Count me in to the statistics. I have breast cancer. There....I've said it.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

You guys know the whole deal. Regular check-up mammogram on June 29th. Knew immediately there was a problem because they did at least 10 sets of pictures plus several ultrasounds.

Was "worked in" to see a surgeon the following Monday, July 2. Biopsies scheduled for July 5th. Three malignant masses in right breast (two different kinds of cancer - huh!?), one questionable mass in left. Long talk with surgeon and double mastectomies were scheduled for July 12th.

12th rolls around and I have the surgery with about 15 lymph nodes removed. Fortunately all of the lymph nodes were clear of cancer so the reports are starting to sound better - finally!

Youngest daughter and I met with oncologist and came away completely confused about the next course of treatment. Doctor was very nice but couldn't answer a direct question if her life depended upon it. I came away from that first meeting thinking I was having chemo once every three weeks for 24 weeks (three different kinds of medicine) and my daughter came away thinking it was three times a week for four weeks. Obviously there was a failure to communicate. Since my life DOES depend upon it I decided to ask for another referral.

Last week did the whole round of tests - echo-cardiogram, bone scan and PET scan and do not have the results from those yet. I also had a port installed in my chest for ease in taking the chemo. I see the new doctor and start chemo on Friday of this week. Needless to say, I'm more afraid of the chemo than the surgery - although the surgeon did tell me that the mastectomies weren't any worse than giving birth and not very painful - he lied. So that's my story. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Interesting side note. I do not have health insurance. Haven't since I exhausted my COBRA benefits after my divorce three years ago. Up until June 2004 I had annual checkups, etc. but stopped when I could no longer afford them. My family physician (god love his soul) insisted that I go to the local Health Department and get a mammogram since my mother is Stage 4 Breast Cancer. When the mammograms revealed a problem I started crying because I knew there was no way I could get the treatment I needed to lick this problem. I was wrong.

The State of Kentucky has a program that IF you are diagnosed with breast cancer you qualify for Medicaid under the state. I was immediately signed up on the spot and so far my coverage has been excellent. I have to renew the coverage every four months as long as I am receiving treatment but so far the only thing I've had to pay is a $1.00 co-pay for prescriptions. Of course, while very thankful for this program, I'm more than a little bitter that the state decided it was better for me to GET CANCER before allowing me any medical treatments instead of providing preventative care to stop this before it had gotten to four tumors, surgery and long ass chemo.

And my new job? I had been working at a small company as a graphic designer for about a month (with a promise of health insurance in the future) - once they found out that I was going to have surgery and treatment decided they no longer need my services. So do you know of anyone who could use a broke, boobless, soon-to-be-bald, very experienced graphic designer who will need a flexible schedule for a few months? Me neither. Believe me, I've tried.

When life hands you lemons forget the f*cking lemonade, add rum, ice and a little triple sec and party while you can keep it down!

[pecwae]

1. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I hate to see you've been added to this group. I commend you for going for another onc. You absolutely must have trust in your provider!

You know, the same thing happened to my good friend who lives in Lexington with lung CA--fired by her horse farm employer for basically having cancer.

I agree about being more frightened of the chemo than the surgery because I was exactly that way. When the first chemo went smoothly I calmed down. The first one is definitely the most stressful.

I'm so happy that your nodes were negative! That much you can at least stop worrying about. I'm glad you're getting help with Medicaid as well.

Check in when you can with a progress report and test results. I think everyone in this group welcomes PMs and are willing to give you all the support we can.

:hug:

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Keep asking myself what's next. Mammogram, check. Biopsies, check. Surgery, bone scan, PET scan, echo-cardiogram, check, check, check, check. So let's get the chemo started so I can get it behind me, too.

The worst part is needing a job and not knowing what I will be capable of doing during the rounds of treatment. Not sure how much to say during an interview (should I be lucky enough to get a call - so far not even a nibble on my resume). Looking for a job and handling cancer treatment sounds like mission impossible but I've got my fingers crossed. It would r-e-a-l-l-y suck to have cancer, and be jobless and homeless to boot! (I kid about the homeless, I've got great kids who will always have a soft spot for me to land should the unthinkable happen but that is a last case scenario.)

[LeighAnn]

3. Maybe try freelancing?

Here's a site for freelance graphic designers

http://graphicdesign.freelancedesigners.com/

You've got a lot of spunk, and I'm sorry for everything you're going through, but I hope you'll keep your chin up and have happy times during your treatment. I hope you're feeling better from your surgery.

[auntAgonist]

4. Democrat 4 Ever

:hug:

I'm sure my hug will seem trite but having never experienced what you're going through, the hug and my best thoughts for recovery are all I have to offer. I'm so very sorry you're going through this. I will keep you in my thoughts and send good vibes your way.

all the best to you.

aA
kesha

[LiberalinNC]

5. Sorry to hear about your recent medical problems....

Breast cancer sucks!!! Been there, done that...don't wish it on anyone. Chemo is worse than surgery, imo. I had 9 high dose treatments, I was miserable, but there are drugs to help with the nausea, thankfully. You are a perfect example as to why this country needs to have universal health care, the damn politicians just don't get it!!!

Well, good luck and welcome to the sisterhood...we all must stick together! :hug:

[flamingyouth]

6. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I'm glad you have a medical program to help with your expenses, but I agree with your sentiment.

Please keep us posted about your treatment and progress. We'll be thinking of you and pulling for you. :hug:

[Imalittleteapot]

7. Check your DU mailbox. n/t

[JohnnyLib2]

8. Sorry, I somehow missed your thread.

We are also in Kentucky. My wife is a 22 year survivor now and going strong. Didn't even lose her hair during treatment. Take heart, and let us know how it's going, please.