Needing Advice...

Lori77

Hi, I am a newbie, I was DX on March 29, with IDC stage 2 grade 2. I have my first appt with my medical Oncologist on Tuesday to discuss my results, I guess, and a test they sent for in California, which I am assuming would be the Oncotype test. I just don't know what to expect at my first appt. I have had so much bad news this year and I am so scared to get cancer back, that I just want every treatment I am offered to ensure a good quality./quantity of life. My dad passed away, My aunt was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, my uncle (my dad's brother) was just DX with lung cancer that has metastasized into his liver. This has all happened since January. At this point, I just want to know what is next for me? Chemo? Radiation? My surgeon said she got it all and I wouldn't need radiation or chemo with clear margins and everything. She did mention something about pre cancerous cells found during surgery so I am not sure what all that means. I know I should ask more questions to my doctors, but I feel so rushed and my mom is there and I just feel overwhelmed. I just turned 40 last month too, so if anyone has any advice for me or even let me know what to expect with this upcoming appt on Tuesday, any guidance at all, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for listening, as even writing this has helped me

MTwoman

Lori, I am so sorry you're here newly diagnosed with IDC. It is a whirlwind at first, when all of the information is coming in and you're not sure what the implications are of each bit of 'news'. If the test they sent off for is the Oncotype test, then that will help with the risk analysis (do the risks of chemo outweigh the benefits) and determining if that will be recommended. The fact that you're HER2- means that you won't be recommended for a targeted therapy (like Herceptin) and the fact that you're ER+/PR+ means that you'll likely have an endocrine therapy recommended. As you're still relatively young (40), most likely Tamoxifen, as AI's are typically prescribed for post-menopausal women. These are the various interventions that are typically used by an MO. I would recommend that you make a list of your questions and then either bring someone who can write down the answers or a recording device, so that you can review them later. What will be important is that you're able to discuss your personal risk for recurrence, based on all of your personal history and tumor characteristics. Then the MO can discuss the risk reduction to you personally, based on the interventions at her/his disposal.

The same will be true of your RO appointment. Since you had a mx, then rads will not typically be recommended; but it never hurts to have an initial consulting appointment and hearing that for yourself along with a discussion about risks (the whys and why nots of your specific case).

I'm not certain, you should verify this with your provider, but pre-cancerous cells may refer to areas of DCIS (which is referred to as stage 0). If this is true, that will not effect your treatment as any treatment sufficient for Stage 2 bc will certainly take care of any lingering dcis.

Try to pamper yourself right now, when stress is high and you don't have your plan firmly in place. This is one of the worst times. Once you have your team and your way forward is more clear, it is typical to turn a corner and feel more confident and empowered. If you find that you aren't able to sleep well, please do ask your provider for something. You need a clear head to digest all of this information and make good informed decisions. Good luck and warm ((Hugs))

Goincrzy8

Good advice from MTwoman. Read the different boards, get your education and be prepared. Lots of knowledgeable women here to help you. Waiting is the hardest.But write your questions down and do take someone with you to take notes. Amazing how when you hear one thing, your mind shuts down, and when your other set of ears hears something you didnt, it will be helpful.

Good luck.

Lori77

Thank you so much, you ladies are so amazing in here, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule's to answer my question, again, thank you!

MTwoman

Lori, Keep asking whenever you have questions, we are here for you!