Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (Breast Cancer). It was just in the ducts, not a tumor–a stage zero cancer, so they removed my right breast and it was over.
A month or so ago–I don’t remember, I had noticed a rash all over the right side of my chest. Very welty…the skin on the right side of my neck is now so tough, it’s hard to turm my head. I thought it was a rash.
My left arm began swelling and, as it turns out, so is my left breast–the one left intact.
I went to the E.R. at the insistance of my co workers. So, the E.R. doctors and my GP doctor all said that my left breast needed to be biopsied.
They were sure that it was cancer and they also thought I could just make an appointment at the surgeons and get in for a biopsy the next week. Wrong. I had to first get a diagnostic mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.
So, that further delayed everything. Finally I got the mammo. and the ultrasound. The radiologist said he didn’t see any cancer in the breast…it was just swollen with fluid from lymph node blockage.
I then had a biopsy appointment, but it was just supposed to be a consultation with. So this doctor was finally concerned about the rash—she biopsied (although she didn’t have to) one of the hardened areas under the red streaks–lymph node or nodule.
Then she sent me for a CAT scan.
I got a call from her today. She said they found cancer cells. She said there are some issues in my pelvis–lymph nodes and maybe in my liver. She made me an appointment to see an oncologist tomorrow and I still have an appointment with her Thursday. I’m looking at chemo and possible radiation.
I missed a few years of mammograms, I admit. But they never would check the removed breast area, anyway.
Surprisingly enough, I would say I feel healthy. I go to Bikram Yoga five days a week and usually have a pretty strong class. If I get stressed out at night and don’t get enough sleep that’s when I’m feeling awful the next day. The negative thoughts seem to come at night when I can’t control them.
So, think good thoughts for me.
You’ve got it, honey. Hang in there. Remember that you are the same woman you were last week.
I’m so sorry. I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you, too.
I’m sorry, Gail. I’m sending good thoughts straight to you.
I’m sorry to hear this, and hold best wishes for you. Please let us know how it goes.
I am sorry to hear your news. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Take care of yourself !
::sending strengthening, healing vibes::
{{{Gail}}}
Gail, in 1998 I was informed that I had cervical cancer as a result of having been infected w/hpv. I was devastated. I’d never “slept around” – I could count on one hand the number of sexual partners I’d had (including two husbands). What really got me, though, was that (1) my new husband (I’d remarried the year before) was infected, and (2) suddenly my life was put on hold while I fought this nonsense. (Yeah, Gail, I know the big CA isn’t nonsense, but I was angry.) I took the surgical cure, then went through radiation therapy (I tell people that the worst thing about radiation therapy is that I went through it during tomato season. You can’t eat fresh food, & home-grown tomatoes only last so long.)
Anyway, Gail, you’ve got strengths…if you don’t know about them now, you’ll discover them as you go through therapy. Also, if you’re a believer, as the Bible says, “Pray without ceasing.” The resulting peace you feel can get you through.
My experience is this: concentrate on the good stuff, and on what you can control. God’s got everything else.
You’re in my prayers.
Love, Phil
You’re in my thoughts, Gail. I hope everything turns out okay for you.
Well, hell. Be strong.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you, Gail.
If you can be a Bikram champion, you can beat this!
Gail-
I’m new here-just started posting today. Even so, I still wanted to say I’m sending along positive thoughts for successful treatment and hoping all goes well for you.
I’m very sorry to hear this, Gail. You’ll be in my prayers.
You’re in my prayers, Gail. Hang in there and fight hard. People need you.
I’m sending healing thoughts your way Gail
I’ve had many many tests. a CAT scan, a PET scan, blood tests, an MRI. After the CAT scan, my oncologist told me he thougth there might be too kinds of cancer going on in my body. He thought their ovarian and uterine cancer along with the breast cancer. But, an ultrasound revealed that my ovaries looked normal and now they think it’s a fibroid tumor on my uterus.
Then, the doctor says there is a lot of bone involvement, X-rays and the MRI (an MRI is a horrible experience and I was in there for 2 1/2 hours.) revealed there is no bone damage, but he is really concerned about my neck. I was directed not to do yoga until the Doctor can see if my neck can be stabilized. (surgery) My Dr. told me he would get me back to yoga as soon as possible. Because he wants me to do what I love.
I had my first chemo today and it wasn’t horrible. They gave me a bunch of antinausea drugs and benedryl to stave off an allergic reaction. I was able to snooze a little. And since I haven’t been able to sleep well at night the doctor gave me some drugs to help me…I’m like Dr. House–I have Vicodin. (Dr. R. told me, “And Dr. House is still able to function.”)
Because of the bone involvement, I will probably have to have radiation. BUT it could be a lot worse. I don’t have cancer in my brain or lungs or any other soft tissue. Dr. R. feels like we can get this under control.
And, I will probably lose my hair…that’s the side effect of taxol. But it’s just hair and I will grow back.
People at my job are amazing. One of my friends is going with me to my chemo appointments, another one has taken all my recess duty. Everybody wants to help. My yoga friends whom I have told are great, too.
Anyway, there is hope. 
Nice typo. You will grow back.