Overwhelmed

I can understand...
I can understand the "new doctor" everytime you turn around. I did not know what to ask either, but each doctor I have seen has known what to say to help ease the unknown for me. I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node removed on 10-29. They told me I had cancer on the 14th of Oct and everything went so fast. Since Oct. 1st till now I have one if not two appts each week. But I am thankful for them. I know you feel overwhelm so I will be praying God peace to over take you so you can walk though this adventure more at ease.

God bless you ccd
Angel

being overwhelmed
Hi ccd,

I had DCIS. In some ways, that's a good diagnosis to have. I'm not sure what you mean by level 3. Mine was high grade (3), meaning it was growing aggressively. That's a Scorpio for you; passionate about everything. Maybe that's the same thing as what you mean by level 3. Mine was small and caught early. So I had a lumpectomy and 5 days of radiation, and that's all. They didn't even test my lymph nodes because it was so small. Recurrance rate with the lumpectomy (sometimes called a partial mastectomy) and radiation is at the same level as with a mastectomy. Can you believe that? There are many studies that have shown that over the last 20 years!

After the diagnosis, like you, I was sent for an MRI. It showed some suspicious areas. If you have 'suspicious areas' it's best to find out what they are because that can make a difference in what kind of surgery and other treatment you will need. So it was maddening to have to wait to be scheduled for yet another procedure!!! And then you must wait for those results! It is very frustrating and I know how you feel! I just wanted to get on with things. But the doctors want to gather as much information as possible so they don't cause you any harm or overlook treatment that is important for you.

Please try to hang in there. I was so anxious that I screwed up my immune system over those 4 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. I'd wake up in a cold sweat with my heart beating hard and fast. I was fixated on searching the internet for information. And I ended up with a yeast infection on the skin under my breasts! Being July in Arizona did not help! But then I caught a viral upper respiratory infection 2 weeks before surgery and was still coughing uncontrollably the day of surgery! Talk about sabotaging yourself!

So, my advice is, ask for and TAKE, some anti-anxiety medicine. Don't try to hang tough (I hate taking pills) and screw yourself up. You are in an extreme situation and it calls for measures outside the ordinary. Please remember that you are loved and many people, ones you don't even know, want what is best for you, in the most loving fashion.

Everyone said I would feel better once a treatment plan is laid out. I couldn't imagine why that would make me feel more at ease, but it did! You're almost at that point. Meditate, pray, deep breath, go for nice walks, gaze at the beauty of nature around you, and take some Lorazapam (or something similar.) You deserve to be well.
Connie

MAJW said:

So sorry........
About your diagnosis....you've found a good place to be, here.......But I am puzzled at why you'd be seeing a radiation oncologist now before your surgery and a FINAL pathology report..That usually determines the final treatment plan....I didn't see mine until the middle of my chemo......I also had a lumpectomy as opposed to a mastectomy..as it is impossible to remove ALL breast tissue.I was told by three specialists that the survival rate for mastectomy vs lumpectomy was no better....difference in physicians, no doubt and available data. I had invasive ductual carcinoma......Your's is ductual carcinoma insitu, correct? Which means it is contained inside the tumor wall.......mine had "escaped" but I did have clean clear margins and no lymphnode involvement....

Your feelings are quite NORMAL considering what you're going through.....your emotions will be all over the place.....Please take someone with you to EVERY appointment, two sets of ears are better, always, as your brain will go on information overload....mine did! After a while, my brain would just shut down......it simply couldn't process anymore information. Thankfully my husband listened carefully. It takes time to process all that is happening to you and what you are being told.....My heart goes out to you as we have all walked this way.....

Peace be with you

Feeling overwhelmed
is all a part of it. I was dx in May 8th and had all kinds of tests done then didn't have my bi-lateral masectomy with immediate reconstruction until the end of July. I was freaked about the cancer growing in me but the doctors didn't seem so worried. From the biopsy they could tell it wasn't the real agressive type. They wanted me to make sure that what I chose was right for me. It was and I have no regrets. I too didn't want to wory or have radiation. My end result is no chemo and I'm choosing not to take tamoxifen.

Kylez said:

Everyone is so right. Just
Everyone is so right. Just getting a diagnosis of bc is overwhelming, let alone all of the appointments, doctors and treatment. Try not to stress about it. Just focus on getting healthy and getting to the end of your treatment!

KYLEZ ♥

hello, i'm very new to this
hello, i'm very new to this type of communication. i have never been in a chat room before, but i have found a lump in my left breast and have gone to the dr and been scheduled for tests because the dr found it to be suspicious, whatever that means it just scares the heck out of me. looking for someone who has been involved with this cause i have no one available to me that has delt with breast cancer and im pretty worried about it. my husband is just like, dont worry it will be ok. not sure how to feel or act. looking for some new advice.

Angel_4_James said:

I can understand...
I can understand the "new doctor" everytime you turn around. I did not know what to ask either, but each doctor I have seen has known what to say to help ease the unknown for me. I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node removed on 10-29. They told me I had cancer on the 14th of Oct and everything went so fast. Since Oct. 1st till now I have one if not two appts each week. But I am thankful for them. I know you feel overwhelm so I will be praying God peace to over take you so you can walk though this adventure more at ease.

God bless you ccd
Angel

I am sorry.
I am sorry. All of the doctors, appointments, tests, the waiting...it does become overwhelming. I pray that you will start to feel better and remember, all of this is going to help you to fight the beast!

Lex♥