If you have just been diagnosed....

Today I go for my consult.  I received my diagnosis June 27th. I'm absolutely numb. I have Inflammatory Breast Cancer stage III. I just can't seem to wrap my head around this.

I can't either Khoover. Good luck. Hope to see you on here. We can go through this together.

Hi everyone,

I haven't "just" been diagnosed, but it has been just under a month since being diagnosed. 

Mine started in May when I noticed a large, painful lump under my left arm.  I Google'd it and found out it would most likely be an Abcess.  But, I am not one to let things wait, so I went to the doctor the next day.  He examined me and felt the "mass" and decided to send me for a Mammogram and Ultrasound.  Because of the way he ordered the test it took me a week to get it set up (also because of HMO Insurance). 

Anyway, went in for the Mammogram and Ultrasound.  Once done the radiology doctor came in to explain what he saw.  He really didn't discuss the Mammogram at all, just the Ultrasound.  He showed me totally black areas and said that was fluid filled space.  He showed me some grayed areas and said that indicated there was possible infection and he also showed me where the colorization showed that I might have some imflamed vessels in the region. His recommendation, see a surgeon for drainage, but if my family doctor felt comfortable in draining, then he could do it. 

So, I went back to PCP.  He didn't have the results from the M & U yet, but I told him what the radiologist recommended.  So, he referred me to a surgeon. Went to the surgeon.  He was late to the appointment so my husband couldn't be there.  He had to return to work.  He examined my underarm and then decided to do a breast exam.  At which time, he found a lump in my left breast.  He became more interested in that, than in the mass under my arm.  He scheduled me for a Biopsy.  He wanted it done in the Hospital Lab Procedure room so that he could get results right then and there from the breast lump.  Depending on the results he would then decide if he needed to biopsy the underam lump. 

The results, of course, were not good, as evidenced by my presence here on this board.  So, he also biopsied the underarm mass.  This also showed cancer cells.  As we were wrapping up the procedure he started telling me what the next steps would be. MRI of both breasts were in order. 

MRI done, and results were in.  There was only the one lump in my left breast, and none on my right.  However, they also found that I didn't have just one mass under my arm, i had two. 

The lump in the breast, approx 2 cms. The two in my arm pit, 5 & 6 cms. They presented my case to the Tumor Board at the hospital and the recommendation was chemo first, then surgery.  They told me at the time that a mastectomy was going to be my only option after all was said and done. 

So, the chemo doc set up an appointment.  During this visit he discussed the possible options but was not starting anything till a Echo and PET scan was completed. Also wanted me to get a port-a-cath in for the chemo treatments.  Things have moved pretty quickly since then.  Got the port in almost two weeks ago.  Tried to start Chemo this past Tuesday but the port was not being nice. So, we decided that it most likely was too much swelling in the area from the surgery and we will wait until this coming Thursday to start chemo.

PET scan results, while not great, were promising.  The scan showed that there was still the one lump in my breast, but that I had further lymphnode involvment, possibly even into the sternal nodes. The promising part, there was no evidence of cancer anywhere esle.  I, like others, was terrified that my body might be riddled with cancer since it seemed that the cancer was spreading.

I will be getting the AC cocktail. I am not sure whether it will be for the full 8 treatments, but will definitely be getting it, unless my body doen't handle it well.  Just the discussion of the anti-nausea drugs they will be giving me was daunting.

I really am ready to start this fight, I feel as if it won't really be started till I get my first Chemo.  However, I am also exceedingly nervous about how I, my body, will react to the chemo and the Neulasta.  Reading on here is frightening yet comforting in turns.

I have already learned quite a bit from browsing the forums, but any advice would be helpful.

Thank you all for taking the time to read. God Bless and Live Well

I was also diagnosed with DCIS only it was in both breasts. I had 33 radiation treatments and I was supposed to go on Tamoxifen. I had lumpectomies with reconstruction done in September and started radiation in October. I finished my radiation treatments on December 8 and dreaded the Tamoxifen. I spoke with several doctors about the "possible" side effects. I didn't know how I would know when I had a blood clot. I have had two biopsies for cervical cancer before my BC diagnosis so I didn't like the possible cancer associated with Tamoxifen. When I spoke with my oncologist in April 2009, she said if it caused me so much anxiety, I didn't have to take the Tamoxifen. I also got the "consider myself cured" diagnosis from my surgeon in March. I am happy with my decisions. I am recovering from the lumpectomies and the radiation wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part was lying down for 1/2 hour on my back. I had to have both breasts radiated so they said I was a special case for their facility. I think the best thing for you to do is to use these boards to gather as much information as possible then make the decision that fits you and your peace of mind. I had been a caregiver for both of my parents before they passed away, my husband has lost two jobs and then I was diagnosed with my cancer. I knew if I had a double mastectomy that I would go into a deep depression just because of all I had been through. My choices were personal to me and were my way of dealing with everything. Keep on the boards and make the right choice for you. Let us know how you are doing!

