Feeling Overwhelmed After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Stephanie I totally understand where you’re coming from. When I was first diagnosed with IDC of the breast right after I had melanoma and surgery on my shoulder for it I totally shut down. It took me 3 weeks to come to terms with it. I was scared and felt totally alone thinking no one knows how this feels. But once I got a grip on myself everything seemed to be a little bit better. It’s a journey that I never thought I’d have to take but always remember your strong 💪 and always have a positive attitude!! God Bless and stay strong

Stephanie- I am sorry to hear the news- and it is scary! My girlfriend was diag with lobular bc, had mastectomy, chemo, radiation and she’s never had recurrence since diagnosed ten years ago. I am hopeful treatments have improved since that time! She’s been my inspiration since my TNBC diagnosis last year- they are all scary! Praying for you!

Hope all went well - you have to do what’s best for you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. May help

Hi Stephanie. I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in my right breast at the end of May. My tumor was large (5cm) and 3 lymph nodes were involved. I had a double mastectomy July 11 and opted for reconstruction. I’m waiting for results of MammaPrint to see if chemo is indicated. Radiation is planned/ 5 days a week for 7 weeks. The 550 cc expanders they put in are pretty uncomfortable and they can only fill the one on the cancer side before radiation- they don’t want the side without cancer to get any radiation. It will be around 6 months after radiation before they can do the reconstruction . The prospect of another surgery is daunting. It’s a process. Get a good medical team and support system around you. Don’t be shy about asking for help when you need it. Take notes at your drs appointments. Do your own research and ask a lot of questions. You have choices. Take one day at a time and keep a positive and hopeful outlook- attitude makes a difference. Good luck and fast healing to you!

Make sure you like your oncologist and that he/she listens to you! I was totally blindsided and bullied by my 1st oncologist and ended up getting a second opinion. Tho’ both suggest hormone blockers, the 2nd told me not to do same time as radiation as it’s too toxic. 1st one told me start pills…didn’t even have my bone scan or bloodwork scheduled, let alone done. I have osteoporosis and for me that’s a game changer as the pills cause bone loss.

I was diagnosed with bc in June. Had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. Have to go in again for more surgery since margins were unclear around tissue sample. Scared they will find more cancer. I am to have 20 radiation treatments and take hormones. I have osteopenia -weak joints. I was to have hip replacement surgery in July but had to have this surgery instead. Worried that radiation will weaken my body and hormones will give joint problems. Do I wait until radiation is done and I take hormones before hip surgery or do I have hip surgery before radiation and hormones?

Hi Stephanie, i was dxed w invasive lobular in May. Altho a mammogram caught it, there were two other tumors in the same breast that even an MRI did not detect. Lobular is the “sneaky” breast cancer. I hope yours was caught early like mine. I opted for DMX and am about one month post op. My oncotype was low (17) and I am post menopausal, so chemo is not recommended. My surgeon said chemo is often not recommended for lobular cancer anyway. I hope you are doing well.🙏 Sending you light and healing thoughts💖

God be with you! Hope it’s all going well.

Let us know (if comfortable) if anxiety has eased. I was diagnosed 6 years ago, but every medical procedure brings anxiety with it for me. I choose not to be public about it, but believe now people are better educated regarding cancer, and I am comfortable sharing at times.

I think all of us go thru the same. I was also very angry. More accepting now after 8 years. It’s not an easy journey. Just hang in there. Try to do things that bring you peace and joy. It will get better

I was diagnosed in July with stage 1 grade 3 invasive ductile carcinoma, and high grade carcinoma insitu. I just had my lumpectomy on this past Thursday. I’m feeling pretty good. I have my follow up appointment with my surgeon this Friday. Praying all my margins are clear and then just have to do just radiation and then hormone therapy it’s a lot take in. So many doctors appointments still to come. I still can’t believe it’s real. I also chose not to go public just close family and friends. I have a good support system. 

Hi Stephanie! I was diagnosed in may 2024 with evasive lobular. I don’t have any family history of breast cancer so it hit me like a ton of bricks! I just went in for my first mammogram and came out with the news. I had the surgery, just completed 20 rounds of radiation last week and will be starting tamoxifen on Wednesday. My oncologist is recommending I also remove my ovaries or take a monthly shot at the clinic to shut them down. I’m holding off on that step until December when I have more time to research what’s the best option for Me. I will say I came onto this platform in hopes I can connect with others walking the same walk as me. it’s scary and also comforting to know others can personally relate to our physical and emotional pain. Hang in there! We got this! 💪

🙏❤️🙏❤️

I’m currently doing Chemo and just completed the Paxatacial but my neuropathy is annoying. My fingernails are turning black and skin is peeling. Is there any help with the pain? My doctor told me there is no topical cream so I have to keep taking this Gabapentin and it do not stop the burning sensation.

It's going to be okay. I'm so sorry this is a journey thru breast Cancer 🎀 what's important now is love amd support from your family and loved ones. This is serious please don't take it lightly. You will be okay.

Thank you for the reminder. I wish the doctor could be more transparent.

Correction, on link; Americancancersociety.org

I was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer in December 2023, stage 2a. I am Er+,Pr+ and HER2-. Did the Brcca genetic testing and am gene negative. I was told that my cancer would not respond to “regular “ chemo so I did 6 months of neo-adjuvant therapy on Letrozole. The tumor shrunk almost 50 %. Had lumpectomy and sentinel node retrieval. Margins clear, no lymph involvement. Have had some setbacks, broke my arm, developed lymphedema, developed a seroma. Have had to put off radiation cuz they thought I had an infection. Will have 20 rounds of radiation once I get started. Letrozole for 5 years. Just putting it out there that neo-adjuvant therapy instead of chemotherapy for invasive lobular cancer did work for me.

That overwhelming feeling after a new diagnosis is completely natural - many in this community have walked through those same emotions and found their way to feeling more grounded with time and support. This community is filled with people who truly understand what you're going through and can offer valuable insights about navigating the early days after diagnosis.