If you have just been diagnosed....
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Hi all,
I was diagnosed on Dec. 13th and will be having my MRI next Tuesday. Surgery is expected to be around the middle of next month. Like others, I just want to get all the test results in and get started on treatment - hate all the waiting.
Very best wishes to everyone who is going through this.
Jan
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JLK ~ Welcome to BCO -- although it's not the place any of us wants another woman to find out she belongs -- especially right before Christmas! Although there's never a good time to get a breast cancer diagnosis, I can't help thinking that the waiting game you're now in has got to be especially rough at this time of year, when everything is supposed to be so joyous. But as you pointed out, once you have a complete diagnosis and can move forward with treatment, it will get easier.
Hang in there! Try to enjoy Christmas, and stop back with any questions or concerns you might have that can't wait until Tuesday. We're here for you! And good luck with the MRI. I will pray that they don't find any other areas of concern! Deanna
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Hi Jan
I was just diagnosed recently too. I know what you mean about all the waiting, it's horrible, I just want to get things started. Best wishes to you....Tammy
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Thanks, Deanna and Tammy :-)
Tammy, it looks as if we will be going through everything at roughly the same time. Hopefully, we will both have a relatively smooth ride, as these things go, and have positive outcomes.
One of the stupid little things that is bugging me right now is having to have my bp and weight checked every single time I see someone, even when the appointments are on the same day and, sometimes, within the same clinic! That and the appointments to make appointrments, lol. What a crazy system.
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Tammy65 and JLK: I'm right there with you. I was diagnosed on 11/29 and I have my surgery scheduled for 1/7 (lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy). The first 2-3 weeks were the worst while waiting for all the test results to come back. I even had a BRCA test and drove myself crazy waiting on that one (it was negative). I have only told a few key people at work and have found it very difficult to deal with this during the holidays because it's such a contrast to be dealing with such bad news during an otherwise happy time. Everyone here is incredibly supportive and I'm already finding that it is getting a lot better now that all the tests are back and I feel like I'm actually moving forward by having a surgery date. I'm hoping you'll be feeling that way soon too! We're in this together and will be going through it together. The information from the members here has been unbelievably helpful-keep reaching out...Hope you are able to enjoy your holidays. I know it's tough.
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Hi abluedragonfly :-) I know what you mean about the holidays. On the other hand, my dear husband is so anxious to keep me happy that he actually got all the yard ornaments up this year, lol.
I wish I had my results back and a definite date to look forward to. That will help a lot, I think, especially since I won't get a definitive diagnosis until they have checked out all my lymph nodes.
Good luck with your surgery on the 7th and let us know how it goes. We'll be thinking of you and sending best wishes your way.
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JLK: My husband has been trying extra hard too because he's seen me really struggling the last few weeks but it's getting a lot better. The more results I get the better I feel. I think it helps me just to know what I'm dealing with because then I can cope. My core biopsy results at least determined that I have ER+/PR+/HER2+ which has given me a lot to research. DId you get some info back on that yet so that you at least know the hormone status and the HER2 status? When the MRI results came back the surgeon was able to tell me that there were no additional lesions which was more helpful info. and it also gave an initial size on the tumor. Now I'm holding my breath about the lymph nodes after the surgery and the final pathology and staging...This is really some roller coaster, isn't it? Sending you warm wishes as well and hoping your Christmas is great!
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ABDF: I am ER+/PR3+. Still waiting on HER2 results, but know there is some lymph node involvement.
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JLK: Hoping you get even more info soon...it seems to help so much to have more of a complete picture. I had the HER2 info fairly early which has helped me prepare for the possibility of chemo since it is fairly likely for ER+/PR+/HER2+ I've had so many people without BC telling me "stay off the internet" or "don't read too much". Unbelievable! The reason I'm coping so well is exactly because I am reading so much and because I'm in these forums. I've been able to anticipate a lot of what's coming next and I've been able to ask all these incredible members about the things I need to know. As a result, I have not been shocked by the news that is being thrown at me. Hope you are finding this helpful as well. As everyone told me, the initial waiting and uncertainty really is the worst. I spent the first 2-3 weeks having crying spells and waking up at 4 am which is completely out of character for me. I was able to work and no one knew what was going on but I couldn't believe the emotional roller coaster I was on. I don't think you can predict the impact of receiving a diagnosis like this. I'm feeling so much better now that I have the surgery date and feel that I'm finally getting somewhere. I'll keep checking the posts to see if you have news...
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Hi,
It feels like someone else is typing this, but I was diagnosed on Dec 17, I've seen my family doc, and I am waiting to see the surgeon on Jan 7. I have had an MRI, and hopefully when I see the surgeon they will have more information. Part of me is happy to continue waiting, as I know an MX is waiting for me just around the corner. I have had great solace in reading the DIEP forum as that is what I am hoping to be able to have done. I want to know the details, and it is driving me crazy not knowing.
Great forums - sanity savers!
CJ
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Hi CJ - welcome to the group. It looks as if at least four of us will be going through everything around the same time.
It defintely sucks to get the diagnosis at this time of year, in part because the holidays cause so many delays.
ABDF - I haven't done too much crying yet because I find myself having to be strong for the people around me, who are upset for me and I don't want to make them feel any worse. They then comment on how well I am taking the news, but it's not as if I can do anything about it at this point except get as much information as possible and wait for my surgery. Dang, I really do hate the waiting and uncertainty!
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Good morning everyone,
And thank you for so much wonderful information. I was diagnosed on December 17 with Stage 1 cancer. I had to keep it together for my kids because of the holidays, so the release of tears hasn't come (yet). I had an mri today. I am going to have a bi-lateral as breast cancer runs in our family. I wish all of you the very best. thanks, min
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Welcome migallen: seems like there are so many of us recently diagnosed. I seemed to let all the tears out in the first few weeks and it always happened in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. However, I don't have children so it's a probably much harder for those of you with children at home to put on a brave face while absorbing the news.
Calamity Jane: I can relate to the "feels like someone else is typing this" comment. I've had a couple of outside looking in moments since my diagnosis. I watched my husband ask the surgeon detailed questions and found myself thinking how surreal it seemed and thought "are they really talking about me?" It's taken me these first few weeks to fully accept and fully integrate this diagnosis. What a journey this is...thankfully we have all the brave members of these forums to pave the way.
I missed my pre-surgical testing today because of this horrible blizzard in NY so now I'm scrambling to get it done in time for my Jan 7th surgery-hoping for the best!
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A Blue Dragonfly,
Oh my goodness!, I can't imagine how you must feel on missing testing because of the snow! Fingers crossed all goes well with re-scheduling and the weather.
Migalen,JLK, Tammy 64 Hi fellow adventurers ..we all seem to be in the same leaky boat, and baling the water out as fast as we can. After reading the thread of the ones who are a year out on this trip, it seems you do reach the shore eventually.
I am going to try to make an appt with my GP to see if I can get the MRI results and hopefully a more complete diagnosis from him before my Jan 7 meeting with the Surgeon. Hate waiting. But I'm not too hopeful as when he first gave me the diagnosis he neglected to say it was invasive, and I only learned that when I asked for a copy of the pathology report from the biopsy...
I agree that the more knowledge you have the better it makes you feel.
Small steps at a time.
CJ
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I am 36 and have been recently diagnosed with DCIS high grade. I felt a lump in my right breast and immediately had it checked out. Through mammogram and ultrasound the lump was suggestive of Fibroadenoma. Being a nurse I was relieved and when they suggested a biopsy for confirmation I was not surprised. I was however surprised with they said that they incidentally found DCIS in the surrounding tissue as this was not detected on the mammogram or the ultrasound. I have since been to the general surgeon and an MRI was ordered. The MRI came back normal and still could not detect the DCIS. I am scheduled to have the fibroadenoma removed with wide margin excision. Has anyone else been through a similar situation. I am very grateful for the normal mri but still very suspicious as to why a bx is positive for DCIS that is not seen on imaging???
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CJ, thank you! I had no idea that I could get a copy of my pathology report from the biopsy. I'm going to contact my radiologist tomorrow. Good luck to you. tgillock5, I hope all turns out well for you, the worst part is the waiting and not knowing anything.
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migallen, Thank you!!! You are absolutely correct that waiting is the worst part! I have my lumpectomy with NL scheduled for Jan 3rd. The of course waiting for path will be excruciating!
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Just got the MRI report, had to wait for an hour while they called the hospital to get a copy - all the offices are closed for the holiday up here, but the good news is that it is just the one place in leftie, and only 1.4cm, no apparent lymph node involvement and nothing apparent in the right one. So now I am just waiting until Jan 7 to meet with the surgeon and discuss options, leaning towards MX - not sure about doing just the one or both...decisions decisions!
Hope everyone else is keeping their heads up and hearts calm.
Best Wishes to all,
CJ
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CJ- I will keep you in my prayers!
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Hi all. I was just diagnosed yesterday. Yeah, Happy f***ing New Year. I thought 2010 was a tough year, 2011 will be worse.
I'm a solo mom to Charlotte who I adopted in China 8 years ago. She has multiple special needs, but mostly she needs ME! I can't not be there for her. I'm prepared to do whatever I need to ensure my survival. I'm scared since I've never been very sick, have never had surgery or a stay in the hospital (until last year 2X with my daughter). I'm 50 and have always lived a pretty healthy lifestyle. I have IDC in my right breast. Other suspicious spots. Mastectomy and chemo likely. Oh god...I can't believe I'm writing this. :-( I keep bursting into tears.
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mfrenchcaz, I'm so sorry you have to join our group, but will say this is a great place to come for information and support. Please don't be tempted to surf the web, it can be very scary. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. The ladies here have so much knowledge, and we are all here to support each other. I know from what you say you are a very loving mother who will do everything to be with her daughter.
By the way I also have an adoped child who has given me my only much loved grandchild.
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Thanks Kira. I'm so mad and sad broken up about this. I know this is a good place to be. As I was driving through a huge snowstorm to my mammo appointment, I heard Dr. Weiss's interview on Fresh Air. Somehow that was a sign. I just knew it was gonna be bad news for me.
I see a few women here are going through all this s**t around the same time. Man, you gals have my heart. What a terrible time to get such bad news. I'm strong and healthy and a fighter. Right now I just feel so helpless. I'm used to dealing with my daughter's issues. Never thought I'd have to be MY health advocate. It's scary.
My glimmer of hope is knowing 5 women in my life who have gotten through this. As of today, I know three more. I guess I know many more just by being on this board.
m
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As you go along in this process you will meet more and more women who have gone through it. It's funny in a sad way, but you will find so many new friends you never knew you had. It does seem we are growing at a fast pace. I found my cancer right before my birthday, and had it confirmed the week of my 44th wedding anniversary lovely time.
You have a right to be mad, get as mad as you want. Come here as often as you want vent etc. we all understand. We have been there ourselves.
As far as Dr. Weiss,I wouldn't think of that as a bad sign I'd think of it as a good sign we will fight with all we have. She is an insperation to me as well as others here. What a great person she has been and continues to be.
By the way if you use you 5 posts up in a 24 hour period you can continue to PM anyone you want. There are some very knowledge people here who can give you so much info as you learn abou the particulars of you BC. After 50 posts I think it is you can post as much as you want.
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mfranhcaz ~ I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, but I'm so glad you've found BCO.
I'm going to send you a PM (private message) in just a few minutes. The "Private Messages" box above will show a light when you have a message. I have a cousin who lives about an hour from you. She's not only a bc survivor, but her youngest daughter is adopted from China. I took the liberty of telling her about your post, and she would very much like to get in touch with you, if you're interested.
I know everything seems overwhelming at first, but I just know it will all work out for you. (((Hugs))) Deanna
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mfrenchcaz: So sorry you are starting your New Year off this way but there are a lot of us joining you and we will be with you on this journey. I was diagnosed on 11/29/10 and my surgery is scheduled for this week on 1/7. Because I'm triple positive (ER+/PR+/HER2+) I'm most likely facing chemo and radiation. These early weeks following the diagnosis are the most difficult when you are always waiting for the next set of results and worrying about what it all means. I spent a lot of time crying in the middle of the night during those first few weeks when no one was around but eventually it gets easier and you gather up your strength for this battle. All of the members here are AMAZING and will help you whenever you have questions or are down and need someone to cheer you up. I've turned to them time and time again and I know I'll need them a lot this year. You have friends here!
