Newly diagnosed and absolutely terrified

I am sorry you have had this diagnosis and I understand your fear. I don't know your age, but I have a daughter hours away and I would want her to tell me right away so that I could help and support her. I think you should tell them exactly what you know right now. You are going to need all the support that you can get and they may want to be with you to support and help you. 

If you are close to your sister perhaps you could start with sharing it with her. Then the two of you could decide when to tell your parents. I was open with my family from the very beginning and they went with me to the first few doctor's appoitments. Every family is different but mine was happy they could help me.

You could tell one of your closest friend about it and have them go with you to your appointment.  Always best to have someone with you for support and to ask questions too since you will feel like your in a whirlwind.  I hope you get positive news and great outcomes.

Hugs,

Annie

I agree with Annie.  That first appointment after diagnosis is scary and overwhelming.  Fortunately, I have my husband and lots of other support from people who have gone down this road.  It is best, in my opinion, to have someone who can help you take notes on what's being said. I had a friend go with me for my reconstruction appts.

Sending positive vibes and healing thoughts,
Leslye 

First Im sorry about your news..but you will be fine!  It is really out of body experience when those words first come out the drs mouth!! I took a few days to wrap my head around it before I told anyone..then I called my sisters together and sat them down and told them first thing I said was "DONT PANIC" I told them how I demanded additional testing because i knew something did not feel right. 2 of my sisters went with me to my initial appointment with the breast surgeon  , TO LISTEN AND WRITE DOWN AND ASK QUESTIONS AND FIND OUT WHAT OPTIONS, once all the test came back. she ordered CT scan and other testing prior to surgery to make sure it was in the left breast only. I still have not told my daughter or my mom all that went on (they just know i had surgery of breast cist that I had before) my mom if Elder with heart condition and my daughter has lot going on with her kids . ( i may evently tell them more at some point ..I still have to go THRU the implant surgery in about 6 months. I KEEP MY SISTERS INFORMED . EVERYONE HAS THEIR ON OPINIONS AND HAVE TO DO WHATS BEST FOR YOU.   GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH EVERYTHING.   BEEPOSITIVE

I can understand how you feel.  I was the first in my family to experience BC ( others had colon or stomach).  People come at you with so many questions, that I also wanted to fully understand before I shared with others.  I waited until " the plan" was decided.  I did have the support of my loving husband who honored my wishes and waited to tell others until I said it was ok.  By the time I was ready ( really, it was over the course of 2 weeks) I knew everything about the extent of my tumor and what the plan was going to be.

You do what is most comfortable for yourself.  As others have stated, if you are close to your sister, or you need to lean on her right now, make the call.  If not, you will share your Dx in your own time.

peace and prayers,

Kathy

I am sorry about your diagnosis. It is tough to deal with wrapping your head around all of this. i am goad that you told your sister. I hope that you have a good support system near you.  There is much to learn in a short amount of time, just when you are feeling shocked by the whole thing. You will get through this and it is great that you have confidence in your team. That is so important. 

Take one day at a time right now and take good care of yourself before all your treatment starts! 

God bless and much success with everything, Cherryblssm! i went thru all the scans prior to my surgery..and felt a lot better knowing in was only in my left breast area! 

take one day at time and dont beat yourself up...you will BE FINE!   HUGS

BEEPOSITIVE

Cherryblssm said:

I got my complete diagnosis

I got my complete diagnosis today...stage 3 ductal carcinoma. I go next week to get bone scans and CT scans to make sure it hasn't spread past lymph nodes. Also go in next week to have a port cath placed in preparation for 20 weeks of chemo. After chemo comes surgery then radiation. It's going to be a long road but I'm confident in my medical team and everything they told me today. Thanks to everyone for their help on my questions of notifying my family. At this point, I've talked with my sister and niece that I'm closest with. I've deceided that I'm not going to tell my parents at this point. They have too much on their plates emotionally at this point that I'm not comfortable with telling them yet. That may change in the future. (They are both in their 70s and experiencing some health issues right now)

i was stage 3A ductal. I did chemo, mastectomy & radiation. It all started 2 1/2 years ago & now it feel like it's in the past. That's good you told them because you need to talk to someone. I can see your point of not telling your parents. Your mother needs all the strength she needs to completly heal. It takes longer when you're older. I'm so sorry about you having cancer at such a young age. You'll get through it. Good luck & hoping for good scan news.