Update,the news isn't good!!

15 years ago

A few weeks ago i posted that i had to go for an ultra sound after having my mammo.The U.S showed a 2cm lump.Had the biopsy,and it came back positive for breast cancer.To say i am devastated would be an understatement!!

Saw the surgeon on monday,and he went over everything with us,DH,DS,and DIL went with me,plus i recorded the whole session,with the Dr's permission.

These next weeks are filled with appointments for this ,that and the other.Just hope i can keep it all together.

On the 20th they will biopsy the sentinal(sp) nodes,and on the 21st i will undergo a Bilateral Mastectomy,my choice.

I don't plan at this point to have any reconstruction surgery,at 70 yrs old i don't feel there is a need for it.

the" Girls" have served their purpose and done the job they were meant to do.I don't plan on having any more kids or dancing topless!!!! LOL,LOL,So i see no need for them.

Dh is fine with my decision,as are the rest of my family,not that if they weren't it would matter any.After all it's my body,and i make the decisions concerning it.

Just thought i'd bring you all up to date,with as much as i know now.Please add me to your prayer and good thoughts list.

Thanks

kathi

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Comments (86)

clubm
15 years ago
Sending you healing thoughts and prayers.
country_bumpkin_al
15 years ago
My thoughts & Prayers are with you and your Family! I think it just BITES that you (or anyone) has to deal with this!! One thing I do know is..you CAN survive it! My neighbor behind me had a breast removed about 25+ years ago. She's almost 90yrs. old now. My neighbor across the street is a 8yr. survivor!!

My Prayer is you'll make a complete recovery!*S*
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ronf_gw
15 years ago
Hugs to you, kathi.
You and your family are in my prayers.

Ron
cheryl_down_under
15 years ago
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathi - I am so sorry that this has happened to you.
patches_02
15 years ago
Thoughts and prayers are with you, keep up the great attitude. Good friend just got the call her doctor wants
to talk to her about her mammo she had last week. My moms best friend had the surgery five years ago and my stepdad wrote a poem about her TWINS it was really cute and kept up her spirit.
maryanntx
15 years ago
What? No topless dancing??? LOL Keep your good humor and positive attitude and you will get through this just fine. It sounds like you've made a good decision for the mastectomy and you have family standing with you. I know you will be fine. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
imabest
15 years ago
Sending prayers and good thoughts for you Kathi and a big HUG Love imabest
des_arc_ya_ya
15 years ago
I understand the fear. (When my friend, Angie, said she heard the words "breast cancer" she said everything the dr. said just went out the window. She was there by herself. Said she walked outside toward the car, stopped, sat down on the curb and just BAWLED!) She, also, opted for bilateral, after she twisted the dr.'s arm.

That being said, you did the smart thing, taking other ears to help you along in this.

You know you've got the good, healing thoughts going out to you. ((Kathi))
hounds_x_two
15 years ago
So sorry about your very scary time. I will keep you in my thougths and prayers.
vicki_lv_nv
15 years ago
I am sorry that you have to endure this. I know you are scared, but keep a positive attitude, along with your sense of humor and you will get thru it just fine. Attitude is everything...you can beat it, don't let it beat you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be a survivor! I am sure of that!

(((Kathi)))
FlamingO in AR
15 years ago
Good thoughts headed your way from me, too, Kathi. Like MaryAnn said, keep your sense of humor and think positively, it will really help.

(((((Kathi)))))
wanda_va
15 years ago
I'm sorry, Kathi, and hope you will keep the faith. We are here for you as you go into battle, and there will be a lot of prayers for your complete and speedy recovery. Hugs!
wildchild
15 years ago
Sad news but so glad they caught it. Lots of healing thoughts being sent your way.
luckygardnr
15 years ago
Hugs Kathi! Your attitude about this whole thing is wonderful. I know you are going to come through this with flying colors.
suebdoo
15 years ago
Kathi,
So very sorry to hear your news.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
scottymam
15 years ago
Kathi,

Hugs to you, will send out positive thoughts, all the energy I can spare, and a prayer as well.

A friend of a friend had flowers tattooed along her scar after surgery.

