Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Seeking Support and Similar Experiences

I was diagnosed right before this past Christmas, at age 63, and it felt like forever until I got my treatment plan. 12 months before diagnosis my mammogram was read as clear, now I am stage lla er/pr+,HER2-. Try to stay busy doing things that bring you joy.

Charlene R. I was first diagnosed at age 62 6mm area ER/PR+ Her2 -. It is a scary road. I had surgery, radiation, but was not able to tolerate the estrogen blocker. My cancer did come back 7.5 years later, and in that time, the world of cancer has changed. I have a new doc, and he has been able to help me through the aromatase side effects. My mets are now gone. And I am back to enjoying life. Yes, cancer is hard, and your feelings are normal. Take it one step at a time. Make plans for your birthday. I hope you have many more.

I felt a lump and had two mammograms and an ultrasound and the radiologist confirmed all was good. Not until I advocated for myself taking six months was able to get MRI and diagnosed with Stage 2 95%ER+. I was so frustrated angry and an emotional wreck. 3/12 had surgery and meet with my oncologist on 17th for treatment. Also started Letrozole, anti-estrogen inhibitor I’m 63,

Diagnosed with the same, I've had my surgery and I'm doing radiation. Once you see the surgeon and your plan is set things will go smoothly 👌 be kind to yourself rest when you can, and write anything you think of down to take to your Dr. That always helps me because I forget a lot 😆. You've got this 💯

I had 5 cm Invasive lobular carcinoma ER+ at 48. I had a lumpectomy and radiation first. The lumpectomy wasn’t bad at all, and the radiation was easy for 2 weeks. Then the fatigue started hitting and slept for nearly a month after my 4th week was completed. My doctor said the fatigue comes from the body trying to get rid of the damaged DNA cells from the radiation. I had a terrible time with Tamoxifin and the aromatase inhibitors. I didn’t have chemo because tests showed it would only have 1% effectiveness. However, due to my mom getting tested and finding out she had the BRCA2 mutation, so I got tested and had it also. Therefore it was recommended I have a double mastectomy. I had DEIP flap reconstruction which was excruciating for the first week, but gradually got easier. My mom got breast cancer at the end of last year and a double mastectomy was recommended. She didn’t get reconstruction and had almost no pain. She declined chemo and opted for a new treatment only for BRCA2 cancer patients. Long story short, don’t be scared, but be prepared for a roller coaster during treatment. There is hope, though. I am 5 years out and cancer free. Also my neighbor who had breast cancer at the same time as me and is now 82 is doing great and cancer free too! There is a lot of hope for early stage cancer!

Oh my Alicia H what a horrible experience to have to go through. I have family that lives in NH that have had similar experiences with the medical services in that region. Boston is supposed to have some great doctors though. So sorry to hear you had to go through all of that on top of having BC

Breast cancer scary and frustrating.. Jan doc ordered mammogram.. no room to get test till June 9.. I mammo was not read till June 29 due to staffing. I did not feel lump or felt anything was wrong however. Abnormal mammo and they scheduled diagnostic mammogram and Ulta sound in October. I had to advocate for myself and went to different hospital. Diagnosed with Dcis and lobular cancers. Poor clinical medical intervention. I live in so New Hampshire

I got my ndiagnosis in December 2 days before I turned 65. I have been getting my Mammograms every year for 35 years and it missed mine until it was over an inch. My head was and is still spinning. I keep hoping I’m going to wake up. I had my first surgery in February and had a reduction on my other breast and they found cancer in the other breast. The breast MRI didn’t see the other breast cancer because it was so small, so I’m 4 weeks post 2nd surgery on my left breast. Thankful I had the reduction on my left or they would have missed it. Head started spinning all over again and Fing pissed off. Hang on to everyone that’s there for you. ♥️. Hang in there

I was just diagnosed on Monday, age 51, after receiving a normal mammogram in December. I had a biopsy last Friday and the doctor felt 98-99% certain it wasn't cancer. He was wrong!! I was told they should be able to get it all with a Lumpectomy, but I won't know for sure until I meet my care team on Wednesday.

My mammo in 2022 was clear. But when I went in to the doc within 2 days of finding the lump in Dec 2023, my breast was already the size of a canteloupe and untouchable. It really happened quote fast. I was told it's probably shingles, but I advocated for a mammo. Diagnosed formally January 2024 and in treatment by February for invasive breast cancer ER/PR and HER2 neg. Metastisized to mediastinum (lungs) and collar bone lymph nodes. My mammos have always been clear. I'm in my 11th week of treatment.

