If you have just been diagnosed....

I found a lump the other night and, through the help of a good friend, spent all day yesterday at the breast center of a local hospital.  Mid-way through the day, I was told by the doctor that it is BC.  Right now she is saying stage IIA, including lymph nodes under my arm.  The tumor in my left breast is 1.5 cm.  I was then sent back out for blood tests and a chest X-ray, and made appointments for an MRI and PET scan.  So I'm freaking out now...not only about the positive diagnosis, but wondering what else they might find after all the tests.  I'm a natural worrier, and I keep jumping ahead.  Every little ache in my body has new significance.  I'm almost 62, so I just figured it was normal to have twinges in my lower back after sitting too long.  My crazy worrying head is now saying, "maybe it's more than that."  Everyone is telling me to think positive and that I'm in the best of hands.  I just can't relax, and I can't sleep or eat much.  I'm glad I found this site because it helps to read all of your stories.  

Hi mb 1024, sorry you have joined the club. It is a shock to say the least and also when lymph nodes are involved. Do tou know how many? I'm stage 3 with 7 lymph nodes but I have had 4 chemo's and I can't feel the tumour's anymore. We have very aggressive chemo and it works well. When you have had all the scans and tests you will feel better.

Sending you a hug.

Alison

Yes the round bugger under the arm, that's what I found first then two weeks later a small lump same side on my breast. Mine got really large I couldn't put my arm down but since I have had the chemo I can't feel it. Everyone in hospital was really shocked how well the chemo is working on the Cancer. Sorry I haven't had four it's three, it my brain not working right haha.

I agree, most of what we read is ten years old and has to be out of 100. My onco and surgeon say the same. I have asked for a second opinion and should know in next two to three weeks what they think. As they say treatment is so much better now, one thing I have seen is lower stage cancer doen't always have chemo. If I was lower stage I would demand it.

I just finished all of my preliminary tests, with a PET scan and MRI this week.  Now I have to wait for the Dr. to get the MRI results (Tuesday), before meeting with her about surgery and treatment.  From the biopsy and mamo last Friday (the 9th), she said I appear to be stage 2a, with a 1.5cm tumor and one node under my arm, unless anything else shows up on the MRI.  So now, of course, I'm terrified of what might show up.  This is one time I don't appreciate my over-active imagination.  I'm trying to stay positive and busy.  I just went over my kitchen cabinets with a Mr. Clean magic eraser.

Diagnosed February 7th after surgery and sterotipic biopsy.  This all began December 24th with first mamogram in a year.  Small paddle after, sterotipic biopsy and surgery.  Then MRI, CT, markings and began RT.  Day 9 of 20 today.  No time to breath.  I've had no tears.  Mom diagnosed at 64 (I'm 52) with IDC and had a masectomy. I guess maybe I expected it.  What's the difference between mine and hers?  Learning that the more I know the less I fear.

Swetcaroline2..hang in there! This is a great place to share your thoughts, fears, questions, etc. when I was first diagnosed I found it helpful not to jump into any big decisions/changes. This point in your journey will be a bit of "hurry up and wait" until you get all the pieces in place...surgeon, oncologist, etc. This site is great for asking what questions you might want to ask...

Hi all! I was just diagnosed on 2/24/12. I have an appt this morning to go over the results of my PET scan and bone scan. Praying that it is good news. I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3, er+/pr- . I also just found out that my Her2/neu status is equivocal. Does anyone know what the equivocal means?

Caravanmom, at one of the Ask-The-Expert conferences here on Breastcancer.org, another member asked about HER2 testing as well. The answer given by Eric Winer, M.D. at the time included this: "If a test result at the time of diagnosis is equivocal, then it needs further evaluation and should be repeated." 

Click on the link above to read his entire answer. And please come back and let us know how your appointment went!

Your Mods

Had idc in 1992 and had lumpectomy surgery, chemo and radiation at that time and it was successful for me for 20 years. I have recently been diagnosed with IBC with lymph nodes involved in the same breast. Because I have IBC chemo is given first before surgery can be done. I just had my first chemo about week ago and my next one is supposed to be on Apr. 4. Oncologist tells me that by that date the breast has to look better ( less redness I guess) As of today there has not be any change in the look of the breast - still red and little bumps on my lymph nodes near the breast. I am freaking out because I am being given the same kind of chemo that I got in 1992 because the doc says that it worked for me before so we will give it to you again. But I have been reading that the same chemo should not be given again as the breast cancer will resist it and it will not work. In the meantime I am having extreme anxiety about the way the breast still looks the same. I would like know if anyone else has had chemo for IBC and how long it took for the breast to look better?

Oh, I forgot to mention, my her2/neu is 1.8, so they are treating me as her2/neu-. I will not be receiving Herceptin.

Hi mb, I know what you are going thru.  Congrats on good test results.  I think the not knowing part is hard too.  And like you, I think I am most worried about chemo.  My surgeon thought I may not need radiation.  She was not sure about it however until the pathology came back after they removed the lump.  And other tests, etc.  Chemo may or may not be needed. 

I work a very demanding job and am just so ticked off that all these tests and treatments are going to disrupt my fast-paced life and ability to get my job done.  I've always been an overachiever and I push, push, push in everything I do.  I guess I will just capitalize on that asset (or maybe it's really a weakness) and use it to drive the heck out of my treatment plan.  LOL!!!

Morning all I've just been diagnosed with LCIS (Left side) in dense breast with microcalcifications and abnormal cell activity(?). This was discovered in a fashion like most of you after having calcifications show up on a mammo 8 month and seeing more on the follow up mammo/magnification just a month ago. I then had a guided needle biopsy that showed the LCIS and abnormal cell activity(?)....... I will now to go the breast clinic in EMMC, Maine and they are setting up a "guided -wire test followed by an excisional biospy". About the same time this started 8-9 months ago my periods stopped and I thought I was in Menopause and a constant pain started in my left upper arm with mild pain on the outside area of my left breast, I also have PCOS.... at first docs said it was not related to the LCIS but now they seem to be curious?! I'm 54 with no BC in family but all women, (mother and 3 aunts) have had either ovarian or uterine cancer. Been fortunate that I am receiving help from organization since we lost our insurance when my husband became disabled from his factory job with MS, 7 years ago. I know stress is a factor in health but how do you all deal with the nervous stomach prior to appointments....my next apponitment for setting up excisional biopsy is this Wednesday. Creative blessings to all of you , nice to find a site like this when you need to share.

To all just diagnosed. This is the most difficult part I promise. Treatment is doable. Surgery is doable. Chemo is doable. The waiting the tests and the unknown is terrifying. I don't have specific advice except to try and not research too much. Everyone is different and while it helps to know others gong through a similar diagnosis you are an individual. I have a really bad habit of trying to self diagnose or think other things that could be wrong so I can "be prepared for the worst". You need to be your own advocate and know all you can but as long as you have good doctors you can rest assured that you are doing all you can. If you are facing surgery rads or chemo either find a board someone has already started for the month or start one yourself and gather members to go through it together. That is the best way to form a support system on here If you have anxiety get an rX for an anti anxiety drug or something to sleep. Now is not the time to try to just tough it out Hugs to all.

Well, I'm here, a transfer from the waiting for test results forum.

I have invasive ductal carcinoma. That's all I know right now, I see a surgeon next week.



All I know is I want to hit this thing hard and heavy. Shock and awe time! I can about bet I'll be getting a MRI done. If anything, no matter how small shows up, I'll ask for a double mastectomy.

Right now, I don't even like my breasts. I'm not feeding kids, I don't need them anymore.



Sorry if this post sounds grim, but I'm still reeling over the diagnosis.