Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

514 Members

1,590 Posts

1 Online

turtle74 04/11/2017

I just found out last Wednesday that I have breast cancer. I actually go to meet the surgeon today and hopefully we will get a plan of what the next steps are. I believe that surgery will be the first step.

I am so scared through all of this and expecially today I am finding dealing with everythind really difficult. I am stressed about finances and whether I will need to have time off or if I will have to force myself to work. My husband (who does not have a job) just continually says that it will all work out, but seems mad at me for getting stressed now about something that we aren't sure about... especially because maybe I won't even need time off at least right away.

Cancer runs in both sides of my family - my biological mother as well as her mother both were diagnosed with breast cancer just a little over a year ago. She has also had two other cancers and her father I believe died of colon cancer. I also just found out that my dad has prostate cancer... it is so overwhelming. I am losing my faith. How can I keep going? I have to stay strong but I just want to break down! What do I do? My husband has never had anyone in his life even touched by cancer. He doesn't understand!

Any suggestions?

deraming 04/11/2017

We all react different, some angry,sad, is important to talk to your doctor about how you feel,many take medication for depression, anxiety during treatment.
Like you we had never met a person that had cancer,what I did was.
signing as a volunteer with a cancer center, later it become a new career.
Is your husband unable to work?
Is important that he is supporting, now is the time to take care of #1 that is you.
You first,second and third.
Dont feel guilty, you did not caused your breast cancer.

2DanceAgain 04/11/2017

Everything you are feeling is completely normal. I am a survivor of 2 types of cancer, breast and lung. I was lucky in they caught one early which helped them catch the other early. There are many factors that may determine whether you can work or not. Those factors include: type of surgery (lumpectomy vs mastectomy), type of job you have, will you need other treatments (radiation, chemotherapy), and any other current health issues that may effect your healing. Everything you are feeling is completely normal. Hearing that big "C" word has an emotional impact especially if you have seen other family members deal with cancer. I feel it is important to find a "face to face" local cancer support group. Those group members will have so many tips and questions to ask your doctor. They also "get it" meaning the emotions you are feeling. Someone who has never had cancer, no matter how hard the try, just doesn't "get it". Keep asking questions of your doctor, keeping asking questions here, and be good to yourself.

FHLP 04/21/2017

I have never had breast cancer but my mom and sister have. Today another sister has been diagnosed. Please talk to your husband about how you are feeling. Don't shut him out. Have him join a support group. He can just listen if he isn't a joiner. Info is important and asking questions are important.
Remember you are the priority take care of you first.
A sense of humor is important. It will keep you relaxed and put
friends and family at ease to talk to you. Eat healthy it will keep you strong.

turtle74 05/04/2017

So, it has now been about a month since I found out I have cancer and I feel that I am no closer to a treatment plan than I was... the only positive is that I have a consultation with a plastic surgeon in the morning. The problem is that I don't even know what to ask or what to expect with regard to that because I don't know anything else. It is so frustrating to have gone this long with no movement. I guess it is good that it isn't urgent, but it still is cancer and I still want to get rid of it. I feel like people cared the first week, but now very few are even really interested - at least until I have more information or end up in surgery. That makes me feel completely uncared for and that is difficult to accept. It really makes me think more of moving to a different state and starting over with everything - and it wouldn't matter to too many people here.

Novembergirl1950 05/15/2017

Contact The American Cancer Society, they will set you up with a mentor to talk to who has gone thru what you have, possible rides to treatment, and many other resources. They are opened 24/7, there is always someone there to talk to. I also found alot of financial resources thru them as well to help pay some of the bills. Ask for a "nurse navigator" at your hospital where you will be having your surgery, she can also be a wealth of information for you. I found it best not to talk to much to those closest to me about what I was going thru as it seemed to drive everyone away and I got tired of hearing all the usual platitudes. Oh, I just started visiting with an oncologist social worker at my oncologists office too and she had a wealth of information not to mention support. I found the most support from the nurses who worked with me. It's always good to find a mentor to help you along, like thru the American Cancer Society. I know it's alot to process. Once you get started it seems to go fast. I had a lumpectomy with 5 sentinel nodes removed and 7 weeks of radiation. Be sure to get the recommended creams to treat your skin for radiation effects, as that helped me. Any more questions, just ask away :) You can get thru this !!

Join the Conversation