Just diagnosed with stage ll breast cancer
Which takes time and money and more tests and reports. It's all so overwhelming I am having trouble just getting through my day. Does it get better? How long is too long? I just want this cancer out of me. My anxiety is taking over my world.
Comments
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Sorry for your diagnosis,
Sorry for your diagnosis, welcome to a great club. I was dx in april and I felt and still do at times what you are feeling right now. I must tell you the first thing I had to do was learn to wait. Everything is done in do time. There are steps to this. As I have learned with the help of my buddies here, its one step at a time, one day at a time. I am still known to skip a few steps every now and again, but the friends you are about to make here bring me back to where I belong. It's hard, but it's doable. Hang with us and you to will get through each step of the unwelcome journey.0 -
Debs.. I am so sorry for the
Debs.. I am so sorry for the reason your here, but I'm very glad that you found this amazing group of people. Here you will find kindrid spirits, that at one point in time have felt the same anxiety. Know that they are all coming... ask your questions, express your concerns, we will cry with you, laugh with you.. we will stand by your side each step of the way. Personally, I was diagnosed in May, I have undergone a partial masectomy (lumpectomy) and am still recovering. I meet with my oncologist for the first time tomorrow. I understand your anxiety.. oh how I understand. But I do suggest taking a deep breath in .... and slowly exhale... try to relax.. (I know easier said than done) but you can do this... and we will be here with you.
Hugs,
~T0 -
Hi Debstaleena said:Debs.. I am so sorry for the
Debs.. I am so sorry for the reason your here, but I'm very glad that you found this amazing group of people. Here you will find kindrid spirits, that at one point in time have felt the same anxiety. Know that they are all coming... ask your questions, express your concerns, we will cry with you, laugh with you.. we will stand by your side each step of the way. Personally, I was diagnosed in May, I have undergone a partial masectomy (lumpectomy) and am still recovering. I meet with my oncologist for the first time tomorrow. I understand your anxiety.. oh how I understand. But I do suggest taking a deep breath in .... and slowly exhale... try to relax.. (I know easier said than done) but you can do this... and we will be here with you.
Hugs,
~T
Welcome. Sorry you are under this horrible stress, believe me we know exactly how you feel. Also, YES, IT DOES GET BETTER! I am just one year out of treatment and although it was my whole world at the time, I really have forgotton most of it now. I still remember how much fun all my nurses were though.
Like Taleena said, deep breaths.... This too shall pass. Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxx0 -
The first couple weeks wastasha_111 said:Hi Debs
Welcome. Sorry you are under this horrible stress, believe me we know exactly how you feel. Also, YES, IT DOES GET BETTER! I am just one year out of treatment and although it was my whole world at the time, I really have forgotton most of it now. I still remember how much fun all my nurses were though.
Like Taleena said, deep breaths.... This too shall pass. Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxx
The first couple weeks was the worst for me too. It so much waiting and all the unanswered questions. It does get better, for me it did anyway once I knew what had to be done. I had my surgery 3 weeks after diagnosis. Had double mastectomy and chemo.
I did get a second opinion but it was for radiation. Insurance generally will pay for one. also they did not redo tests. I had to send over a massive amount of stuff but I just called my doc office and they faxed it all over within a few days. I think if you ask them to they can overnight it. I did have to pick up my MRI films and something else and take them over with me just so I knew they were there in time. I think if you tell them it is for a econd opinion you may get in fast.
Good luck
Kim0 -
It does get better...
It does get better but not for a while. Right now, you are in shock. That's normal. Your mind is whiring like a spinning top. Once you and your doctors make some solid decisions, i.e. mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, radiation, etc. and the actual scheduling is complete, you will find that things will come into some semblance of order. While things will still be out of your control, you will become more comfortable with the process. However, waiting is the name of the game with breast cancer. You wait, you wait, you wait and there is nothing you can do about it, except wait. It's not easy, in fact its very frustrating, but hang in there. It will get better, but it takes time. I realize that's not much help, but it's the truth. Hang in there kiddo. Hugs, Marilynn0 -
Hi Debs
I am almost as new as you... I don't have a diagnosis yet! I am WAITING for a mammogram and surgeon appt. So, this much I can agree with you, yes the waiting is difficult. However, I can also tell you, you came to the right place!!! These ladies are awesome. They will help you all the way through treatments and as a survivor! It seems they can answer almost anything, considering of course that everyone is different, and they will remind you of that. I hope we "hear" from you often, where it is just to vent or if you have questions. There are also several "comedians" who provide some much needed levity! I wish you all the best!
Take Care and God Bless,
Mike0 -
Debs615-you're among friends here...many friends!
I, too, wish to welcome you to the boards. I joined last month, but I am a 3 and a 1/2 survivor. I wish I found these fine folks 3 and 1/2 years ago, because it would have made my journey with bc so much easier. When I came here the first time, I came out of desperation. Now, I come here to cry with others, to laugh, to and support. I also come here to be supported, loved, and feel a strong sense of belonging. So, in answer to your question, "Does it get better?" The answer is, "Yes, because you never have to be alone in your walk with can**r."
Here, 24-7, you will most likely find somone on-line. You will find a listening ear here, in fact, you will find many listening ears. We can't give you medical advice, but we can tell you what we experienced and what we have learned simply by going through it, too. Remember, however, that everyone is different in how they respond to the treatments they are given (some may have side effects, some have minimal or no side effects; some find chemo to be surprisingly less challenging than expected (therefore "doable") others not; some have minimal discomfort from rads, some have more...) Regardless, we are all the same in that we have known the fear, the confusion, the denial, the disbelief, and the anger that can**r has brought into our lives.
The comforting part about all of this is that you have found us and we are survivors. You will be a survivor, too (in fact you already are a survivor, because you are fighting back) and one day you will be the one giving to others words of encouragement as we are giving to you.
We are, all there for you,
dmc0 -
Hello.......
Hello and welcome debs. I'm glad that you found us.
Yes, this entire cancer business takes over your whole life for awhile. But honestly, it DOES get better. It's very difficult for you right now, because you are waiting. Once waiting turns into DOING, it may be a bit easier for you.
We will be here to help you make your way through all of this.
Hugs,
CR0 -
Debs, I am sorry that you
Debs, I am sorry that you are feeling so out of control. We all have been thru that and made it. And, you will too. Are you alone? Do you have someone living with you that you can talk to? Or, family or friends? Or, a priest? Sometimes, it helps to just sit and talk or cry with someone very close. And, if you feel you want a 2nd consultation, please get one. The hospital or center will send over all of your tests and reports and everything to wherever you might go, free of charge. When is your surgery scheduled, or, was it?0 -
quite a shock
Deb
yes, getting the diagnosis is very shocking, and scary, and hard to accept. But you are more than welcome to come in and chat with us and ask as many questions as you need. The best advice you can get now though is from your doc, so if you need to get a second opinion, get one quickly. Waiting is the hardest part, but if you have any doubts, they should also be addressed.
I was one month out of diagnosis to surgery, then one month after that for chemo. So when things start moving, they tend to go pretty fast. I can say that now looking back, but yes, it seems to stretch on to forever when you are in the midst of it.
This is a wonderful group of people who will be here to help as much as we can, so check back often and let us know how it's going.
=^..^=0 -
Hi debs and Welcomecats_toy said:quite a shock
Deb
yes, getting the diagnosis is very shocking, and scary, and hard to accept. But you are more than welcome to come in and chat with us and ask as many questions as you need. The best advice you can get now though is from your doc, so if you need to get a second opinion, get one quickly. Waiting is the hardest part, but if you have any doubts, they should also be addressed.
I was one month out of diagnosis to surgery, then one month after that for chemo. So when things start moving, they tend to go pretty fast. I can say that now looking back, but yes, it seems to stretch on to forever when you are in the midst of it.
This is a wonderful group of people who will be here to help as much as we can, so check back often and let us know how it's going.
=^..^=
Hi, I'm Aurora and I'm new here too. I don't know if gets better soon or not. I can tell you that I think we're in for some highs and lows. I know the first weekend after my DX and before my surgoen's appointment was the longest of my life. And right now I'm stating to feel that same anxiety come back. My Surgeon told my it would be about 10 day to 2 weeks before my insurance would approve my surgury and we'd be able to set a date. That was 6 days ago, and I'm starting to feel the stress of waiting, I'm ready to get this whole thing started.
So hang in there and I will too.
Oh and Welcome to the group, it's been a great help to me
Aurora0 -
Deb, just want to say hi andcats_toy said:quite a shock
Deb
yes, getting the diagnosis is very shocking, and scary, and hard to accept. But you are more than welcome to come in and chat with us and ask as many questions as you need. The best advice you can get now though is from your doc, so if you need to get a second opinion, get one quickly. Waiting is the hardest part, but if you have any doubts, they should also be addressed.