Ellie
jannie
15 years ago
Oh, I'm so sorry you have to go thru this. I've thought about it, if I ever get breast cancer, I'd opt for double surgery. At least I'd stay in balance that way . And I wouldn't bother with reconstruction.The less surgery the better. There are great prosthesic bras available, you can still look good to the outside world. Again, accept my prayers and sympathy. Heve a quick recovery! I love you and I am praying for you, Kathi! Love, Janice (Jannie)
Kathsgrdn
15 years ago
((((Kathi))))
ruthieg__tx
15 years ago
Kathi I am sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery..So many of us have walked this road before you and I do know that you are nervous and worried but try to take it just one step at a time....
kathi_mdgd
Original Author
15 years ago
OMG,you folks know how to lift someones spirits.Makes me even more glad i joined this forum,several years ago.

I know i made the right decision for me,and i also know i'll get thru this.I come from a long line of breast cancer survivors,3 sisters,a grandmother,couple of aunts,cousins.My gramma had a bilateral in 1924 followed by radiation .I didn't even know they knew about BC back then.

I just recently learned this about my gramma.I always thought all those years that she was just small breasted,and i always wondered where we got the biggies from.My gramma lived another 43 years after her surgery.My cousin still has the bill for grammas treatments from Paterson,general hospital in N.J.The only one in the family i know of that dies of BC was my cousin.My 2 sisters are still very much with us and are 11 and 12 year survivors.One is now 82,the other 77.

All of my siblings and most of my relatives are back east,just my kids,DH,a couple nieces and nephews are out here in Calif.

I always have said when things come up,that "This too shall pass".So today i sat out on my patio and cross stitched that,well almost.I still have to stitch the last 2 "S"'s in pass,then frame it or make it into a cube.

Thanks again folks,you're the best.
Kathi
kayjones
15 years ago
Kathi, you have the right spirit to be a survivor, and please know that I will be sending healing thoughts your way!
acey
15 years ago
Is Paterson anywhere near Mont Claire Hospital?
kathy_
15 years ago
Hugs and prayers. Mom has had 2 separate breast cancers and rectal cancer and she is still kicking. She will be 76 this month. Kathy
kathi_mdgd
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes,montclaire isn't very far from Paterson.I used to have relatives there years ago.
Kathi
wendylynders
15 years ago
Oh I am so sorry. Keep a good outlook, it will help you more than you will ever know. I am soooo sorry. Just know how far they have come with medicine. You are going to get through this with flying colors!
grittymitts
15 years ago
Kathy, the fact that you worked on cross stitch this afternoon pretty well says you're not real worried about this battle; already made up your mind to WIN, haven't you!

Everyone here will be rooting for you & remember, "A burden shared is a burden lightened."

My prayers for you began the moment I read your message.
Suzi
petaloid
15 years ago
Sounds like they caught it early. I just know you will be okay.

I know so many long-term breast cancer survivors, including one who was older than you when she had the surgery, 7 or 8 years ago.

She didn't want reconstruction at first. Changed her mind a couple of years later and had it -- I hope you'll keep your options open for that.
jenuwin
15 years ago
Sending thoughts for you to beat this.
donna_oh
15 years ago
Kathi---keeping you in my prayers!

Donna (^_^)
bunny_lover
15 years ago
I will be praying for you too!

What an amazing story about your grandmother.
pfllh
15 years ago
Kathi, my mother was 77 when she got her results, the day of my dad's funeral. In Nebraska and had a blizzard that day also.
My mother handled it better than me. The doctor explained to her that being that age it was less likely to come back. She had no reconstructive surgery. She said she didn't need it, besides if someone was that hard up to look, then let them look! She had no treatments.
Momma had all kind of stories to tell about her "special" bra. Momma told me she was out in her garden and enjoying the flowers when she saw a weed. She bent over to pull the weed and she said, "my fake booby fell out onto the ground. I looked real quick to make sure nobody saw and shoved that thing back in, crooked too".
We laughed so hard we almost wet our pants. Momma never wore it again.
That positive attitude you have will see you through. When too much, just reach out and get strength from the hand that takes yours. If not enough, just close your eyes and God will put his arms around you just for the asking.
Through this, I wish you an angel on your shoulder, rainbows in the morning, and laughter to warm your heart.
Lynn
IndianaKat
15 years ago
Always sad news to hear Kathi....but, my dear, sweet SIL licked this breast cancer thing nearly 30 years ago and is still feeling great... and you will too. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.....stay tough!!!!!

