Just diagnosed- feelinf scared and confused

Loztek

Hi ladies,

I have just been diagnosed with breaat cancer and am feeling very scared and overwhelmed. Attatched is a photo of my diagnosis, could someone please simplify it for me ?

I have asked my doctor but have forgotten due to being so overwhelmed. I will start taking notes at my next appts.

So amazing to see so many women come together and unite during tough times like these.

Thank you so much and hope to hear back soon

Lorraine

Racy

Hi, firstly, I am very sorry for your diagnosis. I understand how scary, shocking and confusing it is to receive this news.

Your report is preliminary in that testing for some aspects of the cancer is not complete. The additional information will form part of the picture in determining your treatment path.

Next time you meet with your doctor, ask for all the information in the report to be explained to you again. And you can read resources on this site about understanding your pathology report.

There are many treatments for bc and many, many survivors on this site. Get the best medical team you can, consider getting more than one opinion and stay in touch here. It is the best place for information and support.

Loztek

Thankyou so much for replying..i am having more ultrasounds/biopsy/mammogram tomorrow..i just feel like its taking over my head.

Hopefully i will have a better understanding on Thursday when i see the doctor..i will take on board your advice.☺

Thanks again Racy so good to hear from someone.x

wrenn

Hi Loztek, So sorry you have had this diagnosis. Being scared and overwhelmed is natural. I found the anxiety harder to manage than the disease itself and I think many people here will say the same. Do what you have to for relaxing or being good to yourself. I hope you have good support around you and coming here will be really helpful too. It is harder when you don't know exactly what is going on or what to expect. Coming here and reading how other people managed was really helpful to me in the beginning.

Hearing you have cancer is huge but once you are around people who have been dealing with it should help.

Take good care of yourself.

Loztek

thankyou Wren..

I hope everything works out. but i am ready for what they may throw at me..its amazing to hear from women like yourself..where you now dont feel so alone.i have to get more tests etc tomorrow..😣.but i can only remain positive.hope you are doing well.x

Loztek

my next appointment is tomorrow where i am having more biopsies perfomed another mammogram.and then a follow up appointment thursday for results. that first report was from a specialist last week through the private sector..i will be going through the piblic hospital as i have no health cover.i did see a doctor at the public hospital who has asked for these further tests.he seemed positive to say it is treatable..i am just so scared.😣

Loztek

Hi mammaray.

Is there any information on the report you could maybe explain to me?? what your thoughts of where i may be at..

Thankyou so much x

wrenn

I have a need to know details too so will try to decipher parts. What I get from the report is that you have a carcinoma grade 2 (there are 3 grades...slow growing, intermediate and aggressive so that is the microscopic paragraph explained).

It looks like at least one underarm lymph node is positive but they could not see lymphovascular invasion. (Cancer travels to distant organs through lymph or blood).

They are still testing hormone receptor status. To see what treatment is best. Get copies of all reports so you can go over it later.

If anyone reading this sees where I have misinterpreted please correct.

Hang in there.

Anonymous

Hello Loztek, the initial report doesn't really tell you what kind of BC it is, if it is ER/PR +, etc. More reports are most likely on the way and they will determine path of treatment. It's shocking and terrifying to get this news but you are in the right place to get info. You might also try posting this request on the "just diagnosed" thread too; there may be more ladies who can help you and help decipher your report.

Anyway, hang in there. You will be okay, and I know how scary this time is. We are here for you.

Claire

PS can you take someone with you to your next appt; ask them to take notes, and ask the doctor to repeat anything that wasn't caught or understood, to explain what he/she means in plain language, and ask them to slow down when sharing info, if you need. Remember they are working for you, not you for them.

Loztek

Hi claire.

Thankyou so much for your response..this site is amazing..you are all so strong and positive..and i am drawing so much strength from that alone.x

Racy

Oh, I see you are in Australia. So am I and several of us on this site. There is an Australian Sisters thread here where we share friendships, including annual meetups (next in Melbourne). Look us up.

And keep us posted. Send me a pm (personal message) if you would like to talk privately.

Racy in Brisvegas

Loztek

hi its me again .I have had masectomy

And was told I have stage 2 grade 2

Off for ct scan tomorrow as 1 out of 15 lymphnodes suspected.

I am so frightened. 😢

Beatmon

It is not as frightening once you have all of your information in front of you to research. You've already had surgery so you can check that off. Hopefully your CT scan will come back with no further cancer.

Loztek

I am still trying to adjust to all of it.like everyone here.how are you going with it all.thanks for replying ☺

Smurfette26

Hi Loztek, I'm Aussie too. NSW. Hoping your CT scan brings good results. Thinking of you.