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Terrified over new diagnosis of breast cancer

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 19 8:01pm | Replies (38)

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@engelwags

First of all.....so great that you found this website and this group of people. Everyone here "gets it" - the concept of being drafted into a club you never wanted to join, confusion about the barage of new information, the, quickfire biopsies, surgeries, imaging, doctor appointments, tests, and the many, MANY important choices you have to make right after diagnosis, involving percentages of your long term survival. It's so frightening. And it's natural and ok to feel it - we ALL do.
One thing I'm realizing is that we are in fact human. Our bodies are not completely under our control, but a huge part of coping in this fight has to do with something we can control - our attitude and our minds. IT IS NOT EASY. I've always been the person people describe as "You're so strong! You're so positive! You have such an incredible attitude!" And actually, I normally am. (Or was, before I got the news that a microscopic monster was in my body and could rear it's ugly head at any time. But then again, it might not.) That's a brand new life experience for me.
I'm scared, and sad, and hopeful. Every day. And that's normal. People don 't really understand that until they've gone through it.
So I do my best to be agressive about keeping my mind in the right place. Meditation, exercise, yoga, and all that good stuff to be sure. But also educating myself, researching from GOOD responsible sources, stopping and making sure I take time to appreciate something simple and beautiful every. Single. Day. I'm rewiring my brain to be my useful in this fight. That includes something new: allowing myself to cry. Cry hard. Not often, but whenever I need to. (I try to do this in private.) My late Mom used to tell me that it's not only ok, but it's important to cry now and then. It gets the toxins out. I now see what she was talking about........and I always feel better!
And always remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We're all here. Pop in whenever you need to.

And good luck on this road. It's a long one, and a tough one, but we've all got your back.

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Replies to "First of all.....so great that you found this website and this group of people. Everyone here..."

That comment is right on in every way! Perfect sentiments and advice.

Thank you, to you and to all the incredibly wonderful people on this site. It has meant so very much to me. I have been hearing so much information and you all are laying it out honestly with all your hard-earned experiences. I reflected on your advice as I sat on my deck this afternoon, marveling at the oak tree leaves fluttering in the breeze and listening to the birds.

I have been trying to find a bit of humor in this fight, digging deep. How's this? I figured, being right handed, my left breast is larger than the left, so a lumpectomy of the left (if that's all I need) will just even things out. Also I read that tissue can be taken from the abdomen to help reconstruct the breast. So I may get a "boob job" and a tummy tuck! What's the downside to that?

This is no joke, certainly, but I am trying to cope and I figure a bit of humor can't hurt. I am eating healthier than ever, leaning on my faith, family and friends. I am deeply grateful for this group. I just learned of another person diagnosed 1 week prior to me with BC and suggested this group to her. I have also requested a referral to another healthcare system as the care in my small town is not very good. Even people who work there say so and they should know. I don't care that it will mean a long drive for every appointment. Saving my life is worth it. My doc has said he will once the biopsy results are in.

I was anticipating my biopsy results today but they didn't arrive, so it will probably be tomorrow. I am definitely anxious about it. I am preparing a list of questions for my appointment. I have also been told how incredibly strong I am and sometimes that really hurts because it applies pressure to live up to that image, even when they don't feel like it. Having a genuine, gut-wrenching cry is cathartic. I have shed a few tears, but not to that extent. I will keep your advice in mind.

Thank you, to you and to everyone! Each and every one of you are awesome!