My breast cancer diagnosis

I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
areas
I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
but the injustice really hurts.
I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
miss that little pill.
The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
Les

sage hen wrote:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les
>

Oh, Les, I am so sorry to hear this! There aren't words.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Les}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} }}}}}}}}}}}}}}

FurPaw


--
The plural of anecdote is not proof.

To reply, unleash the dogs

x-no-archive: yes

sage hen wrote:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les
>
>
>
>

Les, I'm so sorry.

Susan

On May 7, 10:26 am, sage hen <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les

((((((((((((les))))))))))))),
i am so very sorry. i can't imagine how difficult this is, yet i
don't find the rage weird at all. you said it well - how you have
already battled cancer, done everything possible to live a healthy
life, taken all the preventive steps & then to be confronted with
this.

the biopsy sounded awful. & i am sorry as well that you are enduring
the hell of coming off the estradiol in the midst of this.

i wish i could provide something more than cyber-hugs. i have been
thinking about you alot & was so hoping for a different scenario.
you will continue to be in my thoughts. & as always, my best wishes
are with you.

love,
ellen

sage hen wrote:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
>

Lesley - you must have gotten the random gene for it that your sister
missed, so all that healthy eating and exercise might mean you saved
yourself from getting the cancer earlier and more often.

Good luck with everything. I know you'll be joining us next May for
the Toast to Life.


--
Jette Goldie
jette@blueyonder.co.uk
http://www.jette.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
http://wolfette.livejournal.com/
("reply to" is spamblocked - use the email addy in sig)

On May 7, 7:26�am, sage hen <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
> It's only the beginning, I know. �Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. �I'll keep you posted.
> Les

You will be in my rosary intentions.

sage hen wrote the following on 5/7/2008 10:26 AM:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas

{{{{{{{{{{{{Les}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry. Here's hoping for the best outcome.

--
Karen R.

On Wed, 7 May 2008 07:26:30 -0700 (PDT), sage hen
<desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote:

>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
>ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
>areas
>I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
>health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
>police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
>radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
>find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
>gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
>both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
>now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
>Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
>but the injustice really hurts.
>I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
>system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
>miss that little pill.
>The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
>my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
>lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
>many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worke
>over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
>It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
>Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
>Les
>

((les))

Injustice sucks, let alone a horrible biopsy. I'd be punching holes
in the wall about now.

A cyberhug just doesn't seem like enough.

Kay

sage hen wrote:
> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les
>
>

Others have said it but i'll say it too -
rage is not weird AT ALL!! Highly appropriate.
Totally logical!

More cyberhugs, {{{{{Les}}}} for whatever they're worth,
and hope you're getting the goddam thing OUT of there
very soon!


--
pax,
ruth


Save trees AND money! Buy used books!
http://stores.ebay.com/Noir-and-More-Books-and-Trains

Les...FWIW, I believe I know how you feel. I had a clean mammogram in July
2003 and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer on June 30, 2004. I found
the lump in early April but didn't go to the doctor because I feared being
laughed at. When the lump got to the point where it could be seen through
my shirt, though.....

First, I want you to repost what you just wrote to
alt.support.cancer.breast. It's a low-traffic newsgroup, but people come
out of the woodwork to help and advise anyone who needs support.

Second, I want to recommend a website that was quite helpful to me --
breastcancer.org. It is a *goldmine* of information, and very well
organized.

Third, don't let anybody hand you a bunch of bullshit about positive
thinking. Contrary to what many people believe, there is *no* proof that
thinking sunshiny thoughts will increase your chances of survival. Think
whatever you want to think! Feel whatever you really feel. I thought I was
going to die for sure, I was terrified and sometimes I still am, but I'm
still here and still my pessimistic New York self.

I too was pissed off that God had broken what I thought was our "deal"--that
I was going to live a long and healthy life because I'd given up drugs,
cigarettes, and unsafe-sex-with-multiple-partners and started forcing myself
to eat vegetables. I became an atheist overnight.

BTW, you never get used to pain. You just keep putting one foot in front of
the other till you get back to something approximating your life. I thank
God for every day now. Oh wait, I'm an atheist. I'll shut up now!

If you want to e-mail me feel free to do so, just remove the "no" and "no"
from my address.

{{{{{Les}}}}}

Eva

"sage hen" <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote in message
news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les
>
>
>
>
SO sorry to hear Les. Good thoughts and prayers going your way
Jacquie

On Wed, 7 May 2008 07:26:30 -0700 (PDT), sage hen
<desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote:

>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
>ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
>areas


I am sad to hear this as well. I hope the best for you.

I went through this with my mother, so I know.


Dana©

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.

"sage hen" <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote in message
news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les

Here's to good medicine & good luck.

And as some others said, I don't think it's weird for you to be mad as hell.

Cathy

"sage hen" <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote in message
news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les

Oh Les (sigh) {{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry. Life just isn't fair.

Roseanne

On May 7, 9:06*pm, "foggydoggy" <foggydo...@cogeco.ca> wrote:
> "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > areas
> > I am so bitter and disillusioned. *This is happening to the most
> > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > police, a faithful exerciser. *I got all those mammograms, all that
> > radiation for nothing. *Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > find the cancer myself. *My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. *We're
> > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. *Twice
> > now! *I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? *I'm also scared,
> > but the injustice really hurts.
> > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. *Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > system needs it most. *I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. *How I
> > miss that little pill.
> > The biopsy was horrible too. *The doctor slipped and injected one of
> > my specimens into her finger. *We both had to get blood tests at a
> > lab. *My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> > many times, to get the needles through. *I feel like I've been worked
> > over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> > It's only the beginning, I know. *Got to get used to pain!
> > Wish me luck, gals. *I'll keep you posted.
> > Les
>
> Oh Les (sigh) *{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
>
> I'm so sorry. Life just isn't fair.
>
> Roseanne- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude reading all your well wishes. Tears
are leaking out of my eyes as I type. I feel like I'm pregnant or
something, everyone's being so nice to me.

I got my pathology report yesterday. Though both cancers are
invasive, they're fairly small and close together. Some details were
hopeful; i.e. a lack of vascular or lymphatic involvement. The one I
felt seems large because my body's set up a big reaction area around
it. It looks like my immune system's on the job. Today I'll find out
if they're hormone-receptive tumors, and whether I have the Her-2
gene. 30 percent of women with breast cancer have that. Other gene
tests cost thousands of dollars, so won't be happening.

One very worrisome aspect of this has been my lack of health
insurance. I was looking into medical tourism, but that's not very
practical with cancer. Then the clinic called and said they've moved
me from the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program to the Breast Cancer
Treatment Program! So I can get bare-bones treatment. If I want a
second opinion, that will be my dime. And if I need reconstruction, a
trip to India will still be in order. I have fairly large boobs and
it would throw me off badly to lose one, as I've already learned from
my hillbilly neighbor.

This neighbor's also active and clean-living, plus had 3 babies by age
20, only to end up with a mastectomy. None of her more unhealthy
sisters got cancer. But she was drenched by a crop-dusting plane
while picking cotton in Arizona. 20 years later, cancer.

That was very interesting, Jette, about having a bad gene that my
sister escaped. It is hard to imagine what I did to deserve this,
besides not having children and drinking that glass of wine every
day. Susan Love's book says if one takes plenty of folic acid, the
risk of alcohol is eliminated. Hope that isn't too good to be true!
Probably those 814 Nevada nuclear tests and two oil refineries I grew
up by are bigger suspects.

I'll do as you suggested, Eva, and check out those places. I too am
an atheist, so it's whimsical to hear everyone say they'll pray for
me. Yes, life isn't fair and has some nasty surprises, but I'm
finding there are lots of sweet people to help us through its
hardships.

