Diagnosed yesterday 10/24

Options
tangandchris
tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I found out yesterday that the radiologist was right, I do have breast cancer and cancer cells were found in my lymph nodes. I'm going in tomorrow for a PET scan and then an MRI Monday morning. I'm terrified the cancer has spread further, I feel like I can beat the breast/lymph node, but if it has gone further I don't know how I'll hold up under that. I'm 39 years old, so they want me at some point to talk to genetic counselor as well. I can't believe that I'm going to be dealing with chemo/radiation/surgery/hormone blockers. My body has betrayed me and I feel so out of control. I'm struggling ladies, emotionally this is awful. I'm hoping it will ease up, but I've broken down several times in the last 48hrs. I truly never thought this would happen to me.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • newfmama
    newfmama Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2013


    tangandchris, I'm so sorry you got the cancer diagnosis. My heart goes out to you. I am happy you found this forum. There are some amazing women here who can help you get through this. Of course you will break down, don't hold it in. If you want to read details about breast cancer & all the treatments, I would recommend Dr Susan Love's book, the Breast Book. I learned so much & felt more in control because I could understand what the doctors were saying and could take back control & make decisions I felt were right for me.


    I don't think any of us thought we would get FBC (you can guess this acronym). I pray your family & friends will gather around you & give you strength.


    If you need to vent, ask questions or talk to the ladies who have been where you are today, just reach out.


    Big hugs to you!


    Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2013


    I'm so sorry. I wish it was different news. It is so hard to wrap your head around the diagnosis. Please come here to vent or ask questions any time. Take care of yourself.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited October 2013


    tangandchris,


    My heart and hugs go out to you as well. You are in the right place with a lot of knowledgable loving brave women and a few men. It's always heartbreaking and frightening when first diagnosed. Your mind races with fear of the 'what if's '......once treatment plan is in place, you feel you have some control back. Until then, think of putting together a support group. People you can depend on for different things such as attending your appointments with you and keeping good notes, someone you can call in the midde of the night if needed, someone to help with errands, chores, etc... Right now, get an expandable binder and get copies of medical records. You will be getting a team of doctors. Keep good records. Remember appointments. Just show up for now. Check back here often for love and support. I wish you the very best.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited October 2013


    tangandchris, cyber hugs to you! We are going to be battling together. Received my diagnosis on 10/11/13. I'm 49 and also have lymph involvement. The day before my PET scan , I was a mess. It was so stressful thinking about the "what-ifs." Had to redirect it to a different mind set. Had to think about the fact that at least I would learn what direction the "battle plans" would be taking. I too will be facing surgery, chemo, rads and hormone blockers. I am triple positive. I am determined to beat this crap at it's own game! I posted in this forum the other day regarding my initial diagnosis. We can take this journey together!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited October 2013


    I can relate....I felt the same way when I was dx at 45 with a young child (my son was only 4). Most of us have said the same things you have written. The beginning is the most difficult part. Once you know what you are dealing with and you have a treatment plan you will be focused on that and getting it done. It is a long road but you will get through it. I am so sorry you had to join our club. Sending hugs and healthy vibes your way!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited October 2013


    Sorry you are here, but it is a place of great support. The first few weeks especially are super tough to mentally deal with. Try to arm yourself with information/questions as you prepare for various doctor appointments. Most find out drs answer questions but dont offer TO us enough information about what is going on, what next steps are, what choices we have.


    Hopefully you are caught early and while it wont be easy, treatment and 'cure' will be available to you and you can go on to live a happy healthy long life.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited October 2013


    I gotta say, I love the support here so far! But...when I see the stages on your signature lines, I'm thinking that I'm worse off already. I was told IIb-IIIa, but it'll be more settled once the PET scan is finished. Just got home from church and I almost broke down there, but I feel better now. Robin :) Looks like we are going at this together. I'll be here for you...well for all of you really. I have a 4 year old child as well. I'm already overwhelmed with her and this is just getting started. I feel stressed out and zero patience with her, and then when I yell at her I feel guilty for not holding it together. It's all sooooo messy right now. Oh yeah, I'm also having pains in the shoulder and underarm now that I didnt have before. It hurts tonight, is this mental or real?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited October 2013


    Hey Tanga. Just saw your message about shoulder and underarm pain. Just wanted to say that once I was diagnosed, I had pain on the cancer side as well. It was like my whole body went into being hyper sensitive. I eventually settled down. I found that until I had a treatment plan, the stress and anxiety was the worst.


    Good luck with the MRI. Not sure if you have had one before. I have had a few, including one this morning. I'm not claustrophobic, and don't find them too bad. Just really noisy. I close my eyes and try to meditate through it.


    All the best. Use the boards to ask any questions you have. The women here are awesome.


    Ridley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited October 2013


    tangandchris, I won't have the staging until the final pathology after surgery. There are boards here for Stage II and Stage III. You should try to find some help for the times that you need it. I have access to resources through my treatment team. You should check with yours. Reaching out isn't always easy, but it might be better than feeling guilty. :) I have a burning pain and some numbness on the backside of my shoulder starting near the armpit. Have had it since the biopsy. BS and I are thinking it is nerve issue. Kinda sucks but the biopsy is what found my squatters...so I'll take it! Sharing this with you in the hopes that it gives you a smile. https://m.facebook.com/notes/robin-lincoln-karpf/open-letter-to-my-cancer/10151754060476775/?__user=100000396942594

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mr_Mosswood
    Mr_Mosswood Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2013


    Hi Tangandchric,


    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My wife was recently diagnosed as well…


    I wanted to share with you a great gown I found for my wife for her to wear during her radiation treatments. Thought this might be helpful for you, or someone else on here.


    Its call a Radiant Wrap, its an alternative designer gown made for women with Breast Cacner to wear during treatments. Really helped her to not feel so much like a patient. She felt the regular hospital gown somewhat stole her identity and dignity.


    Here's the link to their site if your interested: http://www.theradiantwrap.com


    My wife loved it, great gift idea. Hope this helps. Wishing you nothing but the very best, I know this is a difficult time for you.


    Best Regards,


    -Mr. Mosswood

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories