An intro, and thanks!

horsesandlove

Hi there...just a quick intro and a "thank you" for providing me with excellent information during this unbelievably research-heavy time. I found this forum after my diagnosis (routine mammo - not first one but first time having the 3D), but was hesitant to join until a long-time friend insisted I do (thanks @Katzpjays!) I've already had surgery - a sentinel lymph node procedure and a right side mastectomy with tissue expander placement. Both went extremely well, and I'm feeling great. I'm heading to my first Medical Oncology consult this afternoon and it's daunting, to say the least. Gearing up for surgery seemed pretty cut and dried - find a surgical team I love that totally has my back, and go forth with confidence. It just seems like there are so many directions things could go now, decisions to make, etc. First step is Oncotype DX results (today) and a discussion, so will let you know how it goes. This whole thing is pure madness, so I'm glad to have this great new resource for support and information

Moderators

Horsesandlove,

We are so thrilled you decided to join and post! You're sure to find our Community an extremely valuable resource for advice and support. We're happy you have found us and we look forward to being here for you throughout your journey. In fact, you may find this page from the main Breastcancer.org site helpful: Oncotype DX Test

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions at all! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

Katzpjays

Horsesandlove-may your Oncotype come in low, but know that if you end up intermediate there are lots of resources here. Keeping fingers crossed

Kimm992

Good luck!!

Anonymous

wishing you the best!

Beatmon

so glad that you had a great surgical team. Hope the MO is as impressive....and don't forget there are second opinions

KBeee

Hope the appointment went well

horsesandlove

Thanks, all!! The appointment went well, I feel good about the doctor and practice. Oncotype came back at 36. As much as I'd prepared for a high number and the reality of chemo...of course, I still held a glimmer of hope that the score would be very low and they'd say "you'll be fine without it! Not the case, but that's ok. I think, going forward, I'll feel better about "throwing the book at it", so to speak. A few things to arrange and deal with first, but looks like I'll be joining the January chemo sisters. Onward!

IrishKatie55

I also am new to this site, new to this journey. Cannot say enough on the information, sharing, and calming these forums have provided me during these early months. The waiting for information was brutal, but I was able to search and find though our cancers are all different, some experiences are so similar. I had surgery 12/28, will have completed 5 day balloon radiation therapy this Wednesday, then see oncologist again Friday. See what will be next on menu. Original biopsy Ki-67 level was 38, hoping tumor pathology could lower that with Oncotype results. Does not seem too common for Chemo after radiation? But was told that would depend on these test results.

grainne

hi, just saying hello to another irish woman. Welcome. This is a scary time but you will know already there is plenty of help and support here. What test results are you waiting for?

IrishKatie55

Tomorrow I believe I will have Oncotype testing and pathology reports which will hopefully help in planning the rest of my treatment plan going forward. Chemo? No chemo? Surgeon and Radiologist have given me positive information, anxious to meet with my oncologist tomorrow.

Katzpjays

Horsesandlove, UGH for the 36! Still, your "throw the book at it" mindset is awesome. Chemo is doable and you have lots of support here from all who have preceded you. In your pocket as you prepare for chemo

horsesandlove

Thanks, all. The current plan is T/C - 4 treatments 3 weeks apart. Starting 1/31, since my husband is away all next week and I don't want to be solo with 2 kids my first week. My light at the end of the tunnel is that I'll be done by early April. That is, if my upcoming CT/bone scan (insurance didn't approve a PET since there isn't an obvious need, we are just making sure...) doesn't show something else.

What doesn't seem as straightforward, however, is the hormone "therapy"... I use the term in quotations because it sounds less like therapy and more like torture. Just starting to research this (thankful for lots of great info here) so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.

Hope you all have a great day:)