Can't stop googling and freaking out

The best advice is to stop googling, but honestly, I googled myself to death when I was diagnosed.  So, it's easier said than done.  Like me, perhaps your anxiety level is so high that you have to do something with it.  At least, if you google, stay with major respected sites.  And assume that probabilities and treatments are probably out of date.

Don't know if this will help you, but I've been told that breast cancer can reside in the breast for ten years before it is palpable.  That's not exactly the same as your mammo missing it, but honestly, mammos are far from perfect.  I'm glad you're getting an MRI which is much better.  

The good part of appreciating the length of time it takes bc to be palpable is that hopefully you're less anxious about doing something 'right now' or else!  

If you are up for taking an antianxiety drug like Ativan or Xanax, now might be the time to take one.  You will become fully informed over time and it will all make sense.  Don't forget to breathe. 

jovigal - So sorry for the terrible news. It is very common to have DCIS and IDC in the same area. DCIS is precancer so your treatment will be based on the IDC. Nine years seems like a long time. I know I had a lot of woulda shoulda couldas at first. - in fact I still do.  What's important now is that they found it, it is early, and you are getting excellent care. I let my husband do all the research while I fell apart. It was very good to have another pair of ears with me at those early appointments. Also I joined the surgery group here at BCO for the month I was having surgery and that helped a lot. 

One thing's for sure. It is going to be really scary for awhile. I needed the anxiety meds plus an antidepressant when I was first diagnosed. I know in the wee hours we all jump to the worst case, but it does no good. Take things a step at a time. There are some great resources here, so please come back often Gentle hug. 

 Hi - Jovigal

  I am not sure if this was just recently added to this thread or if it was actually written back a few years ago,  I am new here as well as I was just diagnosed the Friday of Labor Day weekend. My diagnosis is invasive breast cancer . I am scheduled for a lumpectomy in just over 7 days from now. I know what you mean about the googling, actually my nurse navigator preferred that I only stay with a couple of websites - this one being one of the ones she mentioned.  They will be taking out some lymph nodes to check and see if they are involved at all. Most likely I will only need radiation and then some hormonal treatment. The size of my mass is really small less than half a centimeter - caught by yearly mammography. It wasn't there last year either. Mine is Stage 1. Even though there is a high success rate - when you hear the word Cancer - it is always a knee jerk response.  Let the treatment team tell you when there is something to become worried about. Hang out  here - lots of people to help you come to grips with things. 

Hi Jovigal, 

We're so sorry you have found yourself here but we want to send you a big warm welcome to the BCO community.

As you can see, it is made up of an amazing supportive group of women and men.

You might like to look through this page on Breast cancer 101.

It includes information on: understanding your diagnosis, treatment options, complementary and holistic medicine, talking to family and friends, your job and much more. 

We hope this helps,

Sending our warmest wishes of recovery to you

Hugs from the mods. 

I scared myself too when I was first diagnosed.  Everything I read was doom and gloom.  Then I found this fabulous site.  The ladies on here told me to always make sure the articles were current (last couple years) and were on a reputable site.  Even my MO told me to make sure I always ask him any questions about the info I was reading so we could discuss it.