31 Just Diagnosed

VioletKali

Hi everyone. My name is Cari. I am 31 years of age, July 9th I will celebrate my 32nd birthday.

Yesterday I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1(I believe) grade 3. The pathology report also states that I have a small area of DCIS. Although I am a Nurse, I work in rehab/Long term care, so I am not as familiar with pathological reports. HER2+ positive for the other receptors too.

My tumor is 16mmX10mm. Or 1.6cm X 1.0 cm   It was at the 11oclock position on my left breast, about 6cm from the nipple.

I have an appointment with a surgical oncologist Monday, and I am seeing a genetic counselor to discuss BRCA testing.

My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 55, I do not have any
other family history of breast CA on my mom's side of the family. My dad
was adopted, and we are unable to find anything regarding his family
history. He passed away in 2009 from complications of a stroke.

So.... Here begins my journey..

Nancy2581

Hi Cari,

I am new to this board too.  I am sorry to learn of your diagnosis.  I was diagnosed two weeks ago with IDC.  My tumor measures 1.2 cm x 1.5cm x 1 cm.  I am ER+/PG+ and HER2-.  I'm still learning about my cancer and have um 3 appointments scheduled on Monday (oh boy).  I will be having a lumpectomy on Tuesday.  I'm sorry I'm not much help, but I wish you (and me ) the very best during this journey.  Hang in there (with me).

Nancy

juneping

cari,

I am sorry to meet you here...you are so young. I am young too just 10 years older.

You should bring a friend or family member you trust to go with you to the appointments. Grade 3 and her2 are both on the agressive side. But it looks like you caught it early....so don't freak out. 

For now....you might want to do some research on the BC and read other stuff regarding diets and exercise....this will help you having a positive attitude towards your situation. Bc it gives you a sense of control that you are doing something to help yourself. 

When I was DX I was in the middle of deadline and after surgery there's another deadline. Then I just decided to take few months off which was the best thing I did to myself. It helped me to think. Bc the moment I found out I had BC my world was spinning 100 miles an hour. 

(((Hugs)))

mdg

so sorry you got the news but glad you found these boards.  The beginning of this is the hardest part.  Somehow it gets easier once you have a treatment plan.  A strong majority of women that get breast cancer have no family history.  

VioletKali

Nancy2581~  I have 2 appointments on Monday. First appointment is with a genetic counselor, we are going to discuss BRCA, and another with an Oncology surgeon. I am certain there will be PLENTY more to follow.  I guess the surgeon will decide if I am going to have Chemo first then surgery ?? Everything happened so quickly. I am guessing the surgeon will then refer me to the medical oncologist..? I may have to call my Nurse navigator again, it is all so blurry.

Juneping~ Yes, the aggressiveness of my cancer really surprised me. I have always done breast self exams, and I caught it on 5/1/2014. I gave it a few weeks to see if it was a cyst that may reduce in size.. Nope, never did

MDG~ Once I have the treatment plan I WILL feel better, so you are right. I want to know when, where, etc.

I am hoping to save my breasts, and they believe it is possible. I think I am going to opt to have my ovaries removed though.

Moderators

So sorry to hear of your problems. A suggestion is to take someone else with you to appointments with onc, surgeon as two sets of ears are better than one and ask if friend can take notes as after the word "cancer" often the rest becomes a bit of a blur, and it gives you someone to discuss things with too.

The waiting between each stage is terrible but everyone here has experience of that.

Best wishes from The Mods

VioletKali

My husband and my mom are going with me    I figure my husband can be extra ears and support, while my mom can be all ears!