1rst cousin has breast cancer again..she is 37

[christinew]

I am very freaked out and wanted to just put this out there for anyone who's had breast cancer or understands it better. My cousin had a double mastectomy after finding ductal (?) cancer in her right breast two years ago and was rebuilt. Pardon my lingo here. She discovered the cancer when she had her last child two years ago and was breast feeding. Blood was in her milk.

I talked to her yesterday and she now has a spot on her chest wall (she learned from a biopsy on Monday) that is grade 3 about the size of a pea and today will be getting an MRI to learn if it is anywhere else. She'll also undergo Chemo and Radiation.

She has 3 boys under the age of 8 and I am sick about this. We have a huge family history here.

weigh in if you have any thoughts here.

[linsleyd]

I just wanted to say how sorry I am and hopefully things turn out in a positive manner. ((christine))

[christinew]

Thanks. She has the outlook of fighting this head on and we'll support her any way we can. Thanks for the positive words.

[LakeMartinGal]

Keeping a positive outlook is key! Both for her and the people around her! (((((Christine and cousin, and whole family!))))) They are doing such marvelous things these days, and hopefully this will be a single spot. Keeping you and your cousin and the whole family in my prayers!

[Robyn1007]

((((Christine and cousin))))

Well, I have tears in my eyes because this brings back difficult memories for me. It was almost a year ago that my beloved aunt was diagnosed. I remember the initial shock and fear and doing anything to try to understand. This BB was a tremendous help and support for me. Christy was early stage 2 and had a lumpectomy, chemo and then radiation. Watching her endure those treatments was all at once very challenging but at the same time very inspirational. She fought with such power and had the love of many behind her. When I think of her fight I think of the cliche "I am woman, hear me roar". Thankfully, she roared her way through the fight and is now a survivor. One of my fears now is something like this, a recurrance later on. I treasure every moment I get with her now and hope they will continue for many years.

I have a Warriors in Pink magnet on my car and it is my reminder every day that women are fighting this disease and they are winning. Everytime I look at it I will say a little prayer for your cousin, you and her entire family. There are a number of survivors on this board that may be of more help but if you ever need to chat, don't hesitate to PM me.

Robyn

[christinew]

I appreciate all your words and will keep you posted.

[clairea]

(((Christine))). I know how painful this is. My DSIL was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 -- she was pregnant with her daughter. She had her first (localized) recurrence 4 months after finishing treatment, the disease has now metastasized (sp?) with many areas throughout her body. She is 37 also, DN just turned 2. I think she has a wonderful outlook though -- she keeps plugging away with almost constant treatment for the last 2 years, knowing that there is no cure for her at this point but hoping that this way she will buy enough time until someone discovers one. Miracles really do happen every day, and I will pray for one for your cousin as well as for DSIL.

[christinew]

:D :D :D I just got word from my Grandmother that my cousin didn't have the cancer anywhere else...from the MRI. And that radiation is what they'll go forth with not to include chemo as we thought they might need to.

Whew. I think this is good news.!!!!!!

[Robyn1007]

:D :D :D I just got word from my Grandmother that my cousin didn't have the cancer anywhere else...from the MRI. And that radiation is what they'll go forth with not to include chemo as we thought they might need to.

Whew. I think this is good news.!!!!!!

Absolutely, good news. Now, take a deep breath and remind yourself, she's a fighter and will fight through this round.

[linsleyd]

That's fantastic news! Yay for the small victories!

[Molli526]

Christine-

Since you have a family history, your cousin should speak to a genetic counselor regarding BRCA1/BRCA2. These are two genes that cause the majority of hereditary(genetic) breast cancer. Ovarian cancer is another cancer associated, among others with much smaller incidences, with these 2 genes.


Here is a link to get you/her started:

BRACAnaylsis (http://www.myriad.com/products/bracanalysis.php)

[Terri_A]

Christine - So glad to hear that your cousin's relapse seems to be contained to one area. That truly is great news. I have a dear friend, who happens to be my boss, that is at the end of her battle. She beat breast cancer about 9 years ago in her early 40's. At 5 years clean she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer - that was 3 years ago. She has an amazing attitude, a strong faith in God and we know that's why she's made it 5 times longer than anyone anticipated. She currently has tumors in both lungs and her heart, nodules on her pericardial cavity wall, pleural wall, tumors in her spine and liver and lymph nodes. She's feeling okay, but knows that her battle is ending. She's still positive, and knows that all things are possible through God and that she is loved. She is 53. Cancer is mean, but with enough hardwork, dedication and money - we'll beat it someday.

I will add your cousin to my list of people I run for every year! Please keep us posted on her progess as she fights and wins her battle!

[colleency]

(((Christine))) I don't have any insight, but I wanted to send you a hug and let you know that I will be thinking good thoughts for your cousin and her family.

[christinew]

My Dear Cousin (DC) is in the process of being scheduled for surgery next week and radiation to follow after 2-3 weeks for a period of 6 weeks. She tells me they've found several spots one is the.8cm spot the other is a spec.

Thanks for the support you guys.