just diagnosed

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Dailay
Dailay Member Posts: 3
edited May 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I'm new to this forum and thankful to all of you who share their journey. I got the news just last week and I still feel like it's happening to someone else; it's very hard for me to say the word "cancer". This can not be happening to me. Tonight, I have an appointment for an MRI at 21:10 and feel so much anxiety. I'm very worried about the test findings, wish I didn't have to go. I went to work today but had a hard time keeping my mind on work, i'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing by continuing with my regular daily activities. I am trying very hard to keep it together for everyone around me. How am I suppose to feel and cope?

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited May 2015

    Hi Dailay!

    Sorry that you had to join us and that you are so anxious. If you are going to see a doctor tonight, you might ask for an anti-anxiety med like Ativan. I don't use Ativan much, but I keep a small supply for "emergencies" (like the first day I taught a class without my cancer wig -- had to explain the dramatic change in my "hair"). I have found working to be a way of keeping my mind busy so I don't have to think too much about the Big C. But, if you are struggling to keep it together for everyone around you, I hope there is a place where you can just fall apart and cry. Sometimes, it just helps to let it all out. Also, you might take a few personal days off from work, if you think that might help. Some women go on short-term disability during part of their treatment (e.g., during chemo or after surgery). You might want to look into that if you think that might help.

    I hope that the MRI finds that your cancer is in its early stages and that it helps your doctors determine a treatment plan for you. You will feel better once you know what the plan is. Take care!

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  • texaspride35
    texaspride35 Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2015

    Hi Dailay and IMO, you're suppose to feel like you are feeling...There are so many different ro be had until you learn mire...I was diagnosed on the 14th but, I'm still waiting to be scheduled for an appointment with the oncologist....

    At least, the ball is rolling for you so please keep us updated...Good luck...

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited May 2015

    Hi All I have been feeling the same way.. DX on the 15th, met my surgeon yesterday, meet the medical oncologist tomorrow, radiologiaion oncologist and MRI Monday then Pet and CT scan .. and CHEMO starts. All has happened so fast and I keep thinking I should feel different then this. I do not know if it is shock or denial or just a really quick acceptance but I think we feel how we feel, no right or wrong. I decided to to STD starting tomorrow.. I liked keeping the day to day up but my focus was a mess.I did get a prescription for Lorazapem for emergency panics . Sending you positive vibes ,

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2015

    Dailay, Robbie, and Natejordlee-

    We want to welcome you all to our community here at BCO. We're so sorry for the circumstances that have brought you all here, but we're so glad you've joined us, and hope you find this to be a place of support when you need it most!

    I think most of our members would agree, there's no right or wrong way to feel in the first days and weeks after you're diagnosed. Some people confront their feelings head on, and others are more comfortable dealing with things a little at a time, or focusing their attention on tangible things. Many of our members have also benefited greatly from antidepressants and anxiety medication; you're embarking on a very emotionally draining path, so taking some time and care for your mental health and well-being is incredibly important.

    However you feel, finding a good support system is vital, and we hope that you all are able to count this community as part of yours. Welcome, again, and please let us know if we can be of any assistance.

    The Mods

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  • bcisnofun
    bcisnofun Member Posts: 488
    edited May 2015

    Hello,

    I agree with the other posts that there is no right or wrong way to feel.  Everyone handles this a little differently.  Most of us will say that once we had all of the info and a plan for treatment, we began to feel better. 

    For me, the more information I could get, the more in control I felt.  I read books and spent a ton of time on this site.  Xanax was my savior.  I could still work and just take a half when I was feeling overwhelmed.  It didn't zonk me out, just relieved the anxiety some that made me able to continue to function.  It also helped me sleep a little better.  Working helped me keep my mind busy which was helpful to me. 

    Dailay - do you have the results of your MRI yet?  Is it family or friends or work for whom you are trying to keep it together?  Robbie22, have you received an appointment yet?  Don't hesitate to call and be kind but persistent when it seems like the wheels are moving too slow.  Thinking of you natejordlee.  That is a lot of movement very quickly and I'm sure it's hard to take it all in. 

    thinking of you all

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  • Dailay
    Dailay Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    Hello,


    First, I want to say how much I truly appreciate all of you taking the time sharing your thoughts and experience with me. It's very comforting knowing that I'm not alone in feeling the way I do.

    I had my MRI last Thursday night and still don't have the results. I really don't expect them until sometime next week, after my pre-op next Monday. The MRI itself would not have been so bad if I wasn't claustrophobic. My husband was allowed in the room to keep me company, so that helped a little. I did manage go make it through now I have to wait for the results. I think the worse part is the waiting, I hope you get your appointment real soon Robbie22.



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  • bcisnofun
    bcisnofun Member Posts: 488
    edited May 2015


    The worst part is indeed the waiting.  I totally understand.  Thinking of you. 

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited May 2015


    sorry u are here but we do know what your feeling, been there, i was diagnosed while planning Our wedding found lump in shower, But i am now a 21 yr Survivor(Praise GOD) u will get good info here.msphil( idc, stage 2, 0/3 nodes, L mast,chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen)

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  • Dailay
    Dailay Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    I'm not feeling as anxious anymore, I met with the surgeon yesterday and she explained my MRI results. They found two other lesions in the same breast but they are both very small, 2 and 10 o'clock. I should get a call from the clinic today to book another biopsy using ultrasound. However, these lesions being so small, I may need a biopsy guided by an MRI, I really dislike the MRI the 1st time, I can't believe I may have to go through it again:( If these two lesions are also cancerous than I will need a mastectomy. I've read many posts in this forum and it breaks my heart that so many women are left waiting and waiting and waiting for their results. I'm very blessed for the great care I'm receiving from my doctor and the medical staff; my husband is also very supportive.

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  • BeckyKMartin
    BeckyKMartin Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2015

    I was just diagnoised with trible negative breast cancerl The hormones are not estrogen receptive and it is much more agressive that estrogen cancer. I have already had a double masectomy and CAT scan. After a prayful Memorial day weekend, the scan revealed it had not spread to any other part of my body. I will have a portal inserted under my arm (for chemo therapy) and start June 5th. I have had chemo before, 21 years ago with normal breast cancer. Do not panic, this is very unusual.

    Chemo is really not as bad as you may think. Movies tend to dramatize the horrible side effects you may be thinking, but with the meds they have now, it is not bad. Of couse, your attitude is half the battle, so be kind to others going through therapy and pray for good nurses.


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