Thank you for sharing your struggles. I am a newly-diagnosed person with breast cancer. I have learned in the past few weeks that hearing about other womens’ stories and journies is both helpful and healing for me. For this, I am grateful to you.

I have not yet had my surgery, only mammos, ultra-sounds, an MRI, and a (brutal) biopsy.

I have been spending many hours researching my cancer type, lumpectomy information, radiation information (which I have been told twice I cannot escape), and now, I am researching chemo information.

I am deathly afraid of it, and will do anything to avoid it.

I have been told my cancer was found early, is small (1.8 cm), and as of 7/01/09 – there was no axillary involvement. I thought this was pretty good, compared with other patients. It was hard enough to accept the diagnosis, surgery, radiation, and 5 yrs. of tamoxifen; but now a surgeon (2nd opinion) has informed me that she will “likely” recommend one round of chemo. The first surgeon did not.

Worst of all – I just want this thing out – I don’t have a surgery scheduled until the 31st – I think that’s a long time to leave it in and give it a chance to grow and spread. I could probably get an earlier surgery date with surgeon #1, but he wants biopsies of 2 add’l. “suspicious’ areas that surgeon #2 doesn’t seemed alarmed about.

I’m scared. I don’t know who to put trust in, and which surgeon is making the best call; and now I’m freaking out about chemo.

I am embarrassed at my fear and am hard on myself for not being emontionally stronger. I think you are a beautiful and courageous woman, and I wish I could demonstrate even half your strength.

I will keep up on your posts; thank you so much for sharing.

Best Wishes,
Christine

I hope all is going well with the treatment your wife is receiving.

I have heard many pros and cons regarding Naturopaths, different opinions. I say If we can use less chemicals the better, since the chemo cocktail itself is about as bad as you can get.

I am VERY pleased she is not feeling very sick, as that is just about the worst part for most people! Just keep on it, as chemo is cumulative, and it may get worse before its all done.

Good Luck to you,

MeredithRNC

Have you considered using a Naturopathic doctor? The hosipital she goes to for treatment recommeded one for her and it is helping her with chemo.

Suppliments that work with her treatment. So far after three chemo injections at the hosipital she has had no feelings of sickness.