Lumpectomy tomorrow
I just need a safe spot to vent for a bit, before my surgery, to folks who "get it."
My lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning. My husband and teenage son are coming with me. I am so blessed that they will be there for support. But....I still feel so incredibly alone in this "journey." I believe it's because I try not to share too much of my feelings because I don't want to worry them. They are worried enough.
Today, when I woke up, the first thing on my mind was the sentinel node biopsy. It dawned on me that this time around the tumor is more aggressive, since it is HER2+ and the chance that it has spread to the lymph nodes is greater than the last time I went through this. Yes, it's smaller than my previous diagnosis at less than 8mm, but given that it is more aggressive, it can spread faster.
I know that there is not a single thing I can do about it, yet I can't seem to stop my mind from going down some seriously dark paths. Granted, I just had the biopsy last week, learned it was cancer on 13th and am now having the lumpectomy, so things are moving fast.....which is GOOD....but I swear, my mind NEVER SHUTS OFF.
I hope that y'all are doing well and thanks for reading this.
Comments
-
Hi etnasgirl. I understand, I'm going through a similar experience. My surgery is Wednesday and I'm terrified, all I can think about is cancer ever since I was diagnosed a month ago (at age 41, like you). I'm so sorry you're going through this. Hang in there, and please keep us posted on how everything goes.
Danee
-
Hey there Danee78!
I'm so sorry that you find yourself here. It's the club no one wants to join, that's for sure! Although I will say that this place is truly amazing. There are SO many incredible people here and I have learned a ton over the years. These message boards are truly a great resource.
That being said, I do know how terrifying all of this and overwhelming and life changing. I wish you all the best for your surgery on Wednesday, you are going to do wonderful!! ((((Hugs)))) -
So sorry you are going through this. Glad you have support at home. Hope you can get results soon to get past this part and into treatment soon.
-
It is good that things are moving along quickly.You may feel a sense of relief after the tumor is removed; at least I know I did. You will probably get your results fairly quickly. The surgery for me was pretty easy. Just make sure you don't lift anything heavy for a while, use ice for a few days and maybe get an open-front sports-type bra to wear for a wk or so. Rest when you need to, take care of yourself and allow others to help!:)
Best wishes to you both:)
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team