Waiting for insurance approval...

It usually moves pretty fast once you are DX and your treatment is determined. You are in the worst stage of the process because nothing has been done about your DX yet but it does get better.

We can all relate to your anxiety. Been there, done that. Meds do help with anxiety.

Try to keep calm, rely on your friends and family for support and keep the faith.

Diane

Blueorange,

I am hopeful that your anxiety meds are helping you. I was diagnosis in December 2015. I rushed to be cancer free. I have to live with me rash decision making. This is a very important time in your journey. A clear head and calm mind is important to you. Surround yourself with a care team. Research your options before committing to them. It is not wrong to ask for a second opinion, third opinion. You will be left with the decisions taken to your body, not your doctors. Please take time to review everything presented by your treatment center team and feel empowered to question their expertise.  Write down questions and bring those questions to your consults. Be sure to ask about complications from treatments and alternatives to the treatments being offered. I say these things with hindsight that I sped through my process to become cancer free. I am now looking down the horrible path of lymphedema and watching commercials for class action suits on my chemo therapy drug (a less damaging alternative drug was available, but, I did not ask. I did not know). 

It is a very scary thing to have be diagnosed. But, remember you do have time to make decisions. One powerful tool is to ask what quality of life you can expect after submitting to the referred treatments. You will have life after treatment. The question is important. How it is answered will guide you on whether the surgeons and oncologists are interested in treating the cancer or treating you. It is not the same. Cancer can be surgically removed, blasted with radiation, dosed with chemo and plied with pills. You are not cancer. You are a wonder, a vibrant person with dreams and goals. Make sure your treatment center knows those goals and know also that you are not to be separated from those goals.

If I could go back the few short months, I would demand the surgeon to perform test on my lymphatic system to identify the primary nodes draining the sites of my cancer. Then demand node sparing at all cost. If you are heading to surgery, if they tell you "standard treatment procedure dictates (whatever)," let them know you are not standard and do not expect standardization. I am over the hair loss, the scars, the chemo but I am never going to be over the lymphedema. So, I know my wording is harsh, but my hope is that you do not have to face this terrible inflicted disease.

My prayers will include you.  

BlueO. I am happy you found a center near home. Proximity is important in treatment. I travel 4 hours by plane and have considerable issues in the case of emergencies.

Please use the opportunity to get second opinion. It will be a great service to you and your stress level during treatment. What I am about to type is horrible fact, cancer centers are for profit institutes. Do not forget that.

Find a cancer team that is right for you. One that understands your goals. I think if you focus on your goals and have a care team that will help you achieve those, it will relieve a significant portion of your anixiety. Get stats on your center's efficacy with your cancer type. Ask.about recovery, treatment pallative, curative, diet. Mediation, positive imagery, prayers have VALUE. They provide focus and clarity.

If you belive you are on the right course, let no one dissuade you. All the same, let another expert in on your vision for yourself.through a second, (third) opinion. You won't buy a car just because it is the nearest car lot, even if the salesperson is sensitive. Why do it with your life? Please take time to review your options. There is time. Cancer is slow.

Understanding of what is out there helps relieve the big fear of "am I doing the right thing." In additon to recording your consults, bring a caregiver(s) with you to your consults. That person(s) does not have to be medical trained only aware of what your goals are and who you are outside of cancer. It can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes you won't hear things. Your care taker can keep you on focus.

It is journey not a race. I pray for you, r.e.