Just Diagnosed 3 Days Ago

Dear Scaredbutstrong,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry for your recent diagnosis. We are very glad that you made the decision to join our community and reach out to out members to share your story. We encourage you to stay active here and build a network of supportive others who can provide information and care as you begin your treatment. While you are waiting to hear from others you may want to check out this link with some sample questions to begin your list as you prepare for your appointment next week. Keep us posted on what you learn. Let us know how we can be of assistance to you.

The Mods

Scared - you need to get the reports of your diagnosis. They are yours by law and that way you will have the correct information. Depending on the size & grade and hormone status, HER2 status,etc. - the treatments could be very different. For example - if you are HER2+, you will likely have chemo before surgery. There will be more testing & imaging and likely you can meet with an MO (medical oncologist) before making final decisions

I'm recommending that you do NOT visit Dr. Google. That information is often out of date and certainly inflammatory. Try to distract yourself with binge TV watching, reading, walking. If you are super anxious, call your doc and talk about some mild meds. We'll be here to support you. Do post when you get the rest of your information.

There's little I could add to all of the wonderful ladies here. More so and I'm picking up information myself from each of them. I do however want to say that I am sorry that you are here as well. But you aren't alone, these ladies (and some men on this site, let's not forget them!) have been down this path or one not too far from it. Like others for me, waiting was and is the -worst- part. You'll have decisions to make, some might seem or be harder than others but once you get a plan that often helps. As for coping, I have no magic bullet. Some days you don't have to cope well. You can be a wreck. Some days you just have to survive the mental waiting game. But it's ok to not be ok. Beyond that I decided that I would let myself break down in tears...but only for 5 minutes at a time. In those 5 minutes I was allowed to let my brain think whatever it wanted. But when those 5 minutes were up, I made myself dry my eyes, breathe in, and force myself to do something. Go out for a walk, picked up a room, played with my cats to tire them out, something to make myself move even if for just 15 minutes. I actually got some decent cleaning done since I made myself do it each time! Everyone's coping mechanisms are different. That was mine.

I also can't offer much more helpful advise than the other lovely posters. Once you have all the info and a plan,,you get some control back. You love those animals.I would hold onto to some of them if possible. Maybe enlist a neighbor as a back up if necessary to help for a week or two. I think they will give you great comfort to see, hear them while you are going through this. We need things that make us happy.

Scaredbutstrong,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was scared and shocked when I found it because I was not expecting it as I did pay attention I ate, exercise etc and non o family history. These days, treatments are better and be strong. If you have to do chemo, don't be scared. This board has a lot of information you can find. Also pay attention what you r eating now and during treatment. No sugary food. If possible. take turmeric powder. A lot of ladies living more than 30 years after treatment. BE STRONG. If you can, meditate to calm your mind.

Good luck