If you have just been diagnosed....

dlb823

sarahjayne ~  I'm sorry about your Mum, and I hope the mass will turn out to be benign, as her cysts have in the  past. 

In the meantime, I wanted to suggest that you try posting your questions as a new topic, where they will get much more attention.  For some reason, only newly-diagnosed women seem to post to this thread (which is logical), but few women with experience with bc come back here, so often the questions go unanswered, which is a shame because the women here are very caring and would love to help you. 

Please try reposting your questions as a new topic, and I'm sure you'll get some helpful responses..  There is a specific forum entitled, "Not Diagnosed, But Worried" for questions like yours.  Take care, and I will pray that your Mum's mass is benign, as 80% of breast biopsies do turn out to be.    Deanna 

Sable43

To dlb823 (Deanna)

Thanks again for the wise words. As a matter of fact, keeping a list of my side effects is part of the trial so I'll keep better documentation for not only their records but mine. The neuropathy was the biggest issue, and just recently had to run to the ER and discovered I had a UTI; currently being treated with antibiotics. My mediport is being placed this Thursday 9/17 and a second round of chemo is scheduled for 9/21. I do hope that I tolerate the second round better than the first one. 

To Sarahjayne; I'll keep both your mother and you in my prayers.

deems

I too was diagnosed with IDC 2 wks ago.  had biopsy done and was supposed to go back last week for the eval with oncologist, but as luck would have it, I came done with the flu and had to cancel so am now scheduled for this coming Wednesday to speak with the oncologist.  Dealing with the flu has not allowed me to give this problem a thought but now I am "all over the map" so to speak!  It is just now really taking hold of my thoughts and yes, I am concerned.  Dunno what to do, what to think, etc.

Oh gosh, I am rambling now...sorry.  Y'all have a most blessed rest of the evening.

webstertoo

Found out yesterday that I have IDC.  My surgery is scheduled for Oct 9, lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy.  I'm lucky to live near Philadelphia with lots of choices for care.  What things should I think about when picking a doctor for treatment?  There's Fox Chase Cancer Center which uses a team approach.  I'm having the surgery done at Abington Hospital which has a good cancer center as well.  Mom died from her breast cancer and I feel that a large part was due to not having a good oncologist.  Even after he found it in her liver by accident, he did no scans and it was in her bones as well.

I read here that between biopsy and lumpectomy folks are having more tests.  Also some seem to know stage, grade, etc after core biopsy.  I know nothing and am going straight to lumpectomy.  Which is normal?

dlb823

webstertoo ~ So sorry that you're finding yourself in the club that none of us ever wanted to be in, but glad you've found us here.  Was your bc dx'd from a biopsy?  If you have a copy of it, it should give you a little more info, such as the suspected size and preliminary grade of your lesion.  But the most definitive info' will come from your lumpectomy & SNB pathologies.

As far as more testing, I believe that every woman should have an MRI prior to surgery, and most women do these days, to be sure the one area they know about is the only thing going on.  To go right to surgery without knowing if you might have a 2nd lesion or anything suspicious in the opposite breast could be setting you up for additional surgery if something turns up later.  I know, because it happened ot me.  I would at least ask your breast surgeon about this.  Also, is your surgeon a breast surgeon (not a general surgeon)?

Good luck with your planned surgery.  We'll be thinking about you ~   Deanna 

webstertoo

Thanks for the response.  I don't have a copy of my second biopsy, only know now what the doctor told me on the phone.  He's a general surgeon but the head of surgical oncology at the hospital and had done a surgical biopsy for me before.  I will call and see what they think of an MRI since my lump didn't show on the mammogram so who knows what else it out there  I noticed when they did the ultra scan they only looked at the lump area. 

dlb823

webstertoo ~  Keep us posted!  Your surgeon is obviously very capable, but just keep in mind that, in addition to breast cancer, he must also keep current on things to do with lung cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, and all the other surgical oncology research and news.  Breast surgeons, on the other hand, only worry about 1 thing -- treating conditions of the breast.  Neither choice is always better than the other; it's just something to keep in mind.  

