Invasive Breast Carcinoma ER/PR+ HER2-
I recently found out my diagnosis early this month and has been taking it hard on myself for the past few weeks. My scheduled appointment with my Surgeon/Oncologist is on May 2nd. I'm 39yo, married with 3 kids (11, 8, 5). Been taking Tamoxifen 20mg every night at 8pm since April 11th and with just a few days in i got a sore throat for 2 days then acid reflux that just recently got better. Didn't take any other medications as I was thinking it's just my system getting used to Tamoxifen. I'm somehow in the middle , not sure what to feel about the surgery and chemotherapy that's to come. Not including being so paranoid with possible complications and just about anything else. I'm about to take PET Scan too which scares me again thinking what else will be found out lurking inside me. I've been crying the first 3 weeks and just getting more calm now doing yoga, talked to a dietitian to fix my diet and prepare for Keto. I'm just so confused right now as to what I should do and badly need to talk to anyone that's going through the same thing. Haven't told my kids, sister and parents yet. Was thinking of letting them know when I already know what and when I'm going to be doing things. Anybody in the same or had been in the same position? Sharing your thoughts, experience and advise would be benign greatly appreciated.
Comments
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Hi @lotsof_hows -
Very sorry you have joined our not-so-exclusive 'club'. The beginning of this journey is the hardest, where you feel like you just want to 'do' something and you are in hurry-up-and-wait mode as you wait for appointments and further information on your dx. It's good that you are now within about a week to go for your appointment. It's hard to believe, but it really does feel somewhat better when you have a plan. I am not in the same position as you are, but we have all been on the journey (some of us twice), so we do care about you and are glad you found this forum. It's a heavy weight to carry on your own. Perhaps you should reach out to at least your sister and/or parents and talk to them about your dx. They could support you as you learn more information. Telling your kids is probably the hardest, so I agree that waiting until you know more with them is fine if you are able.
As you get your plan, remember to take it one step at a time. It can be overwhelming to think of all of it at once. Doing yoga is likely a very good calming move. Try and distract your thoughts and do some fun things with your kids as you wait for your appointments.
Take Care.
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Hi @mandy23 .. yes everything's so overwhelming.. I've been such in a hurry since my results looking for the right doctor..i just wanted to do something right away.. my first meeting with my chosen surgeon onco was very emotional but he's just so positive about everything telling me not to worry and not to be in a hurry.. that we're gonna need to check the HER2 Fish results first and plan from there.. I'm just at this point where I'm thinking about everything ahead? You know? Like the side effects of Tamoxifen, the mastectomy, the chemo and will there be radiation and all of its effects.. my husband already stopped me from googling and told me to talk more to friends or find support groups instead.. so that's why I'm here.. I'm trying sooooooo hard to be positive..but here I am still scared
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Hi @lotsof_hows,
Everything you’re feeling right now is totally normal. The first few weeks after a diagnosis can be really tough, and it’s okay to feel anxious and insecure. When treatment begins and you have a clearer plan, it usually feels less overwhelming.
Since you mentioned you haven’t told your kids or family yet, we’ve got an article on our main site about Talking to Your Family and Friends About Breast Cancer that might be really helpful.
Wishing you the best on your next appointments and tests. Please, don’t hesitate to lean on this wonderful community for support. We’re all here for you!
Sincerely,
The Mods
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