Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

IE_Hope
IE_Hope Member Posts: 43
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello Everyone,

I was just diagnosed with breast cancer,  don't even know what stage I am at yet until more tests are done. Just do not know what to do, what not to do.  In other words in my mind I am very confused, scared and angry at the same time.  I have been very tired lately and do not know why,  have not done anything that would cause tiredness, is this normal with breast cancer?

Hope someone can help with some answers or suggestions.

Thanks,  Dolores

 

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Comments

  • rainsandpours
    rainsandpours Member Posts: 136
    #2
    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to

    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.   I haven't been diagnosed, although I'm waiting on an MRI for a suspicious nodule found on CT.  I do however have 2 other cancers, so I totally understand how you're feeling right now. 

     Edit:  meant to touch on the fatigue question.  Yes, perfectly common to feel so exhausted.  That was my first symptom that drove me to the doctor to begin with.  My get up ' n go got up and went.  Cancer cells use a lot of energy to multiply-much more than healthy cells.  We compensate by needing more sleep.  Give in to it.  Don't fight fatigue.  If you need a nap, take one. 

    I don't have much advice to offer, but I can assure you the ladies here will be your sounding board and have lots of coping ideas for you.  I'd like to share a link with you though- it's a very long blog about a lady all the way through her cancer battle.  I've been reading it for inspiration, and it's quite funny and informative.  Start at the beginning in 2009- it'll keep you busy and distracted.

     

    http://www.butdoctorihatepink.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-08T14:31:00-07:00&max-results=50&reverse-paginate=true

     

    Thinking of you.

  • IE_Hope
    IE_Hope Member Posts: 43
    #3
    rainsandpours said:

    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to

    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.   I haven't been diagnosed, although I'm waiting on an MRI for a suspicious nodule found on CT.  I do however have 2 other cancers, so I totally understand how you're feeling right now. 

     Edit:  meant to touch on the fatigue question.  Yes, perfectly common to feel so exhausted.  That was my first symptom that drove me to the doctor to begin with.  My get up ' n go got up and went.  Cancer cells use a lot of energy to multiply-much more than healthy cells.  We compensate by needing more sleep.  Give in to it.  Don't fight fatigue.  If you need a nap, take one. 

    I don't have much advice to offer, but I can assure you the ladies here will be your sounding board and have lots of coping ideas for you.  I'd like to share a link with you though- it's a very long blog about a lady all the way through her cancer battle.  I've been reading it for inspiration, and it's quite funny and informative.  Start at the beginning in 2009- it'll keep you busy and distracted.

     

    http://www.butdoctorihatepink.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-08T14:31:00-07:00&max-results=50&reverse-paginate=true

     

    Thinking of you.

    Thank you

    Thank you rainsandpours,  I thought maybe it was just in my head that I am tired.  I will check out that link you send,  need to be busy and distracted.  

    Hoping  your results on the MRI come back with good news.  

    Dolores

     

  • Faith_In_God
    Faith_In_God Member Posts: 76
    #4
    Hi Dolores

    I was diagnosed with BC last Jan., at that time I had a very bad flu and my body was aching so much. Before the flu I was pretty fine and my energy level was fine, after the diagnosis I was scared and confused. 

    You will have to wait for your test results and then your oncologist will decide on your treatment course, until then just try to relax. On this board you will find a lot of good advice from very nice ladies and gentlemen who have had (or still have) different types and stages of BC. When you have a treatment plan you would be able to ask specific questions about it and members here would be happy to answer your questions.

    Being told "You have cancer" is scary and confusing but it is curable -God Willing-. Take care and good luck.

     

  • flatpikr
    flatpikr Member Posts: 11
    #5
    Tired too

    I'm sorry that you have joined "the club nobody wants to join".  I was diagnosed in April and I can assure you that all the feelings you are having are normal.  I didn't realize until much later how stressful it was to hear the diagnosis and then have to wait for tests, not knowing what would come next.  Tiredness can be the result of the emotional stress of hearing the diagnosis.  I have finished my surgery and am waiting for radiation to start and I'm tired a lot too.  The best thing I can recommend is to find a breast cancer support group in your area and meet some ladies who have gone through this already.  They are a wealth of great advice.

