DIC at 32

sarainadream

Hi everyone,

I found 2 painful lumps in my right breast at the beginning of July. I called right away and I got in for a mammo/ultrasound 2 weeks later. That afternoon my doc called saying they were concerned, and ordered a core biopsy. Two weeks again, and biopsy on them two (they were 3cm and 6cm) and an enlarged armit node. I got the call yesterday that I have IDC but my worrisome node was totally clear. My doc will not say grade or stage, and I am waiting for a call from a surgeon (who is connected to a local cancer team). My only reassurance was that it is not in the nodes nor inflammatory.

As horrible as these months have been, I somehow KNEW it was cancer and started mentally preparing.

I have two little girls and my husband while supportive is sick about it. My grandmother passed from breast cancer at 58 but no one else in her line (even generations back) nor my mother have had it but my mom has called to get the gene testing. I already have health anxiety and asked for a counselor. I don't know how to keep the worst thoughts of it spreading fast and me not making it at bay. It all sounds so complicated and I feel like the thought of it coming back after will never go away. I have already jumped to wanting a mastectomy so I won't have lingering fear-literally nothing matters (hair, breasts, etc) to me but getting clear.

Any reassurances or questions to ask when someone calls me would be great. It is horrible during a pandemic where I may be alone, and where there is increased risk of getting sick on top of it all.

Moderators

Hi sarainadream, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and at such a young age, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find our Community and incredible source of information, advice, encouragement, and support -- we're all here for you!

While you wait for the ever-helpful responses from our amazing members, you might want to check out this page from the main Breastcancer.org site on Your Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor, to help you prepare for your next phone call/appointment.

We hope this helps and that you come back here often, ask questions, and get the support you need!

--The Mods

NorCalS

Hi Sarainadream.

In June of 2019 I also developed pain in my breast (left side) and armpits. My primary care physician did not believe it was cancer because “cancer doesn’t usually cause pain”. Well, he was wrong. A biopsy confirmed that it was triple negative breast cancer. Once it was confirmed, my husband and I pushed to get all necessary tests done to set a baseline, then pushed to get me into chemo immediately. The MRI and CT scan showed that the tumor was much larger than the ultrasound and mammogram showed (about 2.5 weeks between tests). My oncologist (MO) believed that the tumor had grown very rapidly (typical of TNBC), so chemo was started right away. Based on my experience, I could not rely on the medical team to react with a sense of emergency. I had to push to get tests expedited, breast MRI, brain MRI, bone scan, CT scan and echocardiogram completed within 3 days between consult with MO and start of chemo. You deserve to get your biopsy results right away so that you can plan. The longer they delay, the harder it will be to get a second opinion, research treatment options, tests completed, etc. I hope your team accelerates their response to your needs.