Newly diagnosed in Fall of 2012

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  • maryah930
    maryah930 Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2012

    jenjenl, there is no real "common' approach, so don't be concerned.  As far as how things are moving, I've given BC a nickname - the hurry up and wait syndrome. Xanax helped me get through those times.  I really didn't need to take it q6h as is was prescribed, but as needed.  Hugs and you already have the courage, you found us. Wink

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited November 2012

    Quick update:

    Went in for the US on the left breast today due to the MRI results - didn't see anything alarming.  So that made me feel good.  I had the CAT and Bone scan.  At the end of the bone scan she said they looked good.  I asked if good meant the films were good or that they looked clear.  She said she thought both looked good (and then said but I'm not a dr...know kidding) ....so that gave me some hope but I am not getting too hopeful until I see the dr tomorrow.  Still waiting on the HER2 status.

    I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow at 7 