Facing Breast Cancer: The Journey Begins

Hi, thank you. I can see there are a couple replies but I’m not able to view them for some reason

Hello Karla, you have exactly expressed what I feel. It surely is draining to explain to worried family and then to disclose to friends. I fear the side effects of treatment more than the cancer. I’m PR+\HER- but am still waiting to see the first member of my team. The nurse navigator thinks I will be having surgery, then endocrine therapy and/or radiation. It’s all very up in the air and I feel frustrated over the weeks of delay waiting for appointments! I wish you strength, peace, and good fortune in this journey!

Thank you. I felt the same way with not being able to plan and waiting for appointments. I go back and forth between wanting to hurry up and get treatment before it spreads more and wanting to delay it as long as I can because I’m scared. Now that it’s time for my first infusion I wish I could wait another week. Peace and strength to you as well. Thank you for the good wishes. 🤍

I’ll be thinking of you next week! Remember- newer protocols for chemo or radiation are designed to reduce or combat side effects. Small comfort when it is all in front of you! I find the waiting is very hard. Next Monday I hope (hope!) to get a little clarity from my surgeon.

I was scared to have chemo infusion thinking about what it would do to my body as well as the side effects. I talked to my oncologist and he was able to give me medication to help with nausea. I ate what I felt like. First week was not a lot. Kinda like flu. Just tired and slept a lot. Each week got better until it started over. I made it through it and you will too.

Sending prayers and hugs to you scary the unknown how will I feel will I be able to work and do I mastectomy so many ?

Hello, I can so relate. I was recently diagnosed with STAGE 2 IDC, Er+,Pr-, HER2+. I’ve had all the same testing, chemo teach, port placement and a recent PET scan since it was found in a lymph node in my right breast. Also had 3 biopsy’s. Waiting anxiously for the PET results as my chemo starts Dec 26th. I am also very scared of what the chemo side effects will be for me. I too am having more anxiety about chemo than the cancer itself….During this waiting period I was so worried about it spreading but now that I only have a few days before my chemo starts, I am really stressing about the chemo effects. Trying to stay out of the rabbit hole before me!! I do pray for you and everyone going through this, to find a lasting peace and healing.

The feelings you're experiencing right now are completely natural - starting treatment can feel overwhelming, and it's understandable that the unknown side effects feel scary. This community is here to support you through each step of this journey, and many members have found comfort in sharing their experiences and learning from others who understand what you're going through. Take things one day at a time, and remember that your medical team is there to help manage any side effects that may arise.