Just diagnosed and trying to breath

Options
NewJourney
NewJourney Member Posts: 4
edited July 2017 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I just found out yesterday that I have breast cancer. A little about my history leading up to yesterday:

November 2016 went in for routine mammogram (always get 3D), suspicious area noted. Back for US and then biopsy which came back negative.

July 3, 2017 went in for 6 month f/u. Previous area stable. Three microcalcifications detected.

July 6, 2017 mammogram guided biopsy

July 11, 2017 call from radiologist saying cancer. Infiltrating carcinoma with ductal involvement. I think this means IDC and DCIS.

I have an appointment set up with the breast surgeon in two weeks (soonest I could get in), but honestly, after trying to do research, I'm scared. I read that IDC can metastasize, so sitting here knowing that is stressing me out! I'm scared that each day that goes by is putting me more at risk. I'm a single mom with a little girl.

Any info or tips anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thankful I have found this forum!


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Brightness456
    Brightness456 Member Posts: 340
    edited July 2017

    Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I'm new too so I'm afraid I can't offer advice or guidance, but I wanted to let you know I understand the fear. And you're a single mom, so you must have fears on a whole different level. I'm alone, but my children are grown.

    One thing I've found so far is that this seems like a supportive place to vent your questions, concerns and emotions, whatever they may be, and the response is pretty good.

    Do you have family and/or friends nearby who will be able to help with transportation and childcare and emotional and physical support if needed? I've read in other sections about women with multiple small children still being able to care for them and go about their daily routines with minimal help, but if it were me, I'd try to have a backup plan for help in place just in case. I guess my thinking is prepare for the worst, hope forthe best, although I'm not so good at hoping right now.

    I'm sure others will be along soon to offer support and guidance.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited July 2017

    NJ, Sorry your found yourself here, but you have come to a good place. Fear is a normal response. Try to take one day at a time, keep yourself busy, do things you enjoy. I would suggest you getting copies of your medical records as you go, take a trusted person to your first appts, ask as many questions of your medical team that you need to, in order to make informative decisions. If you aren't comfortable with the answers, get a second opinion. Best wishes to you both!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beachmama
    Beachmama Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2017

    Hi NJ

    I am so sorry you are part of this club, too! I was diagnosed in April with DCIS, had two surgeries, and then in June they diagnosed my other breast with IDC. I am not having my masectomies until August. It is hard walking around all this time knowing cancer is growing in there. But, my surgeon assures me it is okay! After your appointment, you will know what stage and grade you have, and you will learn all you need to make informed decisions. Educating myself and talking to others with similar experiences has really helped me to deal with all the craziness. Prayers for you as you wait for your appointment - waiting is the worst part!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited July 2017

    Hello New Journey,
    I am truly sorry that you have been diagnosed. This is a good place where you can find many answers and stories about living with breast cancer.
    I am almost 6 years out and I can tell you that many younger women do well. I still come here for support and to share life after breast cancer.
    As far as the two weeks of waiting putting you at risk, it most likely is not an issue that things would change so quickly. I was about 6 weeks from diagnosis to surgery.
    As you face your appointments, plans for surgery and a treatment plan, you will have some busy days ahead. I hope you can try to use these days of waiting to enjoy some peaceful time with your daughter.
    If you do not have help nearby, there are organizations that offer supportive services.
    While a biopsy can give preliminary information, the most accurate information will be available after surgery. Meanwhile look at each step in this journey as a path to wellness and being cancer free.
    While looking around the threads here, some of the things you read can sound unfamiliar and scary. I remember looking up the acronyms that are used as abbreviations on this site so I could better understand what people were talking about.
    Just remember each of us is unique and has our own diagnosis and treatment plan.
    Try not to look too far down the road, as you can't see that far anyway. One day at a time...
    I wish you peace in your decisions.
    Joan 811

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NewJourney
    NewJourney Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2017

    Thank you everyone for the kind words and support. It still all seem surreal to me. 3 tiny micro calcifications and no palpable mass, and here I am diagnosed with breast cancer. I know I will have a lot more answers once I have the surgery.....oh, the waiting! I'm just hoping the time between meeting with my surgeon and surgery is short.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2017

    New Journey - the waiting is the worst. But normally you won't need to worry about the cancer growing that fast. Just figure out how to make it through the wait between meetings & scans and the final results. Sometimes it's 3 days and sometimes 3 weeks. Find something you want to binge watch on TV, put in extra time at work, start an exercise program. We've all been there and the waiting is horrible. Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited July 2017

    NewJourney:

    Just ask all the questions you need to -- no matter how small. Someone on this board will be able to answer.

    It sounds crazy right now, but with information and a plan, things will improve. I felt so anxious at first and was trying to be "normal". What a struggle. But guess what? I did it and so will you.

    HUGS!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories