Got my diagnosis yesterday - IDC

Oh goodness, of course you're so very frightened. I'm new here, so this is the first post I've written that isn't about my own fear and worry. And you've got a young child, so your anxiety seems perfectly normal to me.

You sound organized and thorough, with multiple appointments lined up already. I can't process information yet, so I'm trying to write things down as they come up. I hope you have a support system in place. I've found the ladies here to be very kind and understanding so far. They've helped me start to make sense of what's happening to my body.

My fear is out of control now too, so I can't advise you on how to fix that. I'm trying to drink lots of water, no alcohol. And eat small amounts when I can, and I'm trying to exercise regularly, mostly walking in nature.None of that may help, but it's one small way I feel like I have some control.

I can't really pray right now, but I truly do hope this works out as best as possible for you.

Yes you both are scared. We all are. Take a deep breath. You have time to decide what the best choice in surgery for you. After the surgery you will know much more. Your team will offer a treatment plan. Again make an informed decision don't rush.

Hoping many more will see this post. I've been gone a long time. Just know there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

Amyerz & brightness of course you're scared. I was when I got my diagnosis. It's all new to you. But unfortunately you are about to become an expert on this subject. Im not going to give any medical advice because I'm not qualified. What I am going to say is take your time processing all the information your medical team gives you. My first response was cut both breasts off I want this cancer out of me quick! That's irrational. You will find out that your cancer is like a puzzle it takes time to get a good picture of what is the next best step. Here's how mine happened, I met with breast surgeon first, she wanted to do lumpectomy. I met with plastic surgeon to discuss implants if I did mastectomy, because it is your choice what to Do! Then I met my medical oncologist to discuss chemo if needed and tamoxifen (which you will take for 10 years). Then i met radiation oncologist. I decided on lumpectomy and I have no regrets. My tumor was sent out and came back with a high onco score(make sure u get that test, it determined if you need chemo). So here I am doing chemo for 6 months. Then radiation for a month. Everyone is different but everything takes time. That's what I want u to get from this...take time to cry, to pray, to get your head on straight, and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Stay strong! And kick cancers ass!!

While keeping a good attitude and outlook with a dose of humor certainly helps with your mental health, to say it flat out reduces reoccurence/mets by 30% for all isn't true. Those who maintain a good outlook tend to do the right things such as diet, exercise, etc vs those who have resigned to this is my life thought. Many of our sisters did everything "right" and some even had a great sense of humor only to recur/mets. Some don't change anything and never recur/mets. Just want to make this clear as this sounded to me like do everything right and you will have a 30% less chance to recur. Of course the default should be to work on your mind and body to help decrease the chances but who knows if we will or won't no matter what we do.

I totally feel your pain with recently being diagnosed. I was diagnosed today with IDC. I won't have full details until my appnt. with the surgeon on Friday. I'm not in shock more than being disappointed. I received news recently that I was chosen for a job that I had wanted and had been interviewing for since May. It's crazy I know, but I'm hoping that I can still work. I need to work but I want to work. I've spent most of my life very focused on my career and helping others and I know it will only make me feel better to be able to continue to do so. I'm hoping for the best. I do have a great support system - 7 brothers and sisters (I'm the youngest), and so many wonderful friends. I also told my BFF. She's been waiting on these results hardcore like me so I couldn't leave her in the dark. However, I've only told one sister so that I don't have to deal with all of the emotions of everyone all at once. Telling the one sister was emotional enough. But I needed to tell her because she is reasonable and will got to my appnt with me on Friday. She's like my second mom. I will tell the others after the appnt. on Friday. I do count my blessings in having so many loved ones as I know there are others who are not so fortunate. I'm glad I was able to come here and share, and I will hopefully have more information to share after my update on Friday. Anyway, thanks for letting me share my mutual feeling of this recent life change.

When I was originally diagnosed 5 years ago I was also very scared. It is natural. Do not try to hide your feelings and do not let family or friends minimize your anxiety. No matter how much cancer treatment has advanced, it is still a scary diagnosis. Five years later, I am fine and chances are, so will you.

My recommendation is that you remember that cancer usually takes years to develop and therefore, you do not have to make decisions right away. Do take the necessary time to educate yourself about your options and get a second opinion. Ask around for recommendations about doctors and make sure that you trust your oncologist and are able to ask any questions and get thorough, respectful answers. If your doctor's ego is more important than your questions, change your doctor. This is your life. The last thing you need is to deal with arrogant, insecure people. The doctors work for you. You are paying for their expertise and their time.

There is a good book, written by an oncologist, titled Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers. You can find it online. It is a great introduction to someone new to this, very easy to read and gives you a lot of information that your oncologist knows but may never mention to you. When I found this book, I felt I understood my options better and felt more in control. Good luck to you.

Positive attitude is a welcome distraction, but it is not therapeutic. Negativity did not cause your cancer, nor did patients get mets because their attitude was insufficiently positive. Sugar is generally not good for anyone but does not necessarily “feed cancer,” because not all cancer cells are the same and breast cancers vary tremendously. And oxygen doesn’t “kill cancer.” Yes, oxidation (NOT “oxygen”) causes the release free radicals and cell damage. Because cell damage is the entire point of chemo & radiation, we are advised to avoid taking antioxidants during those treatments. But oxidation and free radicals damage ALL kinds of cells. You get all the oxygen you need by breathing (assuming you have enough red blood cells to carry it where it’s needed). Exercise makes you stronger, feel better and better able to withstand treatments, but it doesn’t kill cancer cells. If it did, no athletes would ever have gotten cancer. (Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, Robin Roberts, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, etc.)

Junk science is useless at best and dangerous at worst.

Moodygina... I am so glad you have your sister with through this. My twin sister had bc 15 yrs ago. I went to every doctors appointment with her. Every time we would leave a dr appt she would tell she was happy to have me there she would never have thought about asking the questions I ask.... I ask MANY.... she was in a fog I called and got her some med to calm her. Everyone thought she was doing great but knew she need some help. Oh! How I wish I had her with me now. Moody...... she didn't have any children either she was the cool aunt. Please keep us posted will be thinking about you. When you get a plan you will feel better

Hello there,

So. Two weeks since my diagnosis. Many test. Blood work. Scans. All in such a short period of time. Scans came back yesterday. Clear. Thank God. I had my second opinion and have decided to move forward with that hospital because they were able to not only answer my questions but were willing to-- with grace and understanding. It's been a journey learning how cold people can be when discussing something so very serious as one's life and how it will forever be changed. Anyway, I feel comfortable with my place of choice for treatment. While my scans were clear I am set for an MRI on Friday and I did the genetic testing today. I want to know all that I can as I decide what I want done as related to surgery. I do not wish to make decisions out of fear but based on facts. Still. It all scares me. My family has been wonderful. My sister is going to every appointment with me. My bff and a few other friends are the only ones outside of family that I have told. I want my plan fully in place before telling others. Just don't want all of the sad looks and tears. It's too much and doesn't help me emotionally. I am excited to start my new job and my medical team feel that working will help my recovery. Will report more as my stats become more clear but so far the docs feel that I've caught this early. While this is IDC, my docs are confident about treatment for me, although they feel it will be an emotional road. I already know they are right because it's been nothing but emotional since my diagnosis date of July 25th. For me it will be known as the date where everything changed.

Thanks. Sorry for the late reply. Just lots of tests this past week. I will have my full plan on Monday. I had some additional test for genetics done as well. It looks like surgery will be first so I will move to that thread on Monday. Truly appreciate your kind words and support. The past week has been an emotional roller coaster. Best wishes to all.