I have been diagnosed with breast cancer (personal PSA)

[Ruby the Liberal]

Diagnosed at the end of November. I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy in early January - nor medically driven, it is just a good time for me to be off work.

So - here is the PSA:

1. They caught me so early that the ObGyn, Surgeon, and Radiologist all said, "likely nothing, but..." before each of my tests

2. Catch it early like me and you get a no chemo/no radiation treatment plan. My cancer is currently non-invasive.

3. Men get breast cancer too. If you aren't screened - ask

Bottom line is that I am going to be fine - but only because they caught it before it was even a blip on the radar screen.

Please get checked. I am one of the fortunate ones. If you have to draw the ticket from the big C hat - this is the one you want, but only if it is caught in time.

Get checked.

[Nye Bevan]

1. How did they happen to find it? (nt)

[Ruby the Liberal]

70. Thank you for asking

I probably should have explained that.

Annual ObGyn exam -- the doc felt a lump he didn't like so sent me for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The lump turned out to be benign, but in the wee faint shadows at the very back were white 'dots'. To be safe, he sent me to a surgeon who sent me for a biopsy. They took a sample and found DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ). I had an MRI which was clearer than the mammogram, and it showed additional microcalcifications. Those are not cancer, but they are considered precancerous and with carcinoma already present, raises the rick by a butt load. Apparently I have a whole bunch of these microcalcifications, so a lumpectomy isn't possible.

I had 2 biopsies then done on the other one just to check some tissue the MRI found suspect (mammo was clear), which came back as benign but "some abnormalities with microcalcifications" so I made the decision to just be done with it once and for all. I don't want to go through the rest of my life having mammos and ultrasounds every 6 months, not knowing if this time is THE time.

I look at it this way. 4 decades on this planet and I get to trade this old pair in on a shiny new pair.

[Solly Mack]

2. Wishing you all the best!

[elleng]

3. Thanks.

Be well.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. How good it was caught in time, my dear Ruby the Liberal!

I wish you the very best outcome.

[Electric Monk]

5. Finding it early makes a HUGE difference. In that way, you are lucky.

I've personally known two women who had breast cancer. One was my mom (stage 1 detected), who had a double-mas over a decade ago, and she's still going strong now, cancer free. The other friend didn't detect it until it was stage 3, about a year ago, and now even after a double mas, chemo, and radiation, it has metastasized into her bones, so her long term prognosis is still up in the air. She's still fighting like a champ though, not giving up yet.

Again, early detection makes a HUGE difference.

[NYC_SKP]

6. Thank you! And may your message make a difference in more than one other life.

Thank you thank you thank you!

And THANK YOU!

[jberryhill]

7. Wow

Do you dodge bullets, too?

[Le Taz Hot]

8. Sending positve California vibes your way

and thanks so much for the life-saving reminder.

[calimary]

20. Seconding that!!!

I hope your treatment goes smoothly and swiftly!

[niyad]

9. thank you and glad that your prognosis is so good. please continue to let us know how you are

doing.

[brer cat]

10. Hoping for the very best for you, Ruby.

Keep us posted.

[Cha]

11. Mahalo Ruby for

for trying to help others while you are going through this.

Speedy recovery to you~

[pacalo]

12. I'm glad it was discovered so quickly, Ruby...

but I'm sorry it happened to you.

[840high]

13. Excellent advice. They

caught mine early, too. I welcome you to the survivor's club. Hugs.

[Vietnameravet]

14. Best of luck from me too..

I had cancer but it was caught early and I am free..but two cancer specialists said I would have been dead in five years if I had not had early detection...and my wife also had cancer.. detected early and cured..

Early detection is the key

[Kaleva]

15. So glad to hear that they caught it early!!

[JI7]

16. do you get regular check ups or did you feel something wasn't right ?

glad it was caught early .

[onlyadream]

17. Even with your very good prognosis, you are very courageous.

So glad they caught it early .

[sheshe2]

18. Thank you for posting, Ruby.

People need too be aware.

