Introduction
Chapter: 1 - Introduction
Subchapter: 1 - Introduction
Each of our lives is a story. We journey along a road of experiences and emotions, passing significant milestones along the way. When suddenly, the road beneath our feet takes a sharp turn, breaking from what was once certain.
Breast cancer causes this break. Perspective ruthlessly shifts; you and your loved ones see the road differently than before.
However, we see the road has not ended–it continues on through new hills and new valleys. We know that life has done this before, curiously forcing us into foreign places and down roads that seemed impassable. Yet somehow these challenges become fertile soil where seeds of strength, love, and resilience mature and grow strong.
Remember, this is a road that has been traversed by thousands of women, women with full lives and loved ones. Women whose dreams–whose lives–were threatened by breast cancer. Women who now share stories of endurance and hope.
Beyond the Shock® is first and foremost a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Secondly, it is for their loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease and to feel a stronger sense of connection. Finally, it is for doctors to reinforce their instruction and advice.
This is the first of a series of videos, divided up into chapters and sub-chapters. These videos will provide information for you to process, share and use to your own benefit. You will learn about breast cancer: it’s types and stages, how it grows, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. More than anything else, Beyond the Shock® is a place to gain knowledge for today and receive hope for tomorrow.
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Sub Chapters
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Introduction 02:43
Related Questions
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my daughter has stage 4 breast cancer how bad is this
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
Chapter 5 on the learn tab(on this web site) has some really good information. It is all about stages. The web site breastcancer.org has wonderful information when I was diagnosed and didn't have a clue about this journey.
Comment 3 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I too had stage 4 and my doc told me it was a good thing because the chemo will work better... I don't know how true that is but I have finished all my treatment know and feel great. God bless xoxo
Comment 1
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Here's my question...I just turned 33, found out last night that I will have a bilateral and chemo can anyone help me out on what to expect as far as the chemo and reconstruction or any other helpful information?
Asked by anonymous
Patient- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Anonymous, I know we are all so sorry to hear at such a young age, you have breast cancer. Every woman's breast cancer is different on a cellular level. There are many factors and findings that go into the decision how your treatment will go. It depends on what type of breast cancer you have,...
2 comments 3Anonymous, I know we are all so sorry to hear at such a young age, you have breast cancer. Every woman's breast cancer is different on a cellular level. There are many factors and findings that go into the decision how your treatment will go. It depends on what type of breast cancer you have, the stage, the grade, and your age. You are in limbo right now because you are still being tested. Once your team have your treatment schedule set, your life will settle down. I can tell you, where you are right now is lousy. We really don't know what your treatment will be. As far as chemotherapy, everybody handles it differently. Some people it is tough, other people, like myself, it was relatively easy. They have very good druges to keep you from getting nauseated. You WILL lose your hair. That is a --for sure--. It starts to drop out at about 2 weeks after your first treatment. I did not have reconstruction but usually if you have a mastectomy and you are going to have reconstruction, they place tissue expanders to make a pocket for implants. There are other types of reconstruction and that will be discussed with you depending on your specific circumstance.
A suggestion for you while you are going through this diagnosis phase, take a spouse, relative and good friend to take notes and listen to what is being said. I did not remember a third of what was said. Thankfully, my husband and best friend came along to help me through this tough time. You have got to be your own best advocate. You have got to speak up, ask questions, and make sure you are getting the correct medication. Every woman's treatment will be different because it is not individualized for each woman. It is a long journey, but you will come out the other side a much stronger woman. Breast cancer treatment ain't for wimps! Hang in there.... you WILL make it!
Take care, Sharon -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a mastectomy and chemo in 2006, had breast cancer again in 2011, had surgery and radiation. Think positive! You can beat this! I also found out I have the brca2 gene(breast cancer gene) I am now 41 and trying to stay positive and eat healthy and...
1 comment 1I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a mastectomy and chemo in 2006, had breast cancer again in 2011, had surgery and radiation. Think positive! You can beat this! I also found out I have the brca2 gene(breast cancer gene) I am now 41 and trying to stay positive and eat healthy and exercise regularly.
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For those that don't have children or close siblings. Did you do the gene test, and why.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 10 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2012
There is no history of BC in my family (except for my father's aunt, who died at 87 of an unrelated illness). I have had breast cancer twice -- when I was 44 and when I was 56. After the second diagnosis they suggested the test and I am BRCA2+. As it turns out my sister is, as well. She...
1 comment 0There is no history of BC in my family (except for my father's aunt, who died at 87 of an unrelated illness). I have had breast cancer twice -- when I was 44 and when I was 56. After the second diagnosis they suggested the test and I am BRCA2+. As it turns out my sister is, as well. She wouldn't have known it unless I had been tested.
I have had a bilateral mastectomy and my ovaries have been removed.The thing about the mutation is that it's in your entire family line, maternal or paternal. So even if you don't have siblings or children, there's a chance that other (even distant) family members may also have the mutation. From my perspective it was worth the test so my family can be more vigilant.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
I didn't have testing even though I am an only child and have no children. I had no relatives on either side of my parents families, cousins etc. who even had any kind of cancer. I was diagnosed at 59 postmenopausal ER+ PR+ Her2- I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have the testing. Although...
Comment 0I didn't have testing even though I am an only child and have no children. I had no relatives on either side of my parents families, cousins etc. who even had any kind of cancer. I was diagnosed at 59 postmenopausal ER+ PR+ Her2- I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have the testing. Although Evelyn's story is enough to make on sit up and take notice. I really think my breast cancer was caused from over exposure to diagnostic radiation on my breast where breast cancer was found.
Take care, Sharon
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how does the hormone arimidex stop the cancer from spreading
Asked by anonymous
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Hormone blocker.... if cancer cells linger, they are starved of the thing that makes them multiply.
Comment 1 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes it is
1 comment 0
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Related Topics
- Introduction
- Hope
- Inspiration
- Stages
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
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- Inspiration
- Stages
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- Cancer
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