Newly diagnosed and learning
I've read through some posts and realise I have lots of gaps of knowledge about what I have. I know I have breast cancer, it's about 8cm, I know its spread to my armpit lymphs and now the nodes near ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Lillian67, like everyone here I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am relatively new to the group also and have found this site and the ladies on it a great source of information and comfort. I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 BC that has spread to 1 lymph node just prior to Christmas. I started 12 weeks of AC Chemo ( 3 weekly ) on the 5th Jan. My tumour was 5cm and was also hard and sore, after the 1st round of treatment my breast softened and the soreness has gone completely, making my oncologist very happy and me of course. I have had a port inserted and it is a lot easier having treatment with it although there is initially a bit of minor discomfort, bruising etc but it only lasts a little while. My chemo treatment will run over 6 months AC first for 12 weeks ( halfway through already ) then 12 weeks ( weekly ) of Taxol and Herceptin which will go for 12 months. Surgery in whatever form will be in there somewhere and then radiation. I try to just focus on one treatment at a time and not get too overwhelmed by the whole process as it is overwhelming and scary. all treatments vary depending on many factors so I have tried not to get too bogged down with ' Dr Google ' ( best advice my specialist gave me ) . I tried cold caps initially to maybe save my hair, they didn't really work for me so on Australia Day my husband shaved my head. I had a cry when my hair started to thin as I was hopeful that I may save it, but at the end of the day it wasn't worth the extra stress. I have a couple of great hats, a wig and some rouched bamboo caps, I figure winter is also coming so there'll be some really nice winter hats and beanies around.
I really trust in the treatment that I am receiving and the Drs that I have taking care of me and although this is a really crap thing to have to go through I know that I'll get through, just 15 months of a 'different normal '. Getting to a place of accepting the 'different normal' has taken a few tears, some anger and a lot of understanding and support from my husband, family and all those that care.
know that we are all here and as Melclarity said when I first joined we all ' get it ' whatever it is your feeling or facing.
Kat x