6 weeks since surgery

eyeh8beer

My sister had a breast mass removed and doctor said it was stage 2 IDC involving only 1 lymph node.  its been six weeks and the lab still hasnt givenus a name for it, and when chemo might start.  We are so frustrated and dont understand whats taking so long and how we can get the process to speed up.  Has anyone else had this lengthy a wait for pathology ? Thanks.

dlb823

Six weeks doesn't sound right.  I assume you're in the US?  And has she asked her surgeon's office for a copy of the pathology report?  Pathologists themselves are notoriously difficult to get any face-to-face time with, but her breast surgeon should have a copy of the report and she should have been referred to an oncologist, who should also have received a copy of it.  It sounds like your sister needs to be more persistent about asking for this information and an oncology referral, so that she doesn't slip through the cracks.  Good luck!   Deanna  

Moderators

well the name is IDC http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/idc, and you may find that link helpful. However you should definitely get the full pathology report by now, along with a course of treatment options. Sorry for what you are going through! 

eyeh8beer

thanks, ladies.  It turns out that she is part of the Agendia Symphony clinical trial where they test for 77 strains instead of the normal 34.  I understand that this study has found that chemo is unnecessary for some genes, and that is why they are testing for more.  She has co-morbity, since she is also bi-polar.  And research suggests the chemo can severly reduce the effectiveness of the bi-polar meds (at least what I have researched)  Thanks for listening and let me know your thoughts on this trial