Just Diagnosed

Hi there: I had the same response to the word cancer and in fact used growth for the first few weeks : for myself and my kids - I've worked in palliative care so denial wasn't easy but I think it was taking one step at a time and using growth

Welcome to the site all the ladies have covered most things. The start is always hard and I think so can the finish, either way it is a tough trip. I took one day at a time I had good ones and bad ones. I had a lot of laughter in my trip, I tried to find something each day to have a laugh.

Take care of yourself you will get to he end, yesterday I had my last herceptin. Another day heading towards the end.

Sending you a laugh and a hug xxxxxx

Hi Karen, I was diagnosed with DCIS as well and have just finished my treatment which included chemo and radiation. My surgeon did give me a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy however the spread was borderline for lumpectomy and if larger may have needed a second op for a mastectomy. I had already decided that I wanted the mastectomy to make sure they got the lot.  As it happened the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes so I needed a second op anyway but I wouldn't have regretted my choice either way.

It is pretty full on at the start with so many appointments for tests and surgery.  Just try to take it easy - one step at a time, one day at a time.  I also had a great breast care nurse who was a good sounding board to chat about the diagnosis and what was to come. 

take care. Maureen

Hi Karen,

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma recently.  I had my surgery about 6 weeks ago and start radiation in about 3 weeks.  I'm being treated totally in the public system, no private insurance.

I've been lucky.  We caught it early and it hasn't spread.  At first the registrar told me I might need a mastectomy as I only have small breast but I  had a great surgeon who could remove it without taking the whole breast and gave me the choice of a simple cut over the lump to remove it which would leave a scar, or a more complicated cut around the nipple to remove the lump without an obvious scar but would have a bit more pain.  I chose the second option and I am incredibly pleased with the results, the scar around my nipple is barely noticeable, and they tell me the bit of scarring under my arm will fade with time.

You can do this.  Remember that you are just as healthy now as you were before they found the lump, the only difference is that now you know about it and are having the appropriate treatment. 

Attitude is everything. As a nurse said to me the other day, "You have cancer in your life, but cancer is not your whole life".  Take one day at a time and handle things as they come up rather than worrying, and you will be fine.

cheers

Mira

Thanks Hazel. Wonderful to hear how ell your doing.

I can already see how great this site can be and encouraging for myself and others. 

Do you or anyinec else struggle with the word cancer. 

I feel I shouldn't give power to the word. It's not that I'm in denial but I would rather say I have a lump that needs to hightail out of my body etc, lol. And not using the word many times a day whilst talk I g to people etc.Does that make sense. 

Cheers, Karen ??

Thanks Tonya for your message. I very much appreciate it.

 It's encouraging to hear your story. I think it will be a great help being on this site. I'm feeling positive, well my mind is, but yes the anxiousness can creep up and start to invade your positivity, lol. But will continue to move forward as best I can. Cheers, Karen ??

Thanks Robyn for the lovely message. A question already, lol.

I would like to ask if you were given a choice for a mastectomy or whether they advised you to have one. As the breast care nurse where I will have my appointment said it will be up to me. I'm guessing after seeing  surgeon hopefully he will give me clarity on this. The lump is just under 2 cms. Cheers, Karen ??

Hi Karen, welcome to the network, but sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Robyn has covered everything, this site is a great place for comfort or advice. We have all been where you are now and it can be so scary and daunting. I was diagnosed in Sept 2013 and now I'm 12 months post treatment and doing very well. I did have depression and anxiety before BC and I still managed to get through it. Definitely 'one day at a time' is the way to go. Looking too far ahead can make it seem more daunting. Take care and keep in touch, there is always someone on here who can help, all the best, 

Hazel xx

Hi Karen, Sorry to hear about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network.My anxiety went through the roof when I got diagnosed.You don't see it coming and you don't feel sick. It's like a bad dream. Robyn has said it all. I will just say that I've had bc twice-2003 and 2010 and I'm fine now,enjoying life and cancer free. We are here to help you through and give you hope. Big hug,Tonya xx

Hello Karen,I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in September 2013. I have had a mastectomy,and chemo.It seems like yesterday,but one thing I can tell you is that 'you will be ok' :) Take each day one at a time.Dont look ahead,as things often change,and don't google things.If you want good advice and support,stick to this network,it's the best!!I can't really remember what I did before I found the ladies on here.It has become so much a part of my life,and  even though I am really well now,I still like to think that I can help newly diagnosed ladies.If there are any questions you have,please just ask.No question is silly on here!! You will get through this Karen,and as scared as you might be right now,you will find that as soon as you have your treatment plan,you will feel a lot more in control.Take care.Cheers Robyn xox