Newly diagnosed and really, really scared. :(

Nitzlebobbin

Hi all. Never thought I'd be here but received diagnoses of IDC breast cancer two days ago. I'm triple negative which scares me because I don't know what it means as there are conflicting accounts on the Internet. Discovered lump in late September, 2.2 cm. seeing the surgeon on Monday. Any suggestions on remaining sane? Also, a list of questions I should ask would be helpful as they will augment the list I have started. Just want the creepy thing out

Meow13

I know how you feel I never thought I would get cancer. No family history, good health, normal weight, regular exercise, etc. I had to get some medication to help me get through anxiety for the 1st month after dx. Triple negative means there are fewer treatment options. But I have several triple negative friends that did the chemo, radiation and never saw it come back. One thing good about triple negative is that after 5 years clear your risk of recurrence drops significantly which doesn't seem to be the case for hormone positive BC.

SoCalLisa

I just wanted to lend another hand in support . as you can see I just celebrated my 16th CANCERVERSARY . The hardest part is getting the right plan in place . I felt like I needed to get a PHD in breast cancer in three weeks . Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion about treatment . The first one might not be the best one. Get your ducks in a row . Hugs to you .

Nitzlebobbin

Thank you both for your replies. Im on meds for anxiety and to help me sleep as well. I'm hoping that surgery (single and/or double mastectomy) will be the way to get rid of this so it never comes back. Radical perhaps but with fewer treatment options this may be a logical choice. Really don't want chemo

Ms_Latte

All I can tell you is 'try not to stress'. It does no good and does a lot of harm. You are stronger than you know, and you will deal with things as they come.

Feel free to ask for a new doctor if you don't like the first one with whom you consult. You need to build a team in whom you have total confidence. It's also helpful if you can have your team in the same facility where interoffice communication/consultation are routine. At one point I had 6 doctors, all at the same hospital. It was great.

Keep us informed

Nitzlebobbin

I'm trying to remain calm. It's just difficult, obviously. My mind keeps going to the worst scenarios possible. Thank goodness I have a supportive husband who knows me and wants me to express how I'm feeling. If I don't like my doctor I will definitely try another. My brother is a doctor but in another city but I may ask him for help if I'm not comfortable with the team at my hospital. Thanks for your welcome advice

KBeee

Even with a mastectomy, chemotherapy is typically recommended for triple negative cancer because antihormonals and Herceptin are not options. Obviously you have the final decision on whether or not to do it

lintrollerderby

Chemo is always recommended for Triple Negative tumors greater than 0.5 cm. We have fewer treatment options, and presently, chemo is the only form of systemic treatment we have that is useful for us

Nitzlebobbin

still scared and worried. Have a ct and bone scan on wed. Meeting with the oncologist and having an echocardiogram on Thursday. Scheduling me for an MRI as well. Every little ache and pain is making me jumpy. Don't know how I'll get through this. Are these tests and feelings normal

Kimm992

Those tests and feelings are definitely normal.

The first part of all of this (diagnosis, testing, etc.) was the scariest part for me. Once all of your test results are in and you know exactly what you're dealing with and get a plan in place you will probably start to feel better. It's the unknown that is the most terrifying I think.

Try to do things that relax and calm you as much as you can right now...watch a movie or something to take your mind somewhere else. Go out with a friend. Just do some things that you enjoy and before you know it you'll have a plan and be on your way to kicking this things butt and looking forward to the future.

Siuin

Hi There

Mine was Grade 3 ER positive and the tumour shrunk from about 3/4cm down to nothing. They said that the grade 3 really responds to the chemo. I hade 8 round of chemo but I could no longer feel the tumour after 5. Your lump is smaller than mine and it sounds like yours is a very early stage.  I had a mastectomy only because I had calcium deposits in my breast that could turn cancerous. If they hadn't been there, it would only have been a lumpectomy. I got my implant during the mastectomy, so there's no reconstruction to worry about.  In January I will undergo radiation therapy.  In April I will have my other breast reduced. This is because though quite slim, I'm a 34 F and I asked that my implant be a 34C. In May I will be able to buy UK Size 10 dresses! Up ntil now Ive had to buy size 14 to accommodate my top heavy shape.

I found the chemo to be okay. I made a diary of all my appointments and chemo sessions and stuck them on my refrigerator door. I would tick each event off. I wrote out all my chemo instructions about drugs, injections etc to make sure I forgot nothing and I followed them. For a  few days after chemo I'd feel about 80% but then I'd feel fine until the next session. I did lots of walking and ate healthily, though the chemo did make things taste awful for awhile. The steroids messed with my sleep, but I never had nausea, constipation or any of those bad side effects. So as I said, not exactly fun, nut not as bad as I thought. I lost my hair just after the second chemo session which was right on target. Most people lose their hair at around day 17. I got a wig, so no one had a clue I was sick. People complimented my on my new style. I'm beginning to get offended on behalf of my real hair, which is just starting to poke out again. Wigs have their advantages. I can see why Joan Collins and Keira Knightley use them.

I hope this makes you feel a little better. It is a scary time, but I think we are lucky that our cancer was spotted early and breast cancer has such a good survival rate. Also I have been tested 8 ways from Sunday now, so I know the rest of me is okay. From now on you and I are in the system and they will take our lumps and bumps seriously.

Best of Luck

Siuin

Mebbemoo

I was diagnosed yesterday, Dec. 20 with IDC. Ive cried myself out. But I went looking for support groups this evening and found this site. Suddenly I don't feel so isolated and alone. I do take some comfort knowing that so many of you share the sentiment that the initial "hearing that diagnosis" might be the hardest part of all. I just want to move quickly to whatever is coming and get this out of me". I am so relieved I found you all and this site

Moderators

Mebbemoo-

We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've joined us; this is a place of support and encouragement, and sometimes it helps to know you're not alone! We suggest heading over to our Just Diagnosed forum, lots of great info there, with members who're in your shoes: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/5.

Hope this helps, and please don't hesitate to reach out!

The Mods

dtad

Mebbemoo....So sorry you have to be here but welcome. I know you will find this forum both comforting and informative. I would also like to confirm that the beginning of this process is the most difficult. We are all here for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Siuin

Hi Mebbemoo

I was in your position six months ago, almost to the day. Stage 2 IDC Grade 3 and guess what, I'm cancer free and have been since October according to my oncologist. So there's great hope for you. Don't be scared. There's so much they can do these days to cure you and minimise the side effects. Also, no matter what test or scan they do on you, you are not alone. We all did, are doing and will be doing them. The Very best of luck and treatment.!!!