Diagnosis confirmed today

Oh kmac. Finding out you have cancer is always hard. I'm 49, too (diagnosed at age 46). Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable for most of us. Your lump is relatively small, so that's good. (Smaller than mine -- 5 cm+!) It IS hard to let others take care of us, but we all figure out our limits at some point. Hoping that you're HER2-, but even if you are HER2+, it's doable. Treatment just takes a bit longer. ((Hugs))

Hi kmac68- I'm a nurse too and diagnosed in March at 41 years old. I have four daughters so I understand your concern for them and your husband. This is one of the hardest times when you are being inundated with a lot of information, but it does get better once a plan is in place. Bring a notebook with all of your questions for each specialist so you won't forget to ask anything. I brought a nurse friend with me to the first few appointments so that I had someone who was objective and had some medical knowledge to make sure we both heard the same thing. You can also record the appointment for listening later. It's a huge emotional rollercoaster of emotions when you first get the diagnosis, but it will even out eventually. If you need meds to help with sleep or anxiety - get them. Now is the time to care for yourself and to get your plan together. Take a moment to breathe, walk around the block, or have as good long cry in the shower. Later, when you know more, there are forums specific to your type of cacer and I started a healthcare workers thread if you want to join us there https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/153/topics/854373?page=1#idx_15 We are all here for you.

upheld- I'm also in healthcare (pharmacy rep) and I found it was easier to give my manager a confidential heads up first. Then waited until I had a treatment plan in place before taking a few close co-workers aside to tell them personally and then made the announcement to all and sundry (my other coworkers and the healthcare providers and their staff that I call on). It helped reduce the number of questions that may have gotten repetitive over time, may have been insensitive, and/or left nagging worries. Everyone has been very supportive.

I think when you share your diagnosis and don't have the follow up information it makes others very nervous and they don't know what to say or do to help. All their uncertain questions and comments can take a big toll on you emotionally because it's the same things you're asking yourself internally and itcan be overwhelming for you when you already have enough to deal with.

Hope this helps!