Newly diagnosed, no treatment plan yet

CTNewbie

Hi everyone...newly diagnosed, found out on 7/9/15. Don't know anything yet, stage, type, nothing. I was told by the doctor who did my biopsy that "this doesn't have to taken care of tomorrow" What exactly does that mean? No other info was given. Scared, overwhelmed and anxious. HELP! 

Jackbirdie

hi CT- glad you found us, but sorry about why.

Waiting to get answers is one if the very hardest parts about this whole business.

My suggestion is you go to the facility, hospital, or wherever you got your biopsy, go to the medical records office and get a copy of your biopsy/path report. It's your information and you are entitled to it.

Once you have it in hand, there are sections on this website to help you interpret what it says. Of you can ask for help.

Then you will know if you need to make an appt with a breast surgeon, or medical oncologist, or what.

We will be here to help and support once you get more information.

CTNewbie

Thanks JackBirdie..I have seen a surgeon already, just waiting on the brca test and a biopsy on my right breast. Looks like I have It in both breasts, confirmed in left not yet in right, but seems like it. That's all I know. Do you think the surgeon will wait for the brca test or go ahead with a treatment plan? 

Jackbirdie

I don't know if the surgeon will wait for genetic testing.

If you know the size and grade of the confirmed tumor, which is on the path report, you should begin reading articles about the differences between lumpectomy, single mastectomy, and bilateral mx so you can speak intelligently on the topic when he discusses options with you. He will make suggestions, but the decision is up to you. Your body, your decision. I had no family history and maybe that's why I was not offered genetic testing. I opted for BMX for peace of mind and don't regret it. But many opt for lumpectomy. It will depend heavily on your individual situation. In many cases the outcomes are very similar, but the ongoing monitoring is different.

Make yourself as smart as you can, so that you become a partner in your care, not just a pupil

Moderators

Hi CTNewbie,

We're so sorry you're here, but happy you found us. We just wanted to echo what JackBirdie said, and please let us know when you know more about your diagnosis, and we'll be happy to help you through deciphering your pathology report and what all of the pieces mean. You've found an incredible place for support here!

Hope to hear from you soon!

--The Mods

Kicks

There are different TX (treatment plans) for different types of BC. Some require neoadjuvant chemo (chemo before surgery and some don't. In some cases, even a day can make a difference, in others not so urgent.

Your copy of the path. report should tell you the type. Always get copies of all tests/scans that are done and save them.

CTNewbie

Not so sure all my pathology is done yet. Spoke to surgeon on Monday and she didn't have anything to tell me yet, except that I need to get a biopsy done on my right breast because the MRI showed possibly something in the right breast. So that will set me back a few more weeks. I am having the BRCA done today, will that hold up my treatment plan too? I heard it can take a long time for the results of that! 

Jackbirdie

how did they "confirm" the cancer in the one breast where they are sure? If there was a biopsy done, that is where the answer on that cancer is. If no biopsy had been done and they are calling it cancer based on a diagnostic tool like mammo or MRI, just remember: it's not cancer until the pathologist says it is cancer. And if he did, then there is a path report. That you should have a copy of

Xjerseygrl

Hi CTNewbie like you I was just diagnosed. I had a biopsy done last Thursday & received call from my pcp on Monday. Have been referred to surgeon and waiting for them to call to schedule appointment. So glad I joined this group! Thanks Jackbirdie for the suggestion to get a copy of my pathology report so I know what type of bc I have. Will be requesting it first thing in morning and will be asking tons of questions.

Moderators

Welcome Xjersayegrl! Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry for what brings you here, but we're so happy you decided to join in! We hope you find the information and support you're seeking here.

Best,

The Mods

CTNewbie

Hi xjersayegrl. Looks like we are in the same boat. I have a biopsy on Monday for my right breast. Had the genetic test done yesterday. Just waiting for all these answers then on to a treatment plan. Let's keep in touch so we can do this journey together. 

Xjerseygrl

Sounds good to me CtNewbie. ..I'm going to pick up my pathology report from my pcp then at least I will know what I have. Then it's onto questions, questions and more questions. We will get thru this!

Moderators

Love these connections! Both of you, please keep us posted!

--The Mods

Peabrain

if you are BRCA positive it may affect your decision on what type of surgery to have. I would recommend waiting until you have this info before surgery. I would also recommend seeing an oncologist before surgery. The breast cancer surgeon is just one piece of your medical team. You may also need a radiologist, plastic surgeon.

Best of luck!

lucky48158

Hi CTNewbie. Not sure if you're in Connecticut due to your name, but if you are, I am too so feel free to send me a PM and we can get through this together. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on exactly the same date that you were, July 9, 2015. I'm 34 years old and have no family history. I found a lump in my left breast in June and have since gone through a biopsy, genetic testing and just had my MRI on Friday. I have not yet heard the results of the MRI or the genetic testing so I'm in a waiting game at the moment. From my pathology report, I do know that I'm most likely a stage 2 (waiting on the MRI to confirm as there are 2 nodes which have exactly the same characteristics but the defining factor is whether they are connected or not).

I should know the results of my MRI on Monday but they told me that the genetic testing can take up to 3 weeks.

mzBo44

I am newly diagnosed on July 9th as well.  Scared. Don't know what to do.  went to Boston and got a totally different recommendation than the place I was diagnosed.  Lumpectomy vs. Masectomy.  How do you know what is the right treatment.  Do I go for a third and forth opinion?  I just want it out.

 

plumster1

Mzbo44, sorry about your dx. I did see three different BS. Due to my tumor characteristics 2 only offered LX and the third left it up to me. I just felt best with one particular BS and their approach. Though I was glad to see all three because I learned something new from everyone which helped make my decision. I had an Lx two days ago and am very happy with my decision. What is your pathology on your Dx?