I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I was diagnosed with breast cancer Dec 2009. My cancer was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2, Grade 3, ER- PR- Her2- (triple negative). I had a double mastectomy Jan 2010 and then chemo. They gave me the choice of having a lumpectomy with chemo and radiation but I am too much of a worry wart. I would have driven myself crazy about it coming back so I chose the mastecomy. They build beautiful new ones now anyway! I finished chemo in May 2010, lost all my hair - head to toe (I didn't know everything goes!) and got the permanant implants in Aug 2010. My hair is now about 3 inches long. I see the oncologist every three months for bloodwork.
People would say to me, you are so strong, keep your positive attitude, attitude is half the battle. Those are meant to be encouraging statements but to the person with cancer it can be hard to choke down. What if the cancer comes back? Was it because I didn't have right attitude? Am I weak? No, the only thing you can do is get through each day as they come. Cry and get mad if you want to but try to not let yourself get down for too long. Get some anit-depressants and don't feel weird or bad about it. Also, I do believe it is important to have something to look forward to. I planned a cruise for this April. I can't wait! And I will have hair!
On a side note, if you do need to have chemo, they will most likely empty your band (they did mine). That way if you do experience any nausea it won't cause your band to slip. As a result, I gained 50 lbs back. Also, not all chemo causes weight loss, mine causes weight gain. Ugh! But its funny, I didn't get too caught up with that becuase the band is adjustable!! I sound like a commercial. I am just now getting my band adjusted so I can get back on track.
I wish you all the best! Take care of your happiness. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll do my best to help. : )