Here are a couple of articles I just pulled for you on the importance of MRIs, as well as a very recent one that seems to refute the need for one.  Perhaps your surgeon is aware of the Fox-Chase retrospective study, since you're in that area, and this is why he hasn't suggested an MRI?  On the other hand, if you read my bio, you'll see why I am always concerned about women who don't have them.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522131929.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090216092717.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625202012.htm

Let us know what you find out ~ Deanna

Leslie1962

Pathology report dated 09/02/09 - diagnosis:  Invasive mammary carcinoma, predicted grade 2. ER/PR negative, HER2 3+ positive. Lumpectomy on 09/23/09 with way more involvement than thought, all lymph nodes must come out. Second surgery on the horizon. Has anyone had luck with a surgical oncologist? I am wondering if this should be my next step as the surgeon who did lumpectomy was a general surgeon. Seems this could be out of her comfort zone.

j414

Leslie1962, based on my own experience and in dealing with my parents medical issues - I always go for a specialist, who is well regarded and at a very good hospital.  Your pathology is  complicated based on the the HER2+ result and overall more extenisve than origianll thought - based on the second surgery for the full lymph node removal (as opposed to a sentinel biopsy). I absolutely think you need a breast surgeon - someone who specializes in breast cancer, who will work closely with an oncologist for you post surgical treatment.  This whole process can be very overwhelming - if you need help locating a top notch specialist in your area, PM me. Best, J.

j414

dlb823 - I cannot agree with you more on the MRI. My gyno uses a specific radiologist and based only on my famiy history, they both thought, notwithstanding my age - that I needed a very thorough screening. Mammo and sono were clear and when the radiologist insisted on an MRI, I was resistent - b/c she takes zero insurance (and I was reluctant to front the 3k - didn't think my insurance would cover it), and b/c I'm slightly claustrophobic. But she convinced me and a tiny tubulobular was detected by MRI.  If it were not for the MRI, I wouldn't have been diagnosed for years - until I (or my gyno) was able to detect it in a physical exam (lobular and lobular combos rarely show up on MRI and a stage one diagnosis is, as I understand it, very unusual).

CanadianBacon

I am recovering from a right breast lumpectomy (Sep 17) due to a tiny bit of DCIS found on a breast MRI, but just heard from the surgeon that there were no clear margins and three areas of invasive cancer and more than 6 cm of DCIS that they completely missed.  Now I have to have that breast removed too October 15th (left mastectomy done May 2008 due to DCIS) and sentinel nodes removed.  It is scary knowing that none of the tests (mammos, ultrasound, biopsies) and even the pathology from a breast lift (to match my reconstructed left breast) found the invasive cancers or large amount of DCIS.  I definitely recommend the MRI, but you can't even count on that.  In hindsight I should have considered a bilateral mastectomy in 2008 and this would have all been behind me. That was never suggested by my breast surgeon.  I think they term my cancer "mammographically occult".  I don't want to be an alarmist, but I wonder how many other women think they are fine due to no history of breast cancer and nothing showing up on regular mamographies and they have undetected invasive breast cancer?

Leslie1962

I am right there with you on this one. No family history, negative mammogram, negative ultrasound, "atypical cells" on needle aspiration, hard lump found two weeks after annual GYN appointment where breast examination was negative. Invasive cancer on six-core biopsy. I am now looking at having a second surgery, most likely full mastectomy, on the left. Just underwent lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 09/23/09. The surgeon got what she could but the cancer was all clumped in the lymph nodes.

It is very frustrating that we do all we should be doing and look what still happens! I have run over this in my mind a thousand times...did I do all I could have in terms of self examination, annual appointments and mammograms? I come up with the same answer every time, yes I did.

I do have to say this forum has been most helpful in terms of what others have gone through and what I can expect in my near future. I am still in the tearful stage and find I can cry at the drop of a hat over this. Other times I surprise myself when I see that I can actually have a conversation with my husband about this mess without crying. Seems it all goes with the territory. I am still very much afraid of what the chemo will do to my body in general, but I have no choice. I must proceed into this head-on and do my best. 

soundgirl

If you are 40 and under and newley diagnosed there is a great group, The Young Survuval Coalition of Northern NJ. Sign up as a fan on facebook for more information.   You are not alone!  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/#/pages/Young-Survival-Coalition-NNJ/249306630721

catori

I was just diagnosed 3 days ago. This past week has been the most emotional of my life. I am afraid. I am angry at God. I am going through so many emotions. Not sure what to do. I look forward to learning from the rest of you here.

