Just diagnosed and scared.

I was told just like you. I was at work and the radiologist who did the biopsy called and told me. She said both biopsies showed invasive lobular cancer. After about a week I had an appointment with a breast surgeon who had more info. I think I had a vague idea of size and the grade and hormone status. The her2 came later. Then I got an mri and I thought I was going to do lumpectomies and radiation. But the tumor board said there was another suspicious area and they recommended mastectomy no radiation.

I was sick over the mastectomy but the reconstruction DIEP was really good.

I kept thinking this is it, how I am going to die. Well that was 7 years ago and it never came back.

If you are having anxiety I would take them up on medication. I took it for 2 months helped me cope.

Good luck

Welcome, 78UnbB. We are so sorry about your diagnosis. We know it is a terrible shock. We all know the fears that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.

I was informed by phone of my diagnosis a week after my biopsy. It would not be until after the following weekend that all my IHC testing results would be available. I thought of the phone call as merciful, as they knew I was standing by, so to speak, waiting and wondering.

No matter how it is delivered, a breast cancer diagnosis is always stunning.

Now things should start to move along more quickly.

The Pathology Lab examining your biopsy specimen will report some particulars that will be helpful information in planning your treatment. Your Doctor will refer you to a Surgeon and to a Medical Oncologist. Depending on the type of surgery you are to have, and possibly depending on some other factors, you may also be referred to a Radiation Oncologist.

As soon as you have a treatment plan, you will feel better -- more like in control, and less fearful. Whatever it takes, you can do it!

You are not alone. We are a true Community of Brothers and Sisters who understand and will support you through your breast cancer experience.

You might find it better to wait until you have your whole treatment plan in place before you share with your son. Right now everything is pretty scary but once you meet with your surgeon and understand what to expect you'll be able to share the "facts" with your son and not just your fears.

I told my husband right away but didn't share with any of my children until after surgery (mostly because my daughter was expecting a baby any day and I didn't want to add stress to a difficult pregnancy)

I have college age sons as well. My older was in his second year when I was diagnosed. I did not tell him until I knew what next steps were. If I were you I'd wait until yours is home. I was diagnosed shortly after we brought him back to school for his second year. I called Residential Life to have them check in with him after we told him. I didn't tell anyone about my diagnosis until the week before my lumpectomy. Good luck to you, you will be just fine! I am 3 years post treatment and doing very well

Ashwagandha is a natural step aid as is kava kava and valerian. passionflower. Even the teas work. Ativan is the one I use when nothing else worked. That said, getting the diagnosis is like a kick in the gut and you feel the anxiety from head to toe as your stomach falls to the floor. The worst part. Once you have an idea of your tumour's structure and have treatment plans in place, it becomes a little easier. Then you work through the shell shock. with friends and family and lots of soft places to fall.....other women who have had breast cancer help a lot too. Wishing you all the best in your journey!

You are definitely in the worst part. I finally have a treatment plan almost in place and, even though I'm going to start chemo, I feel better/relieved. It's the not-knowing on top of the shock that is a really tough combination. Sending you good energy as you navigate the difficult first few weeks. It is going to get easier and you can do this!

78UnbB, triple neg sounds scary because there are fewer treatments but it is good they caught in early.

We are here for you guys. It is a tough scary road you are not alone.

Welcome, Hope-Faith-Love. We hope it all goes very well for you. You too, ClareCo. (((Hugs)))

I am newly dx as well. Taking everything in stride, however this dx was just the cherry. I am the bread winner of the family. Financially life suck, however health insurance is Tricare as I am a retired military dependent. Lumpectomy is Tuesday. . . .I was getting stressed out with work and life. . . .called the surgeon asking for something to just chill, to give my nerves a hearty break. The answer was expected in a way however cold. . the surgeon didn't feel comfortable giving me anything for anxiety and pretty much said I was over thinking the procedure. Im a nurse and feel very confident in dealing with life, rarely do I ask for help of any kind. my job is stressful and just plain life is stressful. Getting the dx of the big C is like a kick in the balls. Last night I was precepting a new nurse which took my mind off myself and issues, so I did get a break. But really, denying someone: that just got slammed that they are overthinking the procedure. . . .really.

Thanks the rant is over I really have respect for the surgeon, it's just like really.. . . .God grant me serenity!!

OK. . . .sorry I think I posted in the wrong space... I called my primary care, you will never guess what they said. They started with there are some questions we need to ask. . . . then they asked if I was suicidal, I was floored because I had said that I was newly dx with breast ca. If I wasn't suicidal before I just might be now, thanks for putting the thought in place. I just have some anxiety issues with life. I told the nurse that I worked in a psych facility and I am not suicidal. For pete's sake what does one have to the other. I really just needed maybe 1 little pill to ground me again. I am not the type person to need someone's help or even to ask. I was having a moment and no one was trying to rescue me. Well I dealt with the stress, which before any surgery you need to be stress free. Thank God I work with the best nurses, 2 great supervisors and a DON that is really supportive. These peeps let me bounce my concerns off of them and tried to comfort me. I am really grateful for the support.

Point of this is as a healthcare provider I am having my eyes opened and maybe this is where God id pointing me to go. All along I have thought of the dx as just a new adventure that God has presented me with. On with the adventure. . . . .

Wow. I am surprised at reading some of the posts regarding the reactions of healthcare providers and the anxiety some of us experience. I've really contemplated asking one of my docs for something Xanax or something because I have moments where I feel my heart is racing and I can't catch my breath. I've had anxiety at other times in my life so I am familiar with the feeling. I haven't asked a doc yet, but would be completely shocked if i was told no or questioned about the need. Hello??? We just got one of thee most dreading diagnosis a person can get!

Stay strong ladies!