Bear hugs,

Les



I'll check

sage hen wrote:

> That was very interesting, Jette, about having a bad gene that my
> sister escaped. It is hard to imagine what I did to deserve this,
> besides not having children and drinking that glass of wine every
> day. Susan Love's book says if one takes plenty of folic acid, the
> risk of alcohol is eliminated. Hope that isn't too good to be true!
> Probably those 814 Nevada nuclear tests and two oil refineries I grew
> up by are bigger suspects.


My 'little brother' (he's 40 now <g>) has a PhD in biochemistry and
microbiology. When he was doing his post-doc he worked with a cancer
research team. He says it's not common knowledge, and "they" don't
really want to publicise it too much, but it seems there might be a
genetic link to nearly all cancers. You have the gene, your risk is
higher. And we're not just talking about the Her-2 gene for breast
cancer, though that is one they've identified, but a more general risk
for all cancers.


--
Jette Goldie
jette@blueyonder.co.uk
http://www.jette.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
http://wolfette.livejournal.com/
("reply to" is spamblocked - use the email addy in sig)

Jette wrote:
> sage hen wrote:
>
>> That was very interesting, Jette, about having a bad gene that my
>> sister escaped. It is hard to imagine what I did to deserve this,
>> besides not having children and drinking that glass of wine every
>> day. Susan Love's book says if one takes plenty of folic acid, the
>> risk of alcohol is eliminated. Hope that isn't too good to be true!
>> Probably those 814 Nevada nuclear tests and two oil refineries I grew
>> up by are bigger suspects.
>
>
> My 'little brother' (he's 40 now <g>) has a PhD in biochemistry and
> microbiology. When he was doing his post-doc he worked with a cancer
> research team. He says it's not common knowledge, and "they" don't
> really want to publicise it too much, but it seems there might be a
> genetic link to nearly all cancers. You have the gene, your risk is
> higher. And we're not just talking about the Her-2 gene for breast
> cancer, though that is one they've identified, but a more general risk
> for all cancers.

I think it's getting to be common knowledge. Check out this
article that just appeared in the New York Times. There's a move
afoot to reclassify diseases not by their symptoms or even their
physiological effects, but by the genes that are implicated in
their development. Pretty interesting!

Redefining Disease, Genes and All
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/he...ch/06dise.html

And on this gene/disease map (needs latest version of Flash to
view), in particular, look at the number of genes implicated for
cancers.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...6_DISEASE.html

FurPaw

--
The plural of anecdote is not proof.

To reply, unleash the dogs

In article
<88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com>,
sage hen <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote:

> I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les

Wishing you luck plus whatever's better than luck!

Priscilla

Jette <bosslady@scotlandmail.com> wrote:

> sage hen wrote:
> > I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > areas
> > I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> > radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> > now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> > but the injustice really hurts.
> >
>
> Lesley - you must have gotten the random gene for it that your sister
> missed, so all that healthy eating and exercise might mean you saved
> yourself from getting the cancer earlier and more often.
>
> Good luck with everything. I know you'll be joining us next May for
> the Toast to Life.

What Jette said.

{{{{{{{{Les}}}}}}}}

--
Keera in Norway * Think big and then ask for more.
http://home.online.no/~kafox/

"sage hen" <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote in message
news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les

Healing vibes to you.

FurPaw wrote:
> Jette wrote:

>> My 'little brother' (he's 40 now <g>) has a PhD in biochemistry and
>> microbiology. When he was doing his post-doc he worked with a cancer
>> research team. He says it's not common knowledge, and "they" don't
>> really want to publicise it too much, but it seems there might be a
>> genetic link to nearly all cancers. You have the gene, your risk is
>> higher. And we're not just talking about the Her-2 gene for breast
>> cancer, though that is one they've identified, but a more general risk
>> for all cancers.
>
> I think it's getting to be common knowledge. Check out this article
> that just appeared in the New York Times. There's a move afoot to
> reclassify diseases not by their symptoms or even their physiological
> effects, but by the genes that are implicated in their development.
> Pretty interesting!
>
> Redefining Disease, Genes and All
> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/he...ch/06dise.html
>
> And on this gene/disease map (needs latest version of Flash to view), in
> particular, look at the number of genes implicated for cancers.
> http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...6_DISEASE.html

Also this article in AARP Bulletin:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/...t_cancer1.html

"As science learns more and more about human genetic makeup,
researchers have identified scores of genes implicated in various
cancers."