BrendaSharon

Hi Catori,

Sooooo sorry you had to join us. I understand your feelings completely. I do know this site has helped me soooo much. I was diagnosed Aug. 13 and I have already had two surgeries. I still am kinda crazy and not sure of everything that has and still will happen. But, I do know if I have a question, one of the many sisters on this site will help you to understand. They are in our shoes and so their understanding of what we are going thru and what are needs are is so much better. The night of my second surgery, Sept. 17, (Complete Axillary Dissection), I did have to stay overnight in the hospital, I spent lying awake as I could not sleep. I sat up in the bed and texted on my blackberry phone all night to the sisters on this site and it was a help to me.  As WONDERFUL & supportive as my husband of 29 years is, sometimes he just doesn't get it. I've been told again and again by so him many others, that it's going to be OK, your alright, well dang it!!! It's NOT.!!! Some days I feel strong, other days I just can't stop the tears.

Know we are all here together and for each other!!!

Keep me posted on your diagnosis and how you are doing.

Warm (((((HUGS))))) to you as you go thru this journey

dlb823

catori ~  So sorry you have to join us, but as Brenda said, there is wonderful support on this site.  Be sure to prowl around it when you feel like it.  It's much larger than many women realize at first. And realize that no matter how you're feeling -- angry, sad, mad, helpless, tearful, determined, numb -- they will all weave in and out for you at first -- and they're all very normal. 

Brenda ~ Someone here once mentioned that her doctor had told her to figure on a year to get through this.  And I thought that was one of the wisest things I'd ever heard a doctor tell someone up front about bc.  For some it will go faster.  But, as her doctor advised, if you figure on a year to get through whatever treatment you need and get a lot of your strength back, you won't be disappointed when you're feeling tearful or not yet back to your old self 6 months from now.  And you are barely 6 weeks into your year, so be gentle with yourself.  You have many weeks ahead in which you will no doubt continue to have ups & downs, need to make some decisions about your treatment, and occasionally shed some tears.  We all do.  But believe me, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  You are strong -- stronger than you may realize yet.  We all are.  Just remember, one day and one decision at a time...     (((Hugs))) to you both ~  Deanna 

BrendaSharon

Thanks dlb823 (Deanna)

You are aways so uplifting and informational as well!!

I appreciate all you do!!!

(((HUGS))) Brenda

catori

Thank you so much Brenda and Deanna,

It is overwhelming right now, and tomorrow I go for my MRI with contrast and will get the results friday. From there I have an appt with a surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center. Is anyone familiar with this place? I really do not know anything about it but my sister who is a 2x survivor told me I should go since it is in my Insurance Network. So I am set up to meet with them next week.

I have not yet discussed surgery options available to me, this is to be done friday after the results of my MRI are in. So much information to take in. Everything has happened so fast, I haven't had time to process it all really. I am just in a reactive mode and doing what Dr.s tell me... go here do this then go there and do that and in between wait for results which is the hardest thing I have had to do.

I am so glad I found a place where others understand. The Dr. who diagnosed me told me to expect a year to battle it out. *Sighs*

Last year I had unexpected and unplanned surgery on both kidneys at the same time. I had gone to a urologist after going to the hospital ER in the middle of the night for pain ( kidney stones).

I had to follow up with this urologist and when I went he ordered surgery STAT... the same day, so within less than 2 hours after seeing him I was in surgery. I was so hoping this year would be better... but I guess we just never know what lies in store for us.

One day at a time is all I can handle right now.

BrendaSharon

Hi Catori, You are so welcome. I'm sorry for your worries, but totally understand. I am a little familiar with the "Moffit Cancer Center"I signed up for the "Total Cancer Care" If I can somehow help sisters in Our future, I will do all I can. Today has not been good for me, lots of tears and scared. That's when I get back on here and chat. It always help. I have a problem with my drain and just hope all is O. I don't want another surgery. 2 in 2 weeks is enough!!!! F you read my profile it will explain what I've been through, except the last 2 days. Got lazy and down, so I didn't update.it today!

