Just diagnosed. ...Heads still spinning

peaches73

I was just diagnosed on Thursday and had 1st surgical appt yesterday. I have recieved a partial diagnosis of stage 2 type b iDC with lymph involvement still waiting for the rest of pathology reports so it could change. How do you process all the info at once? I have more test on Thursday CT, MRI and bone scan.

bluepearl

You don't process it all at once. It is good to have someone with you and a print out. I am sorry you have to be here, but so far early breast cancer...hoping for a good path report for you.

edwards750

Peaches - bluepearl is absolutely right on- don't try to process it all at once. Impossible. You will be inundated with information that you cant possibly digest so do have someone with you who can take notes. I took my husband. I think a lot of us are in a virtual fog after first being DX but it does get better once your surgery/treatments are determined. Keep us posted and keep the faith. Diane

pupmom

Peaches, you just hop on that roller coaster and ride baby ride! Eventually it will stop and you can get off. Best wishes!

farmerlucy

You've received excellent advice from the ladies. Take things step by step and "don't go there 'til you get there". The testing was quite scary for me. I lay on the table and sobbed my way through it thinking that was my life from now own. That is not the case. You're going to get through this but it is going to take some time to wrap your head around things. My husband did all the research for me also, while I fell apart. Feel what you need to feel. If you need meds for the short term to help you cope ask your doctor for them. We're here for you. Consider joining the surgery group for the month you'll be having surgery. All the ladies there are going through the same thing at the same time and that helps a lot. Gentle hug.

peaches73

Thanks ladies. It is just so overwhelming. My brain doesn't want to process any of it. I honestly think it just quit working when I heard Cancer. Can't sleep, eat.

Ridley

Peaches --  I agree with the advice to get some help if you need it.  I ended up needing something to help me sleep before my second surgery and talked to a psychiatrist a couple of times, as I had a terrible time concentrating on anything besides breast cancer for a long time.  In retrospect, some anti-anxiety meds might have helped. 

Try not to let yourself get worn out physically (e.g. not sleeping, not eating), as this process is a marathon, not a sprint.   You might be in shock right now, but I expect once you have a plan, you will kick into fight mode to get through it. 

Take care of yourself,

Ridley

lynnlyre

Keep breathing.  Watch lots of funny movies.  Use humor.  Today has been a panic day for me.  Tomorrow start a 12 day stretch at home with my 8 and 13 year old boys.  Tonight I wanted to just put them out of the house or run away.  Tomorrow I have to get back in control so I can keep going through their spring break.  In the middle of the break I will find out if I need radiation, chemo, and hopefully get the drain out.  Right now I'm not sure how I will get through any of it.  I just keep moving forward. 

MarieNJ

Peaches, I too was diagnosed recently, April 15th.  I am going through the same as you, but reading many posts from this great community has helped me tremendously.  Also, educating myself on the Internet was helpful for me.  I went on the National Cancer Institute and looked up what I had and read my reports made me a little at ease.  I am getting better everyday.  Eating a little more each day.  I lost 4 lbs already. Before the diagnosis, I would have been extremely happy about it!  I learned that we don't loose weight from BC.  If it helps you, read the right articles from well known sources.  My doctor's appointment is Monday.  I am hopeful.  Keep the faith and good luck to you.