This just can't be happening

Stay here on BCO. Go to the “diagnosis” sections (written by actual breast cancer specialists) besides the discussion forums. If you must, venture no further afield than Komen and the American Cancer Society sites. Also, buy (either in physical form or download) Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book (latest edition) and perhaps Dr. Elisa Port’s book too. You will get accurate information without worst case scenarios (which are almost always relatively unlikely).

For now, know that 7 mm is very small (“tiny,” even). And IDC despite the scary words “invasive” and “carcinoma” is the most common form of breast cancer. Survival statistics for lumpectomy + radiation are exactly the same as for mastectomy (which doesn’t always guarantee freedom from radiation). Also know that IDC does not grow like wildfire, so don’t panic if a couple of weeks elapse before you can see your surgeon and even a month or more before your surgery. That 7mm tumor was years in the making.

Don’t be afraid to get several opinions on how to proceed—and change doctors if their attitude is objectionable to you. Find out if your hospital/breast center/cancer center has a “nurse navigator”—if so, one has probably been assigned to you. Take full advantage of her (or him) as to next steps, arranging appointments, etc. If your hospital system has an online patient portal, join it if you haven’t already. It will give you a quick messaging system, ability to get test results and schedule appointments online, and links to handouts and perhaps even videos about each aspect of your diagnosis & treatment.

DON’T PANIC!!! You can do this. Every patient has her or his story that is unique to some extent, but know that my tumor was nearly twice the size of yours. I had lumpectomy & radiation. And my 2-year followup shows no evidence of disease. It may seem to you as if your world has stopped turning, but it hasn’t—and you’re still in it and will be for a good, long time.

In addition to what's been said I recommend keeping busy. Get more into a hobby you enjoy. It's summer, get out more. Keeping occupied helps. And it was found early/small so at least that part is good. GL

Yup, once you know what you’re dealing with and have a plan in place it will feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Things will fall into place, they will make sense, and you will be able to “see down the road.” Regardless of when you choose to tell the kids (and what and how to tell them), plan ahead for the rest of your life, because it will go on. Postpone, if necessary, but don’t cancel vacations. Book one if you don’t have one coming up. It’ll be a big shining reward, a beacon in the distance to remind you that though for awhile you will probably view the events in your life as having happened on either side of a “break in time,” that break will mend. There will come a time when you stop thinking wistfully, “that was before I had cancer."