[LWolf]

19. I'm glad you're going to be okay.

[Brigid]

21. And watch out for this too:

My mother died of inflammatory breast cancer a few years ago. It is rare, and has somewhat different symptoms that women aren't always taught to look for:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inflammatory-breast-cancer/DS00632

[phylny]

56. My mom died of it too, 25 years ago.

At that time, the survival rate was 2% after five years. Now I think it's a bit higher, but it's a mean, nasty cancer.

My yearly mammogram is scheduled for tomorrow.

[polly7]

22. Wishing you all the best ......

I'm so glad they caught it early.

[Lifelong Protester]

23. Thanks for having the courage to share...

and sending best wishes for your 'adventure' ahead.

[Mnemosyne]

24. Be well, Ruby.

[kestrel91316]

25. Once I have my Obamacare coverage, I am going in for some long overdue

screenings, including a mammogram.

[allinthegame]

26. Been There

My good wishes will go to you daily.

(Hey…the upshot to chemo is you don't have to shave your legs for six months….something good comes of everything!)

[Auntie Bush]

27. I'm happy you'll be OK Ruby...but how did you discover it so early?

Maybe you could save some lives by telling us...if it isn't to personal.

[Ruby the Liberal]

71. Sorry - I neglected to do that

I added the sequence of how they caught this to the question from reply #1. Thank you for asking.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4165589

[spanone]

28. k&r...

[a la izquierda]

29. Very best of luck.

I'm 36 and on the lookout as it runs in my family.

[pnwmom]

30. Since it's non-invasive, they also gave you a lumpectomy/radiation

option, right?

(Assuming it was only in one breast.)

The best of luck to you, Ruby the Liberal.

[Ruby the Liberal]

72. No - because of brazillions of microcalcifications

I don't have a tumor - it is a different type and any one of these microscopic bastards could launch a revolution and burn the place down. Explanation is in the reply to reply #1.

Thank you for asking.

[Jesus Malverde]

31. Good Luck, my mom survived it you can too...nt

[TeeYiYi]

32. Ruby...

I am so sorry that you've been dealt this hand, my friend. You are well loved by so many here at DU; especially me. I know you will face this challenge with grace and a warrior spirit.

All my love.

TYY

[onestepforward]

33. Wishing you the best, Ruby,

along with a speedy recovery.

Thank you for the PSA.

[Greybnk48]

34. Thank goodness!

I'm a cancer survivor too because mine was caught early (no chemo, no radiation, just surgery). I'm 6 1/2 years cancer free and before you know it you will be too! Love and luck to you Ruby the Liberal!

[LadyHawkAZ]

35. Ruby:

I'm glad they caught it early.

[OmahaBlueDog]

36. Good work catching it early and taking control

Good luck!

[Behind the Aegis]

37. Thank you and...

and one more....

[sueh]

38. Your postive attitude is inspiring, Ruby. I hope you have a full and speedy recovery.

[drynberg]

39. Bless you, Ruby

May your procedure and healing be painless and quick. Take care. And, thanks for the PSA.

[Tree-Hugger]

40. Be well

Thank you for sharing your story.

[cyberswede]

41. Aw geez - I' m sorry you have to deal with this.

Thanks for posting the PSA!

[Paulie]

42. All the best dear RtL!

[murielm99]

43. I am glad your prognosis is so good.

One of my friends was diagnosed early. She had chemo/radiation, but is now a twelve-year survivor.

You are right about getting checked. I had my annual mammogram in August 2013.

Listen to Ruby, everyone, and do this.

[opiate69]

44. Kick that cancer's ass, Ruby!

[ChisolmTrailDem]

45. My ex (long-time s/o, we split at the beginning of April) was curious

about a spot in her breast back then but did not report it because she was told by a doctor if there was pain associated with the spot then it probably was not cancer. Despite my advise to her to get a second opinion, it wasn't until just before thanksgiving that she actually got it confirmed.

Today at 10:00am she had that breast removed. The other appears to be ok at this point and she tells me she'll have to go through chemo also.

