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Kathy Cal's Journal

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Kathy Cal

Full Name: Kathy Calandriello
I Am A: Patient
Birthdate: Mar 31
Location: Lockport, Illinois

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Here's my story

on 5/3/2008 at 9:58 pm in Tell Your Story

In August of 2007 I went for my yearly exam - all was good and clear. September 2007 my husband felt a small lump in my left breast. I was so busy at work and thought it was a cyst because I thought I was too young to have cancer. By the time I got to to the Dr. in November of 2007, the lump had quadrupled on size. I started chemo treatments in December of 2007, finished them in March of 2008 and just last week underwent a modified radical mastectomy where they removed a 5 cm tumor that the months of chemo treatments did not even affect. Hair loss, weight gain, chemical menopause and now facing 6 weeks of radiation. This is the very first time I have told my story. This is the first website I have joined. I have been reluctant to reach out because I just still can't accept that I have this disease and setting up a profile and putting this down in black and white makes it real and not a terrible dream.

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It is definitely a hard thing to open up about anything, especially your own personal story. But remembet that this website is more a support group than anything and it takes a big person to come to terms with whatever is going on in life and reach out to others. Good luck with all of your future treatments.
Meg

by Meg9 on 5/7/2008 at 9:23 pm

Hi Kathy,

We all are here for you. This web site is fantastic. Lots of support from outstanding, strong women.

by Adriana on 5/5/2008 at 12:39 am

I understand. I started the testing process in 10/07, actually diagnosed in 12/07, started chemo in 12/07, fnished chemo 4/07, an will be having bi-lateral soon. I just joined this website about 10 days ago, have made a few comments, one comment almost a journal, but still unable to write one for myself or finish profile. So far it has just helped reading and seeing how many other people are out there. Having mastectomy coming up is scaring me and making me start facing this. I too felt I was way to young for this. How old are you? I think everyone feels they are two young for this - no one is ready for it. All I do is take it one day at a time and just keep fighting this one more day at a time. My family helps me cope the most and helps me to keep going. But sometimes it all still feels like a dream and I am not really living this nightmare - this when I look to my husband and kids for support.

by PR on 5/4/2008 at 12:35 pm

Welcome, Kathy.....I think you came to the right place. Most of the women on this site know what you are going through. We've all been there....Cancer sucks!! But you can beat this! What did the pathology report show after your mastectomy?

I am now going into my fourth week of radiation....in my opinion, it is a breeze compared to chemo. Hang in there, you will get through it...the worst is over. Good Luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery!

Any time you need to vent or have any questions, please reach out....we're all in this together and are more than happy to help each other!!!
Luv, Jeanette

by Jeanette51 on 5/4/2008 at 8:01 am

Mine as well was 5cm but when i did the a/c 4 times it took it down, then i did the texeter that about killed me then surgery and on to the taxatole and now i am in radiationg. I am estrogen positive not hur2 so slam right into menapause as well it really sucked the night sweats the heat flashes along with the hell of chemo and already being on a emotional rollercoaster, this web site has been so much help for me to vent and to talk to people ahead of me on fighting this desease i rem the first time i came on here and now i have a good friend from here white wolf 2 time breast cancer survivor, i am on my 10th radiation treatment and i love to come on here to give people a smile and to let the beg of the desease know that if we can beat it so can they, hey i went from 135 to 165...damn steroids !!!but it came real to me when i went to the infussion center for the first time and saw the ladies and men sitting there with no hair i got mad and cried and told my hubby this wasnt me..but it was,,,love and support Wanda

by Wanda on 5/4/2008 at 7:21 am

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Kathy Cal's Journal

Kathy Cal

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Here's my story

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