NEWLY DIAGNOSED stage 2B left side, advanced to lymphnodes

SLH2021

Good morning everyone, I was diagnosed 2/23/21. I feel so overwhelmed still. I originally was going for a double mastectomy but then was told by all 3 docs that I really needed to consider chemo 1st to shrink the tumor (2cm) in my left breast and shrink my lymphnodes down. Due to my age (33) I'm told they want to be extremely aggressive with me. (I want this too) I'm so nervous, anxious (literally thinking the worst) my mind is going crazy;( I want to be around for a long time to see my babies grow up.....this is the hardest thing for me (I feel mentally drained) I've had SO MANY SCANS the last few weeks/days and still am waiting on results (this is the WORSE part) I'm scheduled Fri for my port placement. Can everyone just give me some insight on what to expect....I feel so overwhelmed reading everyone's post. Ty in advance for recommendations, guidance, just someone to talk to who has experienced this. I am E/P + 90%, Her-, BRACA-

Moderators

SLH2021, we understand how hard it is at the beginning and how distressing the waiting can be, hang in there! We hope you get answers and support from other members here soon. For now, we wanted to point you in the direction of our Young with BC forum, where you can meet other members diagnosed at a young age too. See here: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/27.

Good luck with tests and results. And please, let us know how it all goes, we're all here to support you!

The Mods

Spookiesmom

breathe!!! It’s pretty standard to do chemo first. And all the tests. I felt like putting a tent up at my hospital. The port makes chemo so much easier on your veins. I still have mine, 8 years later. IDC isn’t a fast growing cancer, it’s been there for a while. Don’t let ANYBODY talk you into, or out of a mastectomy, it’s a very personal decision only you should make.

The next few months won’t be a picnic, you can do it!!!Keep us posted how it’s going.

Redkitty815

I am so sorry you find yourself here. It is becoming more common to do chemo first-to shrink things down, and if it's a high grade tumor, to chase down any cells that might have escaped and try to kill them before they can set up shop. My tumor was a little bigger than yours and I had a visible tumor in a node. I did chemo first and a double mastectomy direct to implant. The dr would have done a lumpectomy if she thought she could get clear margins, but recommended a mastectomy. The decision to do a double was mine in order to have more symmetry. I also had radiation after surgery which you may also have recommended because it has spread to your nodes. Good luck-it's all so much to process in the beginning, but it gets easier as you get into the flow of treatment.

hnsquared

SLH2021....so sorry you are here in the club no one wants to join. I was diagnosed 2/20/20 and found myself in a similar situation when they found it in a node and then we did genetics testing and I had the PALB2 genetic mutation. I was 49 at diagnosis but we wanted to be aggressive. I was told chemo first lets them see how the tumor responds. The goal is if any rogue cells slipped away and into the bloodstream we want those to die.

I was terrified about chemo and did AC-T 16 infusions and it wasn’t fun but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I worked full time from home and just took off for infusions....it kept my mind off it actually. This also gives you some time to think about what you want to do for surgery. I did bilateral mastectomy direct to implant skin and nipple sparing. I also had radiation because of the node.

In the beginning it is so overwhelming and scary. I had all the scans too...they do that to make sure it hasn’t spread. I promise once you start chemo it gets better....you will feel better doing what you need to to get rid of the cancer. When I got the news the nurse said to me...it will be a rough year but then it will get better. I’m not going to lie I was like WTF...that’s not helpful. Funny thing...I finished rads 12/17 and I’m feeling pretty good other than missing my long hair. The other day I thought about what she said and had to laugh that she was right.

Everyone here is wonderful and don’t hesitate to reach out for support

SLH2021

ty so much xx

SLH2021

yes, this is my exact plan... chemo...surgery.. then radiation. Ty for commenting back.

SLH2021

ty so much.. I'm doing the same Chemo as you I'm told. AC (double dosed?) Once every 2 weeks for 2 months (4rounds) then T for 12 weeks (once a week) I was told I will do chemo for 5 months....then double mastectomy....then radiation....then reconstruction. When I come on this forum I actually start feeling a little better. Reading things other places makes me crazy and go to a very dark place. I always knew I had anxiety but lately I have full on panic attacks. I'm just so overwhelmed....I went from seeing a midwife for my care every 2 to 3 years to 5 and 6 doctors within a Month.....I'm told by my breast coordinator that it's crazy busy in the beginning but then things will start slowing down. I know this year is not going to be easy but I keep telling myself this is temporary. I 🙏!

SLH2021

I really appreciate all of your responses;)

GodsChild87

I am new to this site and not sure how to start. Any recommendations? I was diagnosed stage lll triple positive. Completed pre-chemo and surgery (lumpectomy) now facing radiation treatment and on going herceptin infusions.

barbara4

Hi GodsChild87,

I am really sorry about your diagnosis. I am not triple positive but there is a thread for that category. Did you take a look?

Wishing you the best,

Barb

msphil

hello sweetie Imma sorry you had to be here but we are here for you we been there some still going thru.Hope this inspires you my story. I was 42 at diagnosis found lump in shower this was September and my prayers were being answered. I prayed for manor my dreams and met him early in yr we dated and he asked me to marry him. So we were planning our 2nd marriages when found lump oh No this cant be happening now. Worked in medical field at time first in the O R as tech then city clinic own office in Peds medical records. Biopsy confirmed it. Had 2nd opinion which is good to do. Diagnosed with IDC stage2b 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before L mast to shrink tumor then 3 mo after we got married bald and all but wore wedding hat.Then 7wks rads 5 yrs on tamoxifen and now this yr a 27yr Survivor with faith fiance now hubby family friends plenty Positive thoughts Hope. Pray this Inspires you and others going thru.msphil

Esther01

Thank you Msphil, for sharing your story! I"m so glad you are doing well - 27 years later!

Love,

Esther