  • Whitedog52
    Whitedog52 Member Posts: 6
    #6
    I was diagnosed in Nov 2012.

    I was diagnosed in Nov 2012. I was stage 2A BC. I was a strong healthy 51 year old with energy to burn but this put me on my knees for the first time in my life. I went through a lumpectomy and seven weeks of daily radiation and now a drug called Tamoxifin for the next 5 years or so. I was exhausted from start to end. And still am. I think thats been one of the hardest things for me. I'm tired when I get up and exhausted when I go to bed. Your treatments will wear u out, and the stress and worry will bring u down. My advice, take good care of yourself, if your tired rest. Eat well, lots of protien. Excersise, just walk every day when u can. And find a support group, VERY IMPORTANT. Depression is also a factor, talk to your Dr, but mostly your support will come from others like u. Do your research, and ask alot of questions, take control of your treatment and whats best for u. I'm thinking of u, and I know where u are, but it can get better.

  • Whitedog52
    Whitedog52 Member Posts: 6
    #7
    I was diagnosed in Nov 2012.

    I was diagnosed in Nov 2012. I was stage 2A BC. I was a strong healthy 51 year old with energy to burn but this put me on my knees for the first time in my life. I went through a lumpectomy and seven weeks of daily radiation and now a drug called Tamoxifin for the next 5 years or so. I was exhausted from start to end. And still am. I think thats been one of the hardest things for me. I'm tired when I get up and exhausted when I go to bed. Your treatments will wear u out, and the stress and worry will bring u down. My advice, take good care of yourself, if your tired rest. Eat well, lots of protien. Excersise, just walk every day when u can. And find a support group, VERY IMPORTANT. Depression is also a factor, talk to your Dr, but mostly your support will come from others like u. Do your research, and ask alot of questions, take control of your treatment and whats best for u. I'm thinking of u, and I know where u are, but it can get better.

  • kmenurse
    kmenurse Member Posts: 217
    #8
    I was diagnosed in March

    I was diagnosed in March 2013.  I too had been very tired and thought is may have been my thyroid.  But after blood work and a change in meds, I was sleeping much better but still no energy... I found out after a routine Mamogram that I had cancer.  I have had a bilertial mastectomy and will start Chemo this Wed.  I feel the fatigue was do to the cancer.   Please stay POSITIVE!!! and take it one day at a time.  Keep busy, do crafts, reading, what ever helps to keep you busy.... God Bless!... Kathy

  • Lilly6970
    Lilly6970 Member Posts: 2
    #9
    In the same boat!

    We have that very thing inn common.  I was diagnosed last week that my biopsy was positive for cancer.  the 1st thing that I can tell you is, relax (or try to relax as much as possible). The word cancer is a scary word especially when you are the one who has it.   give yourself a moment or two to digest the news.  I highly recommend taltook too people that have gone through this.   do not shut people out.  

  • Lilly6970
    Lilly6970 Member Posts: 2
    #10
    In the same boat!

    We have that very thing inn common.  I was diagnosed last week that my biopsy was positive for cancer.  the 1st thing that I can tell you is, relax (or try to relax as much as possible). The word cancer is a scary word especially when you are the one who has it.   give yourself a moment or two to digest the news.  I highly recommend taltook too people that have gone through this.   do not shut people out.  

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    #11
    Dolores

     

    My bilateral was one year ago, and I was diagnosed in April '12.  I'm a hyper high energy person but had lost all of that by April.  I had just done my yearly physical, and everything was normal.  Then came the mammo and all that followed.  Believe me, feeling scared, angry and confused are all definitely part of this mess.  My heart goes out to you.  Hugs. Linda 

  • IE_Hope
    IE_Hope Member Posts: 43
    #12
    Thanks Everyone

    Wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and for assuring me that this lack of energy is not in my head.  I have to admit this was one site I would never think I would join.  When my Dr advise me to I thought well and here I am.

    Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

    Dolores Laughing

     

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    #13
    IE_Hope said:

    Thanks Everyone

    Wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and for assuring me that this lack of energy is not in my head.  I have to admit this was one site I would never think I would join.  When my Dr advise me to I thought well and here I am.

    Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

    Dolores Laughing

     

    We all have had or still do

    We all have had or still do have the lack of energy.  It comes along with being diagnosed with bc.  Just be kind to yourself and rest and do things you love to do.  When will you have your results?

    Good luck, Rose

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    #14
    Lilly6970 said:

    In the same boat!

    We have that very thing inn common.  I was diagnosed last week that my biopsy was positive for cancer.  the 1st thing that I can tell you is, relax (or try to relax as much as possible). The word cancer is a scary word especially when you are the one who has it.   give yourself a moment or two to digest the news.  I highly recommend taltook too people that have gone through this.   do not shut people out.  

    I am kind of new here too and

    I am kind of new here too and want to tell you that this site is great!  There is so much support here and encouragement that I know you will find the help you need.

    Good luck to you,

    June

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #15
    IE_Hope said:

    Thanks Everyone

    Wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and for assuring me that this lack of energy is not in my head.  I have to admit this was one site I would never think I would join.  When my Dr advise me to I thought well and here I am.

    Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

    Dolores Laughing

     

    Glad your doctor told you

    Glad your doctor told you about this site.  I hope we can help you Dolores!  The lack of energy is not in your head, it just comes along with having bc.  Rest as much as you can, avoid stress if possible and just take excellent care of yourself!

    Sue :)

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #16
    rainsandpours said:

    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to

    Hi Dolores.  I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.   I haven't been diagnosed, although I'm waiting on an MRI for a suspicious nodule found on CT.  I do however have 2 other cancers, so I totally understand how you're feeling right now. 

     Edit:  meant to touch on the fatigue question.  Yes, perfectly common to feel so exhausted.  That was my first symptom that drove me to the doctor to begin with.  My get up ' n go got up and went.  Cancer cells use a lot of energy to multiply-much more than healthy cells.  We compensate by needing more sleep.  Give in to it.  Don't fight fatigue.  If you need a nap, take one. 

    I don't have much advice to offer, but I can assure you the ladies here will be your sounding board and have lots of coping ideas for you.  I'd like to share a link with you though- it's a very long blog about a lady all the way through her cancer battle.  I've been reading it for inspiration, and it's quite funny and informative.  Start at the beginning in 2009- it'll keep you busy and distracted.

     

    http://www.butdoctorihatepink.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-08T14:31:00-07:00&max-results=50&reverse-paginate=true

     

    Thinking of you.

    Rainsandpours, wishing you

    Rainsandpours, wishing you good luck with the MRI!

    Hugs, Diane

  • IE_Hope
    IE_Hope Member Posts: 43
    #17
    Thank you

    Glad to hear ithis lack of energy is not me.  At first I must admit I really thought it was in my head.  I got my appointments for the CT scan and Bone scan for June 12th.  Then the Dr can tell me morel  

    Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am finding lots infomration here,

    Dolores

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    #18
    IE_Hope said:

    Thank you

    Glad to hear ithis lack of energy is not me.  At first I must admit I really thought it was in my head.  I got my appointments for the CT scan and Bone scan for June 12th.  Then the Dr can tell me morel  

    Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am finding lots infomration here,

    Dolores

    Guess we are in the same

    Guess we are in the same place.  I had my CTs and bone scan and I'm waiting for the results.  Keep us updated on how you are doing.

  • Gavinsgrandma
    Gavinsgrandma Member Posts: 18
    #19
    Hi Dolores

    I was just Dx last week with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, I too have felt really tired for quite awhile now and I just kept saying that I have no get up and go. I feel like like all of the emotional worry asassociated with cancer, treatment, surgery etc takes a lot out of us. Good luck with everything and I will watch for your future posts.

  • Doe1504
    Doe1504 Member Posts: 94
    #20
    I was diagnosed with Invasive

    I was diagnosed with Invasive lobular carcinoma on 4-12-13. I just had a bilateral mastectomy 3 weeks ago. Rest when you get tired and sleep all you can.

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #21
    IE_Hope said:

    Thank you

    Glad to hear ithis lack of energy is not me.  At first I must admit I really thought it was in my head.  I got my appointments for the CT scan and Bone scan for June 12th.  Then the Dr can tell me morel  

    Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am finding lots infomration here,

    Dolores

    Good luck on the 12th

    Good luck on the 12th Dolores.  We will all be praying for you!

    Sue :)

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