I was one month out of diagnosis to surgery, then one month after that for chemo. So when things start moving, they tend to go pretty fast. I can say that now looking back, but yes, it seems to stretch on to forever when you are in the midst of it.
This is a wonderful group of people who will be here to help as much as we can, so check back often and let us know how it's going.
=^..^=
Deb, just want to say hi and welcome. Being diagnosed with bc is scary. But, know that you will get great support from this group.
And, maybe you should get the second opinion. It never hurts. Good luck!0 -
WOW
Thanks to everyone who wrote back. I really wasn't expecting that! Today is another day of waiting. But I do go to a gym and use the eliptical every day for 60 minutes. It helps take the edge off. I saw a plastic surgeon who suggested a DIEP reconstruction. Has anyone had that? It's where they use your belly fat to create a new breast. And you get a tummy tuck to boot! Sounds too good to be true.0 -
Wishing you good luck Debs.debs615 said:WOW
Thanks to everyone who wrote back. I really wasn't expecting that! Today is another day of waiting. But I do go to a gym and use the eliptical every day for 60 minutes. It helps take the edge off. I saw a plastic surgeon who suggested a DIEP reconstruction. Has anyone had that? It's where they use your belly fat to create a new breast. And you get a tummy tuck to boot! Sounds too good to be true.
Wishing you good luck Debs. I didn't have the DIEP reconstruction, but, I am sure someone will reply to you!0 -
Debs.. first I want to
Debs.. first I want to apologize for my posting being delayed... trust me I understand the frustration and axiety that comes with waiting... we all do.. that is probably one of the hardest parts of the process...hang in there.. and know I am sending relaxig thoughts your way.. hang in there.. come here and post often, everyone here will be there for you..
Hugs,
~T0 -
DIEP Flap reconstructiondebs615 said:WOW
Thanks to everyone who wrote back. I really wasn't expecting that! Today is another day of waiting. But I do go to a gym and use the eliptical every day for 60 minutes. It helps take the edge off. I saw a plastic surgeon who suggested a DIEP reconstruction. Has anyone had that? It's where they use your belly fat to create a new breast. And you get a tummy tuck to boot! Sounds too good to be true.
Hi Debs,
I'm sorry that you have to go through the craziness that this diagnosis brings! I don't think that anyone can really understand the mental turmoil that one goes through unless they have been through it.
I was diagnosed in October 2007 and saw a surgeon, then a plastic surgeon (whom I did not like at all), then a second opinion surgeon and a second plastic surgeon (that I love and adore!). Once I found the plastic surgeon that I could trust with my life I knew from that point on that I would have the DIEP flap and follow the reconstruction through to the final nipple tattoo. I had a left, modified-radical mastectomy with a tissue expander placement at the same time. After the mastectomy it was found that I had cancer within 3mm of the margins so it was recommended that I have radiation as well. I had to have my tissue expander removed and a saline implant placed prior to radiation. (I think that this step might be avoidable by checking with a rad onc about what type of expander would be okay during radation if it is needed prior to the mastectomy.) I am now scheduled for my DIEP flap surgery on August 4th. Obviously I haven't gone through it yet, but for me, it is what I need to do. I was very upset about losing my nipple as well as the other physical aspects and as my plastic surgeon told my at our first meeting, his goal is to "make it so that I don't see BREAST CANCER every time I look in the mirror". Besides the fact that I have gotten used to everything over the past 18 months, I know that this surgery will help for that a lot. I know it will be a difficult surgery but for me, it will be worth every ounce of pain that I go through.
Good luck with your decision!
God bless,
Rita0 -
Welcome, debs615
We're all here to support and encourage each other.
The waiting and all the questions - yes, extremely difficult. There are some amongst us who are right there with you, and many past the point. Although none of it is easy, once you have a plan in place - at least you'll have that to focus upon.
Try to remind yourself that the journey can only be travelled one step at a time.
Best wishes to you.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Debs, just keep us updatedChristmas Girl said:Welcome, debs615
We're all here to support and encourage each other.
The waiting and all the questions - yes, extremely difficult. There are some amongst us who are right there with you, and many past the point. Although none of it is easy, once you have a plan in place - at least you'll have that to focus upon.
Try to remind yourself that the journey can only be travelled one step at a time.
Best wishes to you.
Kind regards, Susan
Debs, just keep us updated about you. And, know that we are here to support you!0
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