Liz,
Welcome to the group. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but the
good news is that you have found a truly loving, supportive group. Many
people here have information that will be helpful to you. Others, like
myself, can only offer support. My sister-in-law has endometrial cancer,
stage 3a, and is over half-way through her chemo now. I forward info. on
her to the group occasionally. I remain on the group to seek support &
answers for her, but also to learn a healthier way of living for myself.
The people here are truly inspirational.
Like you, I didn't think there was much cancer in my family but now that
I might have to have a colonoscopy (sp?) since my dad's eldest sister
passed away from colon cancer and I am 42, I've learned that his
grandmother passed away from stomach cancer. And my uncle (the source of
this information) reminded me that he was treated for prostrate cancer.
And, when I got to know my mother's cousin, I learned that she had had a
double masectomy for breast cancer. So it looks to me like very few
people are immune. In fact, I was just reading an article in today's
Parade Magazine about Olivia Newton John and even *she* had cancer even
when it didn't appear to run in her family. Like you, I was more on the
alert for heart problems or stroke since my mother's parents had strokes.
Anyway, I'm glad you joined the group and I think you'll find everyone
here is great and will be of great comfort to you.
-Jean
On Sat, 4 Jul 1998 08:23:11 -0700 Elizabeth Patterson <eapat@ewa.net>
writes:
>I just found and signed on to this list yesterday. I had never
>believed
>cancer would be a part of my "real life"; then I had my "routine
>physical"
>about three weeks ago and was called back for a second mammogram and
>sonogram because something seemed suspicious. That led to a biopsy and
>a
>positive confirmation, A small (level 1) tumor in my left breast. I
>was
>presented with alternative treatments which included a lumpectomy
>followed
>by radiation or modified radical masectomy with the good chance that I
>will
>not need the radiation treatments. Based on the comments by the
>doctors
>involved and my preconcieved ideas about radiation treatment I have
>opted
>for the masectomy. The surgery is to take place July 10.
>
>Like many who have faced the same thing, I had believed it could never
>happen to me. Oh, I did not think I would never be sick. If the doctor
>had
>told me I had diabetes or heart trouble I would have believed it
>because
>they have been dominant in my family. But cancer had never been a
>factor as
>far as I had known. I have since discovered that three of my dad's
>sisters
>have had breast cancer.
>
>I am thankful that this has been caught early and it appears that the
>survival rate is very high, but I know that this is a life altering
>experience, and I know that it is a factor I will always have to deal
>with
>for the rest of my life.
>
>I have been reading the posts from Marty about alternatives and
>approaches
>to improving things, but since I am new to the list, I have not read
>the
>previous posts which have been referred to, and I forgot to bookmark
>the
>site on the net that directs you to them. If anyone has that site
>address I
>would appreciate your posting it
>
>Liz
>
>
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