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How do you cope with a new diagnosis of breast cancer?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 12, 2023 | Replies (21)

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@frogjumper

There is probably no right or wrong way to get through it all. Also I agree with all of the above and would add...try if you can to keep control of your emotions so that you can make well informed decisions regarding your treatment options. That though is easier said that done but find that confidante whomever they are that will listen to you because you may want to talk for hours about your cancer/treatments/myths etc.
And some people like me find comfort in researching their cancer, others find it frightening.
For about a week I felt sorry for myself and I ate lots of forbidden foods, and did a bit of retail therapy however after that I decided I needed to get my act together and I did. Surgery is done now off to proton therapy in June and looking forward to closing this chapter. Side benefit, I had a breast reduction and absolutely adore my new chest 🙂 Bralette's and sun dresses without a bra, yeah, here i come!!!

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Replies to "There is probably no right or wrong way to get through it all. Also I agree..."

I did the same thing but my diagnosis came right before Christmas and my holiday binging went on for another month. I had DCIS and wanted to be as conservative as possible. First surgery after biopsy, MRI and then a second MRI and biopsy was a lumpectomy to be followed with radiation and Estrogen hormone blockers for 5 years. MRI showed a significant area of 9 by 7 by 2 cm. Initial mammogram showed 2 and 4 mm lesions. My surgeon was accommodating and advised the pathology will determine the outcome. (Sometimes the area of concern doesn't always mean cancer) She took an area over 8 by 6 cm. Three margins were clear, three were not. It was all DCIS grade 3. The area was on the top of the breast so the larger site (being over 5 cm was doable). I scheduled for a double mastectomy with sentinel nodes and reconstruction.(silicone implants, lesser recovery than other options) I had a two month wait and the waiting it out is the hardest part! Surgery was done. Still had 1.5 cm of DCIS in the pathology but margins and nodes were clear. I just had a three week follow-up, I do not need to have any radiation, chemo or estrogen blocking therapy. I will have to monitor with MRI's at 5 years. At almost 65.75 years I am perky and feeling very grateful. I have leaned on friends(who I brought to my consults) and my husband. Not feeling 100 percent but I am improving day by day. Prayers for all going through the journey. I am lucky and blessed.