waiting for it to sink in

BRCA1, You are totally justified to burst out in tears. It just isn't fair that you have to go through this, nor is it fair for any of us. The waiting after diagnosis is the absolute worst time because there is so much still unknown. This is a hard time and you should be gentle on yourself and allow yourself to be sad. For me, the emotional effects started to fade when I had my complete treatment plan....after pre-surgery tests, surgery, the oncotype and visits with my doctors, mapping it all out. Once that was done, I was in cancer-killing mode, completely focused on my treatment. I think knowing that you are doing all you can to kill the cancer keeps the anxiety at bay, at least for me. Once active treatment was over, I had a bit of "funk" that I had to deal with, because it does feel that the rug is being pulled out from under you and you are alone because you don't have a lot of dr. appointments..... but that also passes. I think this is a process that you have to sadly endure, but make sure you reach out to someone, a trusted friend, your doctors for support. I think the way you are keeping busy is a good way to cope, actually. I cleaned out all my closets and drawers when I was at this time, so at least something positive was accomplished. LOL This site is very good for sharing experiences. Knowing you are not alone and that you are loved is a great comfort.

Love and Hugs, MsP

Yeah, it was disappointing when mine was invasive too. Has the surgeon ordered an MRI?

I have just completed my four rounds of chemo and had a lumpectomy and will have a bilateral mastectomy in November. I really do agree with what so many people say about first getting that cancer diagnosis. It was truly the most difficult part of my cancer journey so far, just getting that diagnosis and waiting almost two weeks before I could get in to see a surgeon and finding out exactly what I was up against. Once I had the lumpectomy and knew the full pathology report I adapted to the idea of yes I had cancer and a lot of women get it and it is very treatable and curable. No one wants to join the cancer club but it happens to one in eight woman and many have been successful in dealing with it, treating it, curing it and going on with their lives. It is just an awful lot to process when you are first stunned with the news that you have breast cancer. I had no signs, symptoms, health issues, family history. It was picked up early on a diagnostic X-ray and it was a total shock. Once you find out all of the particulars of your breast cancer and have your doctors and have a treatment plan in place I bet a good deal of your anxiety,fear, worry and uncertainty will be alleviated. You will move into the active process of treating and beating your cancer. My lumpectomy wasn't difficult to recover from and my four rounds of chemo were not nearly as tough as I expected. I am choosing to do the bilateral mastectomy over radiation. You can fight this battle and come out the other side stronger for it! I really think what you are experiencing and dealing with right now is the toughest part of the battle. Give your self time to process it and expect with time and perspective things will look better because they will

As I sit here wide awake at almost 5 am, can't sleep, I turn to these boards! I was diagnosed yesterday. It has been such a rough week then waiting on biopsy results to confirm what I already knew. I have DCIS. Stage 0. I am so overwelmed! My head is spinning & stomach is sick. I had a consult with nurse practitioner of breast surgeon yesterday after finding out. That appt was made before I found out. I am sorry to hear about what you are going through along with every other woman dealing with this! This is a great place for support!