Things didn't go as planned - Big Surprise

seabeal

Had my breast MRI and CTs last week and met with my surgeon on Monday. Thought we were just going to schedul the lumpectomy and get on with this. Change of plan after my MRI they discovered 2 more lumps in my left breast which I had one biopsied today and another in my right which they couldn't biopsy today and have to go to Alburquerque next Monday to have biopsy under MRI. Surgeon told me original lump in left breast bigger then the 1.6 cm they thought and was 5 cm therefore would require chemo (over 6 mo) then surgery (possible mastectomy) followed by possibly more chemo and definitely rad. Looks like my year is shot to H*ll. Spent all day in tears and shock when I got the news as well as my husband. Since then have been so busy the panic attacks hit when I'm least expecting them. Having the bone scan tomorrow so that will keep me busy for at least half the day. 3/20 I have an appointment with an OD and have been set up with a nurse navigator.

Things seem to be taking a life of their own and I'm beginning to feel like I'm caught up in a rip tide. I want to get this going as quickly as possible but starting to feel like I'm out of control. I'm a little concerned about asking, if I should ask and/or when should I ask for 2nd opinion. I don't want to get caught up in something that may not be in best interest but I'm also the type that doesn't want to hurt or make anyone angry which could get in the way of my asking for another opinion.

So far I really like my surgeon who has been very up front with me and given my all of his phone numbers to call "any time, day or night" but I feel like I'm fixing to step over an edge into oblivion. Talked to two people I know who have "been here and done that" but didn't really learn anything. I have gotten so much from this site so I hope someone can give my some advise.

Thanks so much

Carol 

chrissyb

Hi Carol I'm so sorry that things are feeling like they are spinning out of control for you but believe me, at this point in your journey that is quite normal.  It will get better I promise you.

I can imagine your shock as being given the news that you have more tumors than expected but it's a good thing that they were found now.  As for getting a second opinion, well that is entirely up to you, personally I would just want to get the treatments started.  I don't think a second opinion is going to tell you anything different from what you already know so the only reason I would consider change is if I were not happy with my doc.

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

Carla9112

Hi Carol - I echo what Chrissy said - it will get better.  I know it's hard to think that right now because everything is just happening so fast.  I am past chemo now and doing radiation and I have to say that every day gets better.  I didn't have a second opinion - I just wanted to get the cancer out of my body as quickly as possible and start treatments.  Everybody is different though and it may give you peace of mind to get a second opinion.

Believe it or not the time will go by very fast.  It's hard to believe that it's been 8 months since I started down this road.  

Well I just wanted to tell you to hang in there.  You will get through this.

Hugs!    

momof3boys

Hi Carol- I'm sorry you're feeling this way and going thru this nightmare. It's like being picked up and put down in a foreign country. I agree with the ladies above, but would add one thing in case you haven't set it up already, I think you should consult with an oncologist before you decide on treatment. I'm sure your BS is right about starting chemo, but it may be helpful to have your surgeon and oncologist on the same page...

jancie

Carol  - as you can see my dx was very similiar to yours.  I did chemo first to shrink the tumor.  It was suggested by my breast surgeon and then I followed that plan up with a multidisciplinary clinic and yes....my breast surgeon was right on target as the oncologist said the same thing.

A 2nd opinion is a decision that is personal.  I would only suggest that you meet with an oncologist - which is going to be necessary anyways if you are doing chemo.

My tumor was 4 CM and shrunk down to where the breast surgeon couldn't feel it when I was ready for my lumpectomy.

The time went by so fast.  The hardest part is the wait before treatments start.

You might ask your doctor, breast surgeon or whomever you are going to see next for some anti-anxiety meds such as Ativan, Lorazepam, Diazepam, xanax - just to mention a few.  It really does help so much and you will be able to sleep.  I have always been an insomniac so I welcomed the meds so that I could sleep at night.

Sassa

Hugs, Seabeal; it does get better. Definitely, get either anti-anxiety meds or a sleeping pill.  This is not the time to brave it out.  I personally would get the dry heaves so bad that I would bring up stomach acid - ugh!!!

Like you I had several area in my breast and I did a mastectomy. Once you start chemo, you will feel like you have more control over the cancer.

seabeal

Thanks so much guys, I really appreciate your support and input. I will keep you posted on the results and probably have more questions in the future. I have an appointment to see an onc out of Santa Fe, Dr Lopez, 3/20 and will without a doubt seek a second opinion if I'm not sure. I've already started a new list of questions to ask, many of them from my husband.

I had my bone scan today and my spine lite up like a Christmas tree. I'm trying not to read too much into it as I'm not that familiar with bone scans and feel like I have enough on my plate to worry about right now. After my MRI Monday we are going to drive to Amarillo so I can see the grandkids and family then drive back so I'll work Fri and Sat nite before my Onc appointment. This should keep my mind off most of this for most of the time before the appointment and give my a chance to further develope my list of questions. Since I'll have access to the bone scan report I no doubt will sneak a peek at work.

CoolBreeze

I just learned a valuable lesson - we laymen cannot read scans.  

Your treatment sounds in line for what is going on, but a 2nd opinion never hurts.  I promise you doctors don't take it personally; they know we want to get a variety of ideas when we go through something so drastic.  

I wanted a lumpectomy too, but MRI showed more tumors - multicentric/multifocal disease.  So, I had mastectomy and chemo.  I wonder why they are sure you need rads though?    It's not always necessary with a mastectomy.

Chemo is not as awful as you imagine it is.  Not fun but manageable.  I worked throughout.  It is not like the movies, fortunately!  There are a lot of tips in the chemo section for getting through it that you should take to heart.  

Good luck, I am sorry for you having to join our little group.