Hello from a newbie

[Jean]

Dear Kevin,

I am so sorry that Sue has been dx with bc, but you have found a great
site for up to date information from a wonderful group who are birght
strong and most important KIND and SUPPORTIVE.

We can all relate to your fear and sadness - but believe me it does get
better. It is a difficult and often you will feel like you are on a emotional
roller coaster, but you will find the inner strength to fight back and beat
this dreadful disease. In the beginning I was so frightened but that fear
made me serch and search again and again. Never give up seeking additional
information - this action saved me. You have found many friends here
who will always help.

Best wishes on the 5th and please let us know how Sue is.

Jean

[Bev]

Hi Kevin.

Welcome. You're doing the right thing. It takes a long time to absorb all this knowledge. If you randomly look at the internet, you see scary things that may not apply. Pre-surgery was the worst for me, thinking I was doomed. It gets better.

I had my own surgery delay. I was in the hospital, prepped and ready to go and they realized they didn't have the nuclear medicine to do the sentinel node biopsy. Changed hospitals after that.

Will you be doing sentinel node? Not to scare you, but the tumor size can be different from what the docs expect.

Best of luck. It's a tough road, but you will do it. No reason to think you'll not live happily ever after at this point. BB

[Heart Sutra]

Thank you all for the welcome and your compassion.

Yes, sentinel node biopsy is also part of the plan, that is the news we await.

I'm glad Sue doesn't spend too much time on the internet looking this up, because she doesn't have the time to sift through all the garbage, the doom and gloom, and the ultra-negative that so readily presents itself. The realism takes longer to find for some reason. I find it for her.
Some of you on this site have pointed out the more realistic path, and I am especially grateful to you. Your words are so valuable.

It was our great fortune to have found you in the midst.

If any of you think of something that escaped the first moment, or that you'd like to add, please do... it is of such great service.
Thank you. You make it easier.

---Kevin and Sue---

[lindyjo]

Kevin & Sue,

I am fairly new to this website, but have found it to be a great support system. I was diagnosed in March with Stage IIIb Her-2 + cancer with 7 of 13 positive nodes, and was scared to death by alot of the information I read. You just have to sift through it and use reliable sources for information. Ask alot of questions of your medical team and take it day by day. There will be some tough days, but together you can get through it. I have met some wonderful people going through all this. It's not the way I would choose to make new friends, but you have to find the good in each day and move forward. So many strangers from my church and through my work and just from things like going to the store have opened their arms to me. It's a scary time, but have faith and you will get through it. We're all here for you. Keep us posted on how things are going.
Lindyjo

[Sheila]

Kevin and Sue
You have come to the right place in this board...we are a team, and care about each member, new and old...., we are rewriting the gloom and doom of bc survivors ...things change daily...there is a cure in our life, I just know it! Always think positive...and if that doesn't work, eat chocolate...seems to help me. Never be afraid to ask any question, there are many here with th answer you are looking for...never be afraid to get a second opinion...if something doesn't seem right...see another Dr for a different point of view....some are not specialists in breast cancer oncology, and may need to be tuned up...I am always bringing in articles to my oncologist, or asking about a new drug....if they get offended, find another Dr. Knowledge is power in this disease, learn all you can....dont believe all the horror stories...there are many of us on this board who are rewriting history in the breast cancer statistics....Sue will be one too!
Good luck on the 5th....I will keep you both in my prayers.