Waiting for MRI and other tests...dark thoughts!

Wigging2000

Diagnosed last week, in the initial testing phases I guess, trying to determine treatment plan. Currently I am waiting on MRI results (done today with heartless rad tech, but that’s another story for another thread). Also waiting on genetic testing and detailed biopsy report (receptors, etc).

I expected to get the hormone receptor info (sorry if I am mislabeling that) today and possibly even the MRI stuff...no luck. I seem to be having my thoughts go to dark places when I don’t hear from my providers as expected....I imagine them all huddling around looking at complicated results that they weren’t expecting. I know I’m going to have to stop doing this...but I can’t help it!

I’ve been trying to go about my normal life as much as possible. Any thoughts on how to keep my mind from going to the dark side? My breast hurts still from the biopsy so it’s super hard to not think of BC every single stinking minute!

Thank you for letting me vent

AliceBastable

Hang in there, none of us got results as quickly as you're wanting them. Patience is the hardest part of this messy journey.

PurpleCat

The waiting is awful, and the diagnostic process is a long series of tests and waits and more tests. Hang in there.

CasM

Wigging - hang in there... I hope you get results soon so you can attack this disease.

wallycat

Sending good thoughts. Waiting is the worst! Worrying won't change the outcome but a fact none of us has been able to use to help us stop. Ask for valium if you need it. Meditate. Deep breathes. Know that what is, already is and you have a team that will help you make the hard choices.

Runrcrb

Waiting is hard and biopsies can hurt a lot more than anyone tells you. Chin up. Go outside if you can - the outdoors and a simple walk around the block really do help.

The doctors aren't huddled around your results wondering how to break the news. The technicians doing the tests aren't either. They are going as quickly as they can and if you don't hear when you expected to, pick up the phone and very calmly ask if the results are in. But really, take a walk as it will help.

All the best

Anonymous

deep breath wigging...

we are all here waiting with you.

I am keeping you close in my prayers.

good time to shout yourself a massage? think about your mental and spiritual well being and make a little plan to take good care of yourself. whether that be some uplifting reading material, a yoga/ meditation type practice, or just 10 minutes a day of prayers, breathing and stretching..(guided meditation CD's are really good...you just lie down and follow the voice.) A daily practice will hold you in good stead through this next journey you are on. Picture yourself being loved, cherished and protected...always...because you are.

cyber hugs to you.

Wigging2000

feeling the love, ladies. Got my ER PR, etc. today and found out that the “tumor board” was meeting on my case today at noon. Haven’t heard anything but I lol’d a little bit because they ARE actually huddling and talking about me. Oh goodness....

In better news, I voted today and forgot about BC for about 3 minutes

Runrcrb

Wigging2000 - you made me laugh! Glad getting out the vote could help.

Wigging2000

Well, I finally gave up and called my doctor. MRI did not show any “surprises” so for now lumpectomy is still a possibility for me, depending on the genetics results. It’ll be a few more days on that which I am fine with. I was insanely worried about that MRI. I know something could still show up but for now I am going to feel better for a little bit

Salamandra

That's good news! How did your ER/PR/Her turn out?

I went to get a flu shot today and one of the questions on the questionnaire was "do you have cancer". I already had my lumpectomy. I answered, "I don't know." I mean, they think probably there's still microscopic stuff in there, right, which is why they're recommending radiation & maybe chemo. But they don't know, do they? And I don't know. How strange is that...

Wigging2000

Salamandra-

ER+, PR+, HER2 -

That is what I know for now. Every piece of the puzzle helps me settle in a little more. So far each piece of the diagnosis since the “cancer” part has been somewhat encouraging news from what I can tell

That is super surreal about the flu shot. Since your cancer was removed, let’s just go with “no”, is my vote! Although truly, you don’t know so you answered well! Did they say anything about it?

Do you have any idea when your treatments will start? How long ago was your lumpectomy?

Salamandra

I know exactly what you mean about the puzzle. And then the more I learn, the more questions I know how to ask.

The pharmacist didn't say anything about the question! Given the pharmacy, I think there's a reasonable chance she didn't look at it...

I know that next Friday I meet my radiation oncologist and my medical oncologist for the first time. That's all I know! Also by then I should have the oncotype test back, so there should be at least an idea of whether I'll get a chemo recommendation.

Now I've been thinking about the actual differences in mortality achieved by radiation and chemo and hormonal therapy. I really hope the medical oncologist I've been assigned has the time and willingness to talk this all through with me.

The genetics test you're waiting for is BRCA?

Wigging2000

Yes, Salamandra.. BRCA and possibly others also involved in that test. Will influence decision on lumpectomy vs possible bmx. Everything else that has come back indicates I’m a candidate for lumpectomy. Am trying to do reading on rads and lumpectomy vs bmx.

You must be so anxious to have next Friday come! I feel like I’m so far away from all those answers. I hope you like your doctors and that they attentively listen to your thoughts!!