First time post - really need reassurance

MiriamL

Hello.  I am DESPERATELY in need of hearing from someone who is doing well after being diagnosed with a recurrence of triple neg invasive ductal.  I need to hear a success story so very badly right now.  I am 43 with two wonderful school age kids.  I was just diagnosed with a very small recurrence (possibly new primary) in the same breast.  I have not had my PET/CT yet and I am nearly paralyzed with fear.  I already know I will need a mastectomy and probably chemo to be on the "safe side", whatever the hell that means.  I just feel sick with fear and grief.  I so need to hear of someone who is well after a similar diagnosis.  I need some hope right now.  

Thank you! 

JanetinVirginia

Hi miriam.  I know others will be along w/same experiences to share.  It's so hard not to let fear race ahead.  But if it gives you any comfort whatsoever, everything I've read says if you're going to have a recurrence - a local one is best.    Many hugs to you.

LRM216

Miriam:

I know you are petrified with fear right now, I would be too, so that's totally normal, but as you get more info and a plan into action, you will fight this nasty beast and kick it to the curb.  As Janet said, it's best to have a local recurrence.  I hate it for you that you have to go through all this again, but you can and will kick this beast to the curb.  When was your original diagnose and what was your treatment at that time?  Hang in there, Miriam, be strong and know that you can do this.  Have any ativan or xanax, if so take it - if not - get it!

Hugs and strength being sent to you,

Linda

Annie62

Hi Miriam,

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. I was recently dx with a recurrence but I'm not a TN. A node in my supraclavicular region lit up on a PET scan and I'm anxious to start treatments to prevent it from 'traveling'.

The length of time until the surgery drove me crazy. I'm doing much better since then. Once you get your treatments started, you should feel more in control.

Hugs,

Annie

EstherMSKCC

Dear MiriamL,

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm an employee of Memorial Sloan-Kettering and am writing to share some resources that may help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment. 

The American Cancer Society has a program called Reach to Recovery, in which you can talk to a breast cancer survivor who has been faced with a similar diagnosis. Here is the link with more information: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/reach-to-recovery

The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society both offer good information on managing the emotional effects of cancer and treatment:
NCI: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/emotionaleffects

ACS: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/EmotionalSideEffects/index

The American Cancer Society also provides guidance on finding support programs and services in your area: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/index

Livestrong may also be of help finding one-on-one support: http://www.livestrong.org/Get-Help/Get-One-On-One-Support

Another excellent resource is Cancer Care. They offer free on-line support groups and individual counseling. CancerCare social workers can also guide patients and family members to counseling and support groups in their own communities. You can reach them through these links: http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/counseling.php and http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/supportgroups.php

You might also be interested in reading the following pages from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, which offer advice on how to talk to your children about your diagnosis and how to provide security and stability for them during this difficult time.

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/ChildrenandCancer/HelpingChildrenWhenaFamilyMemberHasCancer/index

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Dealing_With_Diagnosis.asp

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Dealing_With_Treatment.asp

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/when-someone-you-love-is-treated/page6

I hope this information is useful and wish you the best of luck finding the support you need. -Esther