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Terrified over new diagnosis of breast cancer
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 19 8:01pm | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
Yes, it always feels different when it’s you, but you’ll find that you will rise to any challenge. We’re strong and we just do. Whatever your treatment plan is just becomes your new normal. Life goes on and we just make room for medical stuff as part of it.
I had a 7 mm tumor found on a routine mammogram. I agree about the genetic testing. My testing was ordered but my surgeon was so certain I didn’t have a genetic component she designed my treatment plan without waiting for results. Luckily, the results came back the day before surgery. I was positive for BRCA2, the first in my family. My current surgery was cancelled as that changed my treatment plan. My surgeon now uses my case as a cautionary tale in her breast cancer talks. Be sure to wait for all test results. Insist on genetic testing so you have all the facts.
I had been with my company 15 years at the time, was also in a high stress job and single. I understand. Your employer should be willing to work with you. I took 6 weeks off after surgery. I had 3 weeks vacation time and my colleagues all donated some of their vacation time to me so I never lost pay. How great was that? You’ll be amazed at how the people you least expect will step up to help you voluntarily. Without asking, my cousin and best friend took vacation time to stay with me 2 weeks after surgery. For 2 weeks after that colleagues put together a schedule to walk my 3 dogs (condo) before and after their work day. As a DIY independent person, the best advice I received: Let people help you so they don’t feel helpless.
You’ll do great and get through this. Waiting is the worst part. Please keep us posted. Zebra
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Wow, Zebra - that genetic testing coming back positive for BRCA2 just in the nick of time is a great example of the importance of testing. It is excellent that your surgeon now uses that experience to spread the word about the importance of testing. Thanks for sharing that.
I have not kept my early diagnosis a secret from my closest friends and one has already offered to donate leave if needed or to do anything else possible. Another offered to fly up to be with me if/when needed and her daughter is fighting pancreatic cancer too. I knitted a prayer shawl for her daughter last year. Who knew I would be here a year later with my own CA? I knew I had amazing friends, but this is beyond words. My son has called me several times from his home out of state and will be here if I need him. My boyfriend will take me for my biopsy next week and whatever else I need. Yes, people are amazing and it humbles me.
I had trophoblastic disease in Dec., 1992. My unborn child died, which is when the malignancy was discovered. Thankfully, I didn't have to have chemo, but because it spreads through the vascular system, chemo was offered the day the malignancy was discovered. I was in shock and said no as I had a 2 year old at home to care for and "didn't have time" for cancer treatment. Thankfully, it hadn't metastasized. Who knew that would be a warm up exercise for this? I learned then that people just don't know how to talk with someone who has cancer, so we have to help them with the awkwardness sometimes. People want to help, want to know and show compassion but just don't always know how or what to say. Yes, we are strong and this is just a rough patch in the road of life. Thanks for the reminder and support. All of you are all so amazing and I am so glad I found this group!