Cancer Treatment Options Forum - September 9th, 2011 - 6 Comments
breast cancer dilemma?
Yesterday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the start of the assessment, I realised that people were passing through the clinic very quickly, but I was being delayed and sent for more and more tests. Further mammograms, multiple ultra sound scans, and finally biopsies.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to have been given a diagnosis very quickly, the hospital could not have been more helpful and caring.
I have now spoken to my immediate family, my husband, children,sister, brother all, except for my mum, who is celebrating her 85th birthday today. We decided that she needed to have an enjoyable birthday and this news should not spoil her day.
I have asked my closest friend who also works with me to tell our work mates .
Tonight, for the first time in 24 hours I was alone, and cannot stop crying. I I have a very supportive husband, daughter and son and my in-laws are as close as family.
I am going back to the hospital next Friday, my son and daughter are attending with me, but I am worried that they are going to be given too much information.
We then know that we have to see my mum and give her the diagnosis.
I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I had the same reaction – I was brisk and business like about it on the first day, informing people who needed to be told, even assuring them I was fine. On the second day after diagnosis the reality hit me and I couldn’t stop crying.
If you’re worried about your son and daughter hearing too much information, ask them not to come in to the consulting room with you. My mother had cancer many years ago; I felt I had too little information, not too much, and would have appreciated some straight talking no matter how scary.
What saved my sanity in those dark days between diagnosis and surgery (and for a long time after that) was online breast cancer forums. If you haven’t already, I recommend you have a look at the forums on these sites; you can ask any questions you have of people who are or have been in the same situation, talk to others with breast cancer, or simply read about others’ experiences. :
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/
http://www.breastcancer.org/
Your son and daughter may find these helpful too; both have a forum board for family and friends. And the main sites have a huge amount of information about breast cancer.
Best wishes for your treatment
I am so sorry hear about your diagnosis. Breast cancer runs in our family and we’ve had our share of it. So far all are survivors. Seems like you have all kinds of support surrounding you. Hope all goes well on Friday. Best regards.
I don’t understand. What is your dilemma?
If you do not want your family to be told everything do not take them with you the doctor or ask them to wait in the waiting room. The doctor cannot discuss your condition with anyone without your permission.
I;m so sorry you are going through all of this. The word cancer is such a scary word. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last October and went through several biopsies and surgeries and finally a double mastectomy due to them continuing to not get clean borders. One thing that really helped her was to find someone who was going through the same thing as her. I am so sorry for you. Hang in there. Early detection is key and it sounds like they caught it early on you. I wish you the best of luck my friend.
Susan it’s normal that you are crying, you are crying for a lot of reasons and mostly you are crying because of the unknown. You are so blessed that you have such a wonderful supportive family, you will need them in the months to come and draw strength from them when you need it. In today’s world Cancer is not a Death Sentence, you do have to change your life style some but that will come easy. I too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year and when the doctor told me I had breast cancer, I cried and cried and cried some more and then it dawned on me I can’t make it go away, it’s there so lets get rid of it and that we did. I knew it was bigger then me and once I owned it and claimed it and handed it over to God, I was just fine. I am just about finished with my Chemo and my hair has begin to grow out a little. Now don’t get me wrong that ole Cancer can kick you to your knees, you will have good days and you will have bad days but just remember you will get well and all this will pass and you will feel brand new again. Now honey you go in faith believing and trust that God is in charge here. You have many years ahead of you and remember that this is just a bump in the road. I will be sending prayers and well wishes your way, and know that I love you and I wish I was there to help you get through this time.
Many blessings to you Susan.
Texas Mom
I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. Your son and daughter already know what is happening. Any information will be discussed with you first, but your son and daughter need to know what is going on. They will be there to support you no matter what.