Also just diagnosed and anxious

MonaBegonia

So far what I Know is that lesion was 1 cm and low grade, after biopsy. I go back in 3 weeks to have more tissue excised and have lymph nodes biopsied. Anxious about being opened up again and the possible the cancer has spread. It was found on routine digital mammogram. I am 60 yeast old but this is still a surprise. I am wondering if the margins come back negative and the lymph nodes are negative, will I need more testing and or radiation. Will see the surgeon in one week for check after the biopsy. The bruising was pretty ugly but starting to clear. I feel okay then have that free floating anxiety that just appears. How do you cop with the waiting and uncertainty? Grateful to be diagnosed early but still worried. Would appreciate input and thank you

Kicks

You do not have to "be opened up again" for node biopsies. Nodes can be checked via FNB (Fine Needle Biopsies).

Moderators

Hi MonaBegonia-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here, but we hope you find the support and information you're looking for! A good place to start is our Resources for the Newly Diagnosed. Some good info there that can help you understand pathology reports, weigh treatment options, and manage the stress that so often goes along with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Good luck at your next biopsy, we hope you heal quickly!

The Mods

vbishop

Hi MonaBegonia -

What you know so far isn't bad. Once cm or less is good. Low grade is good. That means it's slow to grow and not as aggressive (you have to look for the positive when you can). Odds are the cancer isn't going to grow much, if at all, between now and the time you have your next biopsy.

The first couple of months post diagnosis are probably the hardest; all the testing, the anxiety waiting on results, the uncertainty. Such a roller coaster ride. It does get better. Once all the tests are done and you and your doctors know what you're dealing with, a treatment plan can be put in place. What that plan looks like is anyone's guess at this point, as you still don't have all the facts. There are so many factors that go into treatment decisions. But what you do know to date is not so bad, so you may have options that many don't have.

My advice for the short term is to (1) breathe and (2) go with what you know right now. Don't borrow trouble by trying to make it more than it is. If the anxiety gets too bad, ask your doctor to prescribe something to help.

Hang in there! It moves fast....and slow.....at the same time.

Stop in again if you need to chat, ask questions, vent, whatever. This is a great community of women..and men..who help and support each other.