Got really devastating news today

[Nancy0]

Thank you all for the support - it means a lot to me.

[OHfemail]

What a shock to you - nothing but prayers and great energy sent your way.

I will say that my younger sister has just finished going through this, and is well on her way to recovery. Routine mammo in January, spot found, biopsy, lumpectomy, 8 weeks of radiation, healing has begun!

I must also encourage you to take someone with you to your appointments - no matter how 'routine' or 'minor' you feel they may be. My sis tried to be all stoic and strong, and didn't want to 'bother' anyone by asking them to go with her. Well, she quickly found out that having a second set of ears, and support, was important.

Hugs and prayers, and know that we're all here for your fight past this!

[Mollysmomma]

Nancy, first of all, take a deep breath. We will all be hoping & praying your biopsy results turn out benign. Just in case they don't, know that the treatments for breast cancer have come a long ways from what they used to be. You don't know for sure yet this is cancer. If it does turn out to be, you will deal with it.

I'm not a doctor, but I work with all kinds of cancer patients every day. I'm a patient services coordinator at non-profit cancer foundation, which was originally set up to help our local cancer patients be able to get to their cancer treatments....I live in an area where the nearest place they can get their radiation is about 100 miles away. We give out gift cards for gas, & Wal Mart cards so people can buy groceries or Boost, Shari's Restaurant cards so people can go out to lunch or dinner for a treat once in awhile....we have free wigs & hats for the women who do lose their hair. We have picnics for the patients & their families, & we have a monthly support group. We contribute to the local bus company so our patients can ride the bus to their radiation treatments for free if they want to. We are there for them for emotional support, as well.

If it does turn out to be cancer (I hope & pray not) you might consider looking up an organization like this in your area--it would be a great source of information for you, too.

Most of the women I see do very well with their treatments, once they get started into them. Like you said, it seems to be the initial shock that is the worst part. Then they seem to settle down & find their strength & ways to cope, so that they can just plow ahead & do what needs to be done, so they can get on with their lives.

I'm sorry you even have to deal with this at all, but you will get through it, whatever the results are. I, too, am kind of surprised that the dr told you that she thought you had it before the biopsy was done..... I'm keeping you in my thoughts & prayers!

[Nancy0]

The doctor said she tells patients she thinks it is cancer (I'm sure she wouldn't say it unless she's pretty darn certain) so they won't be shocked when the biopsy results come back. Hmmm I think I'd rather wait until the biopsy results came back so I know exactly what I am dealing with. This has completely ruined my day. Pffft.

Nncy

[EmmaJo11]

Nancy I am so sorry to read this. Prayers to you and hugs.

[barry581]

First let me say how sorry I am to hear this. I have personal experience with this as my DW was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in Oct 2004. Masectomy, removal of 8 lymph nodes under her left arm to which the cancer had spread, 7 rounds of chemo, 30 rounds of radiation, four surgeries for reconstruction. Thankfully, now almost 10 years later everything is good. We also have several close friends who have gone through this, and two more that are currently dealing with it.

Like several others have mentioned, having a support system around you, and keeping a positive mental attitude are very important in dealing with this if it's cancer. I truly, truly hope it's nothing but good news following the biopsy.

[krosen]

So sorry to hear this...hope all is ok and everything works out in your favor.

[janedoe]

I'm very lumpy, have had many biopsies and feel for you. It's so stressful but your doctor really doesn't know yet. All good thoughts. The waiting is the worst.

[Scoutpout]

so sorry you got that kind of news (speculation?) today. Big hug from out east for you. Like many others, it runs in my family too. Mum had it 6 years ago, and is fine after doing lumpectomy and radiation. It is a horrible shock to hear those words, but it is such a treatable cancer now, you will get through this and if the biopsy shows its malignant, you will get treatment to rid yourself of it, and live your life the way you want, not dictated by the cancer.
I wish for you a peaceful, relaxed weekend, with lots of positive sunny thoughts.
So sorry not close enough to actually give you a hug, this one will have to do

[Macy]

So sorry to hear your scary news. Positive vibes being sent.