If you have just been diagnosed....

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  • dlcw
    dlcw Member Posts: 107
    edited November 2010

    Thanks Dayla - glad to know I'll be able to get the receptor info soon (maybe by my Tues appt with oncologist) without having to wait and have more samples taken.  Trying hard today to focus on enjoying the day with my family and not reading and worrying and imagining the worst. 

     Thanks - I already love this list!  You guys are a fabulous resource.

    Donna

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  • dfwgal
    dfwgal Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2010

    I am still on the roller coaster. I got my MRI results today and have no idea what to really make of things other than it continues to go downhill. The MRI showed the mass to be 2.3 cm  not 1.7, and the cells were identified as DCIS (Path report) however, the palpable mass is present and doesn't resemble DCIS. To add more spice, there is also a small nodule that took up the dye on the other side of the same breast and 1 lymph node was enlarged. Not to be outdone... I also have 2 sm. nodules in the right breast. So I am getting all these biospied under US too. I thought DCIS Grade 0 was suppose to be the easiest. So I am not understanding why we keep finding more and more issues. Anyone else have all this occur?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2013

    dfwgal, it's not uncommon to find a bit of invasive bc hiding in DCIS, and this might be your situation, although it's obviously too soon to tell.  Having bc in both breasts is usually pretty rare.

    Getting a complete and thorough workup is really important.  My first breast surgeon let some of my workup slip through the cracks (see my bio page for details), and I ended up getting similar news to yours (more lesions found) after I'd already had one surgery.  As rough as it seems right now, I think it's better to know everything you're dealing with up front and not be blindsided later by something that was overlooked.  Also, many breast surgeons fail to tell us that nothing is absolute until the results of the surgical pathology are in.  So even when they don't see or biopsy anything invasive within known DCIS, it frequently turns up at pathology.

    Sorry you're going through this.  Be sure to let us know when your biopsies are scheduled.   Deanna

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  • dfwgal
    dfwgal Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2010

    Deanna, Thanks for the information. Sounds like I should be glad we did the MRI and found the other spots. The doctor is trying to get the biopsies scheduled for this week then it will be a waiting game for the Path report. Unless something else comes up, this should be the last group of tests. I read your profile and I am glad you went for that second opinion and treatment. Sounds like the new team was much more proactive and up to date on treatments. So I am lucky we got this test before any surgery. Thanks for alleviating some of the distress.   Toni

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited December 2010

    I was just diagnosed Dec 1st and I am terrified. I will be going for my MRI and PET scan on Tues and the biopsy on Thurs. Then I get to wait for results before moving forward to treatment. I think what scares me the most at this point is the waiting and not knowing. I had my yearly in March and there was nothing. I know it wasn't there in August because of a rash I had to deal with under it. So in a very short time I found the lump and it feels like it is getting bigger. I just found it 2wks ago and it is already bigger than it was when I found it. 

    I have a HUGE support system. That helps so much, but I am just so scared and I know I can talk to any of them anytime but I just feel that eventually they will be tired of listening to me talk about it. I can't think of anything else.  

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited December 2010

    karebear, I'm so sorry about your diagnosis.  And you're right, waiting is one of the worst places emotionally because you're not sure yet what you're dealing with, so its easy to let our imaginations go crazy.  But once you get a complete diagnosis and have a treatment plan in place, it gets easier.

    Breast cancer lesions normally don't grow noticeably larger in 2 weeks.  In most cases, they've been slowly growing for quite a few years before they're even large enough to image or feel.  Sorry you have to wait to get answers, but it's good that your doctor is doing all of those tests.  One thing I am confused about though... if you haven't had your biopsy yet, how was your diagnosis made?   

    The concern you expressed about our support systems getting tired of hearing about breast cancer is very true, although I don't think that usually happens right away.  But that's one reason we love BCO. There are always women here who understand.   (((Hugs)))   Deanna 

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  • sweetjolynn
    sweetjolynn Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2010

    Hi My name is JoAnna and I have been diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov 28th- stage 2 invasive nodual carcinoma. I don't have insure and make very little with my job. I applied with wings on Dec 3rd. But not sure what is going to happen. I have only seen a surgeon who is the one that found out I had cancer. I am so worried because time is important for a cancer patient and for me time seems to be slippn. The pain is so much and the worry is so heavy. What to do.

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited December 2010

    Welcome Joanna- so sorry you have had to join us here, but we are glad you found us. Time is important- but a few weeks are no big deal- I had 7 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. There are a lot of resources available to cancer patients - if you post where you live, there might be some sisters in your area who are familar with what's available near you.  Stage 2 IDC is very treatable- its what I had too. Hang in there and know you are not alone!

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited December 2010

    Hi Joanna.

    I just found this board and was just diagnosed last week. In that short time these ladies have been so sweet and so supportive. In the Meet and Greet forum find your state, there may be other ladies going thru what you are and live near you. (((HUGS))) 

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  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 200
    edited December 2010

    Hi, Joanna 

    Hang in there...I was Diagnosed 11-19 and everything is crazy at first...just take a deep breath and read, read, read...the ladies are wonderful and keep your spirits lifted up, even at 3am..

    If i can help you in any way just let me know...sending prayers your way!  

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited December 2010

    Hello All, I just want to take this time to wish ALL a Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy Holidays,I pray we are all healthy in the New Year, that we can continue on this HOPEFUL, HELPFUL site.  God Bless.  msphil 

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  • beljmc45
    beljmc45 Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2010

    diagnosed on nov.12 just had an mri showed alittle larger than thought but surgeon ont concerned said that mri sometimes show alot of false negatives. said something about some of my nodes on mri and now having a sonogram again and if necessary biopsy on the questional nodes, has anyone had this done!!!

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  • flopsy
    flopsy Member Posts: 365
    edited December 2010

    bel,  I had an ultrasound core needle biopsy of breast and an axillary node.  It is pretty fast and easy.  Mine was not very painful and I did not have much more than a little tenderness after the biopsy.   The Radiologist doing the procedure numbs the area good with lidocaine before doing the biopsy.  you will do well and it will  be over before you know it.

    Good luck with everything and I will be thinking of you.  I remember exactly what it felt like at this begining of the journey.  I wish you did not have to go through this but it is very doable.  Hope this helps, Ginny

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  • beljmc45
    beljmc45 Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2010

    gin, i had a core needle biopsy, did they do both of yours at the same time? i just was surprised that i'm having this again because i thought the rest would be done at surgery? did you have a lump, with radiation? right now that is what she is recommending.

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  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 200
    edited December 2010

    Beljmc45, I have just went thru the exact same thing...Had core biopsy, fine needle biopsy, and then went to UNC and they did the procedure all over..it depends on the type of sample, if it was a good sample, or not so good...once my second fine needle results came back, we determined that i do not need a SNB..and will wait to have the surgery with lymph nodes when i have my mastectomy...I do believe they are going to take another set of biopsy's before i start chemo...

    Hope this helps...I know my dr's just want the best possibe information about me so they can help make the best decisions!

    Melissa 

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  • tngirl
    tngirl Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010

    I was diagnosed with DCIS bc 2 days ago and will have surgery in two days. I am scared because it is all happening so fast. I am reading up on all information I can-and  I am glad I found this chat room so I don't feel so alone.

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  • Maureen813
    Maureen813 Member Posts: 2,893
    edited December 2010

    Welcome to the club no one wants to join.  There are amazing women on these boards to help you.  What type of surgery?  The good news it's caught early and the prognosis is good.  Try to make a list of questions for your doc and bring a friend to help you absorb all the information.  I know it's overwhelming right now but it does get easier, promise.

    Maureen

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  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 200
    edited December 2010

    Got a questions for you ladies...

    Lymph nodes are involved and so I will not have the SNB, will they wait to do the Axillary Node Dissection  during the mastectomy..is there a chance they will do it before chemo?  it seems the longer its in my nodes it has a greater chance of spreading?  

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  • beljmc45
    beljmc45 Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2010

    i was just wondering why it sounds like so many are having mastectomies? also does anyone know if you have radition do you have to be tattooed or can you request to use only markers

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited December 2010

    beljmc, the tattoo marks are very small -- like little freckles.  That said, I wish I had asked if they could have used permanent markers, because I've since read that's what some places use instead of actual tattoos.  So be sure to voice your desire not to have the tattoos if at all possible.

    And to answer your question re. mastectomies... I think the reason many women end up with them is that they have more than one lesion, or an extensive area of DCIS, or some other situation that makes a mastectomy with reconstruction a better choice.

    And to all of the newer women here, if you are not 100% comfortable with your breast surgeon or oncologist and the treatment that is being recommended to you, please take the time to get a second opinion.    Deanna

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2010

    I had a dmx because it was the right decision for me. I had 42DD's to start with. They had to take all the right breast. I also had always had trouble with back, neck, shoulder pain from the size of my boobs. So I deciced not to have reconstrustion, and to have the other one taken as well because of having IBC. I never intended on having anything else done to me. However the surgeon left me VERY, VERY lop sided. So I did end up having them fixed to match somewhat. I ended up with a large A. All me, by the way. No implants or expanders of any kind. The great thing is, now I don't have to wear a bra unless I want to. Thank God for that. Just my 2 cents worth. Leisa

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited December 2010

    I chose to have a mx bc of tumor location near the nipple. If it had been anywhere else I would have had a lumpectomy.

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  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2010

    Hi there,

    I just wondered where this link used to lead: http://www.breastcancer.org/cmn_copi_fear_diag.html

    It looks like it might be a good resource. It would be great to find it.

     Much thanks,

    Tundra

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited December 2010

    Tundra, where did you find the link?  That might help us re-direct you.  What was the topic being discussed?    Deanna

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  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2010

    Ooops, sorry, it's actually at the top of this thread. :-)

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited December 2010

    Tundra, it looks like Melissa started this thread in 2007.  Once linked information becomes obsolete or is re-written, or once a thread is no longer active, links no longer work. 

    From the content of the link, I'm gathering it might have been about fear and coping when initially diagnosed.  What you can do (I just tried this) is go to the very top bar, which is the informational part of BCO.  Click on Symptoms & Diagnosis, then search "fear" and "coping."  It will bring up several articles written since 2007, hopefully along the lines of the one that no longer exists.

    Hope this helps.    Deanna

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  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2010

    Thanks a lot :-)

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  • Tammy65
    Tammy65 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2010

    Hi Everyone

    I was diagnosed Dec 15 2010.  I am having my MRI this morning.  So scared, overwhelmed, but I really really like my surgeon and his team, they all make me feel like I am going to be taken care of.  But it is still very scary regardless of all that......

    I'm glad I found this site, it will be nice to discuss with others going thru the same things...

    Thanks for being here :)

    Tammy 

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited December 2010

    Tammy, I will be thinking about you this morning. At the beginning everything can seem overwhelming. Just know we all have been through what you are going through, and we are a very supportive community. Please let us know how the MRI went.

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  • Tammy65
    Tammy65 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2010

    Thanks so much Kira :)

    My MRI went ok, I have a sore throat and had a coughing attack in the last 2 minutes of it all...but I haven't heard back, I am going to call the office tomorrow to make sure all is ok.

    I have my surgery (lumpectomy) on Jan 20th, maybe on Jan 6th if he has a cancellation. I'm hoping for the 6th, want it done as soon as possible.

    This is a very nice forum and I just joined yesterday but I have been trying to find my way around and can see how supportive everyone is.  I'm glad I found you all.

    Thanks so much for being here....

    Tammy :) 

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