Is this really happening?

ktab96

I had an ultrasound guided biopsy on May 18th and on May 23rd I was told I have IDC with lobular features.  I am not entirely sure what this means.  I didn't ask the doctor because I felt numb, shocked, upset, etc.  I can't remember half of the things my doctor told me.  My report says the stains for estrogen and progesterone receptors will be performed and reported as an addendum.  The report also says my samples will be sent for HER-2 by I/hc and FISH and a separate report will follow.  The report does not mention a tumor grade.  I have a PET scan scheduled for tomorrow and I have an appointment with an oncologist next Thursday and with a radiologist oncologist on Friday.  What questions should I ask other than what are the results of what I mentioned above?  The results of my mammio said the size of the distortion is 5X7MM.  This feels so surreal to me.  I can't believe this is really happening.

anonymice

I don't really know what questions you should ask; I'm sure someone will be along to advise you about that.  

But I can speak to the feeling of "unreality".  Right now, your job is to just go on, and get to those appointments and learn about your treatment plan.  You will be learning a whole lot, very quickly.  The ER, PR, and HER2 tests are to see if your tumor responds to those hormones and protein.  If so, your doctor can use targeted treatments that are not chemotherapy, which you can take to treat the cancer.  This will likely be in addition to more conventional treatments like chemo, radiation or surgery.

This is not a death sentence.  Treatments have come amazingly far in just the last decade.  The side-effect drugs for chemo are so good these days that some people, like me, go through their whole treatment without even throwing up!

Stay as calm as you can, which for me during that time was NOT calm at all without a prescription for ativan.  I highly recommend an anti-anxiety med to get you through this very hard time.  When you have learned about your tumor and have a solid treatment plan, you will feel much better.  

Your life will go on.  In September I was told I had a kind of cancer that is really bad news; last Friday I was told I was NED, which stands for "No Evidence of Disease".  I didn't think I would ever hear that, but the treatments really do work. 

It's going to be ok.   

Big hugs,

Pam 

AmyIsStrong

I echo what Pam said above.  The beginning is sort of a whirlwind for the patient (you) but the docs have been through this many many times. So even if you don't ask everything, they will give you a lot of info.  Try to take someone with you to absorb the info and take notes. Or even bring a tape recorder or record onto your cell phone (if it has that function). If you forget to ask something, you can always call back or ask at the next visit. Trust me, you'll see your team enough to have chances to ask everything!  Also, any 'experiental' questions (i.e. what does it feel like when this happens?) are good to save and ask on this site. There are women here who have been through everything you can imagine and they will love, help, support you through whatever lies ahead.

Once the path report is back, you will have a better idea of what you are dealing with. And your medical team will put together a plan on how to best treat it so that you can have a long healthy happy life ahead of you for many many years.  PLAN ON THAT! The short term might suck, but the long term future lies ahead and that is what to focus on to get you through.

Also you might want to see if there is a support group at your local cancer center/ hospital, if you want additional in-person support.

Totie

I am just like you. I was almost floored when they told me I had breast cancer. I did put up a brave front and just looked at the dr. and said "Are you waiting for some reaction"? He nodded and I just said that I knew several woman who have breast cancer and I want to know what to do now. He blabbed a lot of things to me but I can't remember all of it. I asked if we were done and told him, "Good because I have to rush out to the parking lot to scream my head off". It got a laugh but afterwards anxiety set in. I haven't heard  anything about the pathology report yet but did meet with a plastic surgeon yesterday. 6/1/11 was when I found out I had cancer and since then I have been researching breast cancer on the internet and participating in dicussion boards. That helps get rid of the "Sreaming Meemies". Thank you ladies, we newcomers need you.

suzanneinphoenix

Hi, Ladies;

I wish you all the best as you start this journey.  After I saw my oncologist for the first time, his office phoned me and said they wanted my permission for them to have my tumor sent for the Oncotype DX.  I'm glad I said yes, because initially my path report showed Her2Neu positive, but actually, it was negative.  One less treatment required....no Herceptin.  I know it's rough at first, but once you have a treatment plan and know what to expect, you will find that you can do this!  Gentle Hugs to all

Suzanne

edwards750

We have all kinds of stages and types of breast cancer but one theme that is pretty uniform for all of us is the initial shock when we are first diagnosed. For me I had this sense of foreboding when I was called back to have another mammogram because that had never happened before. Not a slam dunk it was cancer but I had this sense that was exactly what it was. When I went back for the mammogram and ultrasound the tech seemed real positive it was nothing so I relaxed. When the radiologist walked in and said you arent going to like what I am going to tell you I think I stopped breathing and then got angry. From one split second to the next...like the rest of you I was numb and dont recall anything the radiologist said about types and survival, etc. She definitely needs a course in bedside manner. You never start a conversation like she did...The next few months you will be in a fog trying to digest the breast cancer sentence but once the Path report is back and you meet with  your BS it will become a lot clearer because you will know what you are dealing with. I havent cried except one time and that was when the Oncotype test came back. I made myself sick worrying about it and was relieved when it came back with a low percentage for recurrence and that I had a non aggressive cancer. No guarantees but when you are dealing with what we all are you will be grateful for all the encouraging news you can get. One thing is clear and that is breast cancer is no longer the death sentence. My mother had breast cancer in the late 80s and passed away a few years ago but NOT from breast cancer and she had a MX. I also agree some kind of anxiety med might help. I thought I could wing it but I find myself more and more anxious and something had to give. Once you get to the treatment phase you will find yourself going through the motions because at least for me, I finally accepted the fact I have breast cancer. Do take someone with you for appts, etc., if you can because you will be inundated with information and it is hard to focus - at least it was for me. You will be okay. I had a great BS and ONC and that is important that you have a good relationship with both of them. Keep us posted. diane

koffman51

Let's be honest here and help our fellow "newbie" out................First....take a quick look around.......We are your support.....we have been there...............the most important sentence to remember is...."we are STILL" here.............you will be too......you are about to get a new loving family.....who understands every phobia and concern you have......sleepless nights, fits of anger, followed with lots of calmess and most of all....the ever  "JUST DO IT"......bravely emotion.....

So....lets start at the begining....one step at a time......run to your local drugstore.....buy a folder and a brand new pink tote.......and a bottle of  "Crystal" deodorant.....

Create a plan....a reward.....tell no one...its personal.....more personal than breast cancer...complete your treatment.......and celebrate......

Til then.....I'm here...we all are....we have your "emotional" answers......each and everyone of us have a different story........but the process is still the same.....

Cry with us..............laugh with us...

CherylinOhio

I am still in shock and it's been oh lets see coming up on 10 months since dx.  It actually is getting a little easier, emotionally. My chemo was not too bad, my nurses were great, I had my own little area with a recliner, tv and view of the park. Coke and lorna doone cookies. Never threw up or felt like i would. I just got hives really bad, that was probably the worst thing for me. Now my hair is coming back and I am going to see the plastics doc tomorrow to discuss getting the "twins".  I am so thankful I found this website. When I feel down and hopeless I come here and read. I do not read about statistics! They apply to a general population, not to us as individuals. I keep telling myself medicine has come a long long way in the past 10 years, women are living longer!! 

LisaEpstein

Eight weeks ago I had uterus cancer very early stage all that was needed was surgery. Soon after I found out I had breast cancer also very early stage had a lymsectomy will need radiation and hormone pills. Can't believe I had two cancers back to back!