just diagnosed - scared

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shelly3162
shelly3162 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I am 42 years old and was just diagnosed last Wednesday, I have appointment with oncologist tomorrow...I am scared to death..I had mammo in march of this year and it was ok..I found lump in breast end of October and went to the doctor..had diagnostic mammo and ultrasound on both breast because of concerned area on mammo from march. they said 4cm mass in left breast and 1cm mass in right breast...went in for core biopsy they could not find mass in right breast (crazy - the doctor said he could see where the technician might have thought it was a mass but it wasn't) I went to surgeon last Wednesday he said it was breast cancer (I forgot to ask what kind- actually I forgot to ask anything I was in shock) he did say my lymph nodes were not swelled which was good and he said I caught it early (I thought 4cm was huge) he said thank goodness you did self breast exam...oncologist will go over treatment..surgeon said something about a port if I need chemo before lumpectomy to shrink tumor..it just depends on what the oncologist wants because my tumor (4cm) is on the border line of removing..so confused and scared

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited December 2013


    Hi Shelly and welcome to BCO so sorry that you need to be here but glad you found us.


    Hearing those words " you have breast cancer" is oh so scary and your mind just goes numb..........


    There are questions you know you should ask but can't for the life of you think what they are........Please, take a deep breath and let it out slowly.


    We have all been there and know exactly how you are feeling. Right now you are still going through the process of learning about your cancer and what your options are. When you see the onc ask him for a copy of your pathology report so you can enter the information in the dx section of your profile here so it will be easier for the members to relate pertinent information to you. You will also discuss treatment options including surgical options and what is going to be the best option for you. At any point through out this process if you feel you want or need a second opinion don't be afraid to go and get one........you do have time to do this without adverse consequences as an extra week or two before treatment starts is not a problem.


    There are many women here from whom you will be able to garner strength and gain information........don''t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.....we are always here, you are not alone.


    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • Hortense
    Hortense Member Posts: 982
    edited December 2013


    Get a notebook and start keeping notes. Write down what you are being told so that you can remember it and refer back when necessary. Some people bring someone with them to their appointments, I did not, but it can be helpful, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. I went alone to all but my meeting with my surgeon, but taking notes helped me focus on what was being said and I could ask for things to be repeated and explained as I wrote.


    Definitely get a second opinion if you want one. I also went to several surgeons before choosing the one I felt was right for me. Later, I switched oncologists and hospitals when I decided I wanted to ice my fingers and feet during chemotherapy to prevent nerve damage and wanted to use cold caps to save my hair and my first onc wasn't supportive. You do have choices, and the time to make them.


    The ladies on here are full of good information. I learned so much by reading through threads.


    Good luck!

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  • maltomlin
    maltomlin Member Posts: 343
    edited December 2013

    It's such a scary place you're in right now, but you've had some good advice here.

    Just take one day at a time, listen to what the doctors are saying, follow their advice and you'll be ok.

    Someone on here repeated their doctors advice..........'give me a year & I'll give you your life back'. That sounds about right.

    I know the treatment sounds awful etc but it really isn't. You'll soon be on 'the other side' and feeling well again.

    I find it hard to think back to my treatment........it was nearly 6 years ago, but I do remember the fear before I started the treatment.

    You're at the worst possible time.................but it will get better.

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