Trying to Keep It Together

JEA16, you're right - the waiting sucks, big time. I know that with 3 little ones you probably don't have any trouble staying busy but really, the best thing you can do for yourself right now is to ENJOY your time with them. Pull your mind back from that dark place whenever it starts to go there and really, truly revel in the minutiae of childhood. Don't look at them and wonder if you'll be here to see them grow up. Even given the way the odds have come down against you, you most likely WILL be here with them for a long, long time. Enjoy what you have, here and now.

Pretty much all of us here have ended up on the wrong side of the statistics, so we truly understand about not getting too hopeful about things and remaining a bit skeptical about the odds. However, you've apparently caught this pretty early AND you now know more about your risks than you did 6 months ago, so can take appropriate measures to ward off future problems. That is not to minimize the impact of all of this, nor to ignore the fact that the DCIS could include invasive areas.

Due to your BRCA1 mutation you'll probably be followed much more closely than otherwise, which is good. But you don't need to worry about that now, other than adding it to the list of questions for your surgeon.

I know this is tough. Getting confirmation of mutations is a body blow, even if you expect it. None of this is anything you expected to be dealing with at this age (or any age!). Take some deep breaths, re-frame what you can and muddle through as well as you can with the rest, one hour at a time. Hang in there. We're all here for you.

JE, so sorry to hear your story. The waiting is probably the hardest part of this ordeal. Don't feel like you have to be strong and take this on by yourself...lean on your trusted family and friends for support and ask them for help, if and when you need it. There are many resources available if you are in the States, through the American Cancer Society and Breast cancer non-profits. House-cleaning, rides to appts, etc. Once you start your treatment, your fighting instinct will kick in! You are much stronger than you think and you will get through this. It sounds like you have a great medical team on your side and there is always someone here to vent to!:) Best wishes moving forward.

JEA, as the ladies before me have said the waiting is the worst part. I have just completed two weeks of appointments, tests, consultations, etc and will finally be scheduling surgery. What a relief it is to have this all behind. You can't believe how much stress it takes off finally having a plan in place. You will get there! Take your Xanax as needed. It helped me keep those negative thoughts at bay. PM me if you ever want to talk or vent. We are all here for you!! Sending positive vibes your way!

Licata, you should be able to get the imaging tests sent from one facility to another. You should also get copies of the reports for your own records. It is stressful! Xanax may give you some relief. I had Ambien to help me sleep. You will hear this often, from those of us who have been through it, but it really does get easier once you know what you are up against and have a treatment plan in place.

Best wishes to you all.

Biopsy #1 found a malignant tumor. MRI after that showed 2 more lumps. Now waiting on Biopsy #2 and #3 taken on Tuesday, 10/4. Today is the 7th, why does it take so long!!!! Waiting over a weekend is the worst.