Just diagnosed with breast cancer

Testa Rosa, RN · Jan 14, 2008

Daytonite:

My Aunt just went though a bout of colorectal cancer discovered after a routine colonoscopy at 50 (not by scope as it wasn't in the field, but the Dr. found it by palpatating her to relieve air pressure). She too did the F***-U** stuff. I finally get via your post why she called it this--LOL--I just thought she had a nasty name for it cuz chemo sucks.

She just finished up and had real bad nausea and mouth sores (so do your Biotene and mouth care), and is now having severe problems with her lower regions due to the radiation. Sounds like it was a tough course of therapy and my heart goes out to you, sister girl. What a collection we have here--either we are pains in the chest or we're pains in the ass!

Even though I'm too young for a routine colonoscopy, my insurance will cover mine due to being a breast cancer survivor and due to my aunt and mom having colon cancer. Acutally, not sure what got mom as it was too advanced, but it was a pelvic cancer of some sort. So I will get my chance to be a pain in the ass this Friday. Not looking forward to it. But this is a war now that we have had our bodies make cancer cells--and we will need to spend the rest of our lives being proactive and vigilant.

Sending my two chemo girls--RN2Bin TN and Daytonite--positive vibes via Bob Marley's song...."every thing.....gonna be alright."

Tanti Brachi Caldi (Many warm hugs in Italian....which makes them somehow warmer..)

Bertolozzi

Testa Rosa, RN · Jan 14, 2008

Forgot to mention my Aunt who went through the same treatment as Daytonite was given a 6 month leave of absence for her colon cancer therapy by her Kaiser Oncologist. She's in the middle of radiation now and the oncologist does not expect to see her till March to possibly check her back into work by April.

While undergoing breast cancer, I was a mom of three and full time student getting my nursing pre-reqs, so there was no reason to be given a leave of absence. The mistake we made was not getting one for my husband.

If it weren't for being a student, there would have been no coverage for my toddler. There were several days where I slept in my van in front of the community college day care. Parents weren't supposed to leave campus or even be in our cars, but the director took sympathy on me.

Hopefully RN2B in TN has some understanding teachers and helpful cohorts who can take notes for her when she just needs to lay her head on her desk. I know I still get tired now (sorta like post traumatic stress but can only describe it as a post chemo wave of a sick/tired feeling that comes for a couple hours but passes quickly...and is getting farther and fewer between as the time passes).

Looking back now it's amazing what I did with chemo on board.... and what RN2B in TN and Daytonite are doing now. LOL, at the time I was so upset that I only made a B in OChem. See, what a bunch of tough chicas we are!

Sometimes going through the worst life has to offer brings out the best in us.

AtomicWoman · Jan 14, 2008

Hi
First, let me say that you are amazing and an inspiration! I was wondering if I could ask you (or anyone else) what your process was to being diagnosed (diagnostic procedures)? You said that you had a mammogram after finding your lump and it didn't show up as anything suspicious. I felt a lump in my left breast about 4 weeks ago and had an ultrasound yesterday on it and the radiologist said that it was nothing to be worried about, just normal breast tissue. How can that be? I understand that it isn't a cyst, but how can my primary MD, the ultrasound tech and myself feel a lump that is so obviously a lump and it be normal breast tissue? I weaned my daughter 10 weeks ago and I know that it is not a clogged duct (she is not my first). It doesn't move and it has not gone away. I guess what I'm asking is should I just leave the results as that or should I press for more diagnostic procedures (baseline mammogram) to be done to put me more at ease? I'm not asking for medical advise, but I am asking for an opinion on this issue because I am somewhat confused as to how I should proceed from here.

Ness, I am a veteran of numerous lumps and biopsies, none of them cancerous, as it has turned out (but there is breast cancer history in my family). If I were in your situation *and* if my "gut feeling" about the lump was making me really stressed, I *would* ask for a mammogram and then if the radiologist said it were OK, I would try to put it out of my mind. However, I would (a) check the lump once a month to see if it got any bigger, and (b) insist to my doctor that we do a 6-month follow up of US/Mammo/combo, whichever made the most sense. If nothing has changed in 6 months and/or if the lump has gone away or shrunk, you can feel a bit more relaxed. :) BTW, I go to a radiology center that does nothing but mammos, breast US and breast MRIs. I like going there instead of a general radiology center, because all the radiologists are focused on one thing, and are very experienced at picking up even small abnormalities. I sometimes wonder if they get bored looking at breasts all day! :devil:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2008

Bertolozzi. . .has your aunt told you that the doctor advised her to tell her relatives that colon cancer tends to run in families? My sister was with me when the gastroenterologist did my colonoscopy and found the initial cancerous lesion. He came out and made a point of telling my sister that she needed to start having regular screening for colon cancer herself since this finding was found in me. All my brothers were also told about this. Only my older brother has had two previous colonoscopies already (found polyps and they were removed both times). One of my brothers continues to take the attitude that what ever happens happens--he's such a jerk. He also won't stop smoking.

