I had the opposite situation. I had IDC Stage IA HR+ I thought lumpectomy and radiation was all I had to do. It's the new "gold standard" in treating early breast cancers with no lymph node spread. But nobody had told me about the oncotype testing. So when I went to the hematologist, I thought maybe to check out my wounds or talk about estrogen suppressors, and he said I needed chemo after all, it was like being hit in the face with a shovel. I was stunned and started crying. I did not hear a single word the doctor said after that, even though his report says that I had heard and understood every word he said.

Anxiety awaiting test results (we've all been there) or unexpected traumatic episode. That's life in the Breast Cancer Zone. Just BeCuZ.

I cope a lot by trying to find even the tiniest bit of a laugh where I can in this situation. Crossing over into the Breast Cancer Zone does have its ridiculous and even funny moments.

I know it's a drag. I hate waiting for test results, too. Pro tip: Never have a biopsy or other diagnostic test after noon on Thursday. I hope you get to a serene place AND a favorable result.

Easy to say, but hard to do, I know.

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