Diagnosed IDC last night - do I need to call an oncologist?

ThePrincess

I got the call last night. I have an appt for an MRI tomorrow, and a breast surgeon consult - but should I also be calling an oncologist? No one has said anything about this type of appt yet?

Thank you ladies - I have 3 small children and am TERRIFIED.

Lolis197138

Sorry ThePrincess that you got this diagnosis. 

In my case my BS referred me to the medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. So perhaps you can ask them tomorrow if they would refer you to a MO. 

Hugs!!! 

CassieCat

I'm sorry you got the news, but this is a good place to come for support and help. For me, I went to a BS first, and he referred me to my MO. The hospital's tumor board meets every Wednesday and my case was presented, so everyone involved talked together to come up with my plan. My RO has probably known me for a good six months ahead of meeting me in person.

Best of luck to you. These early days might be the hardest, in many ways.

scvmom65

Hi Princess,

Sorry for your DX. I got the same phone call and same diagnosis almost 5 years ago so I know how it feels. I followed the same schedule it sounds like you are on, got an MRI, then consulted with breast surgeons. I asked the surgeon about the onco and he said it would wait until the final pathology came back. Unless your MRI comes back with something surprising, then they wait. If you have a large tumor or widespread cancer, they will have you see an onco before surgery because the dr might want to treat you with chemo first. If not, after your surgery you will see an onco. MRIs and mammos unfortunately dont see everything so drs like to wait for final pathology so they have the true picture of the cancer.

Best of luck to you!

Anna

Holeinone

Princess, sorry you need to find us. It all is a nightmare & with little kiddos, it must feel even scarier.

My personal Dr. Set up my appt. with the surgeon & oncologist. Obviously, if I was not comfortable with these Drs. I could of changed.

Depending on what they find on the MRI, and then when you have your surgery, it is possible you will be able to avoid chemo. There are so many variables in the beginning of this process. Also, the decision of whether you chose a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Sometimes a mastectomy is necessary. My surgeon was very pro lumpectomy, my tumor was small. Had I any idea ( did not have a MRI ) that mine had spread as much as it did, my choice might of been different.

I wish I had asked for anxiety meds in the beginning. I waited until 6 months later, during radiation. My suffer in silence mindset implodded. No one thinks this is easy, be kind to yourself.

DaisyQ

ThePrincess,

Sorry about your diagnosis. This is a good place to ask questions! My BS referred me to an oncologist who was able to see me the same day. I was expecting surgery first, but because my cancer was HER2+ I had chemo first, then surgery. I was shocked because I wanted that tumor out as quickly as possible. They both convinced me that neoadjuvant treatment was the best way to go since I would be eligible for two very effective targeted therapies. Like kayb I am very pleased that I had chemo first.

Good luck with your appt. As others have said, these days are the hardest. Once you have more information and a plan you'll start to feel better. Hang in there. We are here for you.

mdg

So sorry you find yourself here.  You are in good company though!  I know how scared you are....my son was 4 when I was diagnosed.  I was terrified....but that was over 4 years ago now.

They BS will want to access the situation for surgical options.  Depending on what your test results indicate, they may want to do surgery first.  If that is the case, it is not uncommon to meet with an oncologist after surgery when all final pathology is available.  If they think you should have other treatment first, then you will see an oncologist earlier and have surgery later. 

Best of luck!  Keep the faith!