Just diagnosed IDC Scared!!

Dear Angelica - I'm so very sorry you've found yourself in this situation. It's a real shock and of course you're scared.

Please try to take some deep breaths and then go read some of the material on this board outlining treatment options, etc. There's a wealth of very useful material here that may help you.

You mention that you will be having a bilateral mastectomy. Since you were only diagnosed on Friday, the decision to go that route seems a little bit rushed to me. Please take time to talk that through very thoroughly with both your surgeon and your husband. There is also a thread somewhere in here about points to consider when deciding between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy that you may find helpful. Of course, if there are medical indications for the bilateral mastectomy, that's one thing. If it's simply a sense of wanting to get rid of all of it, you may want to slow down and do a bit more research and soul-searching.

Take care of yourself; this is a terribly difficult time. It honestly will get better, but right now you''re in shock - rightfully so. Give yourself some time to think, pray, talk with your husband and to do your research. I wish you the best.

Dear Angie,

So sorry about your diagnosis. Now you cross the line that so many of us has crossed--into cancer land. If you want my advice, take a deep breath and slow down. Try to keep a really open mind as you'll find that most of what you think you know about breast cancer isn't particularly true. I'd ask every one of my doctors the same questions--so you will get all their perspectives, some of which might be slightly different coming from a surgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist. You don't have to make split second decisions, even though it feels that way. That is just anxiety, which I'm sorry to say, you probably will have a lot of.

Get some meds for anxiety if you want to make it easier on yourself and your family.

Believe this: you will be happy and relaxed again.

Angelica- This is the worst time. You will feel a lot more confident once you have your treatment plan. It sounds like you are in good hands if your doctor is encouraging you to get several opinions. Try to relax, knowing that many many of us have walked the road your are now facing. And we are doing okay! I was 38 at diagnosis with two young kids. Here I am 4 years later and doing great. Post any questions you have. Read ONLY as much as you want (some people like all the information they can get, others aren't ready to read too much). And don't underestimate your hope...it will carry you through.

sweetie, we know your feelings trust me we,ve been where u are,just take a breath and once u get treatment plan things will ease up, I am a 20 yr Survivor(Praise GOD) and my Faith and family and friends kept me with HOPE, I talked to myself , saying "cancer u must leave my body" every day, stayed Positive, let all that Positive energy flow. Hugs goin out to you, HUGS!!!!!!!!!msphil(idc,stage2, 3 nodes involved, L mast, chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen)