My pathology report is SCARING me...please talk me down?

greenae

Hi Ladies

Mammo 12-29-14 Focal asymmetry left breast Fibroglandular elements both breasts

US 01-02-15 10mm irregular node 10:00 2cm from nipple, left breast. BI-RADS 4 Suspicious

Core biopsy 01-12-15. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma-moderately differentiated cells. 7-8mm mass at 10:00, 2cm from nipple, left breast

Pathology Estrogen Receptor 0% negative

Progesterone receptor <1% weak negative

Proliferation Index Ki-67 75%

FISH for HER2 amp ratio=1.01 Average Her2 /Neu copy number 2.44

Interpretation: Negative for HER12/neu amplification

No one went over this report with me. I see breast surgeon jan 28. I am taking this to mean I am Triple Negative?

I am struggling to stay calm. I have been reading and reading. These are not the numbers or receptor results I was hoping for. Can someone help me, talk me off the edge of this cliff. I have been wavering between high anxiety and "I got this shit!" for 24 days straight. I don't know if I want my appt to hurry up and get here...or if I will feel even worse after the appt. I need some advice, please?

proudtospin

I am in no way  doctor but my suggestion is to stop reading Dr Google as he is no way your friend now!

go get on your dang bike and spin your heart out! 

stay busy, all is in work and you have your apt at a really good hospital

or I will come up north and put you on your bike!

and remember to breath!

greenae

Thanks, proudtospin...I really am not relying on Dr Google. I am an info hound, have a degree in Biology, and only go to the medical journals...I counted mitotic indices for my senior research project...who knew they would come back to haunt me 36 years later? But you are right. I have to get off here and live (And Spin!) It is what it is...and I can't do or know anything til Wednesday. Gonna have a glass of wine and watch Law and Order. Alcohol only affects the estrogen receptors, I think? lol

Thanks, again

arlene

proudtospin

spin!

greenae

LOL...tomorrow at 5p...and some weights. I am gonnna be ready to kick this Triple - Butt!

funthing42

The wine I drank before I realized it affected Estrogen ugh I so miss white wine. I never really drank before breast Ca.

You will get through it breathe . Then someone tell me to breathe .

I wanted to let you know that last year I met a wonderful surgical nurse (I was getting a port) who was Triple Neg and was a 9 year ca survivor.

Not saying you are but hopefully you will feel better. I on the other hand had a stellar path report . I have had breast Ca x3. Ugh. Bad is not always bad and good well not always good.

Too many variables. It sucks. Big hug!!

greenae

Oh funthing42, I am sorry this BC BS keeps coming back. (I am sorry, I have a truckdriver mouth when it comes to this!) I guess I am in for an adventure I want no part of. But I take strength from all of you on here. We all have to Breathe. I just wish the waiting wasn't so difficult. I have so much to learn. So much I never wanted to learn. Just trying so hard to be normal, it hurts. I really want to scream and cry. But I really want to Fight, too. I am drinking this glass of wine because apparently my rotten cells could care less about estrogen. The radiologist initially told me I could possibly be lumpectomy, radiation and done. I am thinking that ain't happening now. Oh well... I guess I will do what I have to... And Breathe. Thanks for your words...<

funthing42

Try to drink one for me and when you are extremely stressed read some of the survivors stories .

It helps. Express yourself as deemed necessary @$!#.

greenae

Thanks, funthing42...I will read them...and can't wait to be one...DAMMIT!

songbird68

Hi greenae, is that your dog as your avatar? S/He looks really cute. Dogs help at times like these, I've found.

Sending you big hugs - oh, and please have a glass of wine for me too!

x x

greenae

Hi Songbird68 Yes, that is my Augie Doggie...he is a shelter mutt, about 6 years old, I have him for 5. Thank you for the hugs, right back at ya! I have decided that tonight is my last wine night. So I will have a glass for you and a glass for me! Then it's going to be healthy eating and the gym.This crap WILL NOT get the best of me. I hope you are doing well. XOXO from Augie and me.

cybermab

Kisses for Augie Doggie!

funthing42

I may have missed the moment to cheer you up but hears looking at you!!! Taken at 12am and he still is ready to play Lol

greenae

LOL! Too Cute! Yes, Kisses for All!

What's his Name? (Augie wears glasses, too!)

Beachbum1023

Hi greenae, I agree trying to wait is the worst! So breathe, and relax. Do something that you love to do. Take a bubblebath and paint your nails a sunny color. Spend time with your family and friends. And it is ok to be scared, we all are. And everyone copes with their cancer and prognosis the best they can. We fight and cry, sleep and try to eat. But we are all here today, and we will fight again tomorrow. Call your Doctor, they need to explain the report to you. Stay away from Doctor Google, the info is usually bad and negative. People usually post the worst and that's nothing we need to read. Use credible sources only. Make a list of your questions and make that call. It will resolve the questions you have, and give some peace.

