floundering

Hi Ann58​,  I am so sorry to see you joining us here.   
A BC diagnosis is a real rollercoaster of emotions - and it really mucks with your brain too xx.   Being weepy is very normal (it happens to most of us) as is getting angry, confused and everything in between. xx   Not sleeping is a very common side effect - talk to your GP about this.  I hope that your husband and family are supportive of you - receiving a BC diagnosis is a bit like having a cricket bat hit to your head.  :( 

Whack up ANY question that you may have here - as others will jump on too & add replies xx

Remember that 'Cancer' is just a 'word' - NOT a 'sentence'!     Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative WITH YOU to ALL your early appointments, up to and following your surgery - and with your Onc etc.  Also consider recording the appts as well - as it is all very difficult to remember what's been said at the time. You can go over it again afterwards if you need x. Charlotte covers this topic in her first podcast below - information overload!!

I was diagnosed with ILC (Invasive Lobular) like you - nearly 9 years ago .... and had lumpectomy, followed by radiation and then hormone suppressing meds for 7 years.  I was lucky & bypassed having chemo!

We have a 'private group' for those with Lobular Cancer - feel free to join it.  We put up as much 'new info' that we can find on it - as it is a particularly 'tricky' BC - as it hides easier than other BCs. You can join here:
Group: Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC) | BCNA Online Network

Are you receiving help for your CPTSD?  Check in with your BC team about it too - make sure your BC team knows of their importance to your treatment as well xx

They usually take & examine the 'sentinel nodes' (the ones that the BC may 'drain to') just to make sure nothing untoward is going on xx. So that is 100% normal to have that done.

Moomincorn​ has given some wonderful advice xx   As well as ringing the Helpline on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) consider checking out Dr Charlotte Tottman's podcasts "You don't know until you do''.  She was diagnosed herself 5+ years ago & had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.  She's been helping women with BC for many years - so was quite surprised with her own reactions to her own diagnosis and treatment - and it wasn't always what she'd been 'advising' her patients previously.  She is VERY easy to listen to - as she has had a LIVED experience of BC, surgery and other treatments, and she now has much better understanding of what we 'go thru'!(the first episode of Series 1 is here - then continue on with the other episodes as well.):
https://soundcloud.com/bcna/what-you-dont-know-until-you-do-with-dr-charlotte-tottman-episode-1-d-day-diagnosis-shock?in=bcna/sets/what-you-dont-know-until-you

Also, check out this thread too, that has a wealth of information on the forum, what to take to hospital and many more tips and important 'stuff'.
A big welcome to all New Online Network Members ..... | BCNA Online Network

Take care, look after yourself - try & keep as busy as you can (even cooking some meals & freezing them for when you get home after surgery - so you don't have to worry about cooking!)  

Ann58​ I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. The speed at which those first steps happen can really shake a person.

Reaching out to this message board is a good step. There are lots of people here with experience who have been through a similar diagnosis and treatment. If you have questions then someone is likely to have answers and ideas.

Have you been referred to a Breast Care Nurse? My surgeon gave me the details for a local one who talked me through the ins and outs of surgery.  Otherwise if you find the McGrath Foundation website you can search for a local Breast Care Nurse.

I'd also recommend giving the BCNA helpline a call for a chat.

Or do you have a GP or psychologist that you can talk to about how you're feeling?  They can provide advice on how to make the next steps easier for you so that it's not so overwhelming.

Try not to worry about the tears. It's completely normal to spring frequent leaks (I cried at pretty much every appointment and phone call including as they wheeled me off for surgery).

All the best with your upcoming treatment.