Just need to vent. I just need advice from people who went through this!!

[u/Left_Afternoon1231]

I been having some nodes in my right breast and took 4 mammograms and 3 biopsies to realize that's its cancer. I just barely got the call and I thought I was prepared for this call. I wasn't, I dont even know how to react or what to say. I mean reading through the test results it seems to be aggressive and growing fast,but I dont know what that means. What hurts me most is that I have 2 children, 15 and 13. Like how did you or someone you know react and what was next steps? Please I just want to know or hear even though my outcome can be different

[u/darkerthanmysoul]

There is no right or wrong way to react. You’re allowed to have every emotion going and be angry and confused.

You are never prepared for the results, no matter how much you convince yourself you are. It instantly triggers the if, what’s and buts. The overthinking. The stress. The anxiety. The fear.

My opinion is your first steps is wait until you get your results in full, start writing down your questions as soon as you think of them - there are no silly questions, ask everything you want. They’ve heard it all before.

Speak to your support, doctors, family, friends when and if you’re ready to do so. Whoever you want to and tell them what you want them to know. You don’t have to include everything until you want to.

[u/cronediddlyumptious]

Well I didn't have breast cancer. I did have tons of biopsies and scans because it took forever to diagnose the weird, rare cancer I had. My suggestion for you would be to get a second opinion someplace bigger. Preferably the Mayo clinic in Rochester. My kiddo was eight when I was diagnosed and we were still in the midst of covid and you couldn't have anybody under 16 so it all sucked but we made it through. The second opinion was just as bad as the first but they definitely have their act together there and they weren't grasping at straws. Your kids are old enough to understand what's going on and I would just be open with them. I hope the best for you.

[u/mycancerclub]

Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like everyone else I would say to get another diagnosis. It may be the same but you always want to double check not only with the diagnosis but with the treatment as well. My cancer was aggressive too, so I will tell you don't mess around getting another diagnosis., do it ASAP. If the first diagnosis is correct, it can spread very quickly and turn a short battle with cancer into a long war. As far as a reaction, every cancer patient is going to tell you something different. It can be such devastating news that I have seen people go from crying to screaming or in my case just shutting down in complete silence, not knowing what to say or to think. Whatever the case may be, its the right emotion with whatever your feeling at the time. Best wishes for ya!!!

[u/Funny-Possible3449]

I was diagnosed with lung cancer I went into complete meltdown for 6 months. I then changed hospitals and actually got the treatment I wanted and needed and with the right team around me it was not the death sentence I had first been led to believe. I have been stable for nearly 2 years and quality of life is good, although with collapsed lung will never be the same. I was supported through it all by my best friend who last week got her 10 year all clear from breast cancer! She declined chemo ( as I did) and was successfully treated with radiotherapy and surgery. The hardest part for her to deal with is the physical appearance of her breast, as she hasn’t been offered reconstruction. But she is happy to be alive! What was once one of the most terrifying cancers is now one of the most treatable! Good luck! You’ve got this! x