Just Diagnosed

Hang in there Tori, this is the worst part. Is there a nurse navigator at your breast center? That's who called me and made all my appointments for surgeon, MRI, etc. It was a lifesaver since I was a zombie. My one regret is not taking them up on the offer of sleeping pills.  I thought I wouldn't need them but ended up not sleeping well for weeks. Big mistake. Sleep is very healing and helps you cope with it all.  Once you get more details, like pathology results, and a plan in place things will get better.  I remember well the strangely calm, out-of-body experience of those first few days.  A friend who'd been through it called and told me the beginning's the worst part and it was. You WILL get through this.  Take care.

Hi Tori,

It is a difficult diagnosis to accept at first because you feel okay. It's the emotional roller coaster of what am I going to do now?. First, relax and take a deep breath. Once you get your path report you'll know if it is fast or slow growing. If it's slow growing take your time and be sure to get several surgical opinions. Not all surgeons are alike in their methods of treatment. If its a fast growing breast cancer then line up a second and third opinion in quick succession.

Example: My first surgeon stated for my small 5x2x4 mm tumor she would do a quadrectomy with no reconstruction because she said I wasn't a candidate for immediate reconstruction ever. I walked out of their stunned. Fortunately I work in the medical industry and knew I need to move on.

First: Look for a surgeon who specializes in breast surgery with lots of experience, many general surgeons do breast surgery, but it is NOT their specialty. You want a surgeon who is current on all new procedures and don't be afraid to ask how many of the type of surgery your looking for have they done. Surgeons vary in the type of breast surgery they do on the basis of how they were taught. Some will only do it a  certain way and it may not be the one you want. Never be afraid to ask too many  questions. Take someone with you. Have your list of questions ready when you see them and go over each of them until you are clearly understand. If you don't understand make them go over it until you do. 

I was diagnosed in January this year and had a lumpectomy with oncoplasty (Dr fills the hole with surrounding breast tissue) and a sentinel node biopsy only. Doing okay today.

Make sure you take someone with you to every appointment regarding your breast cancer from now on.  Two sets of ears and eyes are better than one. They will pick up on some of the things you miss. 

I'll be thinking and praying for you.

Pam