survivor08 · Jan 16, 2008

Forgot to mention my Aunt who went through the same treatment as Daytonite was given a 6 month leave of absence for her colon cancer therapy by her Kaiser Oncologist. She's in the middle of radiation now and the oncologist does not expect to see her till March to possibly check her back into work by April.
While undergoing breast cancer, I was a mom of three and full time student getting my nursing pre-reqs, so there was no reason to be given a leave of absence. The mistake we made was not getting one for my husband.
If it weren't for being a student, there would have been no coverage for my toddler. There were several days where I slept in my van in front of the community college day care. Parents weren't supposed to leave campus or even be in our cars, but the director took sympathy on me.
Hopefully RN2B in TN has some understanding teachers and helpful cohorts who can take notes for her when she just needs to lay her head on her desk. I know I still get tired now (sorta like post traumatic stress but can only describe it as a post chemo wave of a sick/tired feeling that comes for a couple hours but passes quickly...and is getting farther and fewer between as the time passes).
Looking back now it's amazing what I did with chemo on board.... and what RN2B in TN and Daytonite are doing now. LOL, at the time I was so upset that I only made a B in OChem. See, what a bunch of tough chicas we are!
Sometimes going through the worst life has to offer brings out the best in us.

Berto,

I am very fortunate to have wonderful instructors and "cohorts"..If it had not been for my class mates my 3 kids would not have had a christmas this year from me and if it were not for my co-workers I would not have had gas for my car or groceries over the holidays as I have no income since I can not work right now. Fortunately I can now access some of my savings that have been tied up becuse of my divorce. He was able to wipe out 2/3rds of it but I had to beg to touch the last little bit. (sorry no whining) My instructors are RN's first and keep reminding me that I have recently had surgery, that I am immunosuppressed, that I am not Wonder Woman (should have had those insicions made into "W's") they chase me around with hand sanitizer...My BFF's from school go to Dr's visits with me, my first chemo, I have spent the night at a classmates home to get away from my toxic soon to be ex. :devil: ..(his venom is worse than any chemo drug..trust me on that I could write a book on the things he has done to me since I have been diagnosed. I have to believe in the immortal words of the late, great, John Lennon, "Instant Karma's Gonna Getcha". ) My cancer has made me stronger and honestly a much calmer person, although I am sure my type A tendencies are not gone for good, I will never sweat the REAL small stuff anymore.

BTW...Passed my skills check this am...got suctioning, my least favorite task (fortunately got my favorite instructor so I was not as nervous) and made 50/50 also aced my med calc test 20/20..WOO HOO...The Chemo Kid is on a roll!!!!

Peace

Testa Rosa, RN · Feb 17, 2008

Just checking back in on RN2B in TN. I don't keep up with the Posts unless it's before a mid-term....OH, then suddenly, I am all over it like a bee to honey. The house just got cleaned too...I am fighting a flu and used all my energy to clean house. I open my pharm book and I take a nap. It's actually a good book too. Am having a rough quarter and can't get motivated.

So sorry to hear about the toxic ex--I have a toxic brother who is living rent free in my parents house long after they have both died all while I am dealing with the financial repurcussions of my breast cancer and my husbands ****-poor 80/20 health coverage.

And my brother goes around telling everyone how much I'm screwing him over. He lacks any perception of reality and has anger issues. There is no rational discussion with him and he is verbally abusive. I can feel my cancer cells multiplying and my immune cells dying everytime I have to deal with him. And this is just a brother I can, for the most part avoid. I can't imagine having that sort of person be an ex I would have to share co-parenting duties with--heart goes out to you sister girl. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Daytonight was right on with in advice. They found cancer in my colon--a hyperplastic serrated adenoma. The good thing is they caught it early so they cut it all out. But it got me scared. For the past couple weeks I've been on edge thinking I would have to go thru chemo and radiation again. But my oncologist finally called me this Saturday (these Drs. taking their sweet time just pisses me off). Said not to worry. It was just on the verge of turning into cancer and they would just check me again in a year. Whew.

So word to the wise --get all your parts checked out and don't wait (2 years as of the valentines) as long as I did to do your follow up work.

Bertolozzi (who can still claim 2 years cancer free!)

survivor08 · Feb 17, 2008

Hi Berto,

I am getting ready for round 3 on Thursday..only one more to go after that. The nausea, fatigue and chemo brain gets increasingly worse after each one but I am still hanging in there. I failed my first exam of the semester and even failed my second math quiz. I have got to figure out how to focus. I study my butt off, rewrite my notes, listen to lectures and on and on but am just not getting it anymore. I have another exam tomorrow which I feel good about now, we'll see tomorrow if it all sticks. The soon to be ex is still driving the stake thru my heart, he still disavows all knowledge that I have cancer and is now rubbing salt in my open, oozing wounds that he has fallen in love with someone else...to the extent that he left out her Valentines day card for me to see, evidence that he took her away for a romantic weekend a few weeks ago ( chemo weekend of course), he even started moving out some of his clothes on V Day to her home, (hooray, I wish he would never come back here) which is the day that he moved his clothes into my home 18 years ago. She will figure out someday that he has an MO, is an alcoholic, that he cheated on his first wife, second wife and will eventually cheat on her. She will also find out that he had numerous indescretions while married to me, as many people are now more than willing to tell me about. I am trying to heal from this heartache as well as the BC but sometimes it's hard. When I get chemo I hope that it kills the cells in my heart he left behind. I am so happy to hear that your news was good. We will never be completely free of this will we? Sorry for being so negative, I think my hormones are going nuts as well and the steroids do not help emotions. Thanks for checking in...Tomorrow will be a good day!

