biopsy shows maligancy

elmwood

Just received biopsy report- recurrence of cancer.  Making an appt for a breast surgeon

What can I expect?

elmwood

Moderators

Hello elmwood, and welcome to BCO.

We're sorry to hear you've had this news, but glad to know that you've found a place where you can find information and support from others who know just what you're going through. As well as the advice you'll receive from members from their own experiences, the main Breastcancer.org site has extensive information that can help you prepare for what's ahead. 

The article called Questions to Ask Your Surgeon is a good source to get ready for your upcoming appointment. 

Your Mods

bevin

HI elmwood. 

If I could suggest, get a few opinions.  I saw 3 breast surgeons before I selected one.  Bring a notebook with you with the questions from the above link written in and take notes.  If you can , bring someone to your appointments. They say we only retain l0% of what we hear.

Ask for copies of the pathology reports and any doctor notes, get copies of scans on a CD for your personal keeping. These are good when seeking other opinions. 

Save everything in a file folder.

At your appointment your doctor will review your pathology in full, and advise you of your treatment options and re-occurence risk with each. You may want to ask about the Onco dx test for help in determining if chemo is needed after your surgery.

Best advice I received was to take a break from thinking of this. Do something you enjoy and seek help if you need it for sleep or anxiety. Once you meet with the surgeons and know your options, you'll feel more in control.

Good luck to you as you sort out your next steps.

Bevin

elmwood

Hi Moderators

I am so scared as you know.   How long did it take to get an appt. for a breast surgeon.  I feel like I am in a bad dream.  I had BC back in 1998 and lumpectomy+rad- now this 14 years later.

I don't know if it spread... biopsy only showed malignancy- more tests I'm sure

Glad you are all here for me.

Elmwood

elmwood

Thank you Bevin

As I mentioned to all.  I am scared but will have to more forward and do what I am told.  I plan on getting 2 or more opinions but afraid to delay the treatment. It's hard. I am depressed and my family dr gave me Lexapro.

Elmwood

bevin

oh good.  I'm glad you asked for something.  It will take the edge off. I just read you had BC 14 years ago.  I'm so sorry you are facing this again.  Let us know how your visits go.

Bevin

elmwood

Hi Bevin

It's difficult to get an appointment quickly.  They make you wait weeks.  How do I get my charts from dr. to drs if I get two appts in one week.  Is this normal.  I want at least two opinions.  They are miles apart.  I hope I dont have to wait a month for a mastectomy- it's torture.  Know nothing at this point except that it is a malignant recurrence.

Thanks for listening

Elmwood

bevin

HI Elmwood, I ask the radiologist when they are doing the scan if they will please  put it to a disc for me; most will. If not I go to records department and have them burn me one.

For your pathology report, call the records dept of the place you had mammo done. They will have it. If you need it quickly you'll likely need to pick it up rather than have them mail it.  When I offer to pick them up, they normally will print it the same day.  Same for the doctors notes.

Good luck, I hope everything goes well. Keep in touch.

Bevin