Diagnosed this morning

PatMB

Hello all, had a routine mammogram a couple of weeks ago & got called back for assessment this morning. The doctor did a ultrasound & said she is 95% it is cancer BUT (and luckily) very small. Then the consultant came in & said yes he agrees it is cancer.

They did a biopsy & I have to go for appointment with cancer team next Wednesday & will have surgery in next couple of weeks. They don't know if I'll need chemo or anything yet.

I'm 62 and have primary progressive multiple sclerosis. As I said to a friend, I've now got MS AND cancer!!! I don't do things by halves!

I'm feeling very very tired...usual MS response to stress...and feel incredibly calm. I suppose it's a shock reaction (hope it's not the calm before the storm). For some strange reason I sort of expected it...and then thought being that I'm expecting it, it won't be cancer. Funny the games the mind can play

Anyway wanted to say hi to all as not doubt I will be coming on here for advice etc.

See you on here soon,

Pat xx

LisaAlissa

Hi Pat,

So sorry you've found yourself needing to be here.

Do you have the biopsy results back yet? If not, there's still an outside chance it isn't cancer. (Hoping, hoping...after all, somebody has to be in the 5%)

When the pathology report from the biopsy comes back, be sure to get a copy (the actual report sent to your doctor, not just the patient letter), as well as a copy of the mammogram and the ultrasound images themselves on a CD.

Hang in there, and be sure to come back if you need to vent...or even just talk.

LisaAlissa

PatMB

Thanks LisaAlissa, I get the biopsy results on Wednesday so yes you never know, might be in that 5%! Although they made it clear several times that it's cancer, but maybe they didn't want to give me false hope!

I'll make sure I get everything you suggested.

Glad I found this forum....although it's too soon to read info. I keep reading the same paragraphs over and over again. Think I should just give up & watch telly!

Thanks again,

Pat xx

Seedsally

Pat I am so glad you found us. I am pretty new here too. I was in the 95% but my radiologist and Doctor wouldn't give me an opinion. They said wait for the results. I have IDC. Almost everything I have learned I found out here. I am so glad I found this place and all these friends. I have diabetes and other health issues on top of this and am 65. Today I meet with my surgeon to schedule my surgery This is after 2 biopsies and one surgery. I also have had Atypical Ductal Hyperplasiain the other breast. Please keep us informed and wishing you good results. I also felt that same strange calm. I think it's sort of shock and a protection mechanism. I still feel calm most of the time. It's when I have to make a decision that I get shook up.

PatMB

Thank you Sally. I think I was very lucky to get good people. Royal Free hospital in London. When the consultant said you are going to need surgery I said 'So it is icancer?' And he said 'yes it's cancer'. No messing me around.

I still have a lot to find out but am taking the weekend to relax. I'm Sooo tired!!!

Thank you for responding. I wish you good results too. I see I am just starting down a new road in life and have a lot to learn.

All the best,

Pat xx

brandford37

I'm new here to I'm diagnosed with IDC don't no the stage as yet and that have me worried but I have all the other biopsy results.. I'm doing surgery April 12 can't wait to get over the surgery

chef127

Hi PatMB,

Unlike PPMS, try to remember there are many options for breast cancer treatment and a good chance you will achieve remission with surgery alone. Surgery is most likely the first course of tx because you cannot be completely diagnosed til they evaluate the tumor after surgery. For me that was the easiest part. Ask your MO or BS to send a sample to OncotypeDX to see if you will benefit from chemo.(if its available in England).

I share your double whammy diagnosis of SPMS and Breast Cancer, and I must say the BC dx sux, but the MS sux even more. Staying calm and low stress is a big plus for you, as you know what stress can do to your MS. If I can help in anyway, please reach out by PM or ask any??????????????

xoxMaureen

Moderators

Pat-

We are so sorry for what brings you here, but we're glad to have you, and hope you find the support and encouragement you need as you begin down this road. Know that you are not alone!

The Mods

PatMB

Thank you all for lovely responses. I hadn't realised this was an American forum & have now joined a British forum...not that it makes that much difference...breast cancer is breast cancer no matter where you're from, but it will be more useful for me to be with others using our National Health Service.

But want to thank you all & wish you all the very best with your treatments & outcomes.

Love fromPat xx

Kicks

Wbile BCO does mostly have American women on it - there are quite a few from mamy places worldwide. There are several Brittish here, along with Canadians, Aussies and NZ's along with several other countries covering the globe.

It does make sense that you might get a lot more info on navigating your Health Care System from others with direct experience from having navigated it before. However, there is a wealth of good information here that could/would apply to what you experience from TXs and SEs. There is no reason why you can't use more than one site for information.

There are in some cases different protocols for TX but remember that is true everywhere within any country and even between different Cancer Centers and Drs. In my case, I had a very different TX plan than the vast majority of IBCers - it worked for me.

Please keep us posted on how your 'journey' is progressing and ask any questions you have.