How fatal is this ?

jessica

10/13/07 5:24pm

i found that i got bc on last thursday, i got my lumpectomy ansentinel lumph node biopsy done on tuesday. The resut came out that they areall negative that i don't need surgery but nedd chemo and radiation and hormone theraphy. I ma 33 years old, very active, and health junkie, and i wma wonderng why this is happening to me.I have issues over my hairs and i have been crying over it.as long as you found it early stage, you will be fine. i will be fine casue it is early stage.we have to be very strong.

we will be more beatuiful in and outafter this is over.

Maria Gifford, Editor

10/13/07 5:40pm

Hello, Melissa. Welcome to our community.

Your questions and fear about your recent diagnosis are common and understandable.

Please see the article below by our Expert Patient PJ Hamel, a true breast cancer veteran, who takes you through IDC, from what it is to what treatment to expect:

Invasive/Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/types-36003-5.html

Also see:

Just Diagnosed?

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/just-diagnosed.html

And:

Young Women and Breast Cancer

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/5124/7008/young-women/

Let me know if I can help you find more specific information. I'd be glad to.

Hang in there and be sure to write again soon. Keep us posted on your progress. We're here for you.

Best,

Maria

christine

10/14/07 3:31pm

I just happened to see your post..I don't usually go on sites like this. I just wanted to let you know that I am now 44 and was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma with 17out of 23 lymph nodes back then(at 28). I had no husband,children (I knew that would happen) and was horrified by the thought of losing my breast and hair. Those were my better points! I know that fear but you have to be strong. Mind over matter and take control of your health decisions

Jeannette Vagnozzi, Health Guide

10/15/07 2:40pm

Hi Melissa,

I am so sorry you had to seek out this information, but I am glad you are here. I understand the emotions you must be facing. Many of us immediately jump to certain conclusions about breast cancer treatment (like hair loss, nausea, and others), but just remember that treatment is fleeting. You will have to rearrange your life for awhile, but you will emerge from this and truly discover that you are stronger than you ever imagined.

In order to understand survival rates, you have to know the details of your pathology. I am sure your oncologist will go over that with you, but make a list of questions as they come to you so you can get all your questions answered when you see him/her. The good news is that if caught early, breast cancer is very very treatable. Just take each step of treatment one at a time and tell yourself that you can do this.

Also, I notice you are from Ontario, Canada. In just a couple of weeks there will be a conference for young women with breast cancer (the first in Canada). I know some of the women working on it and it sounds like it will be great. They may provide scholarships if finances are a concern. Here is a link:

http://www.cbcn.ca/en/?page=9159§ion=5&category=562

Be strong and know that you have a community of support here. Keep in touch with us and let us know how youa re doing.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

10/15/07 9:30pm

Hi Melissa: So many of us hear the word cancer and think, "I'm going to die." Treatment has come SO far, SO fast, that cancer simply isn't the death sentence it used to be. Now, especially caught early, it's very treatable. The great majority of women get through treatment and go on with their lives. Remember: cancer is a rock in the path. Step over it; the path will still be there. And the women and men in this community will be with you, as often as you choose to reach out. - Best of luck - PJH

koponen

10/16/07 9:55pm

Hi Melissa,

I am trying to reply to as many of the "Just Diagnosed" as I can....I remember how it was for me at the beginning.

You are in the hardest part right now!! I was just diagnosed a few months ago...had a mastectomy and have had two rounds of chemo...The hardest for me was actually the beginning...the not knowing...this website is the one that helped me the most. I actually started talking to other women that were going through this, too. And the experts on this site can give you a lot of solid information. That helped me a lot.

Do your research on this site...too many of the other websites are way too scary and don't give clear enough information.

Read the "just diagnosed" sections. They will explain a lot. Read through all the "living with it" shareposts. Find a couple of women whose stories you connect with and make contact with them. Everyone on this site is here to help. Many of us are going through it, too.

I have also found that making my own "Cancer Book" where I keep all of my records has helped me feel a bit in control. I found the beginnings of the record book on the website http://www.chemotherapy.com/organizing_info/tools.jsp

Then I decorated it with all the different cards that I got. All of my doctors love it...I write out the questions that I have, keep copies of lab reports, etc. It is great to have.

The hair loss is a major thing....I shaved mine off a couple of weeks ago...I have 4 wigs right now...including a pink one! I figure that I might as well have some fun while I go through all this!!

As far as the "fatal" thing...I know that medical science has come a very long way and that more and more women are surviving...I am also a firm believer in the power of the mind and having faith in a higher power...

It is so very scary at the beginning...this sounds funny but it truly does get easier.

You hang in there!

Koponen

amna mumtaz

1/10/09 12:40pm

I felt compelled to tell you that i was 27 years old when i was diagnosed with exactly what you have been diagonosed with. The amazing news is that i just turned 38 a few days ago by the grace of almighty god. My entire treatment took place in NY at NY Hospital and Sloan Kettring. In a nutshell the doctors were heartless and cruel, playing God when they are less human than humble folk like you and me. I was told two years max, that i shouldnt go back home(Pakistan) or else i would be returning back to them...in a coffin. BULLSHIT. THe nursing care at NY Hospital was shameful. Take my advice, dont even think about NY for treatment. Secondly dont pay too much attention to prognosis. Have your treatment with open mind and heart. Prayer and meditation truely helped me because not only did i have breast cancer at that age i had an awful husband too boot! And 11 years later i have a new husband two beautiful children and am looking damn good for all that i have been through!! MASHALLAH (which means by gods grace)!! I shall be praying for you. YOU WILL SURVIVE. There is nothing like faith and power of the mind to tackle this devestation in your life. Much much luck and love, my sister in pain.

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