Navigating Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Essential First Steps

Understanding the importance of mental health support, your diagnosis, and finding a second opinion if needed.

Every year, I make all my annual doctors and dentist appointments around my birthday so I won’t forget to go. I made my initial mammogram appointment for February 2023 but I ended up moving the appointment several times, thinking I didn’t have any family history of breast cancer—or so I believed. On the day of my last rescheduled appointment (which was in October 2023), I finally decided to go, listening to that little voice in my head urging, “Shavon, you really need to go.”

Afterward, I felt relieved, having checked everything off, and went about my day as usual. The next day, I got a notification on my Live Well app saying I needed to contact my doctor due to an abnormality on my mammogram. I was a bit concerned but reassured myself, I didn't have any family history of cancer nor did I have any symptoms of an illness so I was ok. I contacted my primary care doctor, who wasn’t in the same network, to let her know about the notification. She asked for my test results so she could review them and get back to me. The following day, she told me that she was referring me for an ultrasound of the right breast at the hospital. That’s when I started to feel nervous. What had she seen? What didn’t I know?

Before my ultrasound, my doctor scheduled a virtual meeting to go over the next steps. She explained that the ultrasound would help determine if I needed a biopsy. I’d heard of a biopsy but wasn’t entirely sure what it involved. She then shared that a mass was found in my right breast, and they needed to check if it was cancerous. The thought of cancer terrified me—every possible thought and emotion flooded my mind. Though I hadn’t been diagnosed yet, just hearing the word "cancer" left me speechless.

During the ultrasound, the tech noticed my nerves and encouraged me to relax and breathe while she took photos of my right breast. She stepped out briefly to share the images with the radiologist, and that’s when I saw it on the screen: a 2.2 cm white oval-shaped area circled. My heart sank. This was the first time I actually saw what the doctors and radiologists had been talking about. When the tech returned, she informed me that I’d need a biopsy. At that moment, I knew things were not okay.

A few days later, I went for the biopsy. It was an uncomfortable experience, but the doctors and nurses were incredible, providing comfort and reassurance throughout the entire procedure.

While waiting for the biopsy results, my primary care doctor called to give me a referral to an oncologist. By then, I had an inkling of what the outcome might be. I felt like this referral was her way of preparing me for the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis. After five agonizing days, I was driving with my daughter when I got a call from a nurse navigator. She asked for my address to send some breast cancer literature and a resource book. Confused, I asked her, “Does this mean I have it?” She replied, “Oh, no one has called you yet?” I said, “No.” That’s when she told me: my test was positive for Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 1, HER2 and Estrogen Positive breast cancer. Shortly thereafter, my primary care doctor called to officially give me the news. 

In that instant, my heart sank. I couldn’t believe I had cancer—a disease I feared, one that takes lives. I didn’t know how to process it or what to do next. My oldest daughter was in the car with me, so I held back my tears to protect her. 

After processing my diagnosis, here are a few essential first steps I found helpful in navigating the “What now?” phase:

1. Absorb the News: Take time to process what’s happening. Let yourself feel the emotions that come up. If you’re religious, take time to pray, asking for calm and peace. It’s natural to be scared—cancer is overwhelming. Avoid overthinking and, for now, limit internet research to avoid unnecessary anxiety. The only confirmed fact at this moment is your diagnosis, so staying grounded is crucial.
   

2. Build a Support System: Even if you don’t have a large circle of friends or family, there are people ready to help. Hospitals often have resources for support groups, especially in the oncology department. Social workers can connect you with resources and groups, and these support networks can make a huge difference.
   

3. Follow Your Doctor’s Guidance: Follow the recommended treatment plan, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. After meeting with your oncologist, start developing your own support plan. If support is limited, reach out to a nurse navigator or social worker at your hospital; they’re there to help.
   

4. Prioritize Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can help maintain strength. I found it helpful to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, drink plenty of water, and add teas to my routine. For me, blending natural healing approaches with conventional medicine felt right, so explore what works best for you.
   

5. Meditate and Find Moments of Peace: Based on your treatment plan, try to make time each day to breathe, enjoy a hobby, and spend time with loved ones. Mindfulness, in whatever form it takes for you, can provide a meaningful outlet and enhance well-being.
   

Warrior In Me,

Shavon