New and scared

Everyone here can relate the fear, anxiety, and confusion - we've all been there. The doctors see this every day and what is routine for them with breast surgeon consultations etc, is all really confusing and scary for a newbie who would never reasonably expect themselves to be in this situation in the first place. Stay calm until you get the results, try for some diversions, and cry if you need to (but try and move on after!). If its not cancer, great! If its cancer there are a lot of treatments today at all stages, but accept it will take some time to get the hang of the terminology and phrasing.

Go with the flow and take it one step at a time by staying in the now. Its hard but there is no use worrying about things that have yet to come to pass until they do. Also, there are quite a few younger ladies on here who will be able to comment on the specific challenges of having this when still trying to have a career/family.

So sorry you are going through this right now. It is hard to wrap your mind around. Stay away from Dr Google. There is much out-dated and mis-information. Praying you get benign results. One day at a time. ((HUGS))

So sorry you have to deal with this cancer, hopefully you have a good medical team that comes up with the right treatment.

I'm so sorry you are in this fight, butterfly warrior. I, too was dx a few weeks ago and I'm just now feeling like I *might* just maybe have a plan. One thing that I have found super helpful is my nurse navigator. If you have access to one, seek her out. As soon as I left my gyn's office with a cancer diagnosis, a friend I brought with me (do that!) insisted we drive over to the breast cancer center where I had been given a card with a random name on it from my gyn. I was dazed, so having a pushy friend with me made a difference! Lol The receptionist called the lady on the card and she kindly sat with me and my friend in a room alone and gave me soooooo much info and support! As I said, I'm just a few weeks in and she has made appointments for me, called my insurance, given me tips, and invited me to free yoga and group meetings. One thing I can say about being told I had cancer.....the wagons circle pretty fast!It's been amazing to be with so many positive and special women who are in this fight with me. I hope you can find your circle, too.

With all that said, I'm still pretty anxious. Every X-ray, blood draw, mri, or biopsy is another potential for bad news and I'm getting close to a breaking point. I haven't even cried yet! Is this normal? Will I just dissolve into a puddle at some point? I'm at least a month away from any real treatment and I'm anxious to just get on with it! Coming here and reading over posts has been so calming and helpful, though. Let's keep each other encouraged and look for blessings in this nightmare as best we can. Much love to you all!

You've found your way to a great place for information and support butterfly warrior (love this!). Did you say your doctor told you about this site? I'm so grateful that I found this place with so many wonderful members willing to share and support. You are right. This is a lot to process. I went through a few days of not being able to wrap my brain around the news. As you begin to get information from providers, It can be confusing. It takes a little while for everything to sink in and make sense. But when you have your plan together, you will start to feel some relief that you are moving forward in the process of getting rid of the cancer. I'm beginning to feel that now as I have my surgery scheduled. Try to keep positive. While you are waiting you can begin to prepare for what you'll need to be comfortable after surgery.

Wishing you all the best. Keep us posted.

One lymph node doesn't always mean chemo. If you are ER+ and HER2-, you will have an Oncotype test which will tell you your risk of recurrence and benefit (or not) of chemo.

You are in the hardest part right now. Once you have all the pathology info and a treatment plan it will actually be easier.

ButterflyWarrior28, I'm sorry for your diagnosis. Life will be a roller coaster for a bit, but you will make it to the other side. The suggestions here are all excellent, but can I add bringing a friend/family member to every appointment? My brain was in a fog, everything was confusing and I couldn't retain important information (And I am a Type-A person, detailed to a fault). I was grateful to have a second set of eyes and ears. We are all here for you when things get overwhelming. Big hugs!

So sorry Butterfly. It is going to be one long year for you but you sound like a tough cookie and will get through it. I'm glad you found a great team.

Sending you hugs and prayers!

BW28, having a good team in place that YOU feel comfortable with is so important. I'm glad that you feel good about them. Yes, there is a lot of information to digest. Don't be afraid to ask questions on information you don't understand. The TNBC board might be a great help. Like Maryjv said, you are not alone, we are all here fighting. Big hugs!