The Moffitt Center has a lot of helpful resources, so be sure to talk to one of the co-ordinators. They can help with lots of different issues. But, I still love the support I get on this site and it helps to talk with the girls going through the same issues.

Keep me posted! I'll put you on "My Fave Member List" so I can help you when I can. Cry together if need be, chuckle when we can. Deanna is brilliant at technical questions, she has been a brite star in my seemingly gloomy world right now. She knows what and how to say the right things.

KNOW we are on the road to recovery, it may be long, but we can do it!!! ;-)

Chat soon(((((HUGS))))) Brenda

BrendaSharon

Hi Catori, You are so welcome. I'm sorry for your worries, but totally understand. I am a little familiar with the "Moffit Cancer Center"I signed up for the "Total Cancer Care" If I can somehow help sisters in Our future, I will do all I can. Today has not been good for me, lots of tears and scared. That's when I get back on here and chat. It always help. I have a problem with my drain and just hope all is O. I don't want another surgery. 2 in 2 weeks is enough!!!! F you read my profile it will explain what I've been through, except the last 2 days. Got lazy and down, so I didn't update.it today!

The Moffitt Center has a lot of helpful resources, so be sure to talk to one of the co-ordinators. They can help with lots of different issues. But, I still love the support I get on this site and it helps to talk with the girls going through the same issues.

Keep me posted! I'll put you on "My Fave Member List" so I can help you when I can. Cry together if need be, chuckle when we can. Deanna is brilliant at technical questions, she has been a brite star in my seemingly gloomy world right now. She knows what and how to say the right things.

KNOW we are on the road to recovery, it may be long, but we can do it!!! ;-)

Chat soon(((((HUGS))))) Brenda

BrendaSharon

Hi Catori, You are so welcome. I'm sorry for your worries, but totally understand. I am a little familiar with the "Moffit Cancer Center"I signed up for the "Total Cancer Care" If I can somehow help sisters in Our future, I will do all I can. Today has not been good for me, lots of tears and scared. That's when I get back on here and chat. It always help. I have a problem with my drain and just hope all is O. I don't want another surgery. 2 in 2 weeks is enough!!!! F you read my profile it will explain what I've been through, except the last 2 days. Got lazy and down, so I didn't update.it today!

The Moffitt Center has a lot of helpful resources, so be sure to talk to one of the co-ordinators. They can help with lots of different issues. But, I still love the support I get on this site and it helps to talk with the girls going through the same issues.

Keep me posted! I'll put you on "My Fave Member List" so I can help you when I can. Cry together if need be, chuckle when we can. Deanna is brilliant at technical questions, she has been a brite star in my seemingly gloomy world right now. She knows what and how to say the right things.

KNOW we are on the road to recovery, it may be long, but we can do it!!! ;-)

Chat soon(((((HUGS))))) Brenda

catori

((((Huggggs to you Brenda)))) Yes we will chat soon.

Jules824

Hi everyone,

Nice to meet you all (sorry to do so under these circumstances). I was just diagnosed with DCIS last week. (I dont have the exact coding and numbers because I was in daze when he said DCIS) But it was downplayed by my surgeon which made me mad. He even said you dont have cancer before handing me a cancer bag and setting up appts. I was puzzled and in shock so I went home and I looked it up and called him back and yelled cause DCIS is too cancer.

So far I had the biopsy, blood work and an oncology appt is set up. MRI not yet- still waiting for my insurance. They sure poke around. I also have chronic pain/back issues so Im wondering how I will get thru this all. I cant sleep and am having nightmares and its only the beginning.

My husband is sticking by me but hardly talks to me (I guess he is upset?), and my friends stopped calling since I told them  My kids (grown) wont discuss, its upsetting them and they look sad and or cry. My brother doesnt answer the phone since I told him. 

I wish I had some kind of support system.  I feel lost and lonely. So here I am, hoping to vent and learn and meet others who are going thru this.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you,

Jules

Leslie1962

Since I am also newly diagnosed, getting through the initial shock was quite a ride. This forum has been a big help to me in knowing what questions to ask, what treatments are out there, and I have to admit, I lurked around for awhile before getting a handle on things. I check the boards daily for information. I believe I have found a whole new family of support here, and you will too!

