Just diagnosed I don't know what this means

Dear Lucy, We are sending you cyber hugs. We are sorry to hear of your results. You may want to take a look at the BCO section on IDC to read more information or check out the IDC forums to connect with others. Keep us posted. The Mods

Dear Lucy: I'm sorry that you're here and have been diagnosed with cancer. I'm sure you're pretty shell-shocked and scared.

A 9mm mass isn't overly large, so please don't panic over that. You'll get a lot more information in the next few days that will help you get a handle on the specifics of your particular cancer but in the meantime, try to take some deep breaths. You'll feel better for getting some oxygen in your system!

Taking someone to your meeting with your doctors is CRITICAL. It's also a great idea to have them use your smart phone (if you have one) or a small recorder to record meetings with your surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, etc. I've found it very, very helpful to be able to listen to those discussions again later on to pick up details I missed originally.

Take your time choosing your medical team; if you don't like someone you've been referred to, try to put your finger on what's bothering you. If the MD doesn't suit you, go to someone else. You do have the time to do your research, get a couple of opinions, etc. Most insurers will pay for a second or 3rd opinion. Always call your insurance co. first, however, to check on what is or is not covered. Cancer is hard enough without unpleasant financial surprises as well.

Call your doctor's office back and ask for a copy of your pathology report; you are entitled to it and it contains valuable information. If they give you grief about it, ask for it at the facility that read your mammogram or did your biopsy.

Then start a file - there will be lots of paperwork you'll want to keep handy. You don't need to spend too much time organizing it right now; just put everything relating to this illness in one place. You can organize it as you go along and figure out what works for you.

There is a LOT of useful information on the main breastcancer.org site. Don't neglect that resource.

Breast cancer is a terrifying diagnosis - don't feel like you have to pretend everything's rosy. On the other hand, you don't have a huge tumor and we'll hope it hasn't spread to your nodes yet. Come back here anytime you need support, information, a place to vent, etc. We're all going through it (or have been through it) and we care and understand. Good luck to you.

Lucy, You should definitely try to have someone accompany you to any appointments that you have in these early stages. Do you have a friend that could be there? Maybe your daughter would be more empathetic if she were involved? The shock of a new diagnosis can get in the way of you hearing accurately what the doctor/surgeon has to say. And, the other person can take notes while you concentrate on asking questions and getting answers that you need to make informed decisions. You only have the beginning of a diagnosis - your pathology report from the surgery, which you will schedule when you see the surgeon, will give you and your medical oncologist a much clearer picture of what treatment options will be. Once you have been through the surgery, you will feel more confident. Just know that there are many others here on these boards that have been through the same fear and confusion. Your situation is unique because you are unique. However, many others have been through similar experiences. And, they have shared their concerns on these boards. When I was first diagnosed, I learned a lot from reading about others' experiences. Check out the threads for similar diagnoses - that can give you really helpful information... It is good that you know how to post already - you will find lots of support at BCO!