If you have just been diagnosed....

I have just been diagnosed, july of 2008, sept. 4 i underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction where the plastic surgeon took tissue and muscle from my stomach and moved it to my new breast along with implants, so i also had a tummy tuck, a 9 hour procedure followed by a lot of pain and discomfort, i am now three weeks after surgery, i am still sore and feel very strange,

i have stage 2a invasive duct cancer, the cancer is gone but i am gearing up for four months of AC T chemo

Tracy, I do not have the triple negative form of breast cancer but on the main forum section under the connecting with others there is a forum for triple negatives. If you read some of the topics there and post your question there as a new topic you will get plenty of responses.

Sheila

Jackie - it is overwhelming and stressful. So sorry you had to join this club.  Did you have a biopsy?  Are you going to get the results over the phone or in the office?  If in the doctor's office, try to take someone with you - a close friend or relative, someone who can remain calm & be your ears for the first part of the journey. If you're getting the results over the phone, don't let them off until you get all your answers. 

If this is the results of a biopsy, you'll want to know the type, stage, and grade, and if they checked the hormone receptors (ER and PR).  If you haven't had the biopsy yet, you'll need to know all those particulars.  You'll need referrals to good oncologists - and you don't have to go with the first one you see - make sure everyone on your medical team is a good fit with YOU. They'll be in your face for some time to come, and if you're uncomfortable with them, it will impact treatment decisions, recovery, and your own good humor for ages. 

When the doctor asks if you need something (drugs), don't be brave. Braveness is overrated when it comes to cancer dx. Many of the women here have gotten through with the help of Xanax or Ativan and a good sleeping pill. 

Read through the sections here on BC.org on diagnosis and treatments and side effects. Once you know the type of cancer, go to the specific forum topic on it (IDC, ILC, etc) as well as getting through treatment and surgery. 

If you don't want to burden friends and relatives out in the real world, there are all the women here at BC.org who will listen. People are all at different stages, but they are so willing to help and listen to your vents and cries and will virtually wipe your tears.

My mom was diagnosed 18 years ago when she was 62, widowed & 5 grown kids. She went through treatment (mastectomy and chemo) and is still here kicking ass and taking names. It wasn't easy for any of us seeing mom hurting, but we eventually got through it - dealing with doctors, treatment decisions, chemo brain, and so on isn't fun, but we love her and just being with her was a help. She has been a huge help to me during my own journey. 

take care and hugs to you.

To all of you who have just been diagnoses:  besides telling your closest loved ones, what have you told your friends? 

I'm not sure about telling "the world" about my condition.  I think it may make me not be such a fun gal to be around and put a damper on my social life, which I think may be very important to me now to keep my mind off myself.  So, so far only my husband, my sons and their wives, and the two people who knew I was going  for a biopsy know the truth (I mentioned it to them because I had to cancel plans I'd never cancel and i childishly thought saying it would make it be okay). My mom told me people run away from those in crisis.  I don't want that to happen.  Any more positive thoughts than my mom's?  

Linalee - You might also look at the thread where I asked about telling colleagues:

Breast Cancer and Colleagues

I ended up telling my friends and colleagues. My friends have been very supportive. One told me of an acquaintance who had breast cancer - I wasn't aware of that. So I was able to talk to her and she had my same surgeon 5 years ago so the talk was very informative and reassuring. 

Friends brought over food after surgery. They have asked about how I'm doing, but then we also move on to the usual things we would discuss. It hasn't changed my relationships.  

I told my colleagues. For one week I told only a few because there was a group that I chair and I wanted them to hear directly from me at a meeting the next week rather than getting it second hand. That one week made me realize the downsides of not sharing it. I'd rather have people realize there is a serious reason why I couldn't commit to do something the week after surgery than to feel they were being stonewalled. And my nature couldn't comfortably keep such a secret - it made me spend too much time thinking about not saying something.

One colleague gave me his wife's name because she is also recently diagnosed and going through treatment.  Many have told me about people they know who had breast or other cancer and are doing fine. Many have expressed confidence in my strength and ability to get through this.

Linalee,

Tell the world.  We need all the prayers and good thoughts we can get!  The support is out there.  Use that support to make you tougher!!

Hi I am a 34 year old mom of a 3 year old and was just diagnosed today with breast cancer. My radiologist couldn't tell me much as they are waiting on more results and wanting to do an MRI but he said it was at an intermidiate level....I am so scared!

I'm new at this computer posting thing but it is comforting to know we're not alone.  My daughter, 29 years old, just received her biopsy results yesterday, 10/1.  She, too, is diagnosed with BC -- we are all in a state of shock, think we literally ran out of tears last night.  They are calling today to schedule an MRI but right now she is looking at a lumpectomy and radiation.  Just bought their first home, moving today and tomorrow, with my 3-y.o. grandson.  I see from these posts I have a lot to learn about this terrible, terrible illness.  My daughter's faith is so strong but it is hard to see her so scared and I can't do anything to take away her fears -- it is such a helpless feeling!  I have a lot to learn about BC so any good sites that actually explain this disease in easy to understand terms, please pass them on.

Hi. My name is Cathy. I have just been diagnosed with BC. I have my Doctors Appointment on Monday to go over everything. I do know I have to get surgery...Little I do know right now is the mass is less the 1CM. They said my cell growth looks very low. The oncologist nurse seems very optimistic about catching the cancer early.. I'm just very afraid about Monday..

I'm just looking for any advice to get me through this..

Thank You

Well, I spent the day helping my daughter and her husband and son move into their first "own" home.  It was a busy, busy day which helps, Viv, you're absolutely right.  Still the on and off tears, she moved about 6 blocks from me and you know when you're moving, the thoughts of the future just pour over you.  I feel so completely helpless but have so many good, good friends and family that are calling to help and offer so much support!  She has blood work tomorrow, MRI Tuesday,and oncologist on Wednesday.  We will know much more then and can work on that plan!

Lisa works for the Alzheimer's Association in Pinellas County and deals with illness on a regular basis, training caregivers, etc.  It's so different when it's your own you are forced to deal with, God bless her and all of you!

 Tammie, I will pass on your info to her  --  she really needs to talk with someone in the same situation as she is -- I am pulling for you all!!!  Laura

Hi, I was just diagnosed one week ago.  I first found the lump mid-July and its been hard waiting for appointments and test results, etc. which is still ongoing.  I had an MRI Friday, have a PET/CT tomorrow, they will put it the portacath Thurs and I start chemo on Friday.  Its all happened so fast.  I glad to have found you all to talk to and if I hope I can be of some help to someone else.

I'm praying for all of you!   Dianne

Irish01,

I was diagnosed on Sept. 19; lumpectomy on Oct. 2. Fortunately, I have a wonderful onocoglist surgeon! I just hope the radiation doctor is a great as my surgeon. I had the option of the mastectomy but he told me that research today states that both have the same results. I did have the SNB and the one lymph node was negative. In addition, I am a candidate for the Mammosite (1 week twice a day radiation); my oconologist has requested the ocontype test (which I hope to get the results today when I go to the doctor) and the BRAC test (which he plans to do today). I am 53 years old and retired last May from teaching I am so glad that I am not having to stress with lesson plans, etc.

Good luck! This is a great place for information and all here CARE!!!!

I have not been diagnosed yet, but I have all the symptoms.  Burning of the breast, fatique, extra sensentive in my back and breast, and the worse of all difficult breathing.  I had my breast exam last week and the doctor found thickening in my left breast. 

I am so scared, and really do not know where to begin, all of you seem to be so organized and ready for this challenging fight.  I do not know if I am strong like all of you, I cry everyday, and feel myself deteriated slowly.  Thinking of my child, and hoping that I would'nt die in while I am asleep.  Everyday I have given thanks to God that I have woken up to see my daughter smile.

Now, you have all mentioned different types of breast cancer, and treatments, and have all pressure the fact that good doctors are necessary in order to survive.  But me, I only have Medical, and worried that coverage would not be provided by them.  Money is also a great worry that has alway haunted me.  Sounds like everyone has good insurance, what do you all suggest about this quam. 

Thank you for all the info everyone has listed.  Will keep everyone posted, please forward any leads for any programs which help with low income breast cancer patients.

do you have state medicade for breast cancere patients?  I have no insurance, and my state has a program that if you are diagnosed it pays for everything.  Which is a huge blessing. I'm sure the few things I've had done thus far would have run my family into well, huge amounts of debt.

Hello all!

I want to start off by saying this website has been very informative for me. I was diagnosed 11 days ago with invasive ductal adenicarcinoma with sarcomatoid features. I don't actually understand all of this but I have some bits and pieces. I haven't been staged yet and am awaiting my doctor to get back with me. I first noticed my lump 6 months ago while performing a BSE and quickly informed my doctor who shewed if off as nothing. I returned the next month and saw a new MD at the same office and was shewed off again. Over the next few months the lump got bigger and started becoming painful. I found myself in the ER for breast pain. The ER doc stated I needed to contact another MD to get a mammogram. I did this which led me to getting a biopsy and then dignosed with invasive ductal adenocarcinoma with sarcomatoid features. I am trying so hard to deal with this information but its hard. I am 32 and mother of 3 and my youngest is 9 and is my little girl. I look at what this could mean for her later in  her life. I am really concerned that I haven't heard from my MD but I guess it is because I am still in the testing phase. She told me to email her which I have done but I haven't heard anything from her yet. I am a student in nursing schhol and wants to finish on time but I don't know what my outcome is going to be or what therapy I will take. I do know I am interested in breast conservation but is this really wise? I want to say to all who are in this battle I will say prayers for you all and hope things works out for the best.