Fat Quarter Swaps & Breast Cancer

16 years ago

Dear gang,

As you know, Teresa will be hosting the FQ swaps this year. She's a pro. :) My unfortunate news is a diagnosis of breast cancer. I just want you all to know that my tumor was NOT detected by a mammogram last July, probably because my breast tissue is dense, which makes a mammogram less reliable. If you have dense breast tissue - find out! - and even if you don't, it is imperative that you perform regular & deep self exams. I have no family history of breast cancer. The only reason this tumor was discovered is because I was concerned about a thick mass I was feeling, which turned out to be nothing, but the ultrasound which was performed revealed a tumor behind it. Please take care of yourselves and take heed.

I expect to rejoin the forum soon, when things have gotten more normal in my life. I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy 2008.

With love,

Marcia

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Comments (21)

vicky4x4
16 years ago
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I will pray for you. Please keep us updated on your condition.

Vicky
gerizone5
16 years ago
Good Luck Marcia. I will also pray for you. The same thing just happened to my SIL -- tumor not detected by mamo and she is going through chemo and radiation after two surgeries. I hope everyone does heed this and do self-exams. I have started. God Bless and please keep us updated.

Geri
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new2quilting
16 years ago
Marcia, you were a wonderful swap hostess, and I'll miss that, but I will be sending lots of good thoughts for you for a speedy recovery. --Amy
marty_mo
16 years ago
Praying for your speedy recovery.

Marty
toolgranny
16 years ago
Thanks for the reminder. We all need to be vigilant.

I'm sending love and hugs to you. We're all here to listen when you feel the need to vent.
Linda
judylee59
16 years ago
Marcia, You're in my thoughts- take care. JudyLee
fran1523
16 years ago
So sorry to hear about this Marcia. Do take good care of yourself and here's hoping all turns out well.
day2day
16 years ago
Wishing you a speedy recovery.I'll keep you in my prayers.
~Geraldine
abbigail
16 years ago
Marcia, I am so sorry to hear this news but you sound like you're in good spirits. I'll pray for you to have a quick and full recovery. Take care, hugs. ~Abbigail~
trifles
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks - you're the best. My spirits are high and I so appreciate all of your good wishes. Take care.

Marcia
miss_chanterelle
16 years ago
marcia, had the same thing happen to me in 1998. I had a mammogram in Nov, found a tiny lump myself in April that turned out to be breast cancer, had a lumpectomy followed by radiation .Ask lots of questions and take charge of the situation...don't let anyone push decisions on you, think it out and talk it out with your doctor before you decide what treatments to consider..Dr Susan Loves book on breast cancer was very helpful for me, it helped me know what questions I needed answered.. it's very scary at first but as the years go by I find I rarely think about it except when it gets close to my yearly checkup!You will be in my thoughts..keep in mind that things do get better with time.
marilyn
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
16 years ago
(((((Marcia))))) I'm so sorry. Get involved in your treatment, think positive and we'll be supporting you!

SharonG/FL
trifles
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks again - I have been studying Love's book - it's excellent! Thanks for the virtual hugs - my best to all.
cziga
16 years ago
I'm so sorry to hear about this. My mother had an undetected tumor in her breast for a while before they ever caught it as well. This was some years ago, but she came through the treatment and is now doing very well - cancer is in remission and has been for a long time. The most important thing is positive thinking, keep your spirits and hope up, even on those bad days, and you'll be in our prayers.
alabamajanet
16 years ago
At a hospital here they now have a digital mammogram that is much better picture wise than the old mammogram and a lot less painful. A saliva test for breast is being studied.
Cut and paste.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22594117/

I have cystic fibroids in my breasts. Two years after a breast reduction an ultrasound found at least 18 fibroid cysts. My mother had breast cancer in her 30's and fought it for years and died when she was 49. That was 31 years ago. Treatment for breast cancer has come a long way.
Marcia, you're in my prayers for a full recovery.

Janet
redpenny
16 years ago
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I will pray for you. Please keep us updated on your condition.
I'm sending love and hugs to you to have a quick and full recovery.
Red
biwako_of_abi
16 years ago
Good thing you found it, Marcia! Love and hugs. Keep us informed.
kathi_mdgd
16 years ago
(((((((((((((((((((Marcia)))))))))))))))))))).So sorry to hear this,but as others have said,they have come a long way with fighting this.I have 2 sisters that are BC survivors.

I had my mammo last thursday,and i got a letter today telling me i need to repeat it in 6 mos.I'm hoping that what showed up is the titanium chip i have in there from several years ago.I must call the dr tomorrow and make an appt.to see what it showed.

In the meantime i'll lift you up in prayer,and hope you have a speedy recovery.
Kathi
easystitches
16 years ago
Hugs Marcia, so sorry to hear this bad news.
I know it's pretty scarey. We're all here for you!
Consider a support group, I didn't do it because I needed so much energy to keep working & do treatment, later I was sorry that I hadn't reached out to a group. It's good to
bounce your questions & concerns off others who have been there. Love, Jill
trifles
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for your messages, and stay on top of it, Kathi. I have already talked to a volunteer/survivor and unfortunately know a lot of people who have been through this themselves. But there are lots of groups - even on line! - so I will take your advice to heart, Jill. Thanks, everyone! Take care.
lots2do
16 years ago
I, too, am sorry to hear about this. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts as well. I hope things go as smoothly as possible for you.
Kelly (lots2do)

Fat Quarter Swaps & Breast Cancer

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