Daughter with IDS

SimplySammi11

Hello all. I have some questions for you. My daughter has recently had a 3.2 x 4.3 cm mass and other areas in her left breast come back positive for IDC.

I posted a initial post before the biopsy results were in that will give you a little more of her history in the "Waiting for Test Results" area with the "My 30 years Old daughter" something header. (I'm exhausted and it's late, I apologize)

Anyway, my questions are...

1. The Breast Surgeon said because of the size of main mass, the oncologist will want to do Chemo before the DMX. She said it would clear the cancer and shrink the mass but will still require surgery for the one breast but because her age she'd suggest both and reconstruction immediately. Is this anyone else's experience?

2. She's scheduled her for port placement on Tuesday the 18th. We've not even met with oncologist yet and won't until the 20th. I asked her if it was normal to do this. She said she worked with those oncologist all the time and that my daughter will have chemo first sonshe wants it to be placed so the oncologist will be able to move quickly. He was on vacation this week. There were others she could have gotten in to see but I was told he was a great oncologist. Again anyone have this experience?

The breast surgeon and oncologist (Cancer Center) are very good from what I've gathered from a lot of people and my mom is currently being treated by them for small cell lung cancer that we just found out about 5 weeks ago. She's already had results of 75% mass shrinkage and she's 77 years old the mass was 5cm pressing on her trachea and she's done so well with 3 days of chemo every 21 days and radiation every weekday for 35 treatments.

I just thought it was odd that we'd be doing anything before meeting with the actual oncologist besides the testing the Breast Surgeon has ordered. The BS said that the oncologist will most likely want a PET scan but they have to order that. She's done what she can on her end for now. Mammo, ultrasound, biopsy, chest X-rays, bloodwork, and Myriad gene testing.

She has spent time with my daughter and us and answered any questions and given us copies of the test results so far but, I still think it's strange.

I know she deals with this on a daily basis and works closely with oncologist all the time so I hate even questioning this but would feel better if I got some feedback from any others that have an input. Even more questions to ask the surgeon and oncologist.

Thank you gals so much. Prayers to all

PS. She also got a call from her OBGYN of an abnormal pap that we have to get checked into Monday by her OBGYN and get a colposcopy performed because her port is getting placed Tuesday. I'm hoping nothing more will have to be done and the cells aren't cancerous or related to the breast cancer.

I'm wanting some tests she's had or will have to come back with some good news at this point. One more surprise just might do me in.

Ok that's all. Now come on you Warrior Goddesses and give me some good input and questions I need to be asking. I know you have been here and are kicking BCs butt! So help my daughter and I to fight and ask the important questions we may not think to ask. Blessings 🙏🏼❤️

wrenn

I am sure more people will respond tomorrow but wanted to just say that it does sound normal. I have heard that some people wish they had had chemo first to see if it was working because once you have the surgery there is no way of knowing if it worked outside of waiting to see if it comes back.

It also seems like a normal routine to have the port put in now so she is ready to go. You will see the oncologist before chemo because that person decides which drugs.

It is heart breaking to see a young person going through this and for you to have to watch her suffer. Sending cyber hugs.

Hopefully someone who actually has the same experience will stop by when the forum is busier.

Take care.

SimplySammi11

@wrenn Thank you for helping me feel less confused already about this. 🤗🤗❤️😘

Magnolia83

Hi Sammi,

I know this is all so upsetting and confusing but this does sound normal. I was diagnosed with IDC 2 years ago at age 31, and I remember I didn't even meet my oncologist until after my mastectomy (I had surgery first, then chemo). However, the tumor board at my hospital had been reviewing my case throughout so perhaps that's what's going on with your daughter. In any case, if your daughter is concerned about this, she should ask her doc to explain things to her...you get SO much info in the beginning and it's hard to wrap your head around. A good medical team will welcome questions and be happy to explain it to her thoroughly.

Oh and the portsurgery is very easy...it's a good idea to just get it done so she's all set for chemo (I still have my port in even though I'm no longer getting chemo and I have loved it! I'm getting it out soon and am kind of sad to see it go! Sure made everything easier).

Brightness456

Hi. I'm having surgery before chemo, but will meet with the MO prior to surgery, however, her office said,they typically don't meet patients until after their surgery, but since I requested it she will accommodate me. I just wanted to get in with her practice while she had an opening since I've heard great things about her and she's local (my BS is an hour and a half away).

I'm so glad to hear you're able to support your daughter so well. The chemo prior to surgery sounds like it makes sense,but im still really new. I've found great support and knowledge here so far.

MinusTwo

without going back to your other threads - if your daughter is HER2 positive, the normal procedure now is to do chemo first. Size is another reason & there are other good reasons to do chemo first,

Yes, it's a good idea to get the port put in now. Have your daughter draw lines on her chest where the bra strap goes & let the BS know so they don't put the port right under the strap. It will be much more comfortable. If your daughter is looking at MX or LX, the port will be on the side with the "good" breast. If you get a "power port" it can be used for the chemo, all blood draws, the contrast medium for scans (like the PET/CT) etc. and really saves the veins. I grew to love my port.

SimplySammi11

@MinusTwo thank you for the tip about the brea strap. Sorry I double posted. It was late and I didn't know which Topic Heading these questions would best fit into. Sorry to make you jump around.

We don't have her HER2 results back yet. But should any day. Thanks again