I am new to all this and thank God I have support just diagnosed

Janine

Sorry you have join this club. As far a what will happen next is after the lumpectomy or mast they will send it off to pathology. Which takes about a week to get back. Up in till this time the oncologist really doesn't know what kind of treatment you should get. Now is the hardest part of this waiting.... but once you have the pathology back and a game plan in place it seems to help with the worring. I would stay away from the internet until you have a diagonises on paper. In the mean time maybe surf through this site will help. There are alot of women in all stages of this battle here.

Please keep us posted and more ladies will be along.

Denise

Hi, Janine!  So sorry you had to join us here, but you are in the best place for information and support.  From reading your post, it sounds like you don't have ALL the facts yet, so please don't panic.  I know that is easy to say, but when you have all the information, you will better understand the path that you will be taking.  The Grade 3 thing means you have fast growing cells.  That sounds bad, I know, but actually, it can be in your favor.  Faster growing cells respond better to treatment.  My tumor was about 10 cm in size, with 5/15 lymph nodes .  I had to have the chemo first to shrink the tumor, and after 6 treatments, it was down to 1 cm in size.  I went through surgery, and now finishing up radiation treatments.  I really didn't think I would live through all this, but I did.  One day at a time!  You will too.  So take a deep breath, step back, and please understand that there is lots of hope!  Please keep us updated as to what happens, OK????

Cora

Janine, wishing you positive thoughts and virtual {{{{HUGS}}}}.

Also, I'd like to thank each of you for taking the time to share.  What positive replies to those of us with big tumors! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Janine - we are all here for you - anytime.  Keep us posted and try to relax and enjoy this Easter weekend as best you can.  I have about 6 weeks on you, so I am relatively new to all this and can well understand your fear. 

Hugs,

Linda

Hi Janine, I am traveling the same frightening path as you are right now and having the same feelings of shock and disbelief. I was diagnosed on April 3rd with Stage IIa IDC, 2 tumors in left breast, 2.3 cm and 1.6 cm at age 42 and feeling completely healthy.  It literally came out of nowhere without warning and the idea that I have cancer is completely surreal.  I find myself  driving in my car and saying out loud to myself, "I have cancer"  (sometimes adding colorful expletives). You never think it can happen to you but then I started thinking why not me?  I wasn't given a Grade as my doctor told me grading system is outdated and not used anymore so I wouldn't worry too much about that .  I had bone scan, MRI and genetic testing for BRCA gene yesterday as well as met with plastic surgeon for immediate reconstruction following mastectomy, that has yet to be scheduled while wait for genetic testing to come back which could take as long as 3 weeks; the longest 3 weeks of my life! If testing comes back positive, double mastectomy will be recommended.   In the meantime, I am scheduled for sentinel node surgery on 4/15.   I have two girls, 7 & 6 and after reminding myself a few days ago that, for whatever reason,  these are the cards I have been dealt and only I have control over how I am going to play them,  I started wearing mascara again and stopped crying ( for now anyway) and have been finding humor in the most unlikely places and subjects thanks to a wonderful husband, family and friends.  Wig shopping with a girlfriend ended up being hysterical!  However, this horrible journey is just starting and I fully expect to replace the laughter with tears at times and expect to have ongoing episodes of complete anger and anxiety especially once surgeries are scheduled, chemo starts, hair starts falling out and, mostly, if I cannot be there for my girls, my husband, family and work.   I am very relieved I found this site and women who are going through or have gone through the EXACT same thing as I am and find comfort reading posts from complete strangers who are expressing the same thoughts and fears I am having and the posts of those who have been there reminding us to take one day at a time.  Happy Easter!  

Amy