SCARED AND WORRIED

By Anna Sanchez Friday, June 11, 2010

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I am 26 yrs old and on April 13, 2010 was told that I had breast cancer and a month later was told that it had spead to my spine ( T10) so now it moves me up to stage IV.I just finished my second session of chemo and dont feel as bad as the first one but now all my hair has almost fallen off and it now seems more real. My husband and I have been married for 6yrs and have 3 beautiful children a 6(boy),4(boy), and finally my beautiful little girl that God has blessed me with she is 8 months. I am getting to the point that am scared of not being there for my family. Feeling at little hopeless at times. I know that each morning I look at my childrens smiles and that is the one thing that touches me to the bottom of my heart.

Comments (13) | Add comment

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

6/11/10 8:10pm

Dear Anna, I understand why you are so scared. Every mother fears not being around to see her children grow up. Breast cancer is a serious disease, but with today's treatments, people are living a long time. I have friends who were diagnosed at Stage IV with metastasis to their bones ten and more years ago whose cancer is currently in remission. This article about a long-term survivor can give you hope that you can be in that group. The chemo and follow-up treatments for your bones will be difficult, but you can do this. Be sure to let other people help you get through this.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

6/11/10 8:10pm

Anna, hold onto this thought: Many women with stage 4 breast cancer, with metastasis to the bones, live for many years, with treatment. Treatment is SO much better than it used to be... There's no doubt you have a tough journey ahead of you. And I hope you're being treated at the very best cancer hospital you can get to - check out this list of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which are government-designated as the best, and giving the best results, especially for women with serious cancer, such as you have.

It's hard, but try to stay positive; hold onto your hope. Keep focused on your family - especially those three children, and their beautiful smiles. They'll give you the strength to continue wihen times are tough. And if you have faith in God hold onto that, too. God holds you in the palm of His hand - always remember that. And please stay in touch here, if you like - this is a very supportive community of women. Imagine all of us holding out our hands to you, helping you over the gouh spots, OK. You are NOT alone. Peace - PJH

bluseygirl

6/13/10 12:53am

Hi Anna,

I do pray for you and your family, and know that you are not alone. Breast cancer treatment is better now than ever. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 at the age of 31, and have just found a new lump, (not in the breast as I had a mastectomy), but higher up the chest wall a few days ago, and will be sceduled to have a CT scan soon. There are alot more treatments now than when I was diagnosed in 1993, so keep your head up and don't loose hope! not ever! Know you are not alone and that there are others going through some of the same as you, and you are in our hearts and prayers too.

Anna Sanchez

6/17/10 11:48am

Thank you it is wonderful to know that there so many people that care. I am praying for you on this new finding but know that leaving it in God's hands is the best meds that anyone could have. Remember He will give us strength to continue and endure all.

Blessings,

Anna

Lona

6/13/10 11:56am

Hi Anna,

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of this year. My oncologist started me on chemo. I will have lumpectomy afterwards, then radiation. I just had my third dose of Abraxane. The breast cancer has shrunk from 2.5 cm to 1.5 cm. in my breast. Abraxane is mainly a metastatic chemotherapy. I have chemo every week. Are you on Abraxane? If not, ask your doctor about Abraxane. It is made from South Pacific Yew tree. It is a nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel. Hang in there, you are not alone.

Anna Sanchez

6/15/10 11:57am

Hi Lona,

I am not taking Abraxane. Oh boy do I wish that the tumor would shrink. My tumor was estimated at 6 cm X 3 cm, so the doctor suggested Taxotere, carboplactin ( I believe) and Herceptin. That is wonderful that it would shrinked at a fast rate. Quick question when did they check on the tumor to see if it has shrunken. I am ready to know.

Lona

6/17/10 1:01am

Hi Anna,

Every week, they check the size of the tumor. I try to image my tumor getting smaller and smaller with each chemo. I am having my fourth chemo tomorrow. Please think positive and take some time to focus on healing your body. Mine, body and spirit, all need to stay well. Take care, Lona

Anna Sanchez

6/17/10 11:34am

Lona,

Well I spoke to my ocologist and he said in July we will check the tumor. So that's good to know. Thank you for you words and advice they sure do help.

RC in VA

7/ 7/10 9:24pm

Hi Anna,

I had/have breast cancer, diagnosed last July. I was 31 at the time. I've got a little girl, age 3. I've been through double mastectomies and 6 chemos. My meds were carboplatin, taxotere, and herceptin. I did not feel that bad. My biggest complaints were constipation! I was given Zofran right before each chemo infusion, to prevent nasea, and constipation made me feel so bad! Drink tons of fluid and eat prunes in a mug of water zapped in a microwave for 1 minute. It will help rehydrate you and keep you flowing down there.

I was able to sail through chemo becuase I continued to work at the Elementary School, keep up with my 3 year old, and simply "smile and wave" when well wishers tried to approach me.

Good luck keeping your family life and dreams in focus. That will help you so much! I'll be thinking about you!

RC in VA

Anna Sanchez

7/12/10 10:39am

RC in VA,

Thank you for you comments, yes know it actually hasn't been to bad. Next week I am do for my 4th session of chemo and I'll two more to go yeah!!! Your are so right I am way to busy with work and the kiddos and family that who has much time to worry about this cancer : ) I have kept pretty busy so the worrieness and tears dont catch up to me. I have tried so hard for this not to bring me down and it seems to be working so far. Oh and about constipation that is so true. So thanks for the advice.

miriam

6/30/10 11:51am

Dear Anna:

I've been through with it for 1 yr and 7 mos. now. I understand your feeling cause most women with cancer have that feeling. but i know you can make it. Just be brave to face it, strictly follow the advice of your onco amd have an open line communication with her. Cheers, God loves you.

Miriam

Anna Sanchez

7/12/10 10:59am

Thank you and I have learned a lot about this cancer and about myself. I have my family, friends and so may more suppoting me and getting me through all of this and it is working because I feel great

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

7/12/10 12:16pm

Oh, Anna, so good to hear you're feeling better. Thanks for checking in here - PJH

SCARED AND WORRIED

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