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Posted 3/2/2005 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Nancyjo from Las Vegas, Nv age 62 Just found out on Monday I have breast cancer would love to talk to some other women about the surgery
Posted 3/2/2005 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy,welcome! You found a great place to talk and learn. There is a lot of experience and knowledge here of all kinds of situations with breast cancer. We have one lady, Luci, in Henderson right next to Las Vegas. You may hear from her.She is fantastic and so sweet. There is a roll call at the top of the board and you can learn about us there too. My story is I was dx (diagnosed) at 49, with invasive lobular and DCIS. I had double mastectomies (one at a time) one being prophylactic. I have had saline implants for reconstrution done later. Many stories here and you will learn a lot. Stay with us and we will help you through this sweetie. Oh, I am Gail from Washington State. L&H, Gail
Posted 3/2/2005 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancyjo-
Sorry for your new diagnosis..but glad you found us! We come from all over the country and all ages and stages of BC....I was diagnosed 5 1/4 years ago at age 30, and today I am still cancer free.

My tumor was 2.5 cm, invasive ductal. I had a lumpectomy twice and then did chemo and rads. What surgery are you having? Will you need chemo? Please feel free to ask whatever you want and we'll help you through these next whirlwind days...
Lori
Posted 3/2/2005 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so thrilled I have heard from you so fast. I have my choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I have my MRI on the 8th and Pet Scan on the 10th and surgery on the 15th. They explained both of my choices but can't decide what I want for sure. Radiation for 6 wks or go for the complete job. Thanks again for your support and help, I believe I have found some wonderful new friends.

Post Edited (Nancyjo) : 3/7/2005 9:36:02 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/2/2005 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Indeed you have! Some of us lurk more frequently (instead of working!)...but you should get a number of welcomes within the next 24 hours. Many of us have been posting together since 2000 or so, and many of us have met in groups. We're starting to talk about one for Spring, so stay tuned!

I was given the choice of mast vs lumpectomy + radiation. I never even considered a mastectomy since I had the choice. I wanted the less invasive procedure, but others will tell you they chose the mast over the lump. Others are not given the choice based on the tumor process and pathology. A lumpectomy takes basically no recovery time, back to work the next day, but definitely some limits in movement till it heals.

You have lots to think about , in terms of what is right for you and your lifestyle.

If you are not sure, consider a 2nd opinion.

Lori
Posted 3/2/2005 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancyjo,

 

I'm glad you found this site as you go through this.  I didn't find the site until after my surgery.  But I haven't started treatment yet so it's nice having all the feedback.  I'm a 40 year old who was just diagnosed January of this year.  I too was given the choice of lump. or mast. and I choose the lumpectomy (some call this a partial mast.)  I only lost about 1/4 to 1/5 of my right breast tissue.  And you can't tell a difference when I'm dressed.  I think it may be different in a bathing suit though but I can always use a shoulder pad or something.

 

I choose the less invasive surgery thinking if I needed to we could always go back and do the rest later.  But I feel I should tell you I'm worried that I should have just had the bilateral (both) mastectomy with immediate reconstruction done.  I just think I will have trouble letting go of all this after treatment.  I think I will forever feel as though I have a shadow lurking behind me.  But that's just me.  My DH is great about letting me talk about the "should I do this?" or "what if?"  And I'm a newly diagnosed one here in this forum.  So please take that into consideration.  There are lots of women here who are survivors for many years and have had many treatments.  I'm sure they will come around soon to welcome you and offer their support and experience for consideration.

 

But the one thing I want to do more than anything is offer you my sincere well wishes for a calm heart to make your decision.  I went into my surgery with more comfort in my mind than anyone else in my world.  My DH, mother, aunt, sisters and brother were all having a tough time dealing with it.  But I had a level of calm I didn't think I was capable of.  And that gave me the strength I needed to get through that step.  I take each step one at a time and try not to get too far ahead of what I need to deal with.  So that way I can stay focused.

 

I have found reading and getting educated in this whole new world has helped me to feel in control.  That might not work for everyone.  But I am a natural researcher and it comforts me to know ahead of time what to expect from the doctor and also to understand their lingo.

 

I will keep you in my prayers and hope you will keep us informed.

 

Big hugs {{{{{{{{{Nancyjo}}}}}}}}}

 

 

Posted 3/2/2005 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Nancyjo, I am so glad you found us.
Are you going to talk to someone about what your MRI shows and you say you are also getting a Pet? I assume you had a biop. I did not see where you wrote about that but I have been known to miss seeing a whale in the middle of a pod. I think I would wait and see what this shows before making a decision. After a few tests and all the facts are in see if your doctor is still saying the same thing. I sat down with my Breast Disease Surgeon and said I will do what ever it takes. If it improves my odds I want it. That was my attitude. That was in 1998 and I had a 5 cm. tumor. The show Survivor could learn somethings reading this board. We really do work as a team putting our heads together trying very hard to help everyone we can. Between us its hard to find a problem one of us have not had to find an answer to. Wish you did not have to be here, but I hope if we can help in anyway you will ask. Hugs, Joyce
Posted 3/2/2005 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Mia-
Right you are! I had the same thoughts related to the what ifs....I immediately chose the lumpectomy, but while I know I can get a mast later, I could not change my mind once having the mast. So if I was not ready to part with my breast, then I could wait on the decision. But after chemo and rads were over, I went through the period of second guessing and considering bilateral masts too. My docs thought it was overkill, and I guess I got it out of my system. It took a while, but I coped by saying that if I did not want the masts, I had to learn to live with my decisions and be ok with it.... and if I could not be ok, then I had to make a different decision.

Once you make your decision, go forward full speed ahead and don't look back. We can all kill ourselves with the "what if's" but it is no way to live. And I made the decision that I refused to let the anxiety and fear take over, I refused to give it one more second of my time... and that meant having to be comfortable with my decisions or making new ones. It takes time, but it will happen.

L&H,
Lori
Posted 3/2/2005 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Here is my two cents worth. I was 58 when diagnosed eight years ago, so I was nearer your age than many of the younger girls. At the word cancer all I wanted was to be rid of it. I decided that a mastectomy would definitely get rid of it. Boy have I learned a lot since then. These younger woman really study and look at all options. I wish I had been so smart. Those who have told you to wait until you have more tests done are correct. If you have a pathology report share it with us if you don't understand exactly what it says. You are entitled to a copy of any report done. AFTER my mastectomy I learned I had a very low grade cancer in all aspects and now I know I would probably have done just fine with a lumpectomy and radiation. I have no problem with having had the mastectomy at all, the reconstruction built a great new breast that feels very normal. I ended up with some other problems that wouldn't have happened if I had gone with the lumpectomy. As has been said, you can always have a mastectomy later if necessary. Take your time and make up your mind, study all the options. Ask questions of everyone. Hugs of welcome, Mary K. (MK)
Posted 3/2/2005 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
HI ALL.... I had a bio on Friday the 25th and results on Monday the 28th. so from here we are off and running.. I'm really enjoying all the feedback. Did anyone have a reaction to the radation treatment? Thanks to all hugs Nancyjo
Posted 3/2/2005 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Nancy Jo, Glad you found us.  This is a good place to be.  You have already gotten very good responses, so I will just say Welcome.  I was 55 when dx'd with a rare cancer.  Connective tissue type that is rarely found in the breast except this type of tumor.  Phyllodes.  I had a simple mast. and will finally, 1.5 years later, be done with all the surgeries on Friday.  Yea.  And I actually got perky new ones in return for the old droopy sick one.  LOL. Stay calm and get all the knowledge about breast cancer that you can absorb.  It helps to know!! Hugs and prayers to you, Candy
Posted 3/3/2005 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Candy... and am so glad that you got two new perky ones..LOL this site has been the best thing for me, just joined today and already many nice ladies have written to me, has made my day... Thanks again Hugs back to ya Nancyjo
Posted 3/3/2005 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Nancyjo-
One thing you will learn here is that all of us who have the same treatments will have different responses. Ten of us may do the same chemo, and have 10 different sets of side effects. Some have an easy time, some have a hard time, and the rest mostly in the middle. Rads too, although most agree rads is easier. My appt time was 7:15 am, so I went on the way to work, and never skipped a beat. The breast got pink and the tissue was tender, the breast did get more firm. No permanent change to appearance. I had no burns, no blisters, no open sores...wore a normal bra every day, kept all daily routines the same. Today, the breast is still more tender, but is improved from the first days. My physical changes are mainly due to surgery. I had a lumpectomy with clean margins except one, so they did a re-excision and took another hunk out of my boob that was already smaller than the other. Oh well.

what reaction were you referring to? ANything in particular? We'll help if we can...
L&H,
Lori
Posted 3/3/2005 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Nancyjo, you live in one of my most favorite cities. I so do hope that you can connect with Luci. She is wonderful. I am glad you found us, but as others will tell you, we are really sorry you have the need to be at a place like this. You will find us at all ages and stages of life. I was diagnosed in 1996 with a Stage I 6mm lump. Had lumpectomy, radiation and took Tamoxifen for five years. Still doing well. Don't hesitate to bring your questions, concerns, worries, fears and good news here. We will hold your hand, console, sympathize and advise. You are not alone in this. We will be by your side come what may. Hugs, Lauri
Posted 3/3/2005 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancyjo,

Welcome to our little slice of cyberspace. Sorry you're in need of us, but you've found a wonderful community full of caring, supportive women.

