Newly diagnosed

Marianne1954
Marianne1954 Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
Newly diagnosed
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  • Marianne1954
    Marianne1954 Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2007

    I have just been diagnosed with bc.  Going to have a consultation with the surgeon monday.  I've been panicked for four weeks now.  No history of bc in my family and I am overwhelmed!  Found the lump on my own and now this.  I go from being ok, to crying for hours.  If you have any advice for someone who knows absolutely nothing about this it would be appreciated.  I am 53 and not at high risk for this.  I've always taken care of myself, eat well, excersise, don't smoke, didn't use hormone therepy for menopause!  I'm just shocked, sad, mad, and I could go on and on.

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  • Jenniferz
    Jenniferz Member Posts: 541
    edited December 2007

    Everything you are feeling is entirely normal.  What you are experiencing right now is the worst---waiting for a plan. I am hoping you have a marvelous surgeon (like mine), and he can help you handle some of the stress that you are feeling right now. What I recommend that you do is post this  under "Just diagonsed" thread, and there will be some one there who will try and ease your poor, stressed mind.

    In the mean time, know that this is a wonderful place to come, and there will be many who will lift you up in prayers and stay with you through out  this journey. Know that you don't have to have a history in your family to get bc......life just happens that way.  I was 54, and like you didn't do ht for menopause, no smoking, etc. 

    Remember also that a diagnosis of breast cancer does NOT spell out a death sentence for you.  My aunt is a survivor of about 40 years, and still going strong!!  She has been my rock.

    Try and get some rest, and hang in there.  You will be ok.  Hope this helps just a teeny little bit.

    Jennifer 

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  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited December 2007

    Hi Marianne1954..

    I too didn't do anything.  My Dad and his sister both had bc dx'd in their 80's with really terrible lifestyles.  I did the genetic testing and I was OK.  I led a pretty pristine life and I still got it.  Everything you are going thru is entirely normal.  Unfortunately right now is the worst time...all the uncertainty.  Your mind is just going in so many directions.

    The best thing that happened to me was my PCP said....first thing, you need to get some sleep so you can make good decisions.  Now..I am so not the person to take sleep aids but I listened to him and took them.  Good choice.  I took my time, got second opinions and came here and read a lot. Ok...too much I admit and I got scared!  But that's normal too.

    When you have a plan in place and all your i's dotted and your t's crossed...funny thing...you will be much better.  Even if you face more surgery,  chemo...whatever.  When you know exactly what you will be doing, you will be much better.  Trust us.

    You can do this!  If I can....the biggest hair weenie of them all...so can you.  It's doable and you will get thru it and a year from now you will be sending this message on to another.

    Hugs!

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  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited January 2009

    Dear Marianne,

    I'm so sorry this happened to you and I'm sure you're in shock.  Ask any woman who's heard those same words and she'll probably tell you she too, was in a panic.  I thought I would be dead in six months and that was over five years ago and I look and feel very healthy.

    A suggestion - search this site for questions to ask your surgeon.  Also, if insurance/monies allow, you may want to obtain a second opinion.  There is a "just diagnosed" section here at BCO and you will find information there.

    If possible, don't go to the surgeon alone.  It's good to have someone with you for note taking, support, etc.

    More likely than not, the surgeon will order tests - blood, possible EKG, bone scan and perhaps a CT or PET scan.  Don't get upset as this is normal procedure and is also dependent on your insurance.

    Please do come back here and let us know how you are.  You can tell us as much or as little as you'd like. We're here to help you through this so use us for all we're worth.

    Hugs and blessings to you and again, I'm very sorry for your diagnoses.

    Jelly

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