Can't sleep

Lmonelli- I am recently diagnosed as well. So, I am also new to cancer. It is a lot to take in. Others can offer you much better advice on treatment than I can. However, because I have the BRCA1 mutation, I actually had a double mastectomy a few years ago. My only advice is to follow your own gut feeling. If you are more comfortable getting a mastectomy rather than lumpectomy do that. It's your body, and your cancer diagnosis. Everyone's experience is different, but I had an easy recovery from my surgery. It sounds like you already have a great cancer center and doctors lined up. That's great! Best wishes to you.

Lmonelli, So sorry that you had to join our group.  I spent many sleepless nights wondering what to do and changed my mind several times. I found out on a Friday and immediately made an appointment with a surgeon not wanting a mastectomy and not wanting radiation. Over the weekend I spent time pouring over the options and what was offered in my area. I found I was an ideal candidate for an intraoperative one time radiation treatment during the lumpectomy. I had my procedure Tuesday and am still waiting for my final pathology. Everyone needs to make their own choice. What I would suggest is arranging for a first and second consultation to find out what your options are with the pros and cons. If doctors make a recommendation find out why. The discussion boards are also good. There is a lot of information out there that can sway you. There are different types of radiation. Depending on your cancer, the risks vary. Also having a mastectomy does not mean you won't get radiation or won't have a reoccurrence. There isn't one right answer and there are options to explore. It would also help if you would fill in your diagnosis on your profile. Others with similar diagnosis can then share what they have learned. Hugs and good wishes.

Hello, I was just diagnosed on March 25 after having a lumpectomy. I am having a sentinal lymph node removal tomorrow March 30 to determine the stage and course of treatment. I'm so nervous and have been waking up in complete bouts of panic. Is this normal to have here bouts completely out of the blue?

Lmonelli, I was diagnosed at 53 with what was thought to be a small lump.  During the lumpectomy the blue dye showed that my right breast was 98% full of cancer, which meant mastectomy.  Upon further testing it was found that I had pre cancer cells in my left breast, so I went with a BMX.  I have been through two surgeries and no reconstruction, 4 rounds of chemo and 33 treatments of radiation.  The ILC they found was a 7 cm mass and close to my chest wall, which left me with no choice but to have radiation.  I didn't mind losing the girls or doing the chemo, but the radiation scared me.  After starting rads I found it to be the easiest of the three.  I was a member of the Winter Warrior Rads 2014 board, but I also peek in on the Spring Warrior Rads 2015 board.  Great bunch of ladies!!!!  Keep us informed with your decision, we are here to help. 

Speace, you will have lots of bouts of lots of things.  For the first three months I was diagnosed all I did was cry.  Ask lots of questions and if you don't understand what they are telling you, ask again and again and again.  I took my husband with me to every doctors appointment I had for the first six months just for an extra set of ears, and because all I did was cry.  He and I certainly have learned a lot more than we ever wanted to know this past 9 months.  Just remember to breath!!!!  We are here to help with whatever you need.  There is always somebody who has "been there/done that" and these ladies will be invaluable to you as you move forward.  Hugs. 

hi all

I'm new here just diagnosed today. I just turned 30 and have a 4 old baby. I am so scared. My biopsy results were invasive ductal carsinoma with er-/pr- her 2 pending. I'm not sure what do next... Planning to call a doctor but just scared and in shock. I'm so young.