Timing of surgeon appointment

NayaBean

I was diagnosed with cancer courtesy of a biopsy report last Thursday, 5/27. I have my first appointment with a surgeon on Monday, 6/14. So that's two and a half weeks from diagnosis to meeting with a surgeon. As I am new to all this, I am hoping to hear from people here that I should not freak out about that amount of time! Or should I try for a sooner appointment?? (Not sure that is possible, though.)

Monarchandthemilkweed

I think I waited 10 days to see the breast surgeon. Then another week to see the plastic surgeon. From diagnosis to surgery it was almost 2 months exactly for me. The waiting in the beginning is the hardest. Though now I’ve had the surgery and I’m waiting again for the results of the Mammaprint to see if I need chemo. It’s hard. We’re here for you.

LivinLife

Welcome Meredith! I was diagnosed July 21. Met with first surgeon later that week. 10 days or later second opinion and August 31 surgery with second opinion surgeon... Not unusual....

NayaBean

Thank you! It is reassuring to know that my timellne, at this early stage of the process, is not unusual.

Salamandra

Try not to freak out! I felt like I held my breath the whole time I was waiting for my first appointment and it was terrible.

In retrospect, I wish I had asked for ativan sooner...

moth

Breast cancer is urgent but not an emergency so there is wiggle room as far as timing. Studies showed that breast cancer surgery is best done within 60 days of diagnosis (unless you need neaodjuvant chemo first). So you have time to see your surgeon, even get a 2nd opinion if you want, consult with plastics etc.

smc123

MeredithJane, My surgeon’s office actually recommended and scheduled me with my medical oncologist for the same day as my first appointment with the surgeon’s office. I was triple negative and my MO decided the treatment plan. Which was chemo first, then surgery and radiation last. My process happened pretty quickly...I started chemo with about three weeks of diagnosis. Good luc

NayaBean

Thank you, everyone, for your replies. This is all very reassuring!

DeziRayz

I was freaking out about this too! Biopsy came back positive for Invasive ductal carcinoma 7 mm July 9th. MRI now scheduled for July 28th. Don't even meet with all 3 Doctors/surgeons until August 16th to discuss what is next. That is all before surgery even gets scheduled, hopefully they follow with the surgery quickly. UGH!