She's gone through a lot since we split (her son committed suicide on Sept 16) but we had a peaceful split and have been working hard since at being friends. I texted her last night to to tell her that I wished her well and would be thinking about her during the surgery. It was sad, so much has gone wrong for her since we split that she thinks God is punishing her for initiating the split and leaving. On top of that, she told me that "she wants her life back", and I asked what she meant. She said she wanted everything to be back the way it was this time last year, before there was any hint of trouble and Christmas was coming. I feel so sad because she is in such pain and has to go through all of this. I cannot give her what she wants, to get back together. I've moved on and found someone I would never dream of hurting that way. But I digress.

I guess what I started out saying is that it is VERY dangerous to ignore (read that: "deny to yourself&quot anything out of the ordinary when it comes to your breasts, ladies. You would think that it wouldn't be a necessary thing to constantly broadcast this advice, to get regular mammograms and to have anything out of the ordinary checked IMMEDIATELY. But ladies, you have to do it! PLEASE!!! My ex was in denial and was scared to know and it could have cost her her life!

[Warren DeMontague]

46. Wow.. I'm so glad they caught it early.

Here's wishing you good health and a speedy recovery.

[DFW]

47. Both hoping and counting on your beating this

My wife had breast cancer almost 13 years ago. They didn't catch it early, and she had to go through two operations, a brutal chemo and radiation. The happy ending is that she is still with me now and cancer-free. You can do this, too.

[countryjake]

48. I'm sorry to hear this...

and you will be in my thoughts as this year draws to a close. Rooting for a rapid recovery!

Thanks so much for your wise words!

[REP]

49. Crap

I'm sorry to hear that. I had cancer (caught very early, minimal surgery) in my 20s, and I can still remember the the blur that went through my mind. No matter how early the dx or good the prognosis (and mine was excellent - I've passed my 20 year mark), it's still a hell of a thing to deal with.

I am glad it was caught early and wish you a speedy, uncomplicated recovery. And I wish you NOTHING pink!

[Ruby the Liberal]

73. Hahaha!

The first person who brings me something with a blasted pink ribbon on it goes right out the window.

[sibelian]

50. Best wishes Ruby, and hope it all goes well..

s

[intaglio]

51. Just means you are as awesome

as Angelina Jolie

sorry for the diagnosis, best wishes for the outcome.

[Gothmog]

52. Thanks for the PSA

My mentor's wife died 14 years after her breast cancer was discovered. Bushes was stage IV and under went two rounds of high dose chemo. My mentor could afford the best possible treatment including getting his wife a compassionate exemption for a drug trial.

It is best to find out early.

[randr]

53. Good luck Ruby

As early as you have caught this you have a great chance of recovery. A bit of a hard road ahead, keep your chin up!

[Beaverhausen]

54. Make sure your Moms, sisters, aunts and wives get checked

I had no idea my 86 year old mother had never had a mammogram. She had lumps in both breasts when one of them finally became the size of a golf ball. Stage 3. Lymph node involvement.

So glad that yours was caught early.

[LoisB]

55. Wishing you the best - glad it was caught early. Hope your recovery is complete and

speedy.

[MNWild]

57. I hope you'll allow me to welcome you to the ever-expanding group of cancer survivors.

Having some experience with a hormone driven cancer, the best single piece of advice I can offer is to get your Vitamin D levels checked. It's a simple blood test, and it's easy to find good D3 supplements if needed. If your doctor isn't on board with this simple act, find a new doctor. More and more traditional MDs are realizing the importance of this. Much success to you. Diet and exercise are also great tools to help you keep the upper hand.

[locdlib]

58. Thanks for posting this, Ruby.

My breast cancer was caught early as well. Though I didn't have to go through chemo, I did have to undergo radiation. I never, ever, ever want to do that again, however, I consider myself extremely fortunate. Best wishes to you.

