Sparkplug

Sparkplug (love the name). First of all I am so sorry that you are going through this and having your world turned upside down. I thought your question was interesting. I was diagnosed with breast cancer Jan. 2016. I had a Lumpectomy with Chemo and Radiation. I didn't find or was told a lot about radiation. I remember walking down the long hall with caution and do not enter signs all around me. The biggest part of how radiation affected me was being so tired. It literally drained me. As far as your heart. I went into congestive heart failure July 3, 2017. It was then I found out that only half my heart worked, it was because of chemo not radiation.

I didn't bounce back after chemo and radiation. I had to stop chemo early because of the side effects it was causing. There was quite a few.

I now have a heart Dr. and am on 22 different medications as of today. The medications at the beginning did not work the way the Dr.'s were hoping so on Nov. 7, 2018 I had a difibrillator put in. I also have a heart monitor by my bed. If I travel I take it with me.

I am not going to lie....when I found out about my heart I was devastated. It really did something to my mindset. Were talking about your heart.....if it goes your dead. It took me a long time to come to terms with my heart condition, but here it is Feb. 19, 2019 and I am starting to get my life back. I have more energy, I'm not as tired and I find I want to make goals again or do things I love to do, like sewing and decorating my house.

When you asked if anyone has not had radiation because it can cause heart problems. It really isn't going to matter what someone tells you, because it is a personal decision. It is your life.

Just going through what we are going through is scary enough. I will never be the same person again. I found it was like facing death everyday. It change every aspect of my life.

When you talk about the choices that are put in front of you....either way there could be health problems. If you do not do radiation will you beat yourself up if cancer comes back. If you do radiation will you beat yourself up because you got heart damage.

Either way it's about saving your life. There are things they can do for your heart. There are things they can do for your cancer. There is no guarantee.

I am so sorry the anguish you are feeling and have to make decisions that you never thought you would have to do. Bottom line it doesn't matter what anyone says....it's your decision and you have to live with your choices.

I have a bad heart and other complications because of cancer treatment. I know if I get cancer again I won't be able to have chemo so it will be a death sentence for me. But if I didn't have the treatments it could have been a death sentence.

When I hear that someone has been diagnosed with cancer I tell them to kick, scream, cry, yell do what you have to do to deal with it but always pick yourself up and face it again. Life is not over.

I love you and your strong spirit. Live each day as if it is brand new, and be thankful for the medical technology we have today, it is not a perfect science but better than it was 5 years ago.

Prayers are with you ..... Carebear

Thanks for the follow. Please let me know if I can be of assistance, but it looks like you are doing an amazing job as a source of support. One warning, as you've probably seen... I'm a sarcastic little so-and-so. But nothing is meant as malicious and most is directed at me. Glad you are finding connections here.

I see you are following my story. I am on here to support cancer patients as I was supported 10 years ago when I was first diagnosed - when everything felt raw, complicated, and chaotic. Let me know how I can help. That is why I am here.

Also, thanks for welcoming others and diving into the conversations! People like you and me with experiences can help those who are just starting down their own path. We appreciate your support of others!

Hello and welcome, we are happy to have you with us. Please feel free to join in the conversations. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, I encourage you to go to the questions page now by clicking on the questions tab at the top of the page and post what is the most pressing issue you have right now. This will introduce you to the community and get you started with the help you need right now.

https://www.whatnext.com/conditions/cancer/breast-cancer

There are also subtypes listed on this page to narrow down the type of cancer to match your dx. Also, if you can take a few minutes and fill in some details of your journey so far, it will help others as they try to answer questions for you, it also helps others as they search through the database to find someone like themselves. Confirming your email will allow you to receive updates and notices from the site when someone answers your questions or writes on your wall. Thanks for being with us and let me know if I can help you find any information on the site. After you have an opportunity to look the site over and see what great things there are here, we encourage you to invite your friends, family or anyone you know that may be helped by the connections on WhatNext to join the site also.

Just click this link to invite them to join. http://www.whatnext.com/recruit-a-friend

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GregP 3X Survivor
WhatNext Community Mgr

Hi Sparkplug...love the name...you will find wonderful people, information and support here. Please let us know if we can help in any way...be sure to ask questions and join in any discussions that interest or pertain to you. We all have much to share with and learn from one another...sending along best wishes and a sincere welcome.

Me too, what a name! We look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome, Sparkplug. Please post any questions, concerns, you gave. Everyone is so helpful and supportive! Wishing you the best.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter