Just got my results from my biopsy... its all too much...

Oh, Denise,

I'm so sorry you have joined this sorority. Right after diagnosis is just about the hardest time - so much uncertainty, so little to hang on to, just the knowledge that things are going to be different.

Once you have met with your surgeon and oncologist, and have a treatment plan, the path forward seems to be easier to navigate. Treatment is available, and is effective for many, many people.

I found the time between diagnosis and the start of treatment excruciating. It seemed that I would never sleep again (spoiler alert, I did sleep again and during treatment I slept a LOT). Just knowing there is a plan was very reassuring.

People would ask me how I was, and for a while, all I could answer was, I breathe in, I breathe out. About a year after my diagnosis, a friend was diagnosed with stage II estrogen positive BC. "Breathe in, breathe out" became a bit of a mantra and a running joke between us. Sometimes we would just text each other with the initials, BIBO. She went through treatment with flying Colors, and is doing well,as have many others. I am happy to lend you some confidence that you will, too.

BIBO

I echo what avmom, brneyegrl and meow said. The waiting and inaction are the worst. When I got my diagnosis, I just wanted to take off and get this taken care of. Once you see the surgeon and have a plan, you'll feel so much more in control. Each step forward is a step back toward normalcy. I had my surgery pretty quickly and just started my rads today. Only 32 more treatments to having this phase behind me!

I'm so glad you found this site. It's been my lifeline. There are so many wise, wise women here who share their experiences and offer great advice. But keep this in mind: Each of us is an individual. Each of us responds to treatments differently. What's right for one person may not be right for you. When you husband gets home, sit down and talk it through together.

Of course you're in shock. The reality will hit you like a ton of bricks. But we're all warriors, fighting this disease. We all wish you the very best and have your back.

Keep us posted.

MJ

I remember vividly telling my sweet.mom n best friend(before I got hold of Fiancee) I'm going to die I'm too young n planning my 2nd marriage had my cry with them all then my faith I decided to fight with Hope n plenty Positive thinking Praise God I am a 23yr Survivor. Hang in there God Bless U All. msphil idc stage2 Lmast 3 no before n after got married n then 7wks rad 5days wk 0\3 nodes.

Kim - there are several thread with people talking about BMX vs LX. As you've seen, it's a difficult decision. And a very personal one. Some of it depends on your risk tolerance. Some might depend on your age. When you get a minute, go to My Profile and put in your diagnosis & treatment to date.

Kim S- Agree with Minus2. Enter your path details that you have in your profile and make it public under settings. We can better address your concerns that way.

Take it one step at a time. MO is on fence about chemo and treatments because nothing is a known until surgery. What info you are getting now is a best guess. Some people upon sx for example found out their tumor is smaller than they had thought or vice versa. They simply cannot know for sure until they go in.

What to do now is decide lx or bmx. Age seems to play a big part in decisions. Younger people seem to opt more for lx than someone like me who was 50 at diagnosis. What led me to bmx is while I know there is no 100% guarantee that just because you remove the breast(s) that it won't come back, I felt more comfortable if not just psychologically being rid of worrying about it. I for one HATE mammos. Now no mammos because no breasts. I hated my breasts pre-cancer. DD/DDD and saggy heavy because they were dense. Now I have size C implants that are firm and look and feel better on me than my originals.

I agree that you should spend your time now reading how people came to their decisions lx vs bmx, esp those in your age group. It's a personal decision that each one of us makes for ourselves. Best wishes.