more thanks

I'm so sorry to read about your diagnosis. I recognise the terror your are feeling and completely understand why things are so bewildering. Getting a BC diagnosis is such a hard thing to process and I'm sure you are still in shock. This can take a long time to subside but it does, eventually, go. Once you begin your treatment and realise that your doctor is looking after you, and that you can cope with what is happening to you, you will be able to see that many other people have walked the same path and you are not alone. In July 2012, had bilateral mastectomies after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of DCIS. Even though the surgeon didn't believe that I had any lymphatic involvement, he still expressed the importance of doing a sentinal-lymph node biopsy to make sure there was no evidence of cancer in the lymph. It was hard waiting for the results to come in, and such a relief when I was told it was clear. It's important for you to have this, as the outcome of the biopsy will have an effect on what type of treatment you receive after your mastectomy. The reason your doctor is waiting two weeks after your surgery before starting your treatment, is to allow your body to heal a bit first from the surgery. I was also frightened of having the surgery and feared what I was going to look like, as well as what the outcome of the testing was going to be. I urge you to talk about your fears openly, either on this forum, or with close friends or relatives. There is a big emotional adjustment to be made and if you don't feel you are coping with your feelings, you must find a professional to talk to so you can work through them. I had a very hard time about four months after my initial surgery and spent a long time crying over the loss of my breasts - something that doesn't get addressed in the beginning as your doctors are more concerned about treating the cancer. I only wish I had found this network earlier as there is so much support to be found here. I wish you the best of luck with everything and am very happy to have a private conversation with you if your prefer - you send a message to my inbox. Try not to stress too much. Put one foot in front of the other and stay calm. You can do this! Sending hugs, Xxx Jeanine