Beyond exhausted

Big hug coming your way, Snaffle. It's all extremely stressful and feeling exhausted is normal. I'm sure Friday can't come fast enough for you. I hope you get the answers you need and can then focus on the plan, instead having to wonder about the what ifs. Good luck to you. xo

Kelly

Sending hugs to you as well Snaffle. We know it's tough waiting, but once you know more, and get a plan in place, you'll feel better about taking this all on. You can do it! We're all here to support you the entire way.

--The Mods

I really believe this waiting part- from cancer confirmation to start of treatment- is really one of the hardest parts of this roller coaster Snaffle.

It is new, so many tests, terminology, and appointments to deal with along with our own mind games made out of fear of the unknown, BUT, I can tell you that you will get through it, you will get your plan in place and you truck on ahead with your treatment me.

The way your are feeling is completely normal and it is hard. When I was waiting for my results to trickle in and for my oncologist to formulate my treatment plan, she said NOT to get on the internet for two reasons. One, much of the information is incorrect and outdated and does not apply to me in 2011 ( my diagnosis year) and she said that many of the cases online are unique or extreme. She said that the majority of women and men who were diagnosed with breast cancer over the years are back to work, living their lives and NOT writing on the web. For that moment and time in my treatment plan, she was 100% right. I knew nothing about my cancer and I was assuming the very worst.

Stay Strong- Trust that once you have a plan in place you will do what you have to do. Try to distract yourself a little bit each day- do some of your favorite things. Lastly, know you you got this.

Lola

I’m so sorry Snaffle. In the diagnostic process being “special” makes it that much worse

I feel the same way. I was diagnosed three weeks ago and it seems like 3 months ago! Every small step leads to the big picture. I just got an appointment to see my oncologist for the first time (already consulted with surgeon, did MRI) but just knowing that I have an appointment with him next week perked me up.

I’m a web researcher too and it’s overwhelming the information out there but this site does it in a respectful way where at least I’ll recognize terms and treatment plans (shout out to the triple positive group!)

Good luck with your port placement and all of treatments!!

Doctors typically order MRI of the breasts to see if there are any other masses in the affected boob or on the other sode

BS explained to me that an MRI more clearly defines the size and shape for him.

Aloha to all and so many thanks to all who have shared their experiences with breast cancer. The road ahead seems so uncertain and so painful that the fact so many have survived it all - and have written encouraging words to guide others - is inspiring to us newbies.

After a month of follow-up biopsy, ultrasound, MRI and primary physician appointments, I finally see my oncologist in three days and have my second (Right Breast) biopsy on Friday (having had something spotted in my MRI) and the following Monday, consult with my trusted surgeon.

My daughter says "slow" is better (because apparently my Dx is not urgent) and things have moved slowly so far. Being older helps bring patience and an appreciation for my remaining pain-free days.