I'm new here...

BreastCancerInMinneapolis

Hi all,

About two and a half weeks ago, I felt a twinge in my left breast that wouldn't go away. I immediately called my doctor and she recommended imaging. On Halloween I got a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. The next day they called me with the diagnosis: a 4.5x6.0x4.4 cm tumor. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 2. I know it is ER+ and PR+. The HER test wasn't clear, so it has been sent for a tiebreaker test.

Regarding staging...the surgeon I met with assumed stage 3. But yesterday I got the shock of my life: positive nodes AND the PET had picked up some concerning spots on my lungs and liver. The oncologist didn't seem to worried about the tiny lung spots and said they could be the result of an old viral infection. But I have a liver biopsy scheduled for Monday. I am scared. Is there any chance that the PET could have thrown a false positive? It wasn't a huge spot and there was only one. I also feel perfectly healthy (no pain or weight loss) and the labs they did yesterday (liver function, CBC, basic metabolic panel) were 99% normal. And the few things that weren't were low--just under normal range.

And I am only 35 with no family history of breast or gynecological cancers (my mother died of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer). So I'm freaking out!!! Is there hope? Can I expect to live a good life?

I got in touch with Mayo yesterday, and they will schedule something when I have the biopsy results back. I can't believe this is happening.

illimae

We have a pretty similar story right down to the time of year too. I was diagnosed stage IV from the get go with a single hip bone lesion (hopeful it was an injury, it wasn't) but I stayed active through chemo, surgery and radiation, it all went better than I expected, easier at least. Tiny lesions were recently discovered in my brain, which likely migrated up there before chemo but I'm still working and feeling great. It's a mindfuck but you are not on deaths door. Lots of bumps in the road, I just step over them and keep going, I'm sure you can too!

PauletteK

I know this is such a scary path, I had my PET scan before surgery, found nodules in my thyroid and kidney. It turned out they are not Cancer. I have my surgery and one more chemo to do this Friday. Yes it has been a long journey which I didn’t ask for, but it is doable. I’m much older than you, so you should be able to kick the ass of the Cancer. Do not get yourself too Work up, listen to your doctors and one day at a time.

Moderators

Hi BreastCancerinMinneapolis-

We're so sorry that you're here, but we're glad you've joined our community. We hope you find it to be a source of support as you start down this road. Like Illimae said, lots of bumps in the road, but you certainly don't have to travel it alone.

The Mods

BreastCancerInMinneapolis

Well, I am metastatic. Small liver lesion and very small things in the lungs. But I feel fine! So weird. I had a bone scan today as part of a clinical study I'm taking part in and a spot in my skull lit up. Sigh.

Jackster51

So sorry BCMinneapolis... There are amazing Stage 4 ladies (and men) on here to help you through this difficult time. Many are years and years out from similar diagnosis. So many new treatments now that can kick it to the curb for a long time. Jump over to the stage 4 threads and introduce yourself. Once you have a treatment plan in place, you'll feel a bit more in control. All the best to you.