LaceyRN · Feb 17, 2008

Hi Berto,
I am getting ready for round 3 on Thursday..only one more to go after that. The nausea, fatigue and chemo brain gets increasingly worse after each one but I am still hanging in there. I failed my first exam of the semester and even failed my second math quiz. I have got to figure out how to focus. I study my butt off, rewrite my notes, listen to lectures and on and on but am just not getting it anymore. I have another exam tomorrow which I feel good about now, we'll see tomorrow if it all sticks. The soon to be ex is still driving the stake thru my heart, he still disavows all knowledge that I have cancer and is now rubbing salt in my open, oozing wounds that he has fallen in love with someone else...to the extent that he left out her Valentines day card for me to see, evidence that he took her away for a romantic weekend a few weeks ago ( chemo weekend of course), he even started moving out some of his clothes on V Day to her home, (hooray, I wish he would never come back here) which is the day that he moved his clothes into my home 18 years ago. She will figure out someday that he has an MO, is an alcoholic, that he cheated on his first wife, second wife and will eventually cheat on her. She will also find out that he had numerous indescretions while married to me, as many people are now more than willing to tell me about. I am trying to heal from this heartache as well as the BC but sometimes it's hard. When I get chemo I hope that it kills the cells in my heart he left behind. I am so happy to hear that your news was good. We will never be completely free of this will we? Sorry for being so negative, I think my hormones are going nuts as well and the steroids do not help emotions. Thanks for checking in...Tomorrow will be a good day!

I have not read through all the postings but I must say that the Lord must know you to be a very STRONG, COURAGEOUS and CAPABLE woman... you are going through so much in your life right now and you will rise above it to overcome and grow STRONGER everyday! I admire your perseverance and determination... God Bless You

Testa Rosa, RN · Feb 17, 2008

Leave him to Karma--you focus on you. What a self-absorbed smuck. I sounds like what he's doing is very purposeful and hurtful, so avoid him as he will suck the life out of you. Time will heal your heart.

Heartache serves a purpose--the dark valleys of our lives serve to highlight the peaks.

I know you can't see it now, but you will rise from the ashes of this to be stronger, braver and better..... and more alive and more loved and capable of loving than you ever could imagine. Sounds all Hallmarky, but trust me it is true.

Hate to tell you that chemo does make the brain all fuzzy--and in all honesty I've had a harder time since. It's gotten better. 2 years running since my last dose and with a full head of curly hair, but still have a hard time focusing. Am supposed to be finishing up a prep sheet and styuding for pharm right now but I just can't stick to it for more than 20 min at a time.

I am glad to hear you have a circle of support and that you are letting them help you. I never felt like I had close friends, but it took the humbling experience of cancer to let my guard down to realize that I could have that. It was hard at first having people cook for me and care for my kids and clean my messy house. But I had never felt so loved as when I was so sick. I'm sure you will agree that this can go far towards helping you heal.

We will be awesome nurses you and I; we have definitely proven how tough we are. Am sending you a hug and some positive vibes. Hope you can see it in the early signs of a TN Spring.

Ciao,

Berto

Batman24 · Feb 18, 2008

God bless all of you fighing dreaded disease. And to those of you helping classmates get through it cheers to you. I'm almost crying after reading this thread not so much because of the horrible cancer but the outpouring of love associated with it.

Daytonite-You rock!! I would probably drop dead of fear on my first diagnosis, but not you. Several bouts and not only do you fight on, but you share your wealth of knowledge and help those also fighting thefight. You must be an incredible nurse. I already know you are an incredible woman.

RN2BNTN-Your courage is amazing. I'm so happy to read that you are blessed with a fantastic support system. I have a hunch you would be first in line to help others and its come back to you tenfold right now. You are too good for your despicable ex and I think you know it. Let him play his games...you have cancer to beat, children to raise, and a diploma to get!! You will do great things in life. This cancer is just a bleak spot in a world of rainbows to follow. Easter is coming and if you need a hand with Easter baskets I will send you a check. I mean that. If you need me to shop for you I will ship it. I can afford to spare some bucks so its really no prob. Send me a PM. :)

Thedreamer · Feb 18, 2008

My heart goes out to you. my family has had to battle this too. God bless and stay strong.

celclt · Feb 18, 2008

big hugs! you can do this!:icon_hug: