Stage llA, no node involvement, no mets

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JustmeAlicia
JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Stage llA, no node involvement, no mets
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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited October 2009

    Ok... I am getting scared to death for some reason ~  ?  Are other tests necessary, bone scans, cat scans of the body.  My next step is to see the Oncologist 11/4 to set up treatment plan.  All of a sudden panic is setting in and all I can think about is dying from this damn' BC!!! 

    Help !

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  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 745
    edited October 2009

    Hi JustMe!

    We have somewhat similiar dx, and yesterday was 1 year to the day my PCP told me I had cancer--oh did my mind go wild, it was exhausting and got me nowhere.  I would ask your BS to submit a sample for Oncotype DX if they have not already done it.  It takes about two weeks to get back, so it would be helpful for your onc to have the results.  You are of course thinking about all the scary things that may happen.  I encourage you to try and not let your mind get the best of you, but definately let your feelings and concerns out. All oncs are different, because of my dx and Oncotype, I had no scans other than a chest xray prior to mx.  I have since had a lung CT because I was coughing for several months, which turned out to be post nasal drip--zyrtec stopped it, but the CT did show nodules in my lungs.  This is why my onc doesn't like to to scans with women who have a dx like mine.  The nodules in my lungs(nodules are VERY common) are less than 2mm, and both my onc and lung doctor think it is nothing, but now I have to have a CT every 3 months for awhile to see if they grow.  My onc feels that scans are going to find something, most likely not a tumor, and he doesn't like his patients being upset by things that are most likely nothing.  He only scans with lymph node/vascular invasion, larger tumors, etc, unless of course the patient insists, or if there are symptoms.

    Hang in there!

    Hugs,

    KarenW 

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  • CaseyDoodle
    CaseyDoodle Member Posts: 144
    edited October 2009

    Hi Alicia!  I understand.  Don't you hate it when the panic sets in??  I can tell you, being a year out from treatment, that it gets better.  I even have days when breast cancer doesn't even cross my mind.  Also, it has helped me to be proactive in trying to prevent a recurrence.  I now exercise daily, take Arimidex, quite drinking alcohol (for the most part anyway) and make sure I eat 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  This makes me feel like I have some control, although I am fully aware that cancer could rear its ugly head again. 

    My children are grown, which I think makes it easier too.  I don't have the worry of raising them and worrying about the cancer coming back.

    As far as other tests are concerned, I had a bone scan and CT prior to my bilat and chemo.  I haven't had any others since completing chemo.

    Good luck and remember, one day at a time!

    Kay

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Karen & Kay ~

    Yes Karen I did ask for the Onco test.  I have my Oncologist appt 11/4 and my breast surgeon said she will make sure that the Dr. has it for the appt.  My children are 15 and 10 ~ I so want to stick around for a   L  O  N   G  time like we all DO !!  I look at my mom and she is 74, except for a mild stroke a few years ago she is overweight and otherwise perfectly freaking healthy.  (thank god)  But, I do find myself at 42 jealous that she has never had to have surgery or anything.  And yes like you said Kay and I try to make it my motto too ~ "One day at a time..."  Sometimes the emotions just get out of control and take over. 

    Thanks again girls, your the BEST!!

    Hugs ~

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  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 745
    edited October 2009

    Alicia--

    I hope you have a nice low Oncotype score!  I have two boys too, older 21 and 16, but I plan on being here for a long time, too!  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    Hugs--Karen 

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  • CaseyDoodle
    CaseyDoodle Member Posts: 144
    edited October 2009

    Alicia,

    Please try to remember that you will move past this and your life will pick up where it left off, more or less.  It is a "new normal" as I have heard any times. 

    I am not on this site much any more, since my life has gotten back to a "new normal."  I just happened to see your post as I was looking around today.

    As for me, I went through 4-1/2 months of chemo, plus herceptin.  It was not easy, but I lived through it.   I kept thinking, "I haven't seen my grandchildren."  I have two sons, 29 and 26 and neither are married or have any inclination to be married, much to my chagrin.  I know that you want to raise your children, watch them become adults and then see their children.  Keep in mind that the chances are very good that you will get to do that.  So many advances have been made in breast cancer research and the chances are very good that we will grow to be old women.  My oncologist said that she looks forward to growing old with me. 

    I am so sorry that you have begun this journey, but hope that you will care for yourself and have confidence that your life will be well lived.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you as you move through this trial. 

    Kay

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Kew and Kay ~

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