So many questions

savhgal

So many questions

savhgal

Hello everyone. I was just diagnosed last week. I had a lump come up the beginning of January. Because I have had them many times and dont have health insurance, I didnt go to the dr. I have had many over the years that came and went. I finally went for a mammogram in March. They sent me to a surgeon since they couldn't determine what it was. I opted to have it removed instead of biopsy because it hurt so much. The dr told my husband after thr surgery it looked fine. No need to worry. A week and a half goes by for my follow up and they tell me then it is breast cancer. They had no idea. It was 4cm which it had grown to in 3 short months. The pathology report states highly aggressive. Negative for er and HER2 but a low positive for progesterone. They send me for my pet scan yesterday and called to tell me there is no more cancer. My mind is having a hard time with all this. I go to the oncologist on Monday for the follow up treatment but I cant understand how something so aggressive didnt spread? I also have breast implants which I am now concerned that I should have removed. Luckily the lump came up on the side of my breast and I found it quickly . Im concerned the next time it could come up behind one. I'm confused and scared and relieved all at the same time. I am 41 and have no history of breast cancer. They have tested me for the gene but I will not get the results for a couple weeks. As anyone ever experienced anything like this? They prepared me for the worse with how aggressive it was and now im just left confused. Im sorry we are here ladies but I would appreciate any advice you have  

vbishop

Sorry you're joining the club!  There are several women here that can give you better advice than I can.  However, briefly, don't read crap on the internet.  All that does is scare the pants off of you and many times the info you read is either outdated or really doesn't apply to you.  Talk to your doctors, then go with your gut.  Hang on - you're in for a wild ride.  Let friends and family pamper you right now.  It's okay to have a pity party when you need to. Blah, blah, blah.

Regardless, you've come to the right place!  Sit tight as I know other women will be weighing in shortly who either know someone with a similar case or are experiencing it themselves.

Hugs to you!  We are all here for you!!

Melrosemelrose

sahgal-  Keep taking in those deep calming breaths.  I know the doctor's appts, tests and whatever else is coming at you fast and furious and you've had little time to take it all in.  Yes, I know it is overwhelming but keep breathing.  No matter what happens, just remember that you are not alone and never will be.  As others will tell you, get ready for the time of your life on that emotional roller coaster. Just buckle that seat belt and hold on tight and we will ride this ride with you.  Things will calm down once you have a treatment plan in place but until then, you may like it is always hurry up and wait.  As for feeling anxious and not knowing what to do or where to turn, you have come to the right place.  If you are having trouble sleeping or feel overly anxious, you may want to ask your doctor for an anti anxiety medication.  Please do yourself a very big favor..... DO NOT DR. GOOGLE!!!!  There is so much info out on the internet that is incorrect, out of date and just may not even apply to your case situation.  If you are wanting to read good information, go the BCO.org main website.  There is great information there/

I see that you have an oncologist appointment on Monday.  There are things you can do this weekend to help get yourself organized for that appointment.  You may want to get a month to month calendar so you can write down your appointments in one place.  You may also want to start a notebook of your medical test results, insurance and any other information that you feel you may want to keep with you.  Always ask for copies of your labs, tests, medical reports because you may want to read them later when you feel up to it.  Make a list of your doctors, their phone and address information, a list of medications you take, and a list of anything you are allergic to ( ie drugs, surgical tape, foods, etc).  I found it helpful to have this kind of information ready for me to copy when i went to see a doctor for the first time.  I know my mind was not focused on filling out numerous info forms and often I couldn't remember much.  Make a list of questions that you have for your oncologist.  You can a list of questions to ask your oncologist on the main BCO.org website.  Go to the section on Treatment & Side Effects and there are various topics like chemotherapy, surgery, etc.  Just go to the topic and you will find info about what to talk to your doctor about.  Make sure you take that list of questions to your appointment.  If you don't understand something that the doctor just told you, ask him/her to explain it further to you.  It's okay.  I hope you will have your husband or a good friend accompanying you to your appointment on Monday.  Having someone with you can be a big emotional support to you and also can listen and take notes during your appointment.  I know there were times in my appointments, the doctor's mouth may be moving and words are coming out but nothing is making sense.    Doing these things may help you feel a little more in control.

Wishing you the best.... 

savhgal

Thank you so very much ladies for the support! ! Bosumblues, I actually was approved for Woman's health care Medicaid which is a blessing in itself. My sister in law went thru breast cancer at 32 and did talk to her oncologist yesterday about my labs and he said I so have the triple negative type. I had kinda gathered that the best I could understand. I did take your advice and have the doctor call in some anxiety meds. My life has been very high stress for a couple years and I have never taken anything but this was just two much to handle. I appreciate you telling me all the info about the calendar and writing things down. I will definitely start that. I cant even remember to eat right now. Thank you again sweet ladies. Im sorry we are here but thank God I have someone to talk to