If you have just been diagnosed....

lizb

Hey everyone, I don't really know even how to use this site yet, I have not been diagnosed yet, I have had a biopsy and we don't have the results back yet, but my mom had a mastectomy and it doesn't look very good at the moment.....I am amazed at the strength and courage of all of you....I don't know how I am going to face it....with lots of prayer I suppose...

frustrated2

lizb--Hang in there, no matter the turn out of your test results you will be ok.  It's the waiting, it can make anyone feel a little out of sorts.  What ever the verdict you will be ok and make it through.  We are all here for you. 

ElsieJ

I'm 72 & live alone.  Joined the left breast lump "party" May 14/08.  Had all kinds of tests--the mammogram was the funnest, uh huh.  It squished the small graped sized lump flat.  Doc phoned today the 16th, said test was inconclusive but he leans towards the lump being cancerous--I should have told him to lean the other way. ha

I'm to have out-patient exploritory surgery May 22/08 at hospital.  I was told to have someone stay with me overnight afterwards.  Will discuss this with my daughter, whom will drive me to the hospital.

I do not feel, "Why me?" Instead, "This is sooo weird." (the diagnosis)  At this moment, I'm past fear, but if it comes back?  Who knows?  Last night I thought of the saying, "Shoot the messenger," and thought, Yeah, my doctor.  Poor guy. :-)s

I have full Essential Tremors from head to toe & stress of any kind exascerbates it, sooo here I am typing lucky to hit the correct keys to share my diagnosis.        

frustrated2

ElsieJ sorry you have to be here but glad you came to share your story.  I am also doing this alone for the most part.  If there are any questions that you may have just post them and we will be more than happy to answer them the best we can.  The waiting is by far the worst hands down.  Try as hard as it may be to stay positive.  You may have caught it early enough so that it can be easily removed and treated.  hang in there and let us know if you have any questions or if you just need to vent.

mumito

Pathology from core biopsy came back adenocarcinoma stage 2b already in lymphnodes. Started Chemo to shrink tumors before surgery.  Had first chemo treatment last Tues. Ist treatment not bad for sideeffects does it get much worse after two?

candaceK

just diagnosed infiltrating ductal carcinoma grade 3. three weeks prior at my gyn neither the lump in my breast or under my arm in the lymphs was discovered. i felt the armpit large lump. had mastectomy with ultrasound, followed by biopsies. saw the breast cancer doctors on friday- pounding headache for an all day event- done with sunglasses in a room with little light, taking meds. must have looked like a druggie. my nurse-daughter took notes and covered all our questions. could not do this alone. thursday do all the tests: scans, mri, blood. question: on biopsy day they said to wear a button down shirt. is this a common costume after surgery?

scared silly

frustrated2

CandaceK---Yes a button down shirt is a good idea for surgery day.  I am so sorry that you have to be here but know that we are here for you.  Do you have anyother questions?

mh1214

Hi all,

I just got a call from the doctor informing me my older sister has gotten breast cancer. The full pathology report hasn't been completed, but I was searching online to find what the next steps would be, and I found this site. It seems to be really comforting and helpful and I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what my sister could expect. I believe it's between Stage 1 and Stage 2 because he said radiation would definitely occur but chemo is an option. I'm not sure which would be better, a lumpectomy or mastectomy, but I'm hoping someone could inform me in what would be the way to go. I'm a pre-med student applying to medical schools now, and I feel so helpless. Thanks for reading. Stay strong everyone.

mh 

Westie

Hi all,

I'm so happy I found this site.  Lots of people to relate to.  I am 50--zero cancer in my family.  Had modrad mastectomy April 22.  Just found out it's Stage 3b.  I can't wait to start treatment, but I'm scared too.  I'm getting 'dose dense' chemo for 4 months, then radiation (also Tamox---? for E receptor pos).  How does one know one has healed sufficiently to get a prosthesis?

Westie

Hi all,

I'm so happy I found this site.  Lots of people to relate to.  I am 50--zero cancer in my family.  Had modrad mastectomy April 22.  Just found out it's Stage 3b.  I can't wait to start treatment, but I'm scared too.  I'm getting 'dose dense' chemo for 4 months, then radiation (also Tamox---? for E receptor pos).  How does one know one has healed sufficiently to get a prosthesis?

lynn2593

hi, you'll have to trust your ps; mine told me he would have to wait several months after my chemo was completed to remove the skin expanders and place in the implants.  so i needed closure for something so i have opted to wait on the chemo until i am healed and had my implants placed this past week and will start chemo in july its a relief to me that one step is completed.b/l mast dcis/ic er+pr+her2+3,0/4 ln. will be receiving tch. 

MariaG67370

I have been diagnosed with ILC. And I am very confused. I had a breast MRI and Ultra Sound Biopsy.  The radiologist called to tell me that I had cancer but very treatable (stage 1, 2 cm, would need a lumpectomy and radiation).  the next step was to check the lymph nodes and do a lumpectomy.  Two lymp nodes were removed, only the sentinal node had cancer,  but the tissue removed from the breast showed no clear margins.  The surgeon recommended a mastectomy.  I spoke again to the radiologist who was surprised by this news and said that another lumpectomy should be performed before agreeing to the mastectomy.  Meanwhile I was set up with a Radiologist Oncologist and Medical Oncologist, before receiving the results of my surgery and both asked why I was there to see them. They had no reports.  I feel like I am speaking for myself and have no one doctor leading this journey back to good health.  I called my Primary Care doctor (she is super, spoke to me twice at length today, Memorial Day) and she is setting up an appointment for a 2nd opinion  at a larger Boston Hospital.  She is outraged that I am having all this information thrown at me without any team meetings or discussions about treatment options, blood work, bone scans etc.  When I told the MEd Oncologist about the mastectomy (he never spoke to the surgeon) he told me to call him 3 weeks after surgery and we can start chemo and gave me literature on the meds to be used.  Before having the mast I would like to know what other options I may have.    My path report reads:  PT2  N1  MX.  I feel like I have wasted time with these doctors.  Any advice?  I am 57, Single and told that with the exception of the cancer, very healthy and for the most part have a healthy upbeat attitude toward the Cancer.  

RockHound

I was diagnosed with DCIS, Stage 0 a couple weeks ago.  However, the tumor is large, 3.5-5 cm.  Bilateral mastectomy scheduled in a few days (for the 29th of May).  Biopsy pathology mentioned the words "high-grade," which is worrisome to me.  Going nuts trying to figure out what is in store for me.  Sister with thyroid cancer (46), other sister with bc (49), mother with colon cancer (47), all survivors.  Me, I'm 43.  BRCA neg.  Tested for Cowden's, still waiting for results.  I have a hubby and two little boys, one 2 and one 3-1/2 who need me.  I am terrified the docs will tell me I need chemo (heart damage?  GASP!).  The totally weird thing about this disease is, I look and feel perfectly healthy!  Work out in the gym like a maniac.  Eat  healthy.  But screwed by genetics, apparently.  You guys are right - waiting for the full story on my cancer is really hard.  I guess I will know within a couple weeks after the surgery, hopefully much sooner!!!

MariaG67370

I've taken control of the situation and have an appointment with a top Breast Cancer Center in Boston.  They are seeing me early next week.  Have already asked that all my records be sent to them and gotten a referral from my Primary.  I feel better about all this.  I had my MRI and biopsy done at this facility but returned to the local center for convenience, big mistake.  Comparing the MRI and the results of the lumpectomy it's like they are talking about two different people.   I have spoken to the doctor who did the biopsy and read the MRI and she is surprised that I was advised to have a mastectomy.  Seeing a surgeon at this facility  even if her diagnosis is the same I will breathe a little better about it.

Maria

ElsieJ

Had my post lumpectomy checkup today.  The cut area is healing fine.  No pain & swelling is shrinking well. 

However, seems I'm now to go through a ‘After one small breast cancer 1.2c complete removal cleanup."  Ugh.  I'm much relieved that little devil was removed of course, but what ‘cleanup' to choose-radiation, chemo, or even mastectomy? - which my (general) surgeon threw in as a choice.  I'm to discuss this with an Oncologist June 26, 2008.

Before this appointment, I had told myself that if I were told I had cancer, I absolutely would not say, "Oh crap!," but would say something uh, well-bred, like, "Oh dear."  But guess what, I did, several times.  lol  And I didn't care.

I'd appreciate hearing of others' choices that went through, or are going through a  similar experience.  And if you are satisfied with your choice.  Okay?

Thanks.

ElsieJ (72 years)

Tremor Tales

http://www.geocities.com/lc22002/Tremor_Tales.html

frustrated2

Maria I am so sorry that you are having trouble with your doctor's.  I have been lucky that the BS I saw was affiliated with my primary care doc.  The BS then took care of ordering tests and laid everything out for me.  He then referred me to the PS and now my oncologist.  I have been so lucky that the BS is in constant contact with the rest of my physicians.  Maybe that would be a question for you to ask when you see the next doc.  How is he/she in contact with the other physicians that are caring for you?  I had everyone (I work in a hospital) referring me to different doctors.  In the end I wanted continuity of care so I stuck with the one who worked with my reg. doctor and it has worked out great.  Good luck to you I hope the journey gets a little easier for you.  I too am alone in my  journey and other than a couple of bumps in the road it has been doable.

frustrated2

Elsie sorry we had to meet here but glad you found us.  I was diagnosed with DCIS on April 28 of this year and had a mastectomy on May 16.  I have a history of BC and the lumpectomy would have taken most of my breast anyway so I went for it and had them take it.  I was glad I did because they found a lot more than just that one area that I could feel once they got it to pathology.  I too have a family history of cancer although at 32 I am the youngest by over 20yrs.  I will be going back under to have them take the other breast in a few months.  Nothing there yet but I don't want to risk it.  My grandmothers cancer came back with a vengeance in other parts of her body so I am shooting for over kill. 

Please do what is best for you.  I am for prevention so thats why I chose to go big with this.  Also it will make reconstruction easier to match two new ones instead of making the new one look like the old one which is real hard to do.  Please let us know if you have questions.  Preliminarily at this time (may be different when I see the oncologist) I don't think I will have to have radiation or chemo since we got clear margins.

ElsieJ

One thing that has been annoying me--the morning I first felt my breast lump, slightly high on my left breast--not near my armpit, I called the hospital where I have GYN checkups, & I was given an appointment not to an Oncologist but to a general surgeon.  Why not directly to an Oncologist?

The general surgeon excised the 1.2 c cancer & NOW I'm to see an Oncologist about further treatment.  What could be the reason why I was not sent to an Oncologist in the first place??  What am I missing here?  There are more than one Oncologists where I was told to go for an the appointment......  

frustrated2

Elsie--I think they send you to the general surgeon first because the lump may not be cancer would not oncologist would not know what to treat without the path reports that come from the biopsy's.  I know it sounds a little out of order but your surgeon is in contact with a tumor board to discuss the findings before recommending treatments or surgery. 

Hang in there the process will work out.  Just keep asking questions and you will get through the process.

ElsieJ

Thankyou 'frustrated2'.   I was pretty disgusted thinking I was put through more crummy procedures than was necessary.  Because of my quite good outcome, I'll discuss NO treatments with my oncologist in late June.--the lumpectomy was May 24.

But I'll be sure to have a mammogram each year.  Even every 6 months--if the oncologists wants this.

ElsieJ

Thankyou 'frustrated2'.   I was pretty disgusted thinking I was put through more crummy procedures than was necessary.  Because of my quite good outcome, I'll discuss NO treatments with my oncologist in late June.--the lumpectomy was May 24.

But I'll be sure to have a mammogram each year.  Even every 6 months--if the oncologists wants this.

frustrated2

Elsie--I am so glad to hear that the path report came back neg for cancer?  I hope this is true and I hope you were able to find some comfort here.  Good luck to you in the future and hope you don't need to return but please know you are always welcome.

kinde5069

 I got the report yesterday, I have stage 2 breast cancer with lymph node involvement. I have to go on Tuesday June 3th for a CT, Bone scan. Also waiting to get a date for MRI of the breast. They want to do surgery in 3 weeks or less. I also have to set up the appointment Monday with Oncology.

Besides being over whelmed, I don't know what I am feeling.

So I thought this site may be helpful.

Toni

frustrated2

Toni--Sorry to have to meet you here but glad you found us.  Hang in there all of this will get less over whelming.  There are a lot of great threads going right now that could be helpful for you.  If you have questions please post and we will do what we can to help.  I too have not been here long but have found the site to be helpful for knowledge and support.  Hang in there the easy part will come.

MariaG67370

Hi Manda, thanks for your response.  I expect the road back to good health is going to be unsteady at times and then clear sailing others.  Although so far I have had some roadblocks I am keeping a positive attitude and I thank God for my sense of humor and ability to see the glass half full. I have full faith in the facility that I will be going to as of Thursday.  Once I have the 2nd opinion, it will be full speed ahead.  I look at this whole situation as a little inconvenience taking time away from my work and time away from my planned summer activities.  But this is now and I have to deal with it. there will be many other summers, winters, falls, and springs to make up for this lost time.

Maria

kinde5069

Thank you Manda. I know I have questions. But right now everything is just flying inside my head. I am seeing my family doc tomorrow and asking for some type of pain control. This weekend has been alot of tears and trying to get things in the house in order for me being out of commission for awhile. I think I have decided on the Oncologist I am going to see. I have to try to get an appointment with another surgeon for a second opition on the surgery. So far everything the first surgeon talked about is what I am reading every where else.

So I am sure over the next few days the questions will start.

Thanks again

Toni

ElsieJ

Maria, my partial mastectomy/lumpectomy of my left breast, in the fatty tissue area down a ways away from my armpit was found 1.2 c spot of cancer.  It was excised completely, May 22/08, and since the surgery, my left breast is slowly going from swollen half-football size to normal size, a flaccid sized grapefruit--ha.

Fortunately, I can stay home (I'm retired at 72) so I don't have to go out in public lop-sided.   

When I first (accidentally) found the lump in my left breast, I felt as though I'd suddenly been transported into an alternate universe--some alien thing had lost its way from that universe and ended up in my breast. lol  The experience of finding it struck me as sooo unreal .

But now here I am, cancer excised, the "alien" removed, and relieved of much of my cancer fear through prayer for strength to deal with it, whether or not it returns.  So far I'm doing fine, physically & emotionally.   

After living with Essential Tremor-constant shaking from head to toe, for 63 years--I've been able to write humorous, whimsical short story tales about it, but so far I've not been able to do the same about cancer. 

Perhaps there are people here also cancer stricken who have somehow found some humor living with this most serious disease, and will share it here.  God bless.

Tremor Tales

http://www.geocities.com/lc22002/Tremor_Tales.html    

dferguson519

Just got diagnosed today.  The full report was not in, but hubby and I are meeting with doctor tomorrow to discuss full path report and options. 

I have very dense breasts due to fybrocystic breast disease and had a mass removed last week that we all believed to be a cystic mass, even the surgeon who removed it was surprised.  He said he does these 2-3 times a week and can usually see cancer.  Mine he said looked fine and just like a cystic mass.

3.6cm is all I know today.  Interesting observation = many women say it is found in their left breast - mine too.  Is this just a coincidence?

lvtwoqlt

dferguson, Sorry you have joined the club. there are plenty of threads on the site that you can go to and either find answers to your questions or ask any question.

Good luck in your search for answers.

Sheila

Ann04

Ann04.

My second Mammogram was not very clear so they had me take a special Mammogram and it came back fine, my third one was fine too but I my forth one was not very clear like the second one, I repeated the test again and they found the breast tissue is dense, there is an indeterminate clustered calcification in the left breast. Their assessment: Suspicious abnormality (BIRADS 4).

 I lost both parent to cancer and I am very concerned, because I have two young children and they are very attached to me. It was recommended to have a surgical consultation with core biopsy. I have my appointment tomorrow and I am very scared. I am new to this and have no idea about breast cancer.