Seeking Support and Advice as a New Breast Cancer Patient

Sheila, this is an overwhelming time. The whole process is scary. Before making any decisions, you might want to consider a second opinion from a facility that specializes in cancer. It was the best decision I made before …

I'm glad you introduced yourself! I'm new too. Got my "good news" that I was in the breast cancer club too... It started 9/25/23 and... what's today's date??? I'm still here... no one's kicked me out...or asked me to leave soooo... We're both just learning the "club" moto, rules of engagement and respectful behaviors that are expected of new "club" members. My cancer is stage 3 or 4....still testing and finding more cancer with each test results.... but.... I'm not afraid of losing my hair...or boobs... just concerned about my wife...my rent... and doing this one day at a time...

I am metastatic stage 4. I have moments when I try to imagine the last stages of my life, but mostly I just concentrate on whatever the next thing is. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I try very hard to take life like that no matter how bad the next bite might taste (thank you, changes in my taste buds! 🥴).

Hi, my name is Susan. Your diagnosis and my diagnosis are the same. I had a lumpectomy then had radiation. Radiation was daily. Weekends off. It was a good experience, skin irritation but followed the nurses recommendation and healed well. Currently on hormone therapy. Never considered chemotherapy. If you don't do radiation , hormone therapy is highly recommended.

Hi, I also have the same diagnosis as you. Stage 1 1.1cm, with other spots in both breasts.. It was very stressful these last couple of months. Mostly from the unknown of what I was going to look like afterward. I'm a couple of days out after having a double mastectomy, and when I look in the mirror, I'm still beautiful. Be comfortable with your decision. We will get through this together.

I was diagnosed in July 2020. I had same diagnosis. I had a Lumpectomy with Chemotherapy and Radiation. I was concerned about my family history so I had the genetic testing. I was positive for PALB2 gene. (Which is in the family of the BRACA gene) My chances for reoccurrence increased. So In June 2022 I had double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. I’m not sure if you have any breast cancer in your family but you may want to consider genetic testing. I’m glad I did. Hang in there we are here for you.

I was diagnosed with the same kind of cancer in August. It has taken so long to get things done. Then I got Covid so everything got moved. Two additional biopsies were negative. Mine was caught early and very small. Having lumpectomy and three lymph nodes removed . The three weeks of radiation. Anyone that has any advice I would appreciate it. Breast cancer runs rampant in my mothers side of family. Should I ask for a pet Scan ? Or do I have the best case scenario if I have to have breast cancer? So much to learn

I would definitely have the genetic testing done with history in your family. I will make a difference in a lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy. Best of luck to you!

Welcome to this supportive community - feeling overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis is completely natural, and reaching out here shows real strength. Many members have walked similar paths and found ways to manage treatment anxiety through connecting with others who truly understand, so this community can be a valuable source of both practical tips and emotional support during this journey.