[RainDog]

59. (((((((((hugs to you))))))))

I'm glad it was caught so soon. I recently had to have a mammogram and ultrasound. My tests, thankfully, came up negative, but I could very well be you, or worse because I hadn't had a mammogram for a while, so I'm glad to know you're able to contain and remove the cancer.

[malaise]

60. Lucky lady

[marble falls]

61. They caught my cancer at the VA last year. It amazes me how well cancer is treated....

My prayer is with you and my witness it can be treated to a complete cure. One year cancer free here.

[truedelphi]

62. Here's my PSA -

To ensure that your approach to remaining cancer free is successful, re-examine your life style. (And the life style that is foisted on you by wherever you work.)

Wearing a pink ribbon is a nice statement, but being successful at beating cancer long term, for over fifteen years and not just five, involves some knowledge of what toxins are so prevalent inside our cancer-based society and how to avoid those ingredients.

There is a reason why Japanese women at the beginning of 1900's had breast cancer at rate of one in 65, and we are currently at one woman out of six. And that reason relates to diet changes, with people eating processed foods rather than veggies and fish, and also to cancer-causing toxins being prevalent.

Much wiser folks than me have stated, "Genetics is the gun, but environment is the ammo."

One of the worst offenders, cancer-wise, is new carpeting. If you can at all avoid it, try to do that. Many folks are at the mercy of whatever the company they work for is doing, but this is your body and your life. If you hear there will be new carpeting in your section of wherever you work, try and get it changed to Perco or some more benign material. Again, it is your body and your life. People might think you are crazy, but having an environment free of heavy duty, cancer causing toxins is very important.

Many other things that should be easy to live without are products like Glade, Febreeze, and Lysol. Glade and Febreeze have either formaldehyde or benzine (or both!!) contained in them. Benzene is a toxin just one rung down from mercury and radiation, in terms of how friendly it is to creating cancer.

Lysol products carry Alkyls. These Alkyls don't cause cancer, but what they do is shut down the body's response that normally removes cancer from the body. (Every human on earth has plenty of cancer cells floating around inside them, but human bodies are designed to flush those cancer cells out and away from us. Unfortunately, living in a toxic world makes that process less effective.)

Right now, every other hospice nurse out there is getting people who once have had, or who do have cancer, to avoid sugar, if they want to be cancer survivors. Indeed, cancer and sugar go together like a horse and carriage. But the above products are also important to avoid.

[lillypaddle]

65. When I was diagnosed

I was sure the cancer was mostly due to the fact my doctor prescribed estrogen for me in my early 20s because they would make my hair shinier, my skin nicer, and I would feel better. This was in the early 70s. What a pig. Anyway, I discussed this with my surgeon and he told me that he has seen women with cancer who had taken no hormones, who were vegetarians, who did everything right. And still, the cancer was there. I remember when my friend Mary was dying of breast cancer (had spread to her brain) - she was a non-smoker (I smoked), a non-drinker (I drank), non drug user (I smoked pot, occasionally did psychedelics). What is wrong with this picture, she asked me? She was in her early thirties at the time.

I'm not suggesting that a healthy lifestyle isn't important. But I really think it is much deeper than that. And then we sometimes blame ourselves that we didn't live the right lifestyle and think it is our fault.

Shit happens. And sometimes, so does cancer. No matter what you do.

[truedelphi]

67. Oh I very much agree.

The "Shit happens" is not a bad meme for what is going on.

I certainly didn't mean my post as "finger pointing." For one thing, far too many of the toxins in the environment are not things most people can do much about.

An example: I felt terrible the last five years I lived in the SF Bay area. From time to time, I would go on "cleansing diets" or all veggie and fruit diets, etc, and they made no difference in my health.

Then in 2005, I moved to Lake County Calif., as it was cheaper, and to my surprise, I felt great! (Well as great as you can feel when going through a medical bankruptcy.) But health wise, I felt good. I came to find out that at that point in time, Lake County had the best air in the Country, except for another county in Colorado, and one back east somewhere. I'd never really considered the smog in Marin County as being part of my health problem. But it was. And anyway I couldn't have made the move twenty years earlier - I needed to be in San Francisco area until I left it.


