Is this normal?

Mom2Sarah

My mind is spinning and I am having a rough couple of days. I was just diagnosed and I have opted for a double mx. My family history is too strong and I'm not doing this again. I expected to have more answers by now, and I just have more questions. I thought I would have a better idea if chemo was going to be needed or not, and the oncologist basically said I won't know until after my surgery and the Oncotype DX test. I do know I'll have to have hormone blockers for the next 5 years, but that's it. I have more appointments this week with surgery most likely being scheduled on Friday. But shouldn't the oncologist know one way or another if chemo is needed? Or is it not that easy?

Cowgirl13

Hi Mom2Sarah, it is a very, very difficult time until treatment decisions have been made. Be sure to stay off the internet. Your oncologist can't decide about chemo until after your surgery has been done and you have your pathology report. It's really good to have the Oncotype DX test. Then you will have all the parameters needed to come up with a treatment. Others will post here and share their experience. Please keep us posted.

Runrcrb

cowgirl is right. The diagnosis stage is the long hard part with more questions than answers.

Mom2Sarah

Thanks ladies! And I guess the other hard part is knowing that friends and/or family already had somewhat of a plan by now.

keepthefaith

In order for your medical team to give you the best possible treatment, they have to gather information. The fact that you are in the dark and anxious to get started with treatment probably just makes matters worse. Take comfort in knowing that you will have answers soon and treatment recommendations will be coming! They are following standard protocol. Your onco-test results could take a few weeks to get back. You may be poked, prodded and imaged some more. I was also surprised when first DX'd, that is wasn't all black and white. Hang in there:).

Wigging2000

Hang in there! Some people know right away that they’ll need chemo before surgery to shrink the tumor or for other reasons. Others, like me, have to wait for surgical pathology and oncotype. There are so many different factors and treatment is so targeted to the individual, which is good! Just for an example, I had my surgery 11/30 and just got my oncotype results today. I probably waited a little longer due to holiday delays.

It sounds like surgery is your first step. When I received my surgery date I felt like a giant mountain had been moved off me. It may help to focus on only the next step. Get through one thing at a time. Each step brings you closer to knowing the “plan” and getting this behind you!

You are in a very hard stage right now where things may seem out of control. It will get better! You may want to start reading up on some of the surgery topics here since that is your next step.

You can do this!!