Starting to Go Crazy with Worry............

kriskat

My story is this.  Dx on 1/6/11/ with IDC with a 1.5 by 1.6 cm mass that is Er+ 90%, PR+70% and Her2+ 3.  I had just turned 36.  I am scheduled for a lumpectomy with SNB on Monday 1/31 but am having an mri tomorrow because my breasts are very dense-doc just wants to make sure nothing is lurking.  I have been handling it pretty well with only a few break downs since dx. The real issue though, is everytime I have had an ache or pain(normal aches and pains) in the last few days I can't help but think it's the cancer spreading.  I've never been a hypocondriac before now. Anybody else felt that way??  What did you do to get past it?

txstardust

Kriskat, first of all, I'm so sorry for your diagnosis.  It is terribly frightening, and your fears, concerns and worry are all perfectly normal.  

I was 36 at my diagnosis in 2009.  It's been about a year and a half, and while i still freak out when there's something "off", like an unusual pain or really bad headache, I've tried to pull back and ask myself this question: "If this happened before BC, what would you do?".  I'll also talk to my best friend, voicing any fears that I have, and she's kind of like my "reality check", as well as a kind and comforting shoulder to lean on.

You are at the very beginning of the BC experience, and it's natural to wonder and worry.  Your whole life and perspective have changed!  Try to stay as calm as you can, and if you are really concerned, mention things to your doc!  I hope you have someone close to you that will listen to your fears and not judge you or tell you that you're overreacting.  And this discussion board is invaluable for support and information!  

Good luck with your surgery next week.  And while I do not have all of the answers, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have or if you just want to chat with someone who has been there.  You can send me a private message if you'd like - just click on my screenname, and on the right, click the link that says "send a private message".  In the meantime, take deep breaths, and know that you are not alone.

Hugs,

Shelby 

kriskat

texastardust:

Thanks so much for the kind words!!!  This has been so stressful and I thinking I was having a huge moment of weakness!!  Had the mri his afternoon and should get results before scheduled biopsy Monday.  This waiting game is crazy.  I will definitely be taking you up on your offer to talk!!  I really appreciate it!

PinkSurvivor

I am also very sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that is why I opted to have both breast removed.  I didn't want to have to worry about it coming back.  I am 34 years old and I had IDC er/pr - and HER2+, no family history of breast cancer either.

 It was my own choice to have both breast removed and I am so thankful I did, I wouldn't want the constant worry and I never wanted to do chemo, etc, etc again.  It is a personal decision and only YOU know what is best for you.

May God lead you in the right path to make the right decision for you.