I just found out

Islandmama2

I had a core bx and the results showed invasive adenocarcinoma - ductal type.

WTF?

I'm 35

See surgeon Thursday 

SallyS70

I hope your surgeon will be easy to question and kind.  Waiting is hard ... everyone seems to say that.  Think about taking someone with you to your appointment ... to help you remember.  You have found a good place to come for support.  (((hugs)))

RCR

o boy. Sorry you are joining this "party".

First off, the first weeks of your diagnosis is the worst!! The anxiety will be tough. You don't have the answers you want and you will be bombarded with information, tests, and appointments. As you get information and testing done anxiety will get better. Don't be afraid to ask your dr for help with sleep and anxiety medication if you need it. You NEED your sleep to try to keep a level head and control your emotions. 

I was diagnosed at 37 with no family history and three young girls to worry about raising. I would pace when I got up in the morning and just not know what to do with myself. I couldn't keep my mind off of it. I couldn't sleep, I'd wake up in middle of night sobbing, and I would cry at any given moment. People will say it will be ok and you will be thinking " easy for you to say". You don't know if you need chemo, radiation, surgery or who knows. So many questions.  Try to get a grip and believe as soon as tests are done and a plan is made your anxiety will lesson. A new normal will happen and it will be tough. Lean on your friends and reach out on these boards. There is a wealth of info for any questions you may have.

Best of luck to you! Hugs!!

Islandmama2

thanks RCR

it's 5 cm so freaking out a bit

RCR

That is large, but things can be very large and still be localized to just the breast. What is next? Scan? Surgery?

You have every right to freak out!  . You are not alone! Are you married or have a very close friend or family to help you?

Islandmama2

I see the surgeon on Thursday so I am guessing surgery

Islandmama2

My friend works with the surgeon in the OR and she phoned him this morning!

I am going in tomorrow for a consult with a surgery date planned for May 21. 

I'm scared but glad things are moving quickly.

Everyone says to bring a friend but I don't have any questions. Only what is the best option: lumpectomy or mastectomy? And what happens after that. I know I will be referred to the cancer agency and based on the stage and grade further options will be decided then.

I would prefer a BMX but not sure if they will do it seeing as though my breasts are an L cup.

I'm a nurse and have cared for mastectomy patients many times so I know what to expect afterwards.

Is this crazy?

wrenn

my surgeon said she didn't want to influence my decision about whether to have lumpectomy or mastectomy or bilateral mastectomies.  Even though i had a relatively small tumour (1.5cm) and large breasts and lumpectomy would have taken it all i chose BMX to be done with it.  In the end she said she was glad i chose that since there were pre cancerous changes in the other breast.  

With lumpectomy you need radiation and i wanted to avoid that. 

If you know what you want let them know.

I'm glad you are having it done soon ( less time to worry). It is good too that you know what to expect post op.  Wishing you a smooth journey.

Anonymous

Sorry for your diagnosis.  That is great that you are able to see a surgeon so quickly.  One question you may want to bring up is the option of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumor (sometimes offered with larger tumors).   It may be favorable to find out if your tumor has a complete pathological response to chemotherapy.  Your doctor will be able to discuss the pros/cons and whether or not this is a good option for you.   Just something to think about because I've seen other women say they wished they would have been aware of that option before they rushed into surgery.   Once you get on the BC train, it can travel pretty quickly before you fully comprehend what all of your options are.  

Hugs to you.    

RMlulu

iIslandmama2 - sorry you find yourself here...but so glad you found these boards great info and support.

Waiting is the hardest but use it to your advantage to gather info, write down all your questuions, chose an appointment buddy ( our minds go on overload need someone to be our ears and hold our hand) select the best BC team that gives you confidence.  There is hurry up and waits to breathe.

When you can review your path report and update the info you do have on dx.  There are so many options so listen take notes and the  go with your heart...you will know what is right for you.  

Lumpectomy&snd or mx or bmx...radiation sometimes is necessary regardless of options so ask.m request to visit all team members before surgery so you understand...BS, MO. RO, PS. Will you have pre surgery MRI? A great tool.

Breathe, tomorrow will be here soon...take a buddy and your questions and recorder...ask ask ask...then lures the, process, and listen to your heart,  we will be I your pocket {{{squeeze}}} you can do this. 

(((Hugs)))

Cindy

Islandmama2

I don't know what will happen. Usually we see the oncologist after surgery once the pathology is back. If I choose lumpectomy they take to pathology while I am still anaesthetised to ensure clear margins.

I want BMX at this point so I only have to do this once. They will probably do a bone scan as a baseline soon. I am worried about that as I have had back pain since my biopsy. I am thinking it is stress related  though as I find myself really tensed up. I also had pain on my chest wall but I think that was from the radiologist resting his hand there with the probe in his hand and needle in the other! That pain has resolved. 

What about massage therapy? Is that contraindicated at all?

Agent99

I just found out a little over a week ago I had IDC! Since then I have had a MRI and I go see the oncologist/surgeon Thursday to schedule a surgery that I have NO idea which will be best. BUT i am counting on the Fact that I will get more info Thursday to make an informed and smart decision.  I can't shake the feeling I am in the twilight zone. This just cannot be happening.   I also swing between two extremes on the one hand I feel almost like this is so routine it isn't REAL cancer and on the other hand I am SCARED TO DEATH that I will be one of the unlucky ones and this will be the end of my life!   Many friends who have been through this already almost have a cavalier attitude about how easy this is going to be, I am one TOUGH broad and can fight my way through anything, but the serious nature of what COULD happen is terrifying.  This site has been my lifeline to say what I can't say to my family.  I am scared.  I want to live, I want to live a long life with wrinkles, love handles, age spots and the aches and pains of old age not die young with breast cancer!  I am 51.

wrenn

this is really hard emotionally especially in the beginning so go easy on yourselves. The more information you acquire the less lost you will feel. Hang on and keep talking it out.

Islandmama2

Seeing the surgeon today with surgery planned for next Wednesday. I'm not sure what that surgery is yet but the time is set aside for me. I'm bringing my husband with me and the questions I have are:

What is my best option? Lumpectomy or mastectomy 

What are my odds?

Sentinel node bx?

 How big will my incision be?

Can I have massages?

What am I missing?

RCR

so? How did it go? I just saw this post as I didn't check in yesterday. 

Do you have any questions for us? Are you doing OK with the plan? Emotionally, are you hanging in there? Take care and I hope you are doing well!

Hugs

RMlulu

Islandmama2 - how was your appointment?  Did you get answers to your questions? Do you feel comfortable with your plan as of today?  Your team will advise then you must go with what is right for you...it is a very personal choice base do the best advice of your team and your heart.

You asked great questions...hopefully you had a buddy go with you so you can review and ponder what was said.

Remember the waiting is the hardest...than once surgery it begins to come together ...you will be k so breathe!  Focus on today and don't get ahead of yourself and rehearse something you may never have to do,

(((Hugs)))

Cindy

Islandmama2

I am having a lumpectomy with sentinel node bx. All scheduled for next wednesday. If the sentinel node bx can't be done he will do axillary node dissection. After the pathology comes back I will go to the cancer clinic and see the RO and MO to determine the adjuvant therapy. I get to see them at the same time as it is out of town for me! Surgeon thought I would get radiation. Still overwhelmed...

wrenn

it takes a while to process all this. It is good that you are moving along quickly. It is pretty overwhelming but will even out a bit.

Islandmama2

oh and my mass is 4.5cm not 5! Woohoo!

I said whoopdidoo but my surgeon said it's actually better.