Forum Discussion
Sweetsomethings
8 years agoMember
Just been diagnosed - scared..
You hear of this daily, but when it hits home, my gosh, your whole world feels dark!
I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and am shocked scared angry. I feel violated. Have lots of support but still feel lonely. Horrible horrible feeling. Grade 1. Seeing my breast surgeon on Wednesday and am so so worried and scared. I just want to hurry along and get the process started. Love to you all going through this...
I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and am shocked scared angry. I feel violated. Have lots of support but still feel lonely. Horrible horrible feeling. Grade 1. Seeing my breast surgeon on Wednesday and am so so worried and scared. I just want to hurry along and get the process started. Love to you all going through this...
26 Replies
- BlackWidowMemberHi @Sweetsomethings.Wondering how you are going.I am having yet another bad day as I so hate myself after the surgery. Why oh why are these surgeons allowed to disfigure us so terribly.I suppose it is because they do not have to look at it in the mirror each day.If I knew I was going to end up like this I would have said no treatment and just let it kill me.As it is I just want to go to be with my husband now and hope he will accept me beside him in heaven or hell.I read of so many positive ladies and wonder how they got through as they did.Maybe they had more to live for ?Anne
- adeanMemberHi there lm 6 years post diagnosis but l will never forget that day.you have breast cancer.l have changed yes, and for me it will always be part of me. Its made me the person l am today and l like me! Ive made some amazing friends. My only advice is be kind to yourself. We spend so much time worrying about the impact on everyone else we forget us. Adean xxx
- SisterMemberWelcome to the forum. I feel like I've been on it forever but was only diagnosed in December! You will find out so much information, and get so much support from the women here. At the start, it just seems so overwhelming and you just want it OUT. Try to avoid Dr Google but there are some reputable cancer sites out there. Write down the questions you have for you doctors. I found it easiest to tell family and a couple of key friends to let others know (and to pass on that I wasn't up for visits and phone calls all of the time). I also started a blog and gave out the address to those interested so that they could keep up to date with what was going on with me without having to call me. Lots has been communicated with texts and emails, which means you deal with it when you feel like dealing with it. No point having distracted yourself for 5 minutes just to get a well-meaning phone call. Good luck.
- Thanking you all for your comforting words. I seen the surgeon, and received positive news, though I’m still scared...the waiting game is a killer. I wish I could keep typing to update you with more but I am mentally drained and sooo exhausted. As I’m sure you all will understand. Love to each and every one of you.
- arpieMember@Sweetsomethings Welcome (sort of!) to the BC Club ...... none of us asked to be here - but you've found the best support group on the web! Try not to google too much - until you've see the surgeon - it can only confuse things.
So it is Thurs today & you've now seen your surgeon & will have an idea of the timeframe for surgery etc.
Buckle up your seat belt ..... it is a crazy sort of ride! Like you, I wanted it all to happen fast & get it over with - and have been very lucky! Diagnosed on Jan 5th, saw the surgeon on Jan 15th, surgery on Jan 17th. I will be starting radiation Feb 28th - and it should be 'all over' by March 30th (tho I may go on tablets as well afterwards!)
I've had a few 'melt downs' along the way - which is totally normal .... but I have some amazing friends & family who've helped me thru this so far - many of whom have also had BC & have happily answered all my questions and calmed me down! One, I call my 'guardian angel' and she is just wonderful. She had a full mastectomy 5 years ago & has helped me SO much, even tho she lives in Qld & I am in NSW.
You DON'T have to tell EVERYONE you know about this - even some family members! Tell your closest friends & family (that you really care about) and they will be your main support base. Not all your friends will know how to react - they may take their cue from you? I was very up front with my friends & family & found that it has helped big time. I've kept doing my normal activities unless I have a medical appointment.
You sound like a glass Half Full person - keep that optimism going! I didn't 'feel ill' - I didn't 'look ill' - I had a 'condition' and it was removed ..... anything else from now on is 'mopping up'.Don't let this 'define you'! When it is 'over - it is OVER! Just yearly checkups.
With a bit of luck - you'll get away with a Lumpectomy & maybe Radiation as a 'mop up' - as a Grade 1 you may not even need Radiation! Mine was a Grade 2 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma - and all pathology & nodes were clear - but radiation recommended as it is an 'aggressive one' - even tho bits were 'clear' ..... with me, there may be the odd 'random' in the rest of the breast tissue. SO - I will be doing radiation soon!
I have minimal scarring - I was AMAZED!
I hope you are happy with your first visit to the surgeon - and I hope that your journey continues smoothly. xxx - MoondeerMemberHi there @Sweetsomethings - I too have only recently received a diagnosis (mid January) it certainly is an emotional roller coaster that's for sure. The first few weeks were very challenging, so many thoughts, so many questions and for someone like me who has never really "done being vulnerable" very well it was quite the challenge. However, as a word of encouragement for you - support and allowing yourself some time helps. Ask questions and don't be afraid to say how you feel (I'm also taking my own advice on that one! LOL). I have now met my team and have my plan. I now still feel quite anxious about what I need to do - but at the same time I feel hopeful and positive about getting on with it - as you most probably will too in time. Best wishes to you.
- onemargieMemberHi there @Sweetsomethings welcome to the forum. Sorry you’ve had to join us but It will be a great resource for you with real advice from real people. It’s always daunting when you first get diagnosed. I was triple negative. Stage 2a grade 3. And it was the scariest bloody thing ever. It’s so good you have been diagnosed so early too. My best advice is take each day at a time take advice from your team, but listen to your guts too, and try not to google anything, everyone on here has a different story to tell and advice to give and all have had all different treatments and meds etc. once you have a plan of attack it will feel better. Rest assured you’ve got this. Big hug. Keep us posted. Margie xx
- SoldierCrabMemberhi @Sweetsomethings
Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.
It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.
The what and how thread.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1
Breast Care Nurses
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
My Journey Kits and other resources.
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.
- MollygirlMemberHi @Sweetsomethings, welcome but I'm so sorry you have join us.
Initial diagnosis is a shock to say the least and everything seems insurmountable and overwhelming.
Once you've seen your 'team' you will feel a little better with a clear path of treatment whatever that may be.
Your team are there for you. Ask lots of questions, be honest about how you're feeling. They will help you deal with the huge amount of information you're given and the tidal wave of emotions you'll experience. If you can take someone to your appointments - it's hard to 'hear' everything when you're under such stress.
We too, are here for you. Everyone's experience and cancer is different so we have a wealth of tips, tricks and hugs to share.
Deep breath @Sweetsomethings, we got you.
Biggest hugs,Bec xx - Hi BlackWidow. It’s so daunting. The wait is so long..
There are so many things going through my head!!
I will do some research and look into seeing what is available in my area - thank you.
Are you going through private or public?