Just Diagnosed ~ Scared & Angry :(

LotusLin

I was just hired at a new job, & before I completed my training I was diagnosed. My diagnosis is invasive mammary carcinoma, consistent with lobular carcinoma. Two days after my biopsy I was home with the flu & a fever of 101.2 & my Dr called & asked me if I was sitting. This is all happening so fast! I'm scared & angry! I feel relief that there are places, like this community, where I can hopefully connect with others that are going through this terrible journey also.

I am not planning a second opinion, are there others out there that didn't?

tapwhite

So sorry to hear about your DX! I am not getting a second opinion from my breast surgeon or oncologist but I am getting one from a different plastic surgeon. Go with your gut.....If you don't feel completely comfortable with them then definitely get 2nd opinion. Good luck!

danix5

Scared and angry is what you should be feeling. On top of stress with new job the flu and now BC! This forum is fantastic.

Sadly I was just re diagnosed. So I am back here again.

Do you have any details of your cancer?

ER PR HER2 size etc?

When you get that information you can go to the specific thread that ladies (or men) with similar diagnosis can be very helpful.

Very sorry you are here but this site will be a tremendous comfort for you.

Daniella

cive

Lotus, I'm so sorry you have become a member of this club.  Yes, it messes up your plans, this thing that has happened to you through no fault of your own.  Keep some of that anger to make you stronger through this unplanned journey, but don't let it consume you.  You just got (un)lucky, like so many of us.  I did not get a second opinion years ago when I was diagnosed and in hindsight I don't think it was a mistake.  But as tapwhite says, if you are not comfortable with your doctor(s), find someone with whom you are comfortable.

You will also probably feel better when you have a plan of how you will be treated.  By all means come here to ask your questions and see how other's have coped.

Kicks

I didn't seek any second opinions (or 3rd, 4th or more as some will do). I was very comfortable with my Surgeon, Chemo Dr and Rads Dr so no reason at all to seek other opinions hoping for one that would say that there was 'nothing wrong' or it was less than it was. Never did se a PS as recon was not an option at thetime or for at least a year at which time I decided that it was illogical (to me) to do any elective surgery that might actually not turn out to be ideal or put a limit my very active QOL.

Do not dwell with/in fear and anger or allow 'them' to drain you. Put the strength, time and power within you - put your time, strength and POWER within you to fighting AND winning the battle ahead. The past is just that - past and can not be changed. The future has not yet been written so can be changed for the good (or bad) by our choices.

Winyan - The Power Within

toomuch

LotisLin - Sorry that you have reason to join us here but hope that you'll find this forum informative and supportive. I found the he time immediately after diagnosis, the most stressful. I did seek a second opinion, not regarding my initial surgery, but regarding my other treatment and reconstruction. But I needed to hear from 2 providers to weigh my options. What's most important is that you are fully comfortable with the plan. I'm sure it's extra stressful to be working at a new job but take a deep breath. Depending on the stage of your cancer and your oncotype score, you may not need to be treated with chemotherapy. And even if you are, there are many wormen on the boards who worked through treatment. Take one day at a time...

MinusTwo

I did not seek a second opinion for my BS, but I did insist on meeting an MO first just in case the diagnosis changed after surgery. Loved them both. I did seek a second opinion for a plastic surgeon. I chose the first one due to his expertise. We got along in the end, but he did not like anyone to ask questions or be involved in decisions about their own care so we had some confrontations. Five years down the road - my scars are barely visible & on top of that, he thinks I'm an interesting real person. Go figure.

mustlovepoodles

Of course you're angry and scared! TOTALLY NORMAL. I think we all probably had the same reaction. It doesn't help that you've been sick with the flu, too.

I say if you trust your team, go with them. The only reason that I got a 2nd opinion was the first MO was a bozo.

Hang in there. You'll feel more in control once you have a plan in place.

Kathy21

I was going to get a second opinion but initial treatment plan is so standard I know I won't be told anything different so I am not going to the second appointment either.

edwards750

I didn't seek a second opinion either because I was comfortable I had a good doctors. As for their bedside manner that's a different story because both my BS and MO could benefit from charm school classes.

There are a number of ladies on these website who have sought second and even third opinions. Sometimes it takes that many doctors to get it right.

Diane