Mom has breast cancer, feeling pretty down.

findinglisha

My mom was diagnose with breast cancer on May 16th, 2015. 3 months prior to that, she had her regular mammogram and everything looked fine. There were 3 lumps they were watching but they all didn't change in size or shape so the doctor gave her the thumbs up that she was good. 3 months later, she decided to get her blood test done and while do that, she decided to do another mammogram. The nurse's facial reaction was all my mom needed to see, at that point, they rushed her to see the oncologist immediately the following day.

They did a biopsy on May 12th on just one of the suspicious tumor, we got the results 3 days later.. May 16th and it was cancer.. Her tumor is 1cm and at grade 3. I am quite concern about the grade 3, I know that it is aggressive. We are currently waiting for the insurance company to approve of her MRI and her surgery. (They said it will be 2-3 weeks until the approval) It won't be another few weeks until she will have her surgery, from the time we are waiting till the time we have surgery.. I am afraid that the tumor will grow and spread. How likely is this to happen in a month span? If the doctor was concerned, wouldn't he have expedited it?

I am trying to stay as positive as I can, but I can't help but break down sometimes because you know its.. your mom.

Anyone with any advice, I thank you in advance.

Moderators

Dear findinglisha, We are so sorry about your mom's diagnosis but glad that you reached out for support and information. While you are waiting for others to respond you may want to look at some information on our site that may help you navigate some of the way through all of this with your mom. here is some information on understanding your mom's pathology report. We understand as does everyone in this community just how hard the initial days after a diagnosis are for everyone. Waiting for treatment to begin can be very tough. Hang in there and find ways to support yourself and your mom too. Keep us posted on how she is. The Mods

new2bc

Hi findinglisha,

I am sorry about your mom's diagnosis. You are a very good daughter to come here and post looking for answers and looking for comfort. Your mom's tumor is small and waiting for a month should not be a problem. I too had to wait more than a month to have surgery. After the surgery, her stage will be known. You might want to ask your mom to call the insurance to see why it takes 2 to 3 weeks for approval. My problem was not the insurance, it was during the xmas holidays and I could not find an earlier time to have surgery. You may be able to speed up the process by making a few calls and asking questions from the insurance. You also may be able to schedule the surgery if the breast surgeon allows you until the approval is given. I wish your mom the best of luck.

findinglisha

Thank you so much for your response. We have tried to call for an update and we get the same answer. "It takes 2-3 weeks for approval.." I guess it doesn't go directly to the insurance but to the group that my mom is under.. Waiting gives all of us anxiety.. I am terrified for her, we are hoping for the best..

maxdog

Apparently the studies show no change in stage if less than 8 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. It doesn't make the waiting any easier. Good luck!

msphil

you are at the right place for valueable info for your mom, i know thefeeling of anxiety, hang in there info on the way from docs, iam a breast cancer survivorfor 21 yrs Praise GOD. msphil(idc,stage2, 0/3 nodes, L mast, chemoandrads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen)