Bad news, good news... - YouLookFab Forum

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Bad news, good news...

Isabel

Veteran

I thought that I would let my YLF community know that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The news is very good though. ( Several of you already know and have been a wonderful source of support and courage for me, thank you !! ).

I met my oncology team yesterday and the prognosis is excellent. It is curable. It is very early stage, though they can't be sure until I have surgery, in 10 days ). It is grade 1, meaning it is the slowest growing breast cancer cell - score 2 ! I may not need chemo, but I will do radiation and 5 years of Tamoxifen. I will also have an MRI this Saturday to be sure it is not anywhere else. I couldn't feel any better about this than I do right now.

Anyway, I am sure that there are many women reading this you have experienced this, or who are experiencing it right now. Never give up hope !

General

55 replies

Latest reply was from biscuitsmom

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear Isabel, you are a brave and beautiful woman. Your courage and positive spirit is beyond compelling and inspirational. Cancer is not incurable when caught at the right time. You have been blessed in that way and I know that you will continue to draw strength from those around you, including yourself.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and hearts. We are hear if you need us in any capacity. Strength always and never say die.

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, my!! Sending love and healing thoughts, Isabel! I'm so glad your prognosis is so favorable and I will be cheering you on as you go through this journey!!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Good thoughts your way, Isabel!

taylor

Veteran

Bless your heart Isabel and thankfully you have a good prognosis!! I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Lynne

Veteran

We are all here for you, Isabel! Strength and courage for your journey, and hugs to your family too, Lynne xoxo

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh my! You are definitely seeing the positive side of this - early detection is key. I hope treatment goes smoothly for you. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts!

Gaylene

Veteran

My sister had a similar diagnosis five years ago. Had her surgery and radiation treatments and just finished her Tamoxifen last month. She took 6 weeks of eligible sick leave from work following the surgery and during her radiation treatments and then, other than popping her pills and gaining a bit of weight, was back to her normal routine. She claims that the slight reduction in one breast has made them both the same size now and has improved her golf swing.

She is, however, a BIG advocate for getting regular checkups. Her cancer was caught during a routine mammography and was, like yours, at a very early stage and easily treated.

Heather

Veteran

Dearest Isabel, Sending you thoughts of courage and strength during the months ahead. You are very brave, and we are here for support.

rae

(website)

Veteran

OMG, so relieved for the positive words from the doctors! You must have done a great job getting checkups; I hope for nothing but smooth sailing ahead. Keep up the positive spirit, and heal quickly!!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, sending you good thoughts and energy. It is great that you are so positive about this as our thoughts can be quite important for a healing process. Don't loose that positive outlook and i am sure everything will be fine!

Isabel

Veteran

I feel very supported and comfortable here, so thank you !!!

Like Angie said, I AM very blessed. I probably got the best news of many other women who were also at the cancer center yesterday. For me, it is not so much what is handed to me as much as having access to the tools needed to deal with it. I have a cracker jack team. The original surgeon said that I could have a mastectomy, but my friend insisted I get a second opinion at a cancer center. And sure enough, 4 doctors there disagreed with that !!! We have also hired a cleaning service and several friends have offered to take time off of work to help. How lucky am I ???????

Gaylene, first of all please tell your sister YAYYYY !!! Congratulations !

I think that I would really like her...any woman who can look at this and say, " Hey, it improved my golf swing. ) is my kinda woman.

And yes, it is CURABLE, if caught early. Ironically, my lump couldn't be seen on three mammograms. We could feel it and when my arm is above my head you could see it, but the mammograms were normal. Two ultrasounds and a biopsy finally confirmed it.
SO PLEASE DO SELF EXAMS !!!!!

Elly

Veteran

Isabel, you're awesome and you will kick this "C" crap in the butt! Go Isabel!

kellygirl

Veteran

Isabel, you are an amazing woman and so brave. I'm sending positive, healing energy your way.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, I am full of admiration for your spirit and attitude during a time like this. I'm so relieved for you that you have a relatively positive prognosis and fabulous team around you. Not that I'm surprised...good people tend to attract those of the same ilk! Stay strong, take care of yourself, and know we're all here for you. Hugs and healing vibes to you from Canada!

Arya

(website)

I feel sure that your positive outlook will help your health in so many ways! Know that you have a great deal of support, from here and - I'm sure - many other places. My prayers and positive thoughts are with you!

crwilson

Veteran

I'm so glad that the news is as good as it can be - I really admire your strength and positivity. My thoughts are with you!

Diana

Veteran

Sending you lots of healing thoughts... I'm glad that you caught this early - very treatable at this stage, and we have some of the best cancer centers/doctors here in MA!

Debbie

Veteran

Oh Isabel I'm so glad you let us know what you dealing with. You will be in thoughts and prayers. Your positive attitude is inspiring. Please keep us posted.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, I just had lunch with a dear friend yesterday who has finished treatment just like what is planned for you, and she has a totally clean bill of health. I wish the same for you! I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

My heart is with you Isabel. I wasn't quite sure I had read correctly in some of your old posts that there was something going on and I am not happy to have my suspicions confirmed.
But, you are one brave, wise lady and I just know you'll turn this experience around and you'll be even stronger after it. It'll be hard at times and there'll be trails of many sorts, but I ask of you just one thing - always, always think positive. Always.

When I was in my early teens, learning my first words in English and being very proud when I'd understand something on the TV, one scene in some film caught my attention, I think it was Katharine Hepburn starring, and one sentence, although it meant nothing at the time, stuck with me. "This too shall pass!"

It shall.

(Just keep checking in here.)

marianna

Veteran

Isabel, your positive attitude is so refreshing. You're obviously a very strong woman and you will win this battle! I admire your courage. Best wishes to you.

teri

Veteran

:hug:

Lynne

Veteran

Oh, Isabel, I am SO glad that you pursued this! And what an important warning re self-exams. You are an inspiration and we are all here for you, cheering you on!
Yay, Isabel!!!
Lxoxo

Kappy

Veteran

You are right, this is bad news/good news. It is so devastating to hear this sort of news, even when the prognosis is positive. Please let us know if we can do anything to help.

Isabel

Veteran

How wonderful you all are ! Thank you !

Ornela, one of the doctors actually said that to me ! She is a medical psychiatrist and she gave me great tips on telling my children and my elderly parents ( I was having anxiety over that ). She said that even if I go through an ugly chemo regimen, in the end it will end. And I will forget about it. And my life will go on. It will just pass. ( Of course this is because it is curable for me.)

Lynne, it is sooo true about pursuing it. Who knows what would've happened if I had just accepted the mammogram as being right !

Janet, that is soooo wonderful to know. Please let your friend know she is a source of inspiration for me.

Michelle, your compliment is very touching. I am incredibly blessed for being surrounded with the most wonderful neighbors and friends. I was blown away when people offered to take vacation time to come stay with me and the children...or even to help me with my sister who is disabled.

A funny story regarding that : One of the doctor's told me that if I need reconstructive surgery, I don't have enough BUTT FAT to use. Two friends and my daughter's teacher volunteered to donate theirs ! : ) Unfortunately, my muffin top may be the answer to that problem. : ) Lovely.....

Diana, that is one of the things I am so grateful for. I am at the Avon Center at MGH. Top Notch. And my lead doctor is the one who led Elizabeth Edward's team. I want to pinch myself to believe that I have access to such great care. And I have insurance. So I am sleeping well. I just think of all the others who aren't so lucky.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Isabel, I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like your chances are very good, and you have many people rooting for you! Here's hoping your surgery is straightforward and they get it all. I'm facing a hysterectomy myself, so I can easily imagine how you feel right now. It sounds like you are getting prompt medical care, too, which is important. Good luck!

Lynne

Veteran

butt fat donation - I'm in!

Elisabeth - all the best to you. Stay strong. Lx

SW Ann

Veteran

My thoughts and prayers are with you....keep up that positive attitude to kick C's butt!

Isabel

Veteran

Elisabeth, GOOD LUCK to you !!! I am sorry to hear about that. I know how you feel. I have severe endometriosis and because of the treatments I will need for the cancer, I will probably have a hysterectomy. We will be sisters in this !!!! We will get through this spiritually in tact. Believe in that Elisabeth !

Please let us know how you make out.

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