Positive attitude is a huge plus, and a positive outlook will make a big difference. My Doctors and chemo nurses swear that being happy, reducing stress, and controlling your situation is more than half the battle! So game on!

greenae

Hi Beachbum...How did you know I just painted my nails bright pink?? Can't sleep too well. Can't call the doc...first appt is in 5 days. I understand the report...just don't know the treatments that will be recommended? I know this is all fear of the unknown, loss of control and the seemingly endless waiting...26 days, so far. The nurse at my primary gave me the path report, and told me, "I know you can read this better than I can." I dread the MRI, CXR and other scans because of my fear of the results, and my claustrophobia. I know I sound like I am whining...but I am really trying to get a grip. I worry about the toxicity of the chemo...I am 57. Who knows what shape my heart and lungs are in? I don't even fit the stats for TNBC. But I know everyone's BC is different. I am so glad I can vent on here. My family doesn't get it. So tomorrow morning I plan to be pro-active and try on some wigs....and I am gonna make it Fun! Thanks for picking me up! Hugs to you!

Racy

It appears you have not had surgery yet? It is most important to have doctors you trust and with whom you can communicate, so if that is not the case with your current doctor, you might consider getting a new one. Why the long wait?

You have indicated that the cancer is very small (if they can tell that from biopsy). If that is true, it is good news for you to hold onto.

Wishing you well. Keep in touch x.

greenae

Hi racy I have not had surgery yet. Just had the core biopsy Jan 12th and got the breast surgeon appt for Jan 28th. I picked up my path report from my primary doc's office. I chose my Breast doc on recommendation of the radiologist. I think I will be happy with her. And I am hoping the 8mm mass didn't send off any cells elsewhere. I can't do anything about the wait, as I chose to go to NYU, and they wanted the biopsy report before they would sched the appt. I really only got my official diagnosis on the 15th, altho I knew something was very wrong when I had the first US on Jan 2nd. I am sure things will start moving quickly after wednesday. I am just trying to psych myself up for this road ahead. Thank you for your good wishes...I hope you are doing well!

ladyb1234

Hi Greenae, I with beachbum the waiting, scheduling apts, scans and waiting more is the worst. I say take a deep breath and relax as much as possible. The one thing I learned is that I had to do something to keep my mind occupied and do something I really enjoyed. I say spin away, read (NOT Dr Google!) and spend time with your family. Vent away here, share your thoughts, etc. We are here to support you and share our experiences. Beachbum says it well, we cope differently but support each other. We cry, scream, vent and even laugh and have fun. But we will continue to fight and stay informed and adjust our sails as we gather more information and face a new day. I had to learn very quickly to stay away from Dr. Google. Those on this forum and my medical team continued to tell me that the info is usually worse case, negative and out dated. You will find the right thread(s) that will help you through your journey. Mark those as your favorite. Please prepare for your appts. I had a "list" of questions and also had two people (my husband and daughter) attend my initial appts with me so that we would remember the right information and also take notes.

Having a great medical team you trust, feel comfortable with, can talk to openly and have access too is very important. I love my MO, PA and BS. I just met my RO and we hit it off great!

Big Hugs! And thinking of you as you wait for your first appt.

funthing42

Hi Dogs name is Mo. No not medical oncologist Lol.

Changing his name

greenae

Funthing...you made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! great name...just add an "E"...

greenae

Hi Ladyb1234 Yes...the Waaaiiiittttiiiinng is the WORST. I kept busy today...stayed away from Dr Google...and actually had fun trying on wigs with my sister...they look better on me than my real hair! lol. I am all ready for my appt with husband to drive and sister to take notes. My binder is all set up with my tests, reports and results, CD's, etc. I feel so good physically...and working hard on the mental attitude. I am just not sure of my questions...I am keeping an open mind and trying to learn as much as I can without going overboard. I want to STAY STRONG. Thank you for your kind words and advice. Do you have any good questions I should ask?

Thanks, again!

funthing42

It's great to have support. Enjoy your wigs. You get use to them quick. Pick a style/ any style color or shape.

Good Idea.

I will add a e. He came from Missouri . The reason for MO.

greenae

Yes, funthing...I am so lucky to have 3 sisters and a bro, husband and 4 sons. I picked 2 wigs, one that looks like my hair, (only better!)...and a funky blonde one...lol I am to the right of my sister, I think she's annoyed she's no longer the only blonde...lol

Your doggie can be like Moe from the Three Stooges! My AugieDoggie is from a cartoon from the sixties...Doggie Daddy and his son Augie Doggie!