It mentions new treatments, including those for breast cancers.

The downside, of course, is that the new treatments are very
expensive.

FurPaw


--
The plural of anecdote is not proof.

To reply, unleash the dogs

On May 10, 10:05*am, "news" <n...@news.net> wrote:
> "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > areas
> > I am so bitter and disillusioned. *This is happening to the most
> > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > police, a faithful exerciser. *I got all those mammograms, all that
> > radiation for nothing. *Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > find the cancer myself. *My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. *We're
> > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. *Twice
> > now! *I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? *I'm also scared,
> > but the injustice really hurts.
> > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. *Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > system needs it most. *I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. *How I
> > miss that little pill.
> > The biopsy was horrible too. *The doctor slipped and injected one of
> > my specimens into her finger. *We both had to get blood tests at a
> > lab. *My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> > many times, to get the needles through. *I feel like I've been worked
> > over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> > It's only the beginning, I know. *Got to get used to pain!
> > Wish me luck, gals. *I'll keep you posted.
> > Les
>
> Healing vibes to you.
I've lurked on this group, but never posted before. I'm seeing the
breast surgeon today to get my biopsy reports. I also found the lump
myself, with a normal mammogram 6 months ago, and my gyn ordered the
diagnostic mammogram to humor me.
The radiologist came in and said "This is cancer."
I got the biopsies --very uncomfortable, then they do an mammogram
immediately after, on Friday, and see the surgeon today.
I feel the same way as Les: I do "everything right", and this just
was not in my plans.
I found the breastcancer.org site over the weekend, and it was very
helpful.
Now the waiting is the worst.
Judy

On May 12, 8:18 am, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 10, 10:05 am, "news" <n...@news.net> wrote:
>
> > "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> >news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
> > >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > > areas
> > > I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> > > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > > police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> > > radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > > find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> > > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> > > now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> > > but the injustice really hurts.
> > > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > > system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> > > miss that little pill.
> > > The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> > > my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> > > lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> > > many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> > > over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> > > It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> > > Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> > > Les
>
> > Healing vibes to you.
>
> I've lurked on this group, but never posted before. I'm seeing the
> breast surgeon today to get my biopsy reports. I also found the lump
> myself, with a normal mammogram 6 months ago, and my gyn ordered the
> diagnostic mammogram to humor me.
> The radiologist came in and said "This is cancer."
> I got the biopsies --very uncomfortable, then they do an mammogram
> immediately after, on Friday, and see the surgeon today.
> I feel the same way as Les: I do "everything right", and this just
> was not in my plans.
> I found the breastcancer.org site over the weekend, and it was very
> helpful.
> Now the waiting is the worst.
> Judy

((((((judy)))))),

i am so so sorry - i was so shocked to see your post & here i was just
thinking of you yesterday. i didn't know that this was on the table
at all.

i've sent you an email. the whole thing sounded bad from all
aspects. the waiting on top of it has got to be hard, but i hope that
the visit today with the surgeon & the biopsy report goes as well as
these things can.

the sense of shock, anger, fear, & the unknown have got to be
immense.

i am glad that you posted here & hope that others can provide some
support & advice. it pains me to know that both you & les are dealing
with this. & i wish i could do more than offer my mere words. just
know that you are in my thoughts & my best wishes are always with you.

xo & hugs,
ellen

"sage hen" <desertnymph@cwo.com> wrote in message
news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> areas
> I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> but the injustice really hurts.
> I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> miss that little pill.
> The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> Les
>
>

Oh my. My thoughts and best wishes are with both you, Les, and Judy.

Peahen.

judy.n wrote:

> I've lurked on this group, but never posted before. I'm seeing the
> breast surgeon today to get my biopsy reports. I also found the lump
> myself, with a normal mammogram 6 months ago, and my gyn ordered the
> diagnostic mammogram to humor me.
> The radiologist came in and said "This is cancer."
> I got the biopsies --very uncomfortable, then they do an mammogram
> immediately after, on Friday, and see the surgeon today.
> I feel the same way as Les: I do "everything right", and this just
> was not in my plans.
> I found the breastcancer.org site over the weekend, and it was very
> helpful.
> Now the waiting is the worst.
> Judy

Hi, Judy, and I wish I could welcome you to asm under better
conditions, but welcome, anyway.

Wishing you the best possible outcome.

{{{{{{{{{Judy}}}}}}}}}}}

FurPaw

--
The plural of anecdote is not proof.

To reply, unleash the dogs

On May 12, 12:31*pm, FurPaw <furrealpaw...@gmaildog.com> wrote:
> judy.n wrote:
> > I've lurked on this group, but never posted before. I'm seeing the
> > breast surgeon today to get my biopsy reports. I also found the lump
> > myself, with a normal mammogram 6 months ago, and my gyn ordered the
> > diagnostic mammogram to humor me.
> > * The radiologist came in and said "This is cancer."
> > * I got the biopsies --very uncomfortable, then they do an mammogram
> > immediately after, on Friday, and see the surgeon today.
> > * I feel the same way as Les: I do "everything right", and this just
> > was not in my plans.
> > * I found the breastcancer.org site over the weekend, and it was very
> > helpful.
> > * Now the waiting is the worst.
> > Judy
>
> Hi, Judy, and I wish I could welcome you to asm under better
> conditions, but welcome, anyway.
>
> Wishing you the best possible outcome.
>
> {{{{{{{{{Judy}}}}}}}}}}}
>
> FurPaw
>
> --
> The plural of anecdote is not proof.
>
> To reply, unleash the dogs

Much gratitude to you gals. Judy, guess you know I'm the same Les
from the breast cancer forum. I got more pathology news today. My
tumors are highly estrogen and progesterone positive, which means it's
a good thing I stopped my half-dose of estradiol last week. Can't
figure out where they've been getting their progesterone fix! I don't
have the aggressive Her-2 gene. Although they're very gnarly tumors,
they're slow doublers. Everything is as under control as one could
hope for under the circumstances.

Hope your suspense is over and the pathology results are in, Judy.

Les

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ad620ce3-a23a-44a0-ae90-3470e68832b1@27g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
On May 10, 10:05 am, "news" <n...@news.net> wrote:
> "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > areas
> > I am so bitter and disillusioned. This is happening to the most
> > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > police, a faithful exerciser. I got all those mammograms, all that
> > radiation for nothing. Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > find the cancer myself. My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. We're
> > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. Twice
> > now! I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? I'm also scared,
> > but the injustice really hurts.
> > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > system needs it most. I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. How I
> > miss that little pill.
> > The biopsy was horrible too. The doctor slipped and injected one of
> > my specimens into her finger. We both had to get blood tests at a
> > lab. My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> > many times, to get the needles through. I feel like I've been worked
> > over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> > It's only the beginning, I know. Got to get used to pain!
> > Wish me luck, gals. I'll keep you posted.
> > Les
>
> Healing vibes to you.
I've lurked on this group, but never posted before. I'm seeing the
breast surgeon today to get my biopsy reports. I also found the lump
myself, with a normal mammogram 6 months ago, and my gyn ordered the
diagnostic mammogram to humor me.
The radiologist came in and said "This is cancer."
I got the biopsies --very uncomfortable, then they do an mammogram
immediately after, on Friday, and see the surgeon today.
I feel the same way as Les: I do "everything right", and this just
was not in my plans.
I found the breastcancer.org site over the weekend, and it was very
helpful.
Now the waiting is the worst.
Judy

Echoing what Furpaw said - welcome, but wish the circumstances were happier.
Best of luck to you.

Cathy

On May 12, 3:17*pm, "Peahen" <Peahen1...@gmail.com> wrote:
> "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > areas
> > I am so bitter and disillusioned. *This is happening to the most
> > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > police, a faithful exerciser. *I got all those mammograms, all that
> > radiation for nothing. *Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > find the cancer myself. *My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. *We're
> > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. *Twice
> > now! *I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? *I'm also scared,
> > but the injustice really hurts.
> > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. *Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > system needs it most. *I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. *How I
> > miss that little pill.
> > The biopsy was horrible too. *The doctor slipped and injected one of
> > my specimens into her finger. *We both had to get blood tests at a
> > lab. *My breast is still very fibrous and had to be stabbed very hard,
> > many times, to get the needles through. *I feel like I've been worked
> > over by a barbed meat tenderizer.
> > It's only the beginning, I know. *Got to get used to pain!
> > Wish me luck, gals. *I'll keep you posted.
> > Les
>
> Oh my. *My thoughts and best wishes are with both you, Les, and Judy.
>
> Peahen.
Just a measure of how upset I was at the time I posted--I didn't
remember posting! I've had my lumpectomy--a week after the mammogram,
and am feeling much better after the surgery, now have to wait for the
final pathology.
I did post over at the other site, there was an issue where the breast
surgeon wanted to do a bigger surgery so I would look better down the
road, and I wanted a rapid, smaller surgery. Thank goodness for some
wise counsel from a social worker cousin and my PCP.
I found the lump myself, and my gyn of many years still can't deal
with the fact that she didn't feel it.
I'm just glad that it felt wrong enough for me to make the
appointment--my last normal mammogram was 9/07.
My daughter is getting married in 2 and a half weeks, and I just
want to be in decent shape for the wedding and deal with the next step
afterward.
I'm on LOA from work, and I do find that the down time is both
needed, but leaves me time to worry.
As Ellen knows, I'm a doctor, and that has caused weird dynamics as
the surgeon and I had a professional disagreement about the right
course to take--she was all about "cosmesis", I'm all about living,
and on my own I consulted the plastic surgeon and radiation
oncologist, and went for days of invasive testing, and had the surgery
under local with IV sedation, which meant I heard every word they
said.
And the recovery room nurse is a patient of mine....
Like somehow going to medical school gives you some protection
against disease.
Well, for now, I'm recovering from stage 1 of treatment, and waiting
to hear what stage 2 will be. Most people have been amazingly kind.
Judy

On May 20, 1:13*pm, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 12, 3:17*pm, "Peahen" <Peahen1...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > "sage hen" <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote in message
>
> >news:88023bac-3a2b-4145-bebb-4ef7ec709ff6@u12g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>
> > >I got two biopsies Monday, and yesterday the diagnosis--invasive
> > > ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, in both
> > > areas
> > > I am so bitter and disillusioned. *This is happening to the most
> > > health-conscious person I know, a decades-long member of the food
> > > police, a faithful exerciser. *I got all those mammograms, all that
> > > radiation for nothing. *Ten months after my last "clean" mammogram, I
> > > find the cancer myself. *My evil chain-smoking, alcoholic, junk food
> > > gobbling, couch potato sister had a lump last year--benign. *We're
> > > both nuclear test downwinders, but I'm the one who gets cancer. *Twice
> > > now! *I already had cervical cancer 23 years ago.
> > > Isn't it weird that the main thing I feel is rage? *I'm also scared,
> > > but the injustice really hurts.
> > > I'm also in post-estradiol hell. *Can't sleep, just when my immune
> > > system needs it most. *I feel like I'm on fire, all the time. *HowI
> > > miss that little pill.
> > > The biopsy was horrible too. *The doctor slipped and inje