just dignosed - in bits

helly18

Bit of a bolt out of the blue went for results of vacum biopsy yesterday and told that I have dcis bit also a small area of invasive ductal disease. I am shocked as this started out late last summer as being recalled after mammogram as some microcalcifications seen which were biopsed twice and found to be atypical flat something cells and placed on annual screening. About 2 months after the biopsy a lump came up at the site and my gp, surgeon radiologist all thought it was a fat necrosis but erred on side of caution and biopsies again which was repeated beginning of January'. So 4 biopsies and 6,7 mammograms to get here! I need to have another stereotactic on Monday as there are 2 areas to look at but surgery and sentinel node biopsy planned. I am 48 with 2 10 yr olds and am very shocked at present.

JACTsMom

I'm very sorry for what you're going through. You are in the right place for support and information. I was diagnosed with DCIS yesterday and it's just sinking in.

helly18

I am so sorry you have found your way here also . To be honest us all feels a bit foggy at the moment!

Moderators

Helly-

We're so sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here, but we're glad you've joined us. We know it's scary and confusing right now, just know that you are not alone! You may find some helpful info in our section for Members Who've Just Been Diagnosed.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing, and use this community for support and encouragement as you begin down this road.

The Mods

Geeper

helly18- sorry to hear about diagnosis. I was diagnosed last month. You've found a great support system, everyone here has been so supportive and welcoming.

helly18

thank you everyone, went back for another stereo tactic bioosy today and had a good discussion with breast care nurse and feeling a bit clearer today (see if it lasts lol).

butterfly34

hi everyone

i am a 34 year old mom with 5 kids and a husband i have been with for 17 years and just found out i have breast cancer in my right one and my lymph node is also positive of cancer. Im having a really hard time trying to talk to my children about this bc everytime i do they start to cry. i have a 15 year old 12 year old 11 year old an 8 year old and a 6 year old 4 boys and 1 girl and this hole process that i am trying to pick up has been so difficult and to talk about i am not sure how to go about this. My little girl said to me mom i want to be bald with you can i and at that point i sit there and dont know what to say but to cry.

LisaAlissa

Kristie (butterfly34),

I'm so sorry to hear of your news, but you've definitely found a good site. I see that you've posted on a several long-established threads, as well as this one. May I suggest that you post a new thread on this forum ("Just Diagnosed") [If you're having trouble starting a new thread, click "this link" which will give you the form for a new thread on that forum.]

On talking to your children...have you had a chance to speak to a "child-life specialist" at your hospital/breast cancer center (most seem to have them...or possibly a social worker)? They should be able to help you provide age-appropriate materials for your children. You may want to talk with them in smaller groups, as a 15 year-old will have different concerns/needs for information than your 6-year old.

I remember seeing lots of info in the patient library at my breast cancer center/hospital about talking with your children--which I glanced at casually, but mostly ignored, as I don't have children. I seem to recall that at some ages, the questions they really want answered are "what will happen to me?" Maybe you have access to a similar library?

Hope to see a new thread from you soon, as well as lots of help in figuring out how to deal with your children...as well, of course, your diagnosis.

You're in the hardest stage now. You don't know enough, and can't yet make treatment plans.

Hang in there,

LisaAlissa

Skittlegirl

My cancer center offered a 6-week support group for kids/teens with a family member with cancer. My older two really enjoyed it. I have also signed them up for our local Camp Kesem camp this summer. It's a free week long summer camp for kids who have a parent undergoing treatment or survived or lost the battle with cancer.

Moderators

Helly -- keep us posted on your biopsy results!

Butterfly -- we're so sorry you're here too...and so young! We know it's overwhelming at this point in your diagnosis. It will get better, especially with the help of all the lovely members here!

Your concern over talking to your kids is a very common one and completely understandable. There's a section on the main Breastcancer.org site on Talking to Your Friends & Family About Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis, including pages specifically on telling your children, including info on telling young children, and telling teens and older children.

We hope this helps! Please continue to keep us all posted on how you're doing!

--The Mods

NoWhyToIt

Hi--I was in your shoes and I want you to know that the kids will be okay. They may need support from experts. Ask your doctor. My best to your family.

HolaSandy

Hello all,

I too am recently diagnosed and identify with you, butterfly34. I am 32 years old, I have one daughter (almost 2 years old) and my fiancé and I are supposed to be married on March 5th. I do not know my staging yet or anything other than its in my right breast and the 1 lymph node they tested was also positive. It must be so hard for your children but you are doing the best you can by being open with them. That is so important.

I have found this forum so amazing for support and having others in the same situation makes this seem less overwhelming. Although, of course, I wish none of us had to do this at all. Take care everyone