CommunitiesJust Diagnosed With Breast CancerWill my breast cancer journey be lonely? How to prepare for first oncology appointment?

Will my breast cancer journey be lonely? How to prepare for first oncology appoi...

DA

Community Member

a month ago

Hello Everyone, I was diagnosed on Jan 13th with IDC Er/Pr + Her2 - tumor is 1.7cm I will be seeing a doctor on Feb. 9th. I have been trying my hardest to educate myself so when I see my doctor I will not be looking at her like deers in headlights! I’m struggling with my family and friends. Why do they ask you questions and mid conversation it looks like they checked out and I feel like I’m talking to myself. I have gotten to the point where I just answer “I’m fine, just waiting for my doctors appointment “ Is this going to be a lonely journey?? I don’t know how to prepare for my first appointment. I’ve had some sleepless nights just thinking about what’s my journey going to look like. Can anyone share what I should be preparing myself for? Thank you!

6 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

a month ago

Many people find that cancer diagnosis affects relationships differently - some friends may struggle to know what to say or feel overwhelmed, while others become incredible sources of support. Preparing a list of questions about treatment options, timeline, and what to expect can help make that first oncology appointment feel more manageable and ensure important topics get covered. Since loneliness during treatment is a common concern, consider reaching out by scrolling down the page from the Home Screen of the app to find the Ask Outcomes4Me box to get in touch for a more personal conversation and connect with clinical care experts. If feelings become overwhelming, the 988 crisis hotline is also available 24/7 for support.

3
KW

Community Member

25 days ago

I see my surgeon today and cancer Dr next week. I was just diagnosed too. I have a strong family history so I got some information from my sister who went through it.one day at a time is what I keep telling myself we can do this and get through this

1
SS

Community Member

25 days ago

Any questions that pop into your head between now and then, write down on paper. I had lined notebook paper and left a space or 2 after each question to write the doctor's answer during the appointment (I did thus for EVERY doctor). If they are a good doctor, they will take their time to make sure that you have an answer to all of your questions. Take someone with you as well. Preferably whoever is going to be helping you at home. Sometimes my husband had questions that I didn't think of. It is a crazy and overwhelming time when you are meeting with everyone to develop 'the plan'. Allow yourself time to absorb it all. I love the Oprah quote, "feel the feels, then take the wheel." You got this!

3
KW

Community Member

25 days ago

Thank you my daughter came with me we live together so she will take care of me. Surgery is on the 27th. They gave me 2 folders of reading material and a contact who will answer any questions or problems I have. She even consults with oncologist so she has all the info

3
MA

Community Member

22 days ago

I was diagnosed on 1/21/26 IDC stage 2B. I am feeling scared, sad,lonely,confused. I think the people around me just feel like i’ll just have surgery and be fine. I started two notebooks. One for questions for the Dr’s and one a journal for me to write down my thoughts.

KW

Community Member

22 days ago

Journaling is a great way to get stress and worries off our minds write it and leave it for a while. That's the problem I have I just keep thinking about it after written. I've started crocheting and it helps a lot to get my mind off things. I'm doing pretty good at it too I'm making a blanket

2

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