I have just been diagnosed with IBC. It still does not seem real. I have a large mass in my breast and and cancer in my lymph nodes under one arm. I have my first oncolgist visit coming up in 10 days and then I guess the chemo will begin shortly after. Looking forward to talking to you all. Lorraine

Hello Lorraine, It is nice to meet another Lorraine with the same cancer I have. I was diagnosed about 27/9/14. I have had 2 chemo treatments and the professor I am seeing is very pleased with how my treatment is going so far. I have had no problems from the chemo so far, good luck when you start. Your cancer seems exactly the same as mine with a large mass and cancer under my arm. I have it in my left breast. would dearly love to keep in touch with you as we go through this battle together. I live in NSW, are you in australia? Regards Lorraine Steele

Hello Lorraine It seems like just yesterday that I was feeling the same way as you and I am now approaching six years since being given a rather bleak diagnosis with IBC. I've had chemo, mastectomy, radium, herceptin and a trial drug. Decided not to have reconstruction but have just had my 'real' breast uplifted and reduced so I can get a smaller prosthesis. (didn't look this good when I was 16!! lol) I never thought there would be life after 'cancer' as it certainly shook up my life in many ways (and not all bad ). Take time for yourself, do not even try to remember everything that everyone says to you, have faith in your doctors, count on your friends and family, don't be afraid to say you need help, take plenty of time for yourself, have all of your questions answered but, most of all, enjoy the company of all of the wonderful people that you will meet who may have never come into your life. I do not know where you live, I am in Brisbane and always happy to meet/chat with anyone that wants an 'ear' or a friendly word. All my thoughts are with you at this time. Never hesitate to write on this forum - it is a bunch of friendly people who will provide you with support where they can. Luv Corinne

Thank you all for your welcome. I am from Victoria, about an hour SE of Melbourne. I have been told i will need chemo, surgery, radiation and then more drugs. I am feeling very anxious about the wait to start chem. i have my first appointment if the oncologist on the 1st December, it seems such a long wait.

Hi Lorraine, I have had 2 chemo treatments so far, and 2 more of this before christmas, so far not a problem for me. I did have 4 nights in hospital this week, but it was a Urinary Tract infection, nothing to do with the chemo. I see a Professor, I am so lucky as my youngest daughter is a senior Dermatologist at RPA a big sydney hospital, and she found my breast cancer, and because she contacted this Professor even though he had closed his books, he agreed to see me. He is very pleased with my progress after only 2 treatments. I have months of chemo ahead of me plus surgery, radiation, I am willing to do anything to stay alive. I lost my husband 21 months ago with cancer, so it is very hard for me, but I do have 3 daughters in sydney. Just try to stay as positive as you can, I realise it is very hard for you, I was devastated when I saw the look on my daughter's face when she checked my left breast, I knew straight away she found something. I am trying to as active as I can, even though I am 73 I still want to have some more years. How old are you? if that is too personal I understand. I see so many young women with Breast cancer it upsets me so much. Are you positive to any of the hormone things, I am HER2 positive which means I can have the herceptin drug, which my daughter tells me will be a big help. Our cancer is an agressive one unfortunately, but if we stay strong and positive we will get through the next few years. I believe in prayer even though I don't go to church. It helps me to pray. I hope we can help each other through this long battle ahead of us. Love Lorraine S

Just diagnosed | BCNA Online Network

16 Replies

ReenieBabe
Member
11 years ago
Hi Nicola You are so correct - cancer is a game changer. In three weeks time today I will have reached six years since my diagnosis. So much has happened, so many changes, friends lost along the way, new friends made. Makes me wonder what I might have missed if IBC had never knocked on my door. Not all is doom and gloom - in many ways cancer helped me make changes that I needed to make. Take care everyone. Reeniebabe Xox
ReenieBabe
Member
11 years ago
Glad you are not having too many side effects Lorraine. I actually found the mastectomy the easiest part - would you believe mine was on my wedding anniversary which is also April fool's day!! Lol! I am also diabetic - make sure you speak to a doctor who knows about this (I saw an endocrinologist before the surgery to have a good management plan in place. Long anaesthetics (which often a mastectomy is) can play havoc with your blood sugars. High blood sugars create a lovely environment for nasty bugs. Better to make sure you and your doctors have a plan. I know it may be crazy but I did not even remember the drugs I was on at the time. Kept a list in my handbag. It becomes a little easier as time goes on. Do look after yourself. Reenie

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