I am in shock and so are my drs.
I felt a lump last week and made an appointment the next day with my OB. She sent me for an ultrasound and the dr said he would "bet big money it's nothing' but he needed to do a biopsy to make sure. Here I am, 3 days after the biopsy and I received the cancer call yesterday. My doctors can't believe it, and neither can I. I don't know what stage I am or anything. I am seeing the surgeon today. I was also supposed to start a new job today, but I had to postpone my start date until tomorrow. I don't know what to tell them, will they take back the job offer? Do I say anything? I don't even know when the drs want to schedule the surgery. I am only 32 years old and I have a 4 year old daughter that I need to live for. I am scared of the treatments, but not as scared as losing the battle. I can't leave my daughter, I just can't. I can't stop crying and I feel completely overwhelmed. I was up all night with anxiety attacks. I never thought this would be the outcome, the drs all assured me I would be fine. I can't die, Please don't let me die.
Comments
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Take a deep breath and get the rest of your information from your doctors. Take one step at a time. Look for a center for women's cancer, they will walk you through everything.
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Don't say anything to your job yet. You may not have to have chemo or even rads. Hugs. come back to these boards and post whenever you feel able. It helped me a lot.
Claire in AZ
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Kudos for finding the lump and doing something about it!
First....deep breath! It sucks hearing the C word associated with you. So much progress has been made in the treatment of breast cancer that this may just be a blip in your life that you need to deal with.
For the short term, stay off the internet (except here, of course) and don't self diagnose - your self diagnosis will be far worse than the reality. The next few days and weeks will be the hardest....waiting, waiting, waiting....for test results, the next doctor appointment, etc.
Since I am only six months in, I am not the best resource. However, I could feel your anxiety and fear and just had to respond while we wait for those with more experience and information to chime in. There are so many women here that can provide great advice. Plus, there are several forums specific to your cancer, your treatment, etc. Did the doctors tell you what type of cancer you have?
Come back often. You will find tons of support, understanding, and information here! Best of luck. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
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Oh brookezine don't think about dying. Breast cancer is not the death sentence it used to be. I am sorry you have the C word but try not to scare yourself. I Understand completely about the anxiety; the fear factor is universal, but you will get through this. You are at the beginning of everything which all of us would agree is the worst - the proverbial waiting game. Waiting is sheer torture no doubt about it but once the type of BC is determined the process moves more quickly. I think I would wait until you know something definitive before you tell your employer. Many women on this forum are working women and have to juggle work and appointments. One step at a time though. Try and relax and take deep breaths. You didn't mention a husband; you need a support group. Family and friends need to come together and help you especially with a little one. You will be overwhelmed with information so if someone can go with you to the BS it would be helpful. Lean on family and friends. We have all been there, done that and some are still doing that so post anytime you have questions or just need to vent. Keep the faith and keep us posted. Diane
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Also brookzine my BS was stunned when after my lumpectomy a micromet was found in my SN when he too predicted there would be no node involvement so while doctors certainly do a good job they are not infallible. Still I know it was a shock...you will be okay. Diane
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Follow your heart when it comes to the job. Your first priority is you right now and if it is going to stress you even more to try and keep this inside then go ahead and tell them. My daughter had a job interview the day after she found out she had breast cancer. She went to the interview and was hired. At that point (after she was told my many people that she shouldn't tell them) she told them that she had to be honest with them and explained the situation. And you know what, they held the position for her and when she was able to work she had a job waiting for her. There are still good people out there. Just depends on how you feel at the moment. Just don't add stress to your life by doing something that doesn't feel right to you. This will all work out!
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PLEASE also check out this organization: The Young Survival Coalition, it will have a great deal of information & research to help you. There may also be women in your area too.
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My son was 4 when I was diagnosed...I felt the same way. I am so sorry you find yourself here among us but I am glad you have come here for support and friendship
The beginning is the hardest part because there are so many unknowns. In time it will get a little easier when you have your treatment plan. Take a deep breath and take it one step at a time. Sending hugs!
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I have worn the same shoes. 32 years old with a 4 year old. Deep breath. Take time for yourself, gather your posse for support. When people volunteer to help, give them a task.
That was over 10 years ago. One say at a time. Take care- m
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I would say don't tell your work just yet until you have all the facts.
The way I did it was after got the biopsy report and scheduled the surgery then I told my office. I was barely over the probation period. But there are actually some good people out there that are kind and understanding. I am taking some time off and my office has been very supportive.
I wish you the best....if you are feeling too anxious, may be take some med and get some good rest.
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I feel your pain . I was diagnosed yesterday. I have stage 2 IDC triple negative . I have 2 beautiful children. I am so scared. I don't know what to expect.
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pls read this article and try to arrange your surgery at the 2nd half of your cycle.
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I just got back from the drs and it's possible stage 2 IDC triple negative. Just like you, hopeful. They want to start chemo and then move to the surgery. They said only 2-3 months chemo, but I haven't talked to the chemo dr yet, just the surgical oncologist. I'm going to go into the job tomorrow and be upfront. If they decide they don't want to hire me, then I'll figure out something else. Maybe something part time while I go through chemo. I still can't even say chemo, it's such a shock. I feel better now that I have a plan, though. Thank you everyone for your support. It's so comforting know that there are people out there that care.
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Hugs to both you and hopeful. You will get through this. You both have excellent reasons (children) to fight with all you have. It's common to do chemo first with triple negative and you'll probably end up with less surgery because the tumor will shrink. Continue to stay off Google. You have no idea if the info there is current or a million years old. This site can be trusted for accurate info.
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brookezine and hopeful14 - I'm so sorry that you're both now part of the sisterhood here on BCO. But just know that there are thousands of us here that have been there and know exactly how you feel. There's also tons of great information specific to your diagnosis. You can come here anytime and ask questions, vent, or just hang out. We all get it. Please let us know what we can do to help each of you to make your journey a little easier or just check in and let us know how you're doing... You CAN do this! Sending a hug and a prayer to each of you...
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hello sweetie, get your cry out it is alright to cry, I did and most of here, it is good to cry and get it out, so come back here for we know exactly what you are feeling, crying is part of the healing process. we here know what u are feeling and I am sending hugs out to you and wrapping my arms around you, and you and all of us are in my prayers, I held on to my Faith and HOPE and always Positive thinking to get me thru. msphil(idc,stage2, 3 nodes, L mast, chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen) and for Inspiration I want to tell u I am a 20 yr Survivor(Praise GOD), so there is HOPE. God Bless
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Hi,
For you and others facing problems on the job, check out information from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding cancer in the workplace @ http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/cancer.cfm.
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Brooke and Hopeful- I'm so sorry you both are dealing with this. You are in the throes of one of the most difficult parts. Once you have your treatment plan in place it will get easier. I'm not sure when the shock goes away. I haven't gotten there yet. Chemo will be rough but you can do it. I used the penguin cold caps and kept my hair. I worked through chemo and I'm currently working through radiation. Once you have more information make the decision about work and what to tell them. Don't do anything now. Do whatever makes sense for you and your family. You are in a weird spot now, it's as if you get this news and your psyche walks away and shuts the door. I was diagnosed at the end of May 2013, my baby has just turned 1. Please hang in there, it will get better as you have a plan. I so remember that awful time, I feel for both of you. I'm sending all of my love and prayers.
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