Am I overreacting?

Your feelings are absolutely normal.

There's so much information in those first few weeks/first month that often you forget what you wanted to ask.

Write down all your concerns when you think of them so that you can bring them up when you see your team or breast care nurse. The my journey kit is great for that. 

I also found it helpful when the cancer care centre lent me a book on breast cancer (sorry I've forgotten the title) it took you through all stages and treatment options as well as statistics for different types of cancer.

For the record I'm 33, had a small tumour which was removed through lumpectomy but one of 2 nodes taken was spotty. Due to young age and lymph node spread they decided on putting me through 3 months a/c and 3 months taxol. Then 6 weeks of daily radiation. While I took the chemo exceptionally well, I'd rather have done without it.

In the end you have to think long term, research, and trust your team has your nest interest in mind for the future as well as now.

You're not over reacting at all. Speak to the oncologist and tell them your concerns and ask what benefits chemo would be etc. the 2nd sentence out of my mouth when I was diagnosed was "lob them both off! I want this gone". My surgeon went through all the possibilities and % and I realised that it wasn't going to make that much difference in my case so I had a lumpectomy. None of us want bc back. It hangs over us like a cloud. Get as much info as you can so you can make an educated decision about your health. All the best. Karen xox

Thank you all for your kind words..so nice to know I am not alone in feeling this way xx

Hi, you are certainly not over-reacting. Those first few weeks are so frightening, confusing and overwhelming, it's no wonder our mind races away with all the possibilities. The good thing is that your pathology sounds very positive and your oncologist will be able to help advise on what is best for you. In the meantime, have you ordered the My Journey Kit from here yet? It is full of great information about what to expect and I used it to help me draw up a list of questions for my surgeon and oncologists. Here's the link to order the Kit: order-my-journey-kit

Jel makes a great suggestion to have a chat with your breast care nurse - they can really explain things well and hopefully help to settle your mind. The Young Women online support group on this site may also be of interest to you: click here to join: young-women-online-support. Some places also run young women support groups, just ask your breast care nurse if you think that might help.

Best of luck hun, it is a tough thing to go through but you will get there. Hugs, Jane xx 

Absolutely normal... We have all been there.

Just wait and see what they reccomend as treatment as they will take your best interest at heart.

I am 2nd i to 4 Chemo sessions and same as you I want to have it but I must say it is a tough one as it is a full.on assault on your body and comes with serious risks of permanent damage to various organs - and some even with a later risk of developing other cancers such as leukemia.

If they reccomend Chemo it is because it is the best course of treatment for you. But if they do not that too is because they have your long term best interest at heart for your particular case.

Before you go for the next consult write down all your questions and concerns and make sure you show your list to the Dr and have them answer every single question. It really best to have things written down as the ones we have in the head often slide as another is discussed.

Again, yes totally understandable to be worried and even to question the medical profession but along the same lines do remember they have your particular case and your best outcome at heart.

Also a great thing to do is to get in touch with tour local breast care nurse and voice tour worries and concerns to her. She will both help you understand your diagnosis better and can also act as your advicate in this whole process and liaise with the relevant medical professionals involved in your treatment.

And just hang in there as it gets clearer soon.

hugs

Jel

Hi,

I don't think there is any such thing as over reacting when it comes to cancer. We are all scared and want assurances. I also thought I wanted chemo just as extra insurance, but reading about the pros and cons, I'm glad I didn't. I was originally prescribed 4 rounds of chemo followed by 30 sessions of radiotherapy, but decided to have the genetic testing to see if chemo would be of any real benefit to me and the results were on my side. I think my oncologist was more pleased than I was at the time. 

If you have a surgeon who you trust, oncologists that you trust, then trust them. My oncologist told me that a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy gives you the same result as a mastectomy.

Don't be afraid of speaking up about your feelings and concerns. The medicos and breast care nurse are there for you. And if you feel the need to vent, rant, complain or just ask a question, just log in and let us know.

All the best and lots of hugs

San-Dee

The way you are reacting sounds completely normal.  We all want to do whatevergives us the best chance. Ask about the statistics with and without chemo for a tumour with the characteristics of yours. Ask about the risks or benefits of having or not having chemo.

Take care, Lyn

Hi,I felt the same way. My breast cancer was grade 3 1.7cm malignant. 4 lots of chemo and 20 sessions of radiotherapy were suggested for me. I have completed 3 lots of chemo with the 4th next Tuesday. It has been a bit rough, but knowing I am doing all I can to get rid of the cancer, hopefully forever, puts my mind at ease. The thought of the cancer coming back again is always in the back of my mind, but thinking positive is the way to go. Take care and be positive.

????

Here is info regarding testing. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2013/12/a-current-affair-discusses-access-to-oncotype-dx-test/

Hi there - you're not overreacting and yes it's normal to feel the shock, fear and overwhelming information and the 'not knowing'.

As you speak to the next specialist a bit more of this puzzle will unravel. It's not easy though and we have to take it step by step. Make sure you voice your concerns with the Onc and remember you can always get a second opinion.

Take care alex xx