Scared, Scared, Scared!!!

[Nicole]

Hi guys- i have been looking at this website for information and support since i was diagnosed 31/12/10 but this is the first time i have posted. I am 34 /old mother of 2- my daughter just turned 8 and my son is 11 weeks old today. Diagnosed with IBC 1 day after had my son and had surgery few weeks after that. Results were 45mm IBC, Er-, PR- and Her2+, Grade 3 with 1 lymp node. Had full axil clearance and lumpectomy and have since had clear MRI, Bone and CT
scans. Just had port inserted and ECO tests for my heart this week and am waiting to start chemo (TCH) is bout 2 weeks time. Then its 7 weeks of radiation and then the rest of the year taking hercepton. Am very worried about what future will bring and the chance of reoccurence as well. Find this site very reasssuing that this can be beaten.

[Jackie07]

Hi Nicole,

I think there are 3, 4 ladies from Australia that are members of this Board. Dianedack, Kiwigirl (New Zealand), and Trish. I don't know if any of them is near Queensland.

You probably have already read the postings on the IBC Board down below. Herceptin has been proven effectvie in treating Her2 positive breast cancer. Be sure to exercise regularly and stay active as the treatments could do damage to the heart. I have a congenital defect of the heart valve and only did 4 extra weekly Herceptin after 18 weeks of TCH for my recurrence in 2007.

Take care (and take a deep breath whenever you feel the anxiety) and keep us posted of your treatment. I'm sending you good vibes.

[BonnieR]

OF course you are scared, X3! We all were. It is such a life changing thing to happen. And at the same time as having the baby. It must seem overwhelming. One suggestion: when people ask if they can help you, have a list of things they can do....baby sit, make food, drive you, whatever you need. People like to be helpful and you can use it about now! Try to conserve your strength. You have alot on your platel Just do what's important. When you think of questions for your doc, write them down and have someone with you to hear the answers. And ask us anything you want.
Having cancer makes us feel very vulnerable and powerless about the future, but really, no one knows what their future holds. We are just made more aware of how fragile and special life is. Try taking deep breaths, stay in TODAY, do things a step and a time....we will help you get through it. Keep the faith.

[Trish]

Hello Nicole
What a difficult time you have had! I certainly hope you and your family weren't also affected by the floods and cyclone. I am delighted to hear your scans were clear. I am very hopeful that the treatment will be effective and that one day cancer will become a bad memory for you. The next few months will be pretty rough unfortunately but it is doable and you've obviously coped well up to date. Best wishes to you and your family and I look forward to hearing how you are getting along.
Trish from Melbourne

[Mary L]

Hi Nicole, I was diag. with IBC stage IIIB Her2+++in 2003. I had 9 months of chemo, mastectomy---3 out of 7 nodes positve and then 35 radiation treatments. I had a recurrence and was started on Herceptin. I stayed on Herceptin for over 4 years. Herceptin saved my life and many, many more. Best wishes, you will do well. Mary L

[NanaJoni]

Nicole - of course you are scared. I had very much the same diagnosis and treatment plan as you. And while I'm much older than you the fear knows no age. I went through all this last year and can say I never would have thought I'd ever feel good again. But I only have 4 Herceptin treatments left and find my physical, emotional and spiritual health is much better at this one year point than the same time in 2010. I do still have times of great fear of a recurrence but I've worked with a wonderful counselor/psychologist to help with that. It's very tough as you go through the treatments and I hope you have someone you can rely on for physical and emotional support. For me, it seemed the more I exposed the fear to the light of day (talking, crying, praying or whatever it takes), the less the fear can take over. Come to this place when you need support and these ladies will help you. Chemo is hard, radiation is easire in comparison and Herceptin is a breeze. When I was given my path report last year in March, the dr. said "you have a very difficult year ahead of you but at the end, you will be okay" - and he was right. We don't know what lies ahead but I've decided that's a good thing. Keep us posted on your progress and take care of yourself.

[Nicole]

Thanks guys- i feel much better knowing that there is so much support out there. I have a great network of friends and family around me but when they themselves are not going thru it , it can be hard to relate. I find myself sometimes very angry and do the whole "why me" thing as well. I am positive about my future and am hoping that one day i can look back the way you ladies are and support those facing this disease. Thanks again- ur support is invaluable.

[roslyn]

Hi the nicole
We are in the same boat treatment wise I think .im starting the chemor and herceptin and some needles in my belly in 2 weeks
We will need to be strong and hopefully we will become oldtimers 2 lol

My thought are with you Roslyn

[JennyB]

Hi Nicole,

Sorry to meet you here, but you are not alone!

I live in Townsville and was diagnosed with BC in late November last year when I was 31 weeks pregnant with my second child Eddie, he was induced 2/1/11 at 5 weeks early so I could start chemo.

The whole thing is hard and overwhelming especially when such young children are involved but you just breathe, cry when necessary and keep putting one foot forward.

If you would like my number to chat please mail me and I would love to talk - it helps to talk with someone doing the same sh*t you are I find!! (sorry about the language).

I just had my last chemo yesterday and am starting radio in 4 weeks so it is all new to me too.

I love reading this site and seeing the years that women were diagnosed with and are still fighting on. Lets hope herceptin works for us so we can join the old timers too!!

Chin up

Jenny

[ElaineM]

Welcome.
I am glad to meet you, but I am sorry it is because you are a breast cancer patient.
That said it is normal to be scared, worried etc. A cancer diagnosis hits a person between the eyes.
However, you did come to a good place, because everyone here understands your situation.
Chemo has a bad rap, but most people do not experience every side effect. Some people have more problems than others. Some people get through it quite easily. Some people can even work during chemo.
Most people have many good days as well as a few days when they don't feel at their best.
Come and be with us as often as you wish. Here are a few other helpful sites.
http://www.ibcresearch.org/
http://www.ibcsupport.org/
The main thing is to eat healthy food and think positive as much as possible. All the best to you.