God bless,

Beth

Hi Ladies

For all of you who have just been d/x, I was where you are only a short time ago.  I was d/x this past January with IDC.  The words "you have breast cancer" will forever ring in my ears.  I was shcoked and devasted and asked myself the same thing that  you are askiing yourselves "why me" I was only 40  years old at the time.  That was on the 6th of January.  I had a left breast mastecomy on the 13th of January.  A month later I went for a CT Scan and bone scan which were both clean!  Thank  God!!  I started chemo on the 3rd of March and finished 6 cycles.  My last one was June 17th.  I started radiation this past Monday, today is number 3.  So, as you can see, once you are d/x, things will move for you pretty quickly.  Right now you at at the hardest part, but it will get easier for you once a treatment plan is put in front of you.  All of the girls on this board told me the same thing too, and I thought, No way - how is that possible.  But they were right!  It do get easier.  All you can do is put one foot in front of the other and in a couple of months, you will be doing what I'm doing right now, offering words of support and comfort to other people who have just been d/x.  Hang in there!  I wish you all the very best of luck.

I was diagosed on Friday after an excisional biopsy and all I know is thatt she said it is an early stage DON'T WORRY...and I want to meet with you 1st thing Monday morning. That's it!! we'll talk then. I have implants already and have been searching every site I can.I cannot find an not one site to get info on this.Can anyone HELP me? Do they "the implants" come out for radiation,chemosurgery etc? My doc told me to bring someone with me for an extra set of ears but now divorced and family all very busy I don't want to interupt anyones very fast lives. I would just like to have some info on this so I'll know what to ask. I'm sooo lost right now. Thanks in advance if you can help.

skyNscuba ~ So sorry that you've received the diagnosis you have, but also glad to hear that it's believed to be early stage, and that you've found us here.

Without knowing more about your bc (which you'll find out soon enough), I can't begin to answer your question about implants.  But as far as the extra set of ears, that's really important because what happens is that these bc discussions are so surreal, we tend to go into a detached place where we don't hear everything -- and sometimes very little.  I know you think your family is too busy, but I would suggest letting them make that decision, rather than doing it for them.  Putting yourself first is something you will have to learn how to do for awhile, and giving your friends and family an opportunity to be there for you if they can is part of that.  If you absolutely cannot find someone this time, can you possibly take a little recorder and record the conversation?  One of the hospitals I've been treated at actually has them in the exam rooms for patient's use, so it's not as oddball an idea as it may sound.  But it'sjust a back up plan, and not nearly as good as having someone there to ask the questions that you won't think of, as well as remembering more of the discussion than you will, and even taking notes.  But it's better than nothing because I guarantee you much of what is said will be a blur to you.

Also, be sure to ask for a copy of the pathology from your biopsy (which I'm assuming is how you were diagnosed).  As the bc jargon becomes more familiar to you, you'll want to refer back to it for a better understanding of your diagnosis.

Good luck, and please stay with us and let us know what you find out.    Deanna

2 Days ago I found out I have stage 1 .  I had a lump removed and the bio came back pos. I am so lost and cry all the time. I am 42, married to a great guy and have 2 childern 9 and 13.  I know I have to be strong and not lose it for my kids. I have 2 more small lumps but unsure if cancer. Looking for a great doctor in the Pittsburgh/Cleveland area.  Cleveland Clinic I hear is good. Any help in this would be great.

tms ~ It's very hard to tell from a description, but it sounds like something might have been missed the first time around.  But it might be something only apparent now with hindsight.  Luckily, it sounds like it's only been 3 months since your treatment.  Do you have a copy of the surgical report from your lumpectomy?  That might give some clue as to what's going on now.  Did you have an MRI prior to that surgery, and did they get clean margins?  If you can share any additional information with us, maybe we can weigh in a bit more.

julrambo ~  We all cried in the beginning.  It's very scary and surreal.  Finding a good doctor is the most important step.  Here's a list of the NCI-designated cancer centers.  Hopefully, there will be one near you.  If not, try posting your question for a recommendation as a separate, new topic.  As you'll soon figure out, this site is huge, and individual questions often get lost in an on-going thread like this one.  

