Well, my story is a little upsetting. I’m unemployed for 3 years and have no health insurance. I found a lump in my left breast the beginning of August. I called all the “Foundations” for help in getting a low cost or free mammogram. As soon as they heard “lump” no one would help me. That’s right NONE of these so-called cancer organizations would assist me.
Another reason I was rejected, besides the lump was that my unemployment “income” was too high....(not enough to live on, but too high to qualify for government programs!)
Finally I was directed to a surgeon in December who took me on and was willing to do a biopsy through funding. I had a biopsy and ultrasound. Originally he thought it was a benign tumor. On December 15, 2010, the biopsy came back, and it was breast cancer with a mastectomy indicated. I just stared at him, speechless. I don’t know how I got home that day. I couldn’t even squeak out the words ‘cancer’ to anyone. I didn’t eat for 4 days and had the ‘runs’ for 3 days. My first question was “Am I gonna die?” Probably many people have that same reaction.
I went for all the pre-op tests, but since I’m diabetic, my blood sugar was very high. They wouldn’t give me medical clearance until I got my blood sugar down. I’ve been working to get it down, and have been successful so far. Luckily, my PET scan came back clear!
My surgery is set for February 10, 2011...yes, I’m scared, but more upset over the impending sickness I will experience with the chem and radiation. Naturally, there is a part of me who’s vanity doesn’t like the idea of losing my hair, but hey, it’s life or death.
I’m very depressed over this, but I have a lot of people to support me. But one thing I will say... I have NEVER asked “why?”. I have a strong Faith and I beg God for the strength to endure this. I humbly submit to God’s Will, whatever that may be.
Ladies, your stories have given me new insight as to what’s ahead. You are all very couragous, inspirational women! I hope I am able to cope with this.
Please pray for me.
Peace to all of you!
MarineMomJ
MarineMom:
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and troubles with health insurance coverage.
I guess my question is (1) do you have someone to be there with you for the surgery and afterward, friends, or family?) (2) has the surgeon told you anything about the tumor besides it being malignant - size? markers? any lymph node involvement?
The reason I am asking these questions is to tell you that I had Stage III cancer, my tumor was 5 cm., I had 7 lymph nodes removed, one solid year of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation, hair loss, etc. but now I am cancer free and am undergoing reconstruction. There IS light at the end of the tunnel.
Chemo can be rough, depending on what drugs they will be giving you - I had Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin and it wasn’t that bad. The radiation treatments will make you tired, short of breath and there is some burning of the skin. But my radiologist gave me great advice pre-radiation treatments: If you apply Aquaphor (a cream/gel available at all drug stores) BEFORE you even start your radiation treatments on the affected area at least once and then three times a day DURING radiation, it really helps.
There are many other bits of specific advice all of us can give you as you go along with the chemo, etc. but basically I believe you can expect and find lots of support here.