Diagnosed but no plan yet

raisemeup

I received my diagnosis on Friday, the 13th....my lucky day!!! Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3. ER negative, PR negative, waiting on Her2. Was supposed to see breast surgeon today to figure out treatment plan but their building had a water main break and all appointments were cancelled. Waiting for a call to see when I can see the doctor. I'm so frustrated at the "hurry up and wait" attitude. I'm not a patient person when it comes to medical issues and I just want this gone! My husband is very supportive and wants to fix it, but knows he can't. I know I'll feel better once I have a plan in place, but the waiting is seriously making me crazy. How do you get thru the waiting, and the waiting, and the waiting?

Holeinone

Raisemeup, I remember vividly what you are going through. I cleaned like my life depended on it ! Steamed floors, washed blinds. This is not my normal stress relief behavior, eating used to be.

Did they biopsy your sentinel node ? If you are her +, I think, (?) they always do herceptin. A friend of mine was ER-Pr- her+. She had 1 positive node, and had the chemo tx I did.

Hopefully the surgeon will squeeze you in tomorrow or Wed. & get you on the surgery schedule. I was very lucky that I had surgery one week after biopsy.

Also many women want/need 2nd opinions, that obviously might slow the process. I live in a rural area, only one Breast surgeon. He has an excellent reputation. I trusted him, had a lumpectomy as he & my personal Dr. Suggested. It is a tough year of your life, keep posting here & find a group when you start tx that is going through surgery/chemo at the same time.

Beachbum1023

raisemeup, how do we get through all of the hurry up wait?? We come here and find love and support. We ask questions, and look for guidance, we do our normal things and go on with the day to day of life. The waiting game is truly awful, we all know that. But we all make it through, and get the results, make a plan, and then it's Game On! I'm so sorry that you have to wait longer because of the water problem, but it will all fall in place for you and your family.

Please keep us informed, and we all wish you well going forward. Good Luck!

DaisyQ

Raisemeup,

I had to wait to see my breast surgeon and find out my Her status too. I used that time to seek a 2nd opinion from a surgeon and oncologist at a cancer center affiliated with a medical school nearby. I was able to get an appointment within a week of my diagnosis. In my case, I am glad I got a second opinion. My initial breast surgeon wanted to do surgery first--even though I did turn out to be Her2+. The cancer center docs recommended chemo before surgery. Even though I wanted the tumor out ASAP, I chose to be treated at the cancer center. They offered the best treatment plan and got started very, very quickly! I was impressed how fast things fell in place.

To help with the freak out moments and get decent sleep, I got a prescription for Xanax. It has been very helpful.

I found several breast cancer support websites, but honestly, BCO is the best of the bunch. You'll find lots of information and support here.

Hoping you get the answers you need in the next few days.. Hang in there!

LRGinger

raisemeup - I'm in the same boat. Trying to be patient as things are delayed by weather and every test begets more tests. I've tried to break the waiting into two week increments and keep myself busyusing the time to educate myself so I cam be my own best advocate. Good luck to you and I hope you get the answers soon!

Spookiesmom

As HI one said, she cleaned. Do whatever it takes to keep busy. Walk, weather permitting. Clean. Groom the pets, DH, yourself. Crafts, music, dance.

Stay away from Dr Google, he is NOT your friend! Read some threads around here for info.

Come back often for support, and remember to breathe.

Txslady

I found the lump in december so I went to a doctor he sent me for a mamaogram. Oh excuse me I'm a 60 yr. old women.

Anyway I was then referred to a breast surgeon I waited and waited and finally a biopsy was done.

Two weeks later she had me come in and she told me I have stage 1 breast cancer. Since then I was told to go get

and MRI because no surgery until this is done and I waited and waited because I had to come up with $300.00 for the day

of the MRI.I have medicare advantage and certaintly don't mind paying but I didn't have it for that day. So she cancelled it.

I waited and waited until I had the money then I paid them and got the MRI. That was 9 days ago and my breast surgeon still hasn't recieved it.

Is it because I don't have big money that they don't care? Is the cancer spreading to my lymph nodes. So discouraged .

Moderators

Txslady, It is not unusual to have to wait for results, unfortunately. Perhaps you could give the MRI center a phone call, and see when they anticipate sending the breast surgeon the results? Or, could you see if the breast surgeon's office could make a call to the MRI testing center? Please let us know how you are when you learn the results.

Warmly,

The Mods

shelleym1

Oh I remember this all to well! I was diagnosed 12/1 and did not have surgery until 1/12. I wanted it done THE DAY I was diagnosed. Unfortunately, they don't consider it a medical emergency so it's not uncommon to have to wait for tests, exams, etc. Mine happened around the holidays so that caused even more delays. It sounds like it is very early and that is good news! Try to focus on what you know so far. This forum is a great place to be. We all get it when no one else does!

raisemeup

Hi everyone, Thanks for the encouragement. I've seen two surgeons this week and have opted to be treated at a cancer center about 90 miles from home. I feel this is the best option for me. Today I was given the news that it is triple negative. Next step is MRI, then surgery, chemo, and radiation. I know it will be a long journey and I'm up for the challenge! My usual go to stress relief option is usually cooking and eating, and that doesn't cut it any more. So I will be a frequent visitor here and keep myself busy.

NATSGSG

While you are waiting, reading this link may help you:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/147/topic/831038?page=1#idx_2