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html

Grandma ~ Your GP and breast surgeon are the best ones to determine how soon you can safely have surgery, but most of the time bc has been in our bodies years before it's large enough to be seen on mammogram or ultrasound.  So, in most cases, waiting another week or two to clear up another medical condition isn't a concern, even though our instincts tell us to get that thing out of our bodies ASAP!  Personally, I always try to look at delays I have no control over as a blessing -- that for whatever reason, things will work out better in the timing that I have to accept anyway.

So sorry you each have found yourselves joining this sorority that none of us ever wanted to be in, but you've come to the best place there is for information and support, so stay with us!   Deanna

I found my lump two weeks ago. Had my biopsy on Monday and received my results yesterday. I have cancer in my left breast (2cm) and lymphnodes (3cm). The only thing I know right now is that it is the hereditary kind and they are suggesting double masectomy. I was afraid to ask more when I got the call. I dont think I can handle hearing what stage it. I go for a consult on Monday at James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. I'm 31 and have three young children (all girls). I worry for them. I'm terrified that it has spread to other parts. I'm angry that when I went for my yearly exam in february my doctor refused me a mamogram when I asked for one. I had a lumpectomy 5 years ago, it was benign but cancer runs in my family. He said I'm young and have no reason to get one. I'm angry with myself for not feeling it sooner. My grandmother died of breast cancer 15 years ago and all I can think about is the way she suffered. A friend suggested this site and it has been wonderful to read about so many others dealing with exactly what I am. All of you have given me hope and a little peace. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and triumphs.

Mchan--I think Anderson is amazing, but you might get an appointment with an oncologist near you and see what he or she thinks.  The wait for Anderson won't change but within that time you could have your scans and other tests, and that would keep you busy and learning more about your case.

I know the big centers like to have the tests done there, but I don't think that means they won't use what you have.  Also you might get in sooner with a referral from an oncologist (I don't know, it's just a thought?)

I took the first appointment I could get at Moffitt but then kept busy making other appointments and getting tests.  I ended up not going back to Moffitt.  I'm sure I would have gotten great care there, but I found I could get really good care elsewhere and sooner.

Hope this helps--I guess what i'm saying is you might just start down the path and let what you learn guide your next steps.

Prayers go with you!

C

I was just given the diagnosis on Thursday.  I guess I'm still in shock and very scared.  I will be having a MRI on Tuesday to see if the cancer has spread anywhere else in my body.  They told me the week of August 10  I will have surgery.

I didn't make any deals with God, but I really didn't expect the biopsy to come back so negative.

I've told my family, some of my friends, and no one at work.  I'm not sure what to say to my employer.  I work as a special education teacher.  To say I never expected this to happen to me is an understatement.  Espcially since I was expecting some different, all of my other health exams came back really good, except this one. I'm overweight, but my doctor told me I needed to lose 24 pounds.  In fact, with the exception of the bruising that came from the biopsy and soreness in my breast I feel really good.

I'm glad I found this website, I really want to be proactive, but I'm not sure how.  Any suggestions are helpful.

I would suggest you contact the breast center at the U. of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock and ask to be in the clinical study in which you can have a lumpectomy and radio frequency ablation at the same time, which, if you are over 50, have a non-lobular tumor, are hormone-receptor positive, and less than a grade 3, will avoid the need for radiation. YOu can get an appointment very quidkly there, I am quite sure.

IM me if you want more information.  I underwent the procedure two years ago.

I had a tingling sensation in my arm after my biopsy and the surgeon told me it was due to glands and nerves being affected.  It went away after a while but it freaked me out.

I used extra pillows to help support my arm when I slept on my side and found that sleeping on my back made the sensation go away. 

I tried not to sleep on the arm that was tingling because to me it felt like the circulation was being cut off or that feeling you get just before it goes to sleep (I don't like the pins and needles feeling of that).

Oh, valeriekd ~  I'm so sorry that you're having such a difficult time with your dx, but it's something most, if not all, of us went through in the beginning.  You're right, the waiting is the hardest part, and even when we get good news, it's easy to let the fear and "what if's" creep into our thinking.  And watching our husbands worry and suffer is equally as hard, if not harder. 

Believe it or not, it does get a lot easier once you have more information and a treatment plan in place.  And you're in an area with great doctors, and the things we can see about your dx (Grade 2, hormone positive, Her2-) are all very positive prognosticators.  In the mean time, some women find that an RX -- just temporarily -- for an anti-anxiety med helps with the stress.  Or you might check your health food market for a natural stress relief product.  

I'm so sorry that you're joining our club (the club that none of us ever wanted to be in!), but I'm glad you've found us.  And if you haven't already, as soon as you know when your surgery is scheduled, you might want to find the thread for August 09 or September 09 surgeries.  Going through this with others who are having the same treatment at the same time helps a lot!

Thinking of you ~   Deanna