Just diagnosed

Hi Flower68. Sorry to hear about the news but glad you found us. The hardest part for me was that time in the beginning when I knew I had it but I didn't know any of the details or what to do about it. It never gets easy but you will feel more in control of the situation as you learn more. Any questions your doctor doesn't answer will be answered here, so please do take advantage of the available knowledge. Monday will be a month since my diagnosis and I'm not very far along in the process myself, but I feel tons better than I did that first day.

Hang in there and try to enjoy the beach if you can since there is nothing you can do until Tuesday.

Oh, can't forget some of the best advice I received when I came here in a panic: ask for anti-anxiety meds. I don't even need them much anymore, but they were invaluable during that initial burst of appointments and tests before anything is decided.

I wish you the best.  Sorry about your diagnosis.  The worst time is the waiting, the not knowing, and the wondering.  It is extremely stressful.  Once you meet with doctors and map out a plan for treatment, it becomes less anxiety provoking.  Good luck.

Flower , I got a similar call on a Friday(11:55 am) except it was re: a brain tumor with no particulars available, just before leaving for a breast bx we knew was going to be positive. Then like a good little nursey, I told the boss which was a hugely bad move. Definitely spoils the weekend. Flower you can't change what is, but you can control how you react. All will unfold in time. Stick here and many will come to your side. One day at a time. Fear is your worst enemy right now.

My reaction was I partied with some neighbors. Loved that I was with them and my DH. Made it a memorable night, but not b/c I was crying or such. I remember the laughing and hugging.

It breaks my heart to see more and more ladies come here with a new diagnosis. I am almost 5 years out now and I still clearly remember the day I found out. I know the fear and uncertainty you all face.....I pray every day for a cure for all of us. The beginning was by far the hardest part.....you just don't know what is going to happen. I can honestly say that my anticipation of each step was far worse than actually going through it. I know that's easy to say when you have already done it..... Please be kind to yourself. Live in the moment and find a little joy in each day despite what you are going through. In time things slowly return to a more normal pace. Hugs to all!

I was diagnosed on 8/4 with advanced stage 4 breast cancer. It's amazing, just four weeks later how much calmer and more at peace I am. Those days and weeks of testing and results and unknowns are so exhausting. But you quickly adjust to a new normal and put one foot ahead of the other.

hello sweetie, Hi bluefrog i,m from philly too, and to you Flower68, sorry u had to join us here but we will help get u this this over this overwhelming time, we do know what yourgoing thru been there, i am now a 21yrSurvivor(Praise GOD), and come here to give inspiration to others going thru, HOPE is what got me to where i am today, hadmy cry and decided to fight the good fight with my faith.We here are daily in my prayers, even private messaging to those who need me separtly, stay strong. msphil(idc,stage2, L mast,0/3 nodes,chemo and rads and 5 yr on tamoxifen,reconstruction didnt work for me, and wear prothesis),

Bluefrog, flower68 and msphil and mdg - I can so relate to the anxiety of waiting and to all you survivors! I'm one too.

Tomorrow is my lumpectomy and I'm sure Dr B will remove the cancer and 1-2 lymph nodes. I'm reading and listening to Louise Hay (You can Heal Your life) and (Cancer - You can heal it) about letting go, forgiving and looking to the future. I'm relieved the cancer will be gone tomorrow and looking forward to recovering with my kitties and husband. I'm grateful to friends and family for support.

Msphil - good for you, 21 years and you're giving back - thank you so much.

Hugs to all

We too wish it were under different circumstances, JCC4488. You are not alone on that roller coaster, just glad you found us.

I was also given my diagnosis on a Friday.  And I had a list of questions prepared for the doctor because I just knew what it was going to be.  When I asked her about the grade of the tumor and if it was estrogen and or progesterone positive, all she said to me is "I don't know.  It just tells me you have cancer.  I see you have been reading."  Needless to say,  I found another doctor.  Then, she gave me the name of a surgeon who is mainly a general surgeon and bariatrtic surgeon.  I asked for another one at a woman's hospital and she said, "I dont know any.  This one takes your insurance."  I have since taken my health into my own hands and found doctors who are compassionate and patient.  Getting that call was the worst.  I will never forget it.

shannon, glad you got a new Dr. Think positive and remember that you're in charge with G-d's help. I won't forget my phone call either, from the surgeon's office telling me to come in. I knew it was bad news. But, my tumor was 5-7mm and they removed it last Friday.

Keep asking questions and get the people you're comfortable with.

Linda