Starting My Journey

Jaybird26

Hello,

  I am a 39 yr old woman. I was diagnosed with IDC on 7/8/13. Had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 8/27/13. Had my follow up with the surgeon on 9/6/13 and was told cancer was found in my lymph nodes. I had a 1.3cm tumor removed, margins were clear. 0.25mm micrometastasis in node. ER+ PR+ HER2-. Grade 2A. Dr states I will need chemotherapy and radiation. Can anyone suggest what I may be facing? I am very upset and am not meeting with an oncologist until 9/20. Any advice and support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

doxie

Jaybird26,

Sorry you are here joining us.  Hope that we can help you along this long journey.  Even though it looks like you may be stage 2 because of the micro met, there is a thread in the Stage I forum called Stage I, Grade I, and Pre-menopausal which may be of help.  I've not read it because I'm post-meno and treatment issues are different.  

There is also a Stage II forum with a thread about lymph node involvement.  Both may be of value and introduce you to a community of women with similar issues.  

Hydavis42

Hello jay bird 26

Sorry u are starting this journey with us. Your diagnosis is similar to mine. I was diagnosed on 7/22/13 had a left mastectomy with recon on 8/7 was told my tumor was 1.5 cm with cancer cells in nodes. I too was upset and scared because was told I would need chemo and radiation. Your onc will go over that when u meet on the 20th. She or he will probably order some scans such as a ct, muga, bone scan before you begin chemo. I meet with my onc on Tuesday to discuss scan results and when chemo is to begin. I hope this helps some. You have found the best place for support and info and I'm sure other ladies will chime in and help you along as well. Each day gets better we r here with u and for u. ((Hugs))

Moderators

Welcome Jaybird26. As you can already tell, you've come to a wonderfully supportive community.

In addition to the helpful advice from the other members here, you may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's section on IDC for more information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Also the section Chemotherapy: What to Expect and Radiation Therapy may give you an idea of what to ask your oncologist on your next appointment.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

Madison35920

Hi Jaybird,

We're in the same boat. I was recently diagnosed. Had surgery last week. Seeing an Oncologist Sept 25th. Wishing you all the best. 

FilterLady

Hi Jaybird,

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.  I just had my 2 year cancerversary and I cannot believe how fast time flies.  Once you get all your info and get a treatment plan in place, things will go quickly....just getting the plan together really helps keep the stress level down.

My advice to you is to get a binder to keep all your test results, insurance info, etc. in.  I felt empowered when I got organized.  It's so easy to "forget" to ask things at your appointments so if you have someone that can go with you to take notes it will be a great help.  Also, as you think of questions, write them down in your binder so you can take it with you to your appointments and you won't forget to ask something.

Please read these boards since the women here have been such an inspiration to me and many others.  You can ask any questions...I don't think anything is off limits. 

God bless you,

LaDonna

Sandymomto3

Hi there jaybird....I too am new to this diagnosis. Had a 5.2cm tumor grade 2 er/pr+her2-, removed 10 days ago. 3 nodes positive. Met with my oncologist today. Nodes does not mean chemo for sure. With er/pr+ cancers the hormone receptor blocking drugs will be your main line of defense after radiation or chemo if it's prescribed.

Try not to worry....this website and these boards are full of wonderful ladies and tons of information and encouragement.

Jaybird26

Thank you everyone. I will be starting chemotherapy on October 2nd. DD ACT 16 weeks and then 6 weeks of radiation.HHaving a port placed this Tuesday. I am nervous about everythingbut need start so I can finfinish :-)

aviva5675

Did you have an oncotype test? I guess with a positive node he wants you to do the chemo regardless, but maybe double check about that. I had no positive nodes, but more tumors, but my oncotype score was a low, low 2, so no chemo. Good luck- lots of positive people here, many interesting threads to read. Its all very overwhelming at first, but you will get stronger as you go, and educate yourself. Remember also there are a number of interesting threads but they are discussing negative side effects and problems during treatment, etc--- so remember not everyone has that experience- the people looking for common ground are a little more likely to post- so you might sail thru!

Jaybird26

Hi. I am currently waiting on the results of my oncotype. MO believes it will be high. I am going to fight this with everything I have. Chemotherapy starts on October2nd.

sundermom

Stage IIb here. I went in for a BMX and ended up with an AND to boot. I was terrified of chemo ( DD AC followed by DD T), but it was loads easier than I expected. In fact I worked the whole time. I'm an elementary school principal. I also did radiation which just made me super tired. I didn't even realize how tired it was making me until about 6 months later when I got my energy back. The unknown is always a bit scary, but you can do it!!!

jancie

I will never forget the day I was told I needed to do chemo.  I didn't remember a word my doctor told me after that.

I dreaded it but it was ok - not a pleasant journey but one I got through.  I also had 6 weeks of radiation.  The time does fly by so quick when you are in treatment.  

Go to the chemo forums and read through the hints to get through it.  The doctors can't remember to tell you everything about every symptom and also everyone reacts different to chemo.

I got the shingles but I didn't get neuropathy like many women do on Taxol.  Do go to the dentist before you start chemo.  Do try to get the shingles vaccine if you have time as our immune system goes to hell and back with chemo.  I stayed away from crowds, movie theatres, any place where there were lots of people so that I wouldn't catch bugs that were going around.  

edwards750

Jaybird - drs have been wrong/surprised about Oncotype test results. I did have a micromet in my SN so my ONC ordered the Oncotype test. My score came back 11. She then opted for RADS not chemo. The only difference though is the grade level of my tumor was 1 and yours is a 3 which is a lot more aggressive tumor.  Just so you know though there have been women on this forum with a low stage BC and a high oncotype score and vice versa so you never know. If you have to do the chemo take the advice of women who have been through it. Not fun but manageable from what I understand. Good luck. Diane