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Thanks Dragonfly. I don't know what all the terms mean yet. I hope your surgery is successful. Surgeon and Radiologist are meeting today to look at my films and determine whether I need mastectomy (God that word scares the bejimmers out of me), or lumpectomy and radiation. Probably will need chemo either way. :-(
It's good to know there's such a strong and helpful community we can turn to.
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Mfrenchcaz: Did you get any news today? If so, are you doing okay? I know you are dealing with so much right now. The terms I used are things you will learn about your breast cancer when your biopsy pathology comes back. ER=estrogen, PR=progesterone and HER2 is a type of protein that is present in some breast cancers. If you are positive for any of these it makes a difference in your treatment after surgery. It seems sometimes like you have to have a medical degree to navigate all of this but we all help each other with the questions. Once you know what surgery you will be having you may want to look under the "surgery- before, during and after" forums for a relevant topic and ask lots of questions about what to expect. Several members shared with me about their surgery and I now feel a lot more confident about what to expect. It helps so much to have the support of other people who have gone through exactly the same thing. Hope you are doing okay today.
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Hi dragonfly~ I had a second set of biopsies today. Another cone (core?) of the right and one of the left where I felt like a cow about to be milked (tit hanging through hole in table). There were calcifications on the mammos they wanted to check. I don't know how they see those things.
My breasts haven't had so much handling since I was in my 20's.
Anyway, got a copy of my initial path report and here's what it says (perhaps you can help me decipher):
Estrogen receptors-strongly positive, diffuse
Progesterone receptors-weakly positive, focal (less than 10%)
HER2/NEU-2+ (equivocal), FISH pendingAm I waiting for fish?
How are you doing? Are you set for your surgery? Do you have friends and family to be there for you? I'll be thinking of you...
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Hi to all the new people,
I feel like an oldie now, diagnosed on December 17 with IDC, which is crazy but time does funny things as you wait for all the tests and appointments. I am now waiting to hear from the surgeon's office for the date of the operation. I've decided on a a Uni Mx with immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction. The surgeon said it might be 4 to 6 weeks, but at least when I get the actual date, I will be able to do some planning.
I remember sitting in the waiting room waiting for the Ultra Sound back on December 10, knitting, and they called my name, ended up with a biopsy, and when I returned to my knitting and saw 3 little stitches on the needle, I knew that my world was now a different world from when I made those 3 simple little stitches...
In less than 3 weeks I have learned a whole new lingo related to tumors,cancer,surgery etc, made drastic decisions regarding changing part of my body, and contemplated the future with or without cancer. It is a weird journey.
Thank you to all the women who have shared their experiences, it has made the decisions so much easier, and given me strength.
CJ
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Hi
I'm an American living in Switzerland, mid 50's. In November, I found a lump, went to the doctor - she did an ultrasound and it looked just like a cyst. Round, dark and floating around in there... about 1.5 cm round. But I scheduled a mammogram with ultrasound -4 weeks didn't seem so long...at that ultrasound, the radiologist said - fibroadenoma - pretty sure it's benign, but we can biopsy if you want, or just follow it. I requested the biopsy.
Next day, there we were, sitting in the doctor's office. Wasn't benign at all. That was Dec 21. On Dec 30, I had a lumpectomy and next week I'll be meeting with an oncologist.
They stage/report things a little differently here, but I have IDC, 3cm tumor, Grade 3, 0/2 Nodes, so I gather I'm IIA. I will be having radiation, I am Estrogen and Progesterone positive, not sure about the HER. They've sugggested chemo too because the tumor was growing quickly.
Things move fast here, I'm pleased with my care so far, and I'll write more about that later.
This is really hard for me though, because my mother died January 14, 1991 of breast cancer, and Dec 21, the day I learned my biopsy was not benign was the day we brought my mother home to die 20 years earlier. Not to be dramatic or anything, but it is, rather. Still, in the past two weeks I've learned a lot of things.... but mostly I'm not my mother and her story does not have to be mine.
Anyway, it's late here, and I'm off to bed... I've been scanning the forums and info much of the evening... seems to be a good place.
best
e.
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