from those who’ve been there
Shared experiences and honest reflections from the breast cancer community.
A breast cancer diagnosis can feel extremely isolating no matter how large your support system is. Sometimes the words you need to hear most come from people who have walked this path before.
Community Question
WHat do you wish someone had told you the day you were diagnosed?
Words From Our Community
Honest words from people who have walked this path and understand.
Responses may be lightly edited for clarity, grammar, and length with the contributor’s permission.
“We will never be prepared for the news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. In my experience, I found it to be emotionally debilitating. Between the fear of the unknown and the thought of putting my husband and family through something of this magnitude was pretty terrifying. Looking back now, I wish someone had warned me about doom scrolling. I quickly learned that doing my own investigations and research on how to fight cancer was daunting at times. I finally decided to leave that to the professionals and tried to focus on being still while surrounding myself with positive individuals that didn’t require much from me. Basically, the ones that let me be me. Their steady presence and reassurance really encouraged me that I was not alone and that I could face another day, which meant that I didn’t have to climb the whole mountain each day. Just focusing on the next five minutes or the next single step was more than enough. I’m so grateful for the support and lessons learned along the way.”
– Diana, Breast Cancer Survivor
“There is SO much I wish someone had told me…
Dense breast tissue is common. Don’t let that description make you feel like it’s somehow your body’s fault if something wasn’t caught on a mammogram.
You can advocate for yourself and push for additional scans.
The biopsy sounds like either a staple gun or a harpoon!
Have someone with you when going to appointments. It’s hard sitting there scared, alone, unsure, and trying to comprehend everything being said.
You can always ask for a second opinion.
Sharing your experience is the best form of therapy.”
– S., Breast Cancer Survivor, California
There are no right or wrong words. Share what you needed to hear, whether it was comforting, practical, honest, or simply something that made you feel less alone.
Community submissions reflect individual experiences and aren’t medical advice.