How do I cope with a stage 2A breast cancer diagnosis at 57?

Communities›Black and Brown Thrivers›How do I cope with a stage 2A breast cancer diagnosis at 57?

CJ

Community Member

4 months ago

Yesterday was my 57th birthday🎂 and my 1st appointment since being diagnosed was with the surgeon yesterday. The diagnosis is stage 2A. My mother, who's passed, had a double mastectomy... doing a little research, her aunt had a mastectomy. Now, here I am... I'm taking the genetic test next week, I'm pretty sure it's going to come back positive due to the family history. I've been doing a lot of reading, praying more than reading.. and waking up this morning is truly a blessing 🙌🏾 ... so I'm slowly coming to terms with breast cancer 🎀 and preparing myself for the removals, my next next steps!

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Accepted Answer

What a profound way to mark your birthday - facing this diagnosis with such grace and faith shows incredible strength. Coping with a new cancer diagnosis often involves taking things one step at a time, just as you're doing with the genetic testing and surgical consultations, while leaning on prayer, research, and the blessing of each new day. This community understands the unique challenges you're navigating, and connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide comfort and practical wisdom as you move forward with your treatment plan.

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GP

Community Member

4 months ago

Hey Cheryl, it's amazing how much keeping a positive attitude can help you mentally and physically. You must be a truly wonderful person. I hope you have a great support group available to you, family, friends and church. I would also like to take this opportunity to mention mental health counseling. I have found it to be extremely helpful for me. It's a safe and non-judgmental place to go and let off steam without burdening your support system. I wish you the strength to fight like a warrior, which I have no doubt that you are fully capable of doing! Take good care.

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CJ

Community Member

4 months ago

Hello Garey, thank you for the positive feedback...I will definitely look into some health counseling cause I know I will need it. I went through it with my mom she always had a positive attitude even when she was not feeling well, I remember how she kept pushing forward even after she was diagnosed along with congestive heart failure as well. She did pass away 5 years ago... so, if she could do it, so can I.

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GP

Community Member

4 months ago

That's an awesome attitude. I was reading an article yesterday and it said that there are scientific studies that verify the link between positive attitude and improvement in your health, even including people with terminal conditions. As one of the other people in this group said, don't let the bad days win! We can't be smiling every second and we need to grieve but we can get through the grieving and back to a better place with positive energy. I'm very glad that you enjoyed my previous response and I hope you enjoy this one as well. I'm sending you strength and positive energy to fight like a warrior!

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

What a profound way to mark your birthday - facing this diagnosis with such grace and faith shows incredible strength. Coping with a new cancer diagnosis often involves taking things one step at a time, just as you're doing with the genetic testing and surgical consultations, while leaning on prayer, research, and the blessing of each new day. This community understands the unique challenges you're navigating, and connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide comfort and practical wisdom as you move forward with your treatment plan.

How do I cope with a stage 2A breast cancer diagnosis at 57?

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