I'm in Los Angeles, and I was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. Whatever questions or concerns you have, bring them here. You'll find somebody who's probably had the same experience, and many others who just want you to know they care.

Hugs,
Rita
Posted 3/3/2005 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy,
I'm from New Zealand and was 58 when diagnosed.
I didn't have the choice of a lumpectomy as my cancer was too large for that (sigh) with lymph node involvement. Meant I got the "full monty" - masectomy, axial discection, chemo & radiotherapy. Now on Tamoxifen therapy.
Well all have different stories to tell about the effects of treatment - in my case I managed to keep on working through all the treatments, but now I am in the process of going through medical retirement.
This is a great bunch of folk - I found this site not long after my diagnosis and everyone has been SO supportive and informative.
Love & hugs
Kath
Posted 3/3/2005 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy, WOW you have gotten lots of great advice, but hey that's what we are all about. Just wanted to add my Welcome. Sorry you have to be here, but we are glad you found us. Let us know if we can do anything to help.

L&H
sara
Posted 3/4/2005 5:54 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome, Nancy Jo,

I was 51 when diagnosed nearly 6 years ago.  Had a 2.5 CM tumor, and like a couple of the other gals said, I wanted to do whatever it took to "get rid of the cancer."  When I went into surgery I didn't know if I would come out having had a lumpectomy or mastectomy.  Was lucky,  Dr got clean margins with a lump as well as nodes removed - 3 of which were cancerous.  Now with chemo and rads behind me (no Tamoxifen as I have ER/PR neg tumor) I feel very fortunate to be doing well and looking forward to becoming a Grandma in 6 weeks and again this fall.

Welcome to our little corner of cyberspace.  You ask the questions, and someone will give you an answer - or several of us will give you several answers.  We have a lot of fun on this board, but also are here to give support and encouragement when someone needs it. Love Las Vegas and hope to get down there sometime this year.  Will let you know if it happens and maybe we can meet.  By the way I live in North Dakota - and it is 60 degrees here today.

God Bless you on all the decisions you have to make - get the tests first.

Kitty M

Posted 3/5/2005 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancyjo. So sorry you have to go through this. As I am sure you are finding, these are a wonderful group of kind, caring and knowledgable women. I guess you can read all about me in the roll call above, as I have only been on board since December. I had bilateral mastectomies, prophlactic on the left. If you do choose mastectomy and you plan on having either immediate reconstruction or delayed reconstruction, you may want to look into having the skin-sparing mastectomy, as it will leave your breast skin and allow for a better reconstruction. Learn all that you can learn and do lots of research so that you are well informed. It will do much to help in your decision making. I wish you the best.

Posted 3/7/2005 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is tammy this is all new to me.I am having left breast removed tuesday 3-8-05 does anyone have any advise..Thank you...Tammy
Posted 3/7/2005 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tammy, My name is Nancy and I can't give you any advise since I just found out a week ago, and mine is also in my left breast. I can give you support and prayers. I have my surgery on the 10th one week after you. Are you having a lumpectomy or mastectomy? I still haven't made up my mind, but let me tell you it has been the best thing that has happened to me when I found this site. The ladies on here are wonderful. My husband can't get over how many messages I received the first day, sure did make my day. So Tammy you now have lots of new friends that really support you. You well be in my prayers and good luck tomorrow....Hugs Nancyjo
Posted 3/7/2005 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
What do the post icons stand for? I notice I only have a pencil and x and the others have hand etc. I know this probably isn't important but just wanted to know.

I go for my MRI tomorrow evening, things seem to be rolling along. Thanks for all of your support... Hugs Nancyjo
Posted 3/7/2005 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
The pencil is to edit your post. Click on it and you will get a form to add to or subject from. You can also delete your post with the X. These may be the only symbols on your posts, but other persons posts may have the hand which when you click on it tells the software you do not want to see this person's posts again. The other two symbols are to alert admin that the post needs to be checked. Believe it or not we get some rather nasty people who come and post just to cause trouble. Then we also get people wanting to sell snake oil. These are contrary to the rules or terms of service which you agree to when you sign on. I think that should answer your questions? Hugs MK
Posted 3/7/2005 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
If you start a message or hit the reply (not quick reply) you get a choice of some icons or emoticons to give extra emphasis to what you are feeling.

Lori
Posted 3/7/2005 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
thanks ladies, just wondering...

When you have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery do they do it all at once, same day etc. ? Still trying to make up my mind on mas or lumpectomy. Guess we need to see what shows up on the Pet Scan on Thursday. Do many ladies have problems with the radiation treatment? Yesterday someone told me that there sister had radiation and it damaged her lung, and she wish she would have had the mastectomy. So here I am and my dear reliable site and asking my new friends.... Thanks again to all of you for your wonderful support, I can't tell you have glad I am that I found you. Hugs Nancyjo
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