newly diagnosed and full of anxiety

This is a good place to
This is a good place to start. The survivors here are wonderful. You will get all the support and understanding that you need. The waiting and not knowing is harder than anything.

I only had a single tumor 1.5 cm, ER+/PR+ Her2+,in my left breast. I had a lumpecotmy in Sep 09. I have heard of ladies that had lumpectomies in both breasts. Depends on the size of the tumors and the stage of the cancer. Ask your surgeon for his recommendation and then do the research. Always check with your doctor. Everyone is different and we can only comment on our own circumstances and what we have heard and read from other's posts. I had chemo, 6 rounds, finished on 26 Feb. I had rads, 33 treatments, finished on 2 Jul. I am currently taking Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year and will finish that in Dec. Femara for 5 years.

Welcome to the boards just wish it was under different circumstances.

Hugs

Donna

ana
Welcome!You will find comfort and support here!
Sorry about your diagnosis-it is a scary time,especially when you have just heard and things are still new.
Try to take things one step at a time-for me,that was one of the things that helped me face it and be able to have any control over what is happening . If you look at the big picture too much it is even more scary and overwhelming!
I hope you will be able to take comfort by reading these posts and hopefully realizing that we have all been there or are going through it-you are not alone and the ones who have been through it will hopefully show you that you can too!
It is a tough road and not an easy one for sure,but you can do it!

Welcome to this board,
Welcome to this board, although I am sorry for the reason you are here. Each of our paths is individual, but we all share so much in common. Like it's been said, taking things one step at a time will help you not feel so overwhelmed. Have faith that the guidance you need will be there for you, no matter where your path takes you. xoxoxoxo Lynn

Sorry Too
Like everyone else, I'm sorry that you need to be here, but there is a wealth of information and support on these boards.

There is a very quick learning curve that you need to go through. Hopefully you have some support at home, if not use this board. My wife was diagnosed April 1st with triple negative breast cancer, and the advice I would offer is:

Take someone with you to all doctor's appointments; write everything down; if you have someone who can make the calls for you (doctor's office, insurance, hospitals...) let them; get a second opinion about the treatment; don't be afraid to ask questions; don't assume that appointments will be set up correctly and test results will arrive when they should, call again and again (have someone call).

There is a lot of information you need to know about your cancer; type, stage, grade, receptor status (ER, PR, HER2 positive or negative). You will get pathology from the biopsy, but it may change after they redo it after the actual tumor removal.

The begining stage is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but you can get through this. My wife didn't eat well for weeks after her diagnosis and lost about 20 pounds. She felt like everything she ate was poisoning her.

Again, sorry you need to be here, hugs and prayers

Bob

TraciInLA said:

Welcome to our little community
Donna is right -- this is a good place to start.

Things are so overwhelming when you're just starting on this journey -- all the decisions, all the new terminology. I promise, it WILL get easier.

I had tumors in both breasts -- they were so tiny (4 total, none larger than 2 millimeters), that my doctors and I decided on bilateral lumpectomies. So I think it's unusual to have lumpectomies when you have tumors in both breasts, but it does happen.

Another good place for information and guidance is the American Cancer Society's 24-hour toll-free hotline -- they'll send you tons of really helpful books, brochures, and other materials, all written in easy-to-understand plain English, and all free of charge. And their representatives are really compassionate and caring. Definitely call them.

In the meantime, please come here often with all your questions, and we'll help you through this however we can.

Traci

I want to welcome you first!
I want to welcome you first! Try to breathe and just take it one day, one step at a time. You have us here to help you.


Hugs, Leeza

aisling8 said:

welcome
Don't have much to add that hasn't been well stated already by my Pink Sisters. I just wanted to add my own welcome to you, although, of course, sorry that you had to find us.

We'll help you get through it all,

Victoria

Hugs to you
Hi

As everyone has said, this is a great place to be even tho none of us ever thought we'd be here - or ever wanted to be in this place. I think we can all understand all the fear and anxiety you are feeling. The advice to take it one day at a time is excellent as well as deep breaths. Once you get your path report and any other testing, you can plan your attack with your doctors. We will all be here as well to answer any questions as best we can in relation to our individual experiences. I'm two and a half years out from my dx and there are lots of others even longer from dx - there is plenty of hope.

Take care. Sally

Welcome!!
So glad you are here. Sorry about the reason though. You have found the best board to be on. We have all been were you are and we understand how you feel. We will all help you as you go through this journey. Take it slow read old post it help me greatly. I have learned so much here. You will too. It is very frustrating in the beginning. It will get easier. The more you learn the more you will clam down. Best of luck to you and best wishes. You can ask anything here Anything. We will all do our best to help. Welcome to the family Kay,

We've been there
Just wanted to let you know that you have found a great resource coming to these boards. The waiting is probably the hardest part and the nice thing is...we've all been there so we know how you are feeling. It is a very scary time but you will get through it. Keep close contact with your doctors get second opinions (or even thirds) if you are unsure. We are here for you. Feel free to contact me!

cahjah75 said:

I too welcome
you to this wonderful collection of bc sisters and some hubbies too :-) I'm sorry for the reason though. I came to this site just before my bilateral mastectomy. My tumor was too large in one breast to save anything. I already had LCIS in other breast and I'm the 5th in my family with bc hence the mastectomy. You've been given a lot of suggestions here that are invaluable. Please do speak to a plastic surgeon before any surgery so you know your options. Once you know exactly what type of bc you have you'll be able to make better decisions that are right for you. Ask questions! I continue to make a list and my drs so far have been more than accomodating in answering them. Keep us posted and read any posts that you think may help you. We're here for support just as you are.
Char

Welcome
I also would like to welcome you here. I am sorry for why but as everyone has said you have found a great place. I cannot add much to what has been said. Just wanted to welcome you. God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice

GayleMc said:

Another welcome. As has
Another welcome. As has been said, this is a wonderful site for all your questions no matter how small. As someone already said, take a deep breath and know you are not alone. Best of Thoughts to you.

Welcome, this site is
Welcome, this site is wonderful and we are all here to help. Remember that no question is too much for anyone here and everyone will help you as much as we can.
God Bless and hang in there. You can do it.
Hugs,
Wanda