~Kathy~
donna37
15 years ago
(((Kathi)))
katclaws_mo
15 years ago
My dear Aunt was dx'd a year ago in July, she was given an oral chemo drug to shrink her tumor & then had her masectomy in November. She finished her rounds of radiation last April. She is 81 and I saw her a couple weeks ago. She looks & feels wonderful! (I think she looks better than I do at 54...lol)
I am so sorry this has happened to you, but I can just feel your fighting spirit in your post. And laughter & a sense of humor always help too. I will be keeping you in Healing Thoughts & Prayers as well.
Blessings, katclaws
ont_gal
15 years ago
Your attitude is amazing,and its this attitude that will pull you thru!
Hugs and special thoughts to you for the future.
Pieonear
15 years ago
Thinking good thoughts for you Kathi.

Mammie
rosemaryt
15 years ago
Kathi, I love what Vannie said (above), that this will (in retrospect) be just a "bump in the road" of your long, long life. After all, 70 is the new 50!!! :) You've many good years ahead of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rose
taigen_gw
15 years ago
Many prayers and good thoughts are going your way
Taigen
wantoretire_did
15 years ago
Kathi - Sending positive vibes your way. Keep up the great spirit.

Carol (formerly from O'side)
trinitytx
15 years ago
I love reading your posts, your spirit and humor is amazing. No doubt, you will do whatever you want to, including kicking this cancer in the butt.

Keep us posted!

Trin
glenda36
15 years ago
Hi Kathi.Surprise!!! Yes it is me your sister that talks to you on the phone often.You know I support you in your coming surgery and am praying for you.I forgot to tell you that now you will be able to say that you weigh less than me.(LOL):.( With all the support on the Garden web and prayers you will be all right.Can't wait for it to be behind you.
Love you much and God loves you too.Keep the faith
Glen
barb_from_pa
15 years ago
A six year survivor here! The worst thing is waiting to get it taken care of. I pray for a speedy recovery after your surgery. Hang in there!
intherain
15 years ago
My MIL was diagnosed with BC last year, stage 4. It didn't look good. However, a year later, she is completely cancer free! She is your age and chose not to have reconstructive surgery, either.

Healing thoughts and prayers for you!

Sheryl
lynne_melb
15 years ago
Kathy, I'm sorry to hear this. Keeping you in our prayers.
I'm a 7 year BC survivor. I'm sending good karma your way. I second the advice to join a support group. Take care.
Lynne
sandra_maine
15 years ago
Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
learningtopaint
15 years ago
Many happy thoughts for you and your family.
anjabee
15 years ago
Hi Kathi....It's Anj from over at the painting forum. Just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear your news and give you my best wishes. My favorite aunt just went thru this so I know it will be tough, but you can be tough too. Attitude is everything as well as a good support group and looks like you've got a lot of good support here for you! My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~Anj
bettyd_z7_va
15 years ago
Kathi,
Luvs from the Holiday Forum posted a link to here so we could read your post and pray for you.
They all there have prayed for me and my husband continually since June 4th when he was gravely injured in an accident at work. Their prayers meant so much to us and helped him get well.
Rest assured my husband and I will lift you up in prayer.
May God bless you greatly and carry you through this.
Betty
Nita__AZ
15 years ago
Kathy, I am sorry you have to go through this but with your attitude I know you will get through it just fine. As they say it is just another bump in the road of life. Keep smiling and be happy.

Good luck to you and remember we are always here for you if you want to talk or need a shoulder to cry on. We will give you a hug, cheer you up and get you going again.
sjerin
15 years ago
There's not much I can add, except to say that I will pray for you too. When I had my biopsies I was scared out of my mind but by the third one learned to ask myself, what's the worst case scenario and how likely is that? Not very. I reminded myself that there's treatment, and that most cases turn out well in time. Prayer is good, and was so necessary at that time to keep me calm. I was lucky, but I'm always a little worried when I go for my yearly and mamo. I think the senseless fear and "what if's" is the almost the worst. Also, you have your age on your side. I believe that cancers in younger people can be more aggressive and in older people, (not that I'm calling you old!) are slower. That's gotta be a good thing. The treatments work so well these days. Hang in there and know lots and lots of people are thinking of you and praying for you!

Update,the news isn't good!!

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