hello

RHGSR

Hello. I am newly diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I am 37, no family history, and bf 3 babies until they were 2 yrs. Found a lump in July while still BF my son ( I have 3 young children). Kept thinking it was a clogged milk duct. Went to OB in October. Mammogram and US on 10/16 - Showed possible IDC (lump) and DCIS (other areas they saw that I was unaware of). Biopsies 10/22. Confirmed IDC and DCIS. Double mastectomy (even though only in one breast) with DIEP flap scheduled for 11/20. Then followed by 4 months of chemo.

Not sure what I am feeling. Disbelief, shock. I know the grief stages. Afraid of not traveling through them very well. Not wanting the enormity of this to hit me all at once - or when I wake up from surgery.

I noticed at the bottom of some posts were information about their cancer. I think mine is stage II (won't know about lymph nodes for sure until after surgery), HER neg, ER and PR +...not sure about the grade...maybe a 2? I will have to look at path report again.

Would love a hello from the community. Any advice would be great too.

How did people prepare for surgery?

Thanks!

RHGSR :0)

GrandmaV

Hi, I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this, especially at such a young age with young children. My heart goes out to you. I didn't have mastectomies or reconstruction so can't speak to that, but there are some threads here with great information about those. I was going to have double mastectomies, but changed my mind after research. Here is a thread for November surgeries. I'm sure you'll have plenty of company with the kind of surgeries you're having.

http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=91&id=812878&page=1

You've found a great place for support and encouragement.

lots of hugs.

Racy

Hello RHGSR. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know it must be a shock and the last thing you were expecting as a young mother of 3.

It sounds as if you are just starting to work out what this experience is all about. You will get help, information and support here for every step of the journey.

As far as advice, I would just say keep in touch here, ask any questions and look after yourself and your needs, though it would be difficult as a mother of young children. I hope you have a good support system. If so, use it and don't try to be Superwoman.

Also, keep in touch with your primary doctor about your mental health. Take medication if you need to to get through, and consider counselling if you need one on one support.

blissful

rhgsr..so sorry to hear of your dx...I was also just dx in oct with idc and findings of pleomorphic lobular..the women on here are great...they have so much info and compassion it's unbelievable. I just saw my bs yesterday for the first time. I will be having a mx and not sure of chemo. I guess after the surgery I will have more info. I don't believe I have a stage yet but am grade 2 er pr positive and not sure of her2 yet it was reflexed to fish..wishing you the best..the women on here will help you thru this with knowledge ,courage and compassion ..again sorry to find you going through this especially at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with you..

RHGSR

Thank you everyone. Nice to meet you all - although I wish it were under different circumstances