Newly diagnosed-but not worried...Am I crazy??

I was upset when I found out, but deep down I also believed everything would be okay. There are hard days, but overall I do believe it will be fine and that in some ways the diagnosis has been a gift to help me recenter and refocus.

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen my mother recover from two different cancers. And I’ve seen a close friend through the process too.

Best wishes to you

You are not alone. I think it all comes down to your personality. Does this mean you wont have down, weepy moments? No, you likely will at some point. But nothing says they have to last a long time or be constant. I had a nice 30 minute fit just after finding out over the unfairness of it all for my parents who have seen me through 3 other cancers, my DH who has seen me through 2 of those 3 previous cancers & whose mom had some horrific experiences during her BC fight & whose dad succumbed to pancreatic cancer, my younger son who shouldn't have to deal with the stress of having a sick mom (his best friend's grandmothers were both diagnosed a couple months before me and he was really torn up and stressed out over it), my sweet little granddaughter who loves playing with her Mimi and who I want to be around for. One giant fit all by myself in my shower and bathroom. I cried, I screamed at the unfairness, I threw lots of things. Then I turned off the water, dried off, got dressed, cleaned up the mess, pulled my big girl panties up and started planing my next steps. DH keeps saying he knows I'm going to break down and he's there for me...I keep telling him, I'm good and I mean it. Wallowing in emotions does not help me focus on moving forward. It sounds like you might be the same. Hang in there and keep us posted. We're all here for you to offer support and advice if you need/want it.

Hi I have seen so many tough times in my life that when I received the news of my BC diagnosis it did not shattered my world. I just took it as another thorn in my life .But I have to admit that rest of the struggles were mental and BC is a physical struggle .May be when the treatment starts I am going to break down . But BC gave me a gift. It revealed the emotional side of my husband who was always loving but never sentimental .Now I want to recover for him Luckily my boys handled it well The younger one who is 15 year old told me if it is breast cancer early stage I do not need to worry as BC has the best prognosis. I was amazed by his knowledge and composure. We live in Brisbane He has his grade 12 exam this year. I am happy to see that he did not lose his focus towards studies even after knowing his mothers diagnosis

So let us all count our blessings and do our best to get well soon for our families

hi Cheryl. I’m 6 years out, started tx in July. Had much the same ‘tude as you. Didn’t fall into a deep hole either. Some do, it’s not gonna be a fun year for you. But doable.

See you’re in hot humid Florida. The best thing I had after my hair fell out was a baseball type cap. So my scalp didn’t sunburn. Most insurance companies will pay for a wig, too hot and itchy to wear.

What part of Fl are you in

I don’t think you’re weird or crazy. Everyone reacts differently; I was a complete basket case. Intuition and positivity plays a huge role.. if your intuition says that you will beat this, and you go forth with a positive attitude all while listening to your docs (and your intuition) during treatment, you are way ahead of the game. Best wishes.

Cheryl,

I, too, never cried nor got too worried...shocked and speachless at first, but I did not fall apart. At each step I just got into the warrior mode and aggressively tried to fix and do whatever it was I needed to do. The only time I got teary is when the surgeon told me until I get my Oncotype DX report, she did not know if I needed chemo or not. If I had to do chemo, I would not be able to take my son to college visits and to his sport showcases this summer. He has worked his whole life for this moment and not being able to take him was my biggest concern. I think down inside I knew what I have is curable and everything was going to be ok. I am blessed and I did not need chemo and I qualified for the accelerated radiation of 16 sessions so I will finish the treatments before our summer plans.

I think you know in your heart, you are going to be fine,

Mimi

Hi Cherylf: Speaking for myself, I don't think you're crazy or even that unusual. When I got the call from my doctor with the news that I had IDC, aside from a little sinking-of-the-stomach, my overall internal reaction was "Huh...how about that. Finally." (Background - I've had 5 previous biopsies, dating back to 1975. I kind of feel like I've been dodging this bullet for 43 years.) My focus since then has been learning as much as I can about whatever the facts of MY cancer happen to be and going from there. It's step by step. I try not to project or worry in advance.

Oh, there may have been some obscenity-muttering in there somewhere, too. I kind of swear like a sailor.

Friends say I have a great attitude or that I'm "brave" but honestly, I'm just "Dealing With It" if you know what I mean. What's the alternative? I tend to be pragmatic and, with the exception of a few low moments (we all have them), my approach has been learn, deal, do what I have to do, and then get on with whatever else I'm doing. Life goes on. I'm grateful that my daughter and my husband have been similar in attitude with a healthy dose of supporting me.

I have no idea where my cancer story will lead, but all I can do is to stay proactive and work with my medical team and hope that I am around as long as possible. In the meantime, there's stuff to do.

By the way, knowing that I COULD have some really low times, while gathering names of oncologists and surgeons and doing my research, I also gathered the names of and researched a couple of good local licensed counselors. Just in case.

There's no right way to react and no wrong way to react. You be you. I'll be me!

Onward!

Today was my first appointment with breast surgeon .He has booked me for lumpectomy . He told me most probably he feels I may need chemo . I got the news of my cancer two weeks back .It gave me sufficient time to grieve and recover .

But best part of my visit were the ladies in the waiting room of breast clinic .None of them looked like they were cancer patients .All were relaxed .Some came with husbands. some with kids and some with friends .Even the chemo patients were so cheerful .

The lady sitting next to me had bilateral mastectomy and the surgeon seem to have done a fantastic job .From outside her breasts looked perfect . I even complimented her .

Breast Cancer diagnosis can be devastating and I feel only family support can help a woman get through this journey .

bobby77056 - I was diagnosed with IDC in April and was in a tizzy about who to see first, how to go about coordinating this...fortunately, my PCP and the patient navigator assigned to me by my screening center where I had my MRI as well as my cousin, a breast cancer survivor, advised me that a meeting with my surgeon was the first step. He/she will help you go from there.

My pcp sent me to surgeon first, who took my case to tumor board. Then met with MO, and eventually the RO. Surgeon ordered all the tests.

Interesting. I felt that way somewhat at the beginning but I think it may be more due that I didn't have a clue. Not. One. Clue. So you go through a process ... remembering that call which confirms biopsy results...tests....more tests.... breast MRI.... liver MRI. Everyone around me sees me as strong and it increases your patience, take a lot of deep breaths, educate yourself, ask a lot of questions and take your journey. Having a good attitude helps but I still have challenging times. I'm thankful for only a lumpectomy and surgery is done but it continues. Sometimes I just want normal and trying to adjust to a new normal.

There is a lot of support here; reach out because you'll probably need it. This changes a lot so I work every day at being happy, thankful and strong. Matter of fact I need to update the radiation MB team support as was struggling with a Savi decision and what a great group!

Prayers and great hopes for everyone who has to battle breast cancer

bobby, the oncologist that referred me was able to use his contacts to get me in sooner. Hope it works for you