Found out today

Rocky41102

I'm 45 years old, married with 3 kids (17, 14, 13) and lots of pets. I had a biopsy on my right breast Friday and the doctor called this morning to say it was cancer. They are working on getting an appointment scheduled at a breast center so hopefully that appointment will be soon. My thoughts are all over the place. I haven't been to any doctor in years and just went for my first screening mammogram July 15th. They recommended a center and doctor in Nashville which is about an hour and a half away from me but hopefully works out.

I read the pathology report but it doesn't say much so I'm still waiting for information. It says invasive carcinoma, (ductal, not otherwise specified) and intermediate combined histologic grade. The results for ER, PR and HER2 are listed as pending which I thought was strange since they sent the report without those results. I'm not sure if there will be a follow up report or what. So just waiting and trying not to freak out.

Rah2464

Hi Rocky I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am trying my best to remember but I do believe that my surgeon called me with the very initial information of confirmation of cancer, and then the details such as grade, hormone receptor status came with the full pathology report a day or so later.

You will get information in bits and pieces initially. You will receive your full pathology report, you may have additional scans, then you will receive other information post surgical excision of the mass such as Oncotype. It is difficult to wait for all the necessary information to determine a treatment plan. I was my most anxious and worried during this period as I always want to know how to take care of things. Do your best to stay busy enough to keep your mind from spinning. With three children and lots of pets I can imagine you hardly sit down. My very best to you - we are all here to help you get through this.

4kids4dogs

hi rocky. i have my biopsy this friday. i've been waiting 3 weeks for it and i'm very anxious.

i have a bi-rads 4b score. i'm sorry you got the confirmation of malignant. best of luck to you.

we might be on this journey together.... please let us know how it goes.

Esther01

Hi Rocky,

I had IDC, too. My emotions were raw that first week. It irritated me that no one ever said the word, cancer. When my longtime PCP called to tell me the biopsy results, she was cold, stiff, formal and kept saying, "malignant" in such a way that still irritates me to this day. She did absolutely nothing to cushion the blow. I changed my PCP and never went back to her.

Rah's advice is really good. That's what I did to get through it. After the initial shock, I got quickly onboard with a wonderful, kind, supportive doctor who has worked really well with my oncology team and helped me learn what I need to do to beat it up and kick it out of my body (my metabolic cellular function needed a revamp and my immune system and diet as well). I am not even finished with treatment yet and am far healthier now than I ever was before this happened.

The initial news and tests are tough... please be easy on yourself as you go through it. I'm glad you have dogs to cheer you up! They are such therapy. Throughout my short cancer treatment thus far, the one thing that I wished I had was a dog for company.

Rocky and 4Kids4Dogs, I'll be praying for you both as you learn more.

Blessings,

Esther

Rocky41102

My appointment with the breast surgeon is Tuesday. So far, I've told my sister and my parents. I'm more calm than any of them. It's weird-i feel like I'm almost too calm and then there's flashes of stress and worry and what ifs!

Good luck at your biopsy 4kidsand4dogs! I had my results in a few days but I don't think it's fully registered in my head yet.

K-Gobby

To all.

Rocky- I found out by the PA that my lump was malignant, but did not say it was 5cm plus. More like two. She sent me for a mammogram and then an ultrasound and a biopsy. Within the same week. From there, she referred me to a local surgeon or to try for City of Hope.

So, from there, I checked my PPO doctor list and found the surgeon the PA said i needed who who worked out of the City of Hope. She drew out what I had once she examined me to confirm i have the mass stated., what the treatment options were and the end needs most likely. Calm and reassuring. Understanding it was a big deal. She asked what bra size i wore and i said most any i could find that would fit. Small breasted women have little choice, unless they want pads and underwires. I wear 35 pounds over my usual. I would kindly say some of the size i am is weight.

So, from the Surgical Breast Oncologist, I was sent for an MRI, after that I got a Cat Scan and a Bone Scan. I relaie right now i never talked to the doctor on those scans. Not really scary from what i read. Because what happened next changed by treatment. If you can be associated with a cancer/genetic center, check your insurance. By the lucky of COH, the day I met the Medical Oncologist, I was asked if I wanted to be in the genetic study done through the City of Hope, no cost to me. What??? So i did it that day, and 13 days later, yesterday, I found out i am a carrier of the BRCA2 gene. I might have just had 4 treatments, not knowing of this gene.

Every single procedure i have prayed and said aloud to whoever is the tech, "Thank you for doing what you do, so i have an opportunity to have the test". I also say to myself and sometimes out loud that "I can do any thing once" if I know i do not have to do it forever. ONE DAY, ONE TEST AT A TIME. I do not take tomorrow into my today. What is happening today. Tomorrow is my first chemo, Monday I am cutting my long hair short.

I know this is lengthy, but i also know that when you are asked if you need help, take it. Come back here and keep us up to date. I will put you in my prayers.

msphil

hello sweetie I was diagnosed at 42 while planning our 2nd marriages I found lump in shower. I worked at City clinic at time so biopsy moved fast and in few days doctor called with You have cancer. Almost fainted. Had my cry then decided to be Positive I will get thru this. Want on sites like this at time my fiance family faith got me thru.Diagnosed IDC stage2 0/3 nodes 3 mo chemo before and after L mast got married then 7 wks rads 5 yrs on tamoxifen. Praise God now a 27yr Survivor. Hope Positivity got me thru. Inspiration is why I continue on this site to help others get thru. msphil