Momine

Greenae, reading path reports can be maddening. It took a year or so for me to stop obsessing over mine. Personally, I think a bit of wine is a good idea to take the edge of the anxiety. It is NORMAL to be freaked out, but you also need sleep if you are going to be doing serious ass-kicking. I got a xanax script for those early roller-coaster months. I only ever took 3 pills, I think, but it stopped the anxiety loop from becoming chronic.

Taking it as an adventure was my approach as well. Perhaps not a desirable adventure, but interesting in its own way. Yes, triple-neg is not great. Then again, none of these stupid cancers is great. You are in NY, so you have access to an unlimited supply of good docs. Get a treatment plan, then get a second opinion. Being able to read and comprehend medical literature is a great advantage, because although a great bulk of cancer treatment is pretty standard at this point, there is also a chunk that is not and where it helps to know stuff.

Also because you are in NY, you may be able to join some trials. I know they are trialing some vaccines, for example. Make sure to ask your onc.

greenae

Hi Momine..."Anxiety loop"...EXACTLY! I go from normal to worried to anxious then back to normal, sooo many times, almost every day. I have Ativan to sleep, but don't want to take it too often. I cut them in half, and am hoarding them for the MRI I will know more soon, and I guess that having a plan will make me feel a little better? Thank you for the encouragement...Gearing up for my "adventure." As soon as I tell my head to be the stubborn fighter I know I can be...I can function! Besides I have a very cool blonde wig to show off!

Redheaded1

Greenae-sorry you had to join this club.  10mg of valium 30 minutes before an MRI makes it a piece of cake..... Save your ativan for latter.    If I am not mistaken, somewhere on this site there are lists of questions to ask.  Maybe the moderators can pop in with that link.

One thing I did while waiting was create a notebook to house all the papers and reports. I made a tab for Radiology, Surgeon, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Lab Reports, and started putting stuff inside page protectors.  I made copies of my lst medical history I had to write for the MO and photocopied it so I had it for all the other places. A list of all your emergency contacts, your allergies, etc.  I know I was afraid if I suddenly became ill and they couldn't reach one person that they have a list they could go down.  I researched my doctor's credentials and I collected their business cards not just for me but for the 2 friends that would be helping me.

Make sure you take a reliable pal who can take notes with you to your appointments.  They will hear things you are too stressed to absorb sometimes.

Girl---you can do this....You are well educated, you are focused, and you will make the right decisions for yourself.....We are all here to support you too! 

proudtospin

Green, funny but your photo has you wearing a sweater that I have and you even have a necklace that looks like one of mine! You look good!

Redheaded1

Green--google the Susan G. Komen site----they have downloadable cards with questions for all kinds of doctor visits/discussions. One thing you need to ask is if an Oncotype DX test will be done, along with sentinel node biopsy.  Its a small tumor, but the triple neg status is concerning.  They do another biopsy surgically, and some of the things from the initial biopsy can change.  Usually stage and grade, but you never know. ...   Be sure she reviews all of your reconstruction options with you, if you are having mastectomy.  There are so many, and you need to have a plan before your surgery so that the plastic surgeon who does your reconstruction has the right tissue flaps, etc. to work with. 

Take your time to make a good decision.  If you get a bad first vibe with a doctor, get another consult.   As much as I was chomping at the bits to get the sh*T out of me, my MO and the Breast Navigator told me--this has been in your body at least 6 years and its not going to IMPLODE while we do what we have to do.....That was so hard to accept.

I love your hair----and the blonde one is so much like your sisters, I had to scroll back up to see which one was wearing the wig  based on your clothing...... 

 

funthing42

You rock the blonde wig. What a beautiful Sis you have. Im glad you have a large family

You will have fluctuations in your mood. When I found out I couldn't stop running . I take Ativan for sleeping as well.

Keep your focus ! Good luck.

greenae

Hi redheaded1, funthing 42 and proudtospin

Oh! I am so glad I found this site! You are all giving me strength, hope and great advice! I will definitely look up questions, and Try to Not rush things. Control is a big issue of mine, so I will try to step back a little and trust the experts.

Thanks for giving me confidence re: my funky wig. I feel like at least there will be a fun thing to wear when this all gets going. Proudtospin, i have that sweater in 3 colors, i am a TJMaxxinista...lol. And a turquoise freak, as well.

So , do u all think valium is better than 1mg of ativan for the MRI? I guess I will have to ask for that. I have ativan

and 0.25 mg xanax. I hate taking meds but I think , i Know, I hate MRIs MORE!

Got a big binder and tote bag ready for my sis to lug around NYU on wednesday. Going to the gym tomorro and tuesday...gonna beat this SH&$!

Thank u so much