I am 69 years old and have had annual mammograms; this November the radiologist found a small spot that he wanted to have looked out - so started with ultrasounds-MRI’s- and then lumpectomy - radiation - hormone - it’s been a journey but I have gotten through this with a strong & supportive husband and family. Fatigue is my daily problem but I try to walk 1000 steps - the more the better. Be strong

Hi. Felt lump in armpit. Diagnosed May 2022 stage 3b because of lymph node involvement. Set up a plan with oncologist for chemo, then surgery, then radiation ten PT to prevent lymphoma. Chemo reduced tumor by 50% before surgery. Also estrogen positive. Had 18 lymph nodes removed only one was positive. This all happened over the span of a year. At each stage I felt they weren’t moving fast enough but they knew what they were doing. I managed to get through everything on my own driving myself to and from everything. Only surgery day I needed a driver. Once I had to go into city of Philadelphia and Penn arranged and paid for Uber for me. Also got a free wig from local hospital where I had my radiation. Keep in touch with your nurse navigator and social worker. They are very helpful. Even though I had several complications(staph infection in port and error by surgeon ended me in the local ER due to hemorrhaging and had to have surgery redone night of original surgery) I made it through. I let go of my tendency to control everything and leave it up to my cancer team. On exemastane for 10 years minimal side effects. Gave up on Verzenio due to horrible body wide weakness. One year follow up in June. Keep a good calendar and write down your questions. I look back now and don’t know how I got through all that. You will get through too taking one appointment, one test, one treatment at a time. Stay in the present. Don’t worry over the past or the future. Praying for strength for you

I was diagnosed at age 78 with 7 mm tumor, node negative . Lumpectomy and 16 radiation sessions. Chemo advised based on oncotype score. However, oncotype “disagreed” with biopsy results. I declined chemo. At this age , I felt that risks outweighed 6% benefit of non recurrence. On Letrozole for a minimum of 5 years. Feel fine

Hello, I am in the pre surgery stage. Definitely feels like total chaos waiting for next test or doctors appointment Found a doc that I love in Hartford. Did blood test. Met reconstruction surgeon if I need it depends on the amount of tissue removed. Had color contrast mammogram as MRI send me into panic attacks. Ductal & lobe, 2 lumps. Did genetic testing as my grandmother had postmenopausal cancer and fortunately all neg. Hoping all is as expected once surgeon gets a look and pathology done. No date yet for surgery. Had 71st birthday last Wed in midst of car dying and laser eye procedure....lol. Have to laugh at the chaos . Trying to work, but it's been a struggle as was already on reduced schedule post COVID. Find your best coping strategies. Mine is napping, audibles, weird Netflix series and cooking. I am lucky to have a great emotional support system. Give yourself grace, we need to be kind to ourselves.

In pre-surgery stage also. I’m 76 almost 77 and have been diagnosed with ILC in December 2023. I don’t feel old, but I am old with arthritis and now cancer. I like what you said about coping skills they sound familiar to me as I watch weird Netflix series and try to look at videos that are funny on IG.. Pray things go well for everyone. On anastrozole for 5 months with up coming mri in June. I just had a good cry and with my concerns for myself and my daughter who’s dealing with health issues and having to work. it’s Mother’s Day so happy Mother’s Day to all who read this.❣️🙏

I was diagnosed Dec 8th 2023, 2 days before I turned 65. Estrogen +/Progesterone+ lympnodes clear Had annual mammogram for the last 35 years and it was missed the year before and by my doc 2 months before and it was a little over an inch. Had lumpectomy and left breast reduction for symmetry. Just finishing up radiation next week, 15 rounds. My head is still spinning. Make sure you take someone with you to every doc appointment because you won’t hear or remember 1/2 of what they are saying, and will forget what you wanted to ask. It amazed me how much info I didn’t hear. Ask lots of questions and keep asking until you understand. Read up on things, it will help. You’re in good company. Hang in there. Rest and let people take care of you in your recovery ❤️‍🩹

Getting a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to have your head spinning right now. Many community members here have walked similar paths and found that connecting with others who understand this journey can provide tremendous comfort and practical insights during this time.