u/Pippertoe

I was diagnosed with with IDC a week ago, and it seems like everyone and their brother wants to tell me how lucky I am that it was caught early and how they’re “not worried at all” about me. If I hear from one more person that I’m “going to be fine” I may stab someone.

Can folks learn to just say “wow, that sucks,” or “I’m sorry you’re going through this”?

I get that people don’t know what to do with bad news. But the whole “not worried” stance feels so dismissive. I’m glad you’re not up with sleepless nights over hormone blocker side effects and surgical options and post radiation skin care. But I sure as hell am.

Diagnosed last week with IDC in my left breast and ALH on the right. I’m still learning all the acronyms and stages! I know it’s hormone receptor positive, so Tamoxifen or something similar is a given. But the surgeon gave me a choice between a double mastectomy or just doing lumpectomies of the three affected sites, plus radiation and monitoring every six months.

I know the decision is highly personal, but I’m wondering what factors made the difference for you either way? I’m 52 and lucky to be married to a wonderful partner who is sure to support either choice.

Thanks in advance for your wise counsel!

My 14 year old kid is confident, self-assured and unafraid of hard things. They sing in choir, act on stage, study two foreign languages, you name it. They also have ARFID.

Generally speaking, they’re not uncomfortable with their highly selective eating. They have a great group of similarly neuro-spicy friends who accept that this is part of the package of who they are.

The challenge? They’re eager to travel internationally with school (and with our family, once we save up and can afford it). The big trip is one that goes to China in a couple of years.

I really want to find a way to support them taking this leap. If you’ve successfully navigated foreign travel, what helped you prepare and enjoy the experience? (To be clear, my kid doesn’t even eat white rice.)

Any advice would be welcomed!