I'll pass the chocolate chip cookies just as soon as they come out of the oven. Take care, Lauri
Posted 10/9/2004 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
I will be praying for you.  I've just finished my chemo.  It sucks but it's what we do to survive and fight this evil disease!!!  You CAN do it!  We will all be here for you to talk whenever you need and will be constantly praying!

Posted 10/9/2004 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tracy,

Most of us on the board have had surgery, or chemo, or radiation, or all of the above, as in my case. We are living proof that it can be done. Just be aware that everyone reacts differently to chemo. Mine wasn't too bad. Very little nausea, lots of tiredness. You CAN do it. We're all here to help.

Hugs,

Rita
Posted 10/9/2004 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
BC is a chronic disease, which means that we have to manage it if we're going to have any quality of life. I know it seems scary, like there's now an elephant sitting on the couch next to you, but hang in there. One minute, one hour, one day at a time and before you realize it you'll be managing very well. You need to begin to think of things in terms of a different kind of normal. Nothing will be as it was before your dx, but that isn't necessarily bad. I'm not crazy, but I will tell you that being dx's with BC made me look at life a whole lot differently. Take your time, you've just had bi-lateral masts. (I had them too), so give yourself a chance to recoup some strength. In the meantime, come here often and pour out your heart. We've heard it all; I promise you that. We'll hold you and love you until you can stand on your own once again. We're a pretty special group here. Now you're one of us and we DO take care of our own. Hugs, Luci
Posted 10/10/2004 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
One day at a time, one step at a time...... You are doing great just getting over the mastectomy and coming back to let us know how you are. You made it through a rough surgery. No positive nodes is great positive news, I don't think you can get much better news after having had mastectomies!!! Your chemo may be of a lighter variety? My daughter had no postive nodes but because of her age the drs suggested 4 rounds of chemo. She was tired a lot, nauseated some right after but other than that she did very well. I will pray that you will have an easy time with it. Just know we are here to help when you need us. Hugs, MK
Posted 10/10/2004 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, all. It is great to know you arre here. I just told my husband he is wonderfful husband, and he said, "Yeah, but I had to take the class over." (He was divorced.) So I've got some good (and funny) support, but it's differnt with you, the "been there, done that," crowd. Love, Tracy
Posted 10/10/2004 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Your DH has a great sense of humor. I loved his answer!! Give him a hug and tell him he passed this old lady's inspection! Humor goes a long way with breast cancer and other life problems. Hugs MK
Posted 10/10/2004 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tracy,
I'm DiVAnDyke. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and am blessed to be OK. No nodes! That is wonderful news. You should do just great. Yes, like they said, chemo sucks but it will be over soon. I even opened an exercise club during mine and demonstrated the equipment. I was tired though at night for sure. One night I could have curled up in the corner like a puppy and gone right to sleep.
So glad the surgery went well. These girls are the greatest. Hugs, Di
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