Anyway I posted the chemicals and products I did as they are quite sinister, and not really necessary to one's life, and if you CAN avoid them, go for it!

[lillypaddle]

63. Ruby, sorry to hear about this

If it's any consolation, I was diagnosed in 2002 - like you, it hadn't spread to lymph nodes, and even though the small cancer was in one breast only, I had both removed. No chemo, no radiation, no tomoxifen. It's always a worry at the back of my mind, but it's 12 years later, and so far, so good. You are brave to go for it - my personal opinion is that it's a smart move. Get that MF out and off. Still, it isn't easy. I'm sure you will find that there is a mourning period, and I hope you allow yourself to give into it for a reasonable period of time. (REASONABLE period of time??? did I just say that shit????)

If you need to talk or compare experiences, I am here and willing.

Best of luck & lots of love to you.

Jackie

[ms liberty]

64. Been down the breast cancer road myself...

I had a mastectomy in 97; it was staged at 3 because of the size, bit weirdly enough it had not spread. I had chemo, reconstruction and so far I have been cancer free for 16 years. I had just turned 38 when I was diagnosed. I found a lump, and I didn't procrastinate about having it checked, and I followed up when it didn't go away. I was still misdiagnosed for 9 months but luckily the type of breast cancer I had was not particularly fast growing or invasive so that amount of time wasn't a real factor. With other types it could have been, though. So yes, get checked everyone, please. Hugs to you! Have fun. Laugh a lot. Be happy, and kick cancer's ass.

[merrily]

66. Thank you and wishing you all good things.

[cate94]

68. Likely nothing but...

I'm glad they caught it early. I had the same results earlier this year.

They caught mine very early- while doing my annual exam. I had a biopsy and then a lumpectomy and I am due for my 6 month mammogram soon. The whole experience scared the hell out of me, but I appear to be very lucky. Early, early, early!! Unlike you, I'm not going for the double. Hard decision either way.

Good luck to you and thanks for the post.

[Ruby the Liberal]

75. It was the MRI results that lead to that decision

Apparently mountains of pre-cancerous microcalcifications in both, and I would just rather put an end to the worry and speculation. I was told that I would have to go for a mammo and ultrasound every 6 months for the rest of my life - and I can't mentally deal with that.

I am terribly sorry to hear of your Dx. Please PM me and let me know how the test goes.

[Ruby the Liberal]

74. I love you guys

Thank you all so much for your well wishes, your stories (!!!) and your advice. That really means alot. Especially the stories. Its like being in some kind of exclusive club now.

To those that posted that they are going to get a mammo -- THANK YOU!!!

I think I caught all of the questions (sorry for not explaining the process in the OP) but if I didn't, feel free to PM me. I am more than happy to offer as much information as I have.

[Liberal_in_LA]

76. glad they caught it early

[shenmue]

77. I have wanted to get checked

I'll call the doctor soon.

You stay cool!

[Contrary1]

78. 16 year survivor here...

Stage 2, with minor lymph node involvement. Mastectomy, chemo, 1 year on an investigational drug trial, 5 years on Tamoxifen, 2nd prophylactic mastectomy.

Feel free to ask me anything.

[ffr]

79. UK telegraph article posted today

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10514110/Remarkable-breast-cancer-drug-could-save-lives-of-thousands-of-women.html

[ladyVet]

81. I'm glad you're going to have a good outcome.

Cancer is a hard thing to go through, even the "easy" ones.

They found my mother's breast cancer early, too. Unfortunately, it was a highly metastatic kind, and even though it was the size of a pin point, she still needed chemo and radiation.

She only had a partial mastectomy, though. The problem started when either a random blood vessel ruptured, or a vessel that was sutured failed. She nearly bled to death that night. Mama's fine now, done with chemo and radiation, and with the first mammogram behind her -- it was clear.

I hope things go well for you, and agree that early screenings are great.