New to Breast Cancer

First, decide how much you want to know. Do you want to know everything? Do you want to know only what is essential? Then, depending on what you decide, make a list of the questions you want to ask the consultant. For example:

What stage is my cancer? What grade is it? What type is it? What are my treatment options? Why are these the best options for me? What are the possible side effects and risks of each option? Where can I get more information? Who is my key worker (usually a breast cancer nurse) and how do I contact them or their team?

Another decision to make is how much you want to tell who. Meaning, are you going to share what is going on only with family? Also with friends? This has to do with the immediate support network around you, depending on your own circumstances. 

As for the current turmoil, we all deal with things differently, but strangely I found out that doing the dishes helps me regain focus sometimes. Go figure. Others say a walk helps.

Hi Carolyn321

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Once you have your meeting with the consultant to discuss your plan things should be a lot clearer for you. In the meantime try doing the things you love most to help take your mind off things one day at a time and do keep coming back here for help and advice or just to have a rant if you feel like it.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment when it starts.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you so much that really helps

Thank you for all that ot really helped me

Thank you that's great advice.

I can relate. I found a lump in my armpit in August was referred to breast surgeon. Had numerous mammograms and biopsy’s then had to have an operation to get more tissue to analyse. Went back yesterday for my results I have DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ. Treatment is surgery either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I’m scared I’m all over the place 

I'm sorry you are going through this too. You know what everyone says - stay strong, be positive, etc, etc

I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and be kind to myself. I wish my brain would work though. Hang in there.

Yes one day at a time. I guess we are kinda mourning our past selves. I feel like I’m living in limbo. Can’t make plans and I feel very depressed 

Know how you feel. I was dazed and confused for about 2 weeks from diagnosis. Then at 2:30am (lots of sleepless nights) I had the thought pop into my head that I couldn’t change what had already happened but I could influence what happens next. 

Angua/Carolyn321

You're not alone with sleepless nights  I have to say this was the case until I had my op. And then it was better sleep then onwards. Coz I had peace of mind that the critter is out! Thank goodness for this relief!

For me also first couple of weeks post diagnosis your world turns topdy turvy as you come to terms of what you have. It still upsets me when I read my diagnosis, so I try not to dwell.

More importantly is to keep moving forward as every step means that bit closer to recovery from your cancer journey.

C x