Officially a member of the club no one wants to be a part of
I'm 39 and was diagnosed with IDC this past Friday after my biopsy last Wednesday — a 0.7cm grade 2 tumor in left breast (smaller than reported on my mammo & US…weird), and unfortunately, cancer cells were found in the left axillary lymph node that was biopsied, too. Sample taken from right breast was all clear.
What I do know is that I am the strongest I could possibly be for ER and PR, and HER2 negative. My first appointments are on April 7 at the University of Michigan's Rogel Cancer Center/Breast Care Center with a nurse practitioner followed by a surgeon. That seems a long time away, but I've been assured that if one has breast cancer, this is the place to be in Michigan.
Yesterday was the first day I didn't cry. This morning has been okay, too. I have a great support system, including my husband, family, and friends, but I still feel so alone. My husband will join me at the first appointments for support and taking notes. What else should I prepare for?
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Sending big hugs to you, @amoderndance. We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis! The days after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and also feel like an emergency — but please know that generally speaking, breast cancer is very slow-growing, so taking the time to get the info you need and your treatment plan in place is important. And once you have a plan in place, you'll start to feel a little bit better about how you'll navigate your care.
Others will surely be by soon to weigh in with their advice and experiences. In the mean time, here's some info for you that can help you understand what you're dealing with:
Understanding Your Pathology Report
We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on how your appointment goes.
—The Mods
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Hello AModernDance, welcome to our group. You're in the best of company here. You're never alone here. We thank you for your authenticity and your willingness to share.
Where you are now, so were we. Crying is a normal. Please take baby steps. Please allow your true feelings to flow and embrace the present.
12 years ago my good friend had a diagnosis quite similar to yours, and we are both doing very well. There is life beyond the diagnosis, and you will get there in due time.
It's a huge learning curve, but we are here to support you. Sending you gentle hugs and best wishes
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Hi @amoderndance -
Sorry you have to be here, but glad you have found us.
Part of this journey is unfortunately, hurry up and wait. I know it is so hard to wait for appointments when you just want to get on with it. Know that generally breast cancer is pretty slow growing, so although waiting is SO HARD emotionally, it likely won't make a difference for your prognosis.
The good news is that it does sound like the bc has been found fairly early, so that is hopeful.
It's hard to understand, but you will actually feel better once you have your appointment and you have a plan laid out. We have all felt this. I think it makes you feel like you are moving forward on this journey back to a new normal.
Take care of yourself and hang in there. You will get thru this!
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