Hey - just had my one week check-up with my surgeon after lumpectomy. The visit went okay, I made it through without shedding one tear - see, I have made progress!! My surgeon is going to refer me to The University of Michigan Cancer Center for second opinion on what happens next. 

Keep us posted on what the staging is and just know that we are all now, ONE BIG FAMILY!!!

dlb823

Jules and Leslie ~  So sorry that you have both have reason to be here, but I'm glad you've found BCO, and I hope we can give you much support.

Jules ~  First, be sure to get a copy of your pathology report from your surgeon's office.  You will want to start a file so that you can refer to it when you feel like researching and/or asking questions.  Also, please tell your surgeon about not being able to sleep and having nightmares.  Many women get either a sleeping aid or an anti-anxiety med or both to help get through at least this initial phase.  It will be much harder to cope if you start to become sleep-deprived.  And as far as your family, of course they're upset and worried about you.  But they need to understand that DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer, which is a very good thing!  Yes, you will need treatment for it.  But the odds of a full recovery are extremely high, and they need to know that so that they don't worry any more than necessary.

Leslie ~  Glad you made it through surgery and are on the mend.  And glad to know that you are being referred to a university hospital oncologist.  Are you on the September surgeries thread?  That would be a good one to check out if you haven't already.

I hope you'll both keep us posted on what's next.  Thinking of you  ~  Deanna 

jeanneann8

Hi everyone..I am confused...I had a biopsy and the next day my surgeon said that I have IDC. I am having a lumpectomy and they are checking the nodes as well. That will be on Oct. 7th.  It seems that some of you here received a "grade" and additional information after your biopsy. My doctor said that I will have raiation for 5 weeks at the minimum and we won't know about anything more until after the lumpectomy. I think I am so stressed that I may have missed something. I have been so numb since I found out last Friday. I had a chest X-Ray and blood work and saw my surgeon again on Monday and she said that all looked ok. Should I be asking her what the pathology report on the initial biopsy is stating? Anyone have any help? 

momand2kids

Jeannie

your doc is right-- you really need the pathology after the surgery to tell you things like stage/grade---they can estimate it before surgery, but really it is more accurate once the pathologist has reviewed the slides.... you might be able to ask her what she thinks (mine said "this is early and it  appears that there is no node involvement ) and she was right, but the pathology report after the surgery is really the last word and the information that they base decisions on.  definitely ask for the oncotype dx test--- they can do that on invasive tumors and it helps make decisions about chemo....

 they can make some comment on the biopsy, but the pathology is the key.  

good luck with your surgery--I had a lumpectomy--the surgery was really easy.....

carole 

kundan_25

Breast cancer is a curable ailment now a days if diagnosed early. Please go through the website www.radiotherapy.in and click on cancer types menu. Go through the breast cancer details, they are qite simple to understand. You can ask the experts on the website via contact us link.

Binney4

kundan, your posts are spam, and I've reported them.

syd_tennant

Hi. Im 35 years old, single and mom of a twelve year old boy. Im in the best time of my career as a private attorney, and had just been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. So I know what you girls are going thru. Al this questions and different feelings are distuirbing on their ownHad a lumpectomy last week. I live in Puerto Rico, and am latina. I have a lot of concerns, with side effects of the quimo (hair loss, specially) I feel like if Im lost. Although Ive tried to read a lot, to try to understand whats happening, still am lost. My pathology report came back yesterday and it says that the tumor was invading a vessel wall and that the margins were clear, but one of them was less than .2 from something. When I speak to my oncologist about the report she told me that everything was ok, that the margins were clear and that the one nearer was .5, that there were no problems unless they were .2 or less. Since I didn't have the pathology report with me at the time, I didnt realized, till later, that it was less than .2. The doctors assistant called me later to "give me the good news" that everything was ok, that the margin wasnt .5 as the oncologist had told me before, but that .2 margins were ok. I really dont know what to do. Should I get back to the operating room to remove more tissue, should I trust this ever changing opinion doctor, is that .2 ok???? Im also concern about treatments, because my tumor was high grade (NUCLEAR) the oncologist had told me theres no way Ill escape quimo, although Im ER/PR positive and HER 2 Negative. She told me that because of that and my age the cancer is very aggressive. As I ve told you Im lost, scared, angry... Any comments???