National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

I am 57 years old. I was diagnosed 11/06 with 5 cm tumor under my left breast nipple. I got a core needle biopsy, which I would never do again. Came back as CANCER. I found a surgeon and after many tests, we determined to insert a port a cath (not sure if I would have another one), and start 4 months of chemo. I started with taxol, ended with a 3 in one recipe. I had side effects of bone pain, numbness in fingers and toes. I felt poisoned most of the time. I tried to keep my health up. I had lots of help from my church (I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses) and from family. Many meals, notes and flowers came my way. On 5/8 I had nodes removed and a lumpectomy, the margins came back dirty, so one week later I had a mastectomy. After about a month I began 6.5 weeks of radiation. It was explained if I did not have the radiation I would have a 40% chance of cancer returning, 10% otherwise. So I did it. I would do it all again, if I had to.

I cried everyday. I prayed. I stamped and scrapbooked when I could, great therapy! My daughter took hubby and me to NY in June, before the radiation. I was very sore, but on meds. Otherwise, I did not have much of a desire to do a lot. Not interested in shopping or going and doing things like before. I still don't. I am a cheap date!

I love to eat....but watching it because I want to keep off the 20lbs. I lost during treatment. I have a prothethic boob in a box and bra now. I cannot seem to shake the node and chest pain. It isnt too bad, but enough where I cut my pain meds into 4ths and end up taking about 5 mg of oxycodone a day. I tried antidepressants...they just dont work for me. Aleve helps with the joint pain. I started Arimidex 9/1/07...the 5 year program.

I will have my right breast mammogram on WED and appt with oncologist 11/29. Then....maybe nothing for a while, I hope! It is a slow road to recovery. Working on it.