kbailey

I was diagnosed the end of March w/ invasive lobular carcinoma in the left breast. I had blood test, chest xray, MRI. The 1st oncology surgeon was all in favor of doing a double mastectomy even though the right breast was cancer free. Lobular cancer has a SLIGHTLY increased chance of showing up in the other breast, but it is minimal. He wanted me to not read up on my situation and just follow his recommendations. That doesn't sit well with me. I want to know as much as I can and then make an informed decision. I went to Stanford's Women's Cancer Center and got a 2nd opinion.

That surgical oncologist had a very different approach to treatment and to my involvement in the decisions. Stanford seems to be much more up to date on all the studies and trials. I had another MRI through their research lab that strongly suggested that my cancer is 7 CM across. So the lumpectomy we though might be possible went out the window and I had a mastectomy last Monday. I find out the biopsy report this Thursday.

I would strongly urge you to get as much information and get a 2nd or 3rd opinion before you make any decisions. Dealing with the emotions at first is harder than following the treatment plan -- at least so far. I'm admittedly at the beginning of this experience, but I hope the rest goes as well as the 1st stage.

Let me know what is happening to you.

Hello, I have just finished radio after chemo and here I am on a pill for the next 5 years. The most disappointing about it all is by far the unavoidable hair loss, but in a couple of weeks I hope I will remove my wig for a Charlize Theron's look. You have to trust your doctor and nurse above all and be very selective with the persons whom you talk to about your "year off". Get dressed as though George Clooney would ring your bell for some sugar in a few minutes and treat yourself to good old habits that you had quit. Best regards from Barcelona, Spain, Europe. Marisol

Hi, kbailey. I see you're new to this web site. You have found a great resource here. There are a lot of really wonderful people on this web site - very kind, helpful, and supportive. BTW, I lived in Mountain View for a while. Now I'm up the road a bit in Dixon. Take care.

Hi, kbailey. I see you're new to this web site. You have found a great resource here. There are a lot of really wonderful people on this web site - very kind, helpful, and supportive. Take care.

Hi, i'm new to this site but i like to encourage u 2 figbt with everything u have because that's what it will take. stay prayed up and know faith makes anything possible i did not say easy. god is stronger than any cancer and when he is for u nothing can b against u. no weapons.

Hi kbailey - Welcome to this site, glad you're here (but not the reason why). We do our best to inspire, to help you through this, to let you know YOU CAN BEAT THIS THING. I was about your age when I was diagnosed, and that was 9 years ago. I'm still kicking and considered cancer free, so I know you can do it too. Let us know how we can help you through this. Hugs from Denver.

Hi - your cancer seems identical to mine. I was diagnosed back in February and it seems that being a cancer patient has taken over my life. This site is terrific - if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I've had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders, and am about to undergo my 3rd Adriamycin/Cytoxan cycle later this week. I am part of a clinical trial and glad that I may be able to help someone down the road just by letting them follow me. Good luck to you!

Hi, there! I wanted to connect with you, as I am on a similar path, although I'm a bit further along...I had Stage 3c ILC in my left breast, had a bilateral mastectomy on April 22nd, and I'm just about to have my 2nd chemo treatment. We're pretty close in age, too...I'm 54. If there's anything I can do to ease your journey, please let me know.

You will be in my prayers-
Best, Christine

Welcome to the site. I think that you will find this a friendly place to come when you are in need of company. Just to sound off or vent we are here to listen and help if we can. No question is silly or dumb because we have all been there done that at some point and time in our lives. So take advantage and talk and you wouldn't believe the posts you get in response to your question or just plain talking. The one thing I don't understand is why they have waited so long to start your treatment when you were diagnosed 3 months ago. I would be looking for another doctor and getting a second opinion. That is just too long to wait in my books. Especially since the cancer is invasive. Get a second opinion and I will keep you in my thoughts and hope to hear from you soon on the board as to what is going to happen. We are here to support you so don't be afraid to speak.

Hello and welcome, we are glad you found 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 on 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.

You may also find our "Beginner's Guide To Cancer" page helpful Click Here for that=> http://bit.ly/10BQKCi

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 data base 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
Team WhatNext Community Mgr.

Hello...you will find this a great place full of great folks...feel free to ask questions, express concerns, vent when needed...remember to add your voice to ours when another member needs encouragement and support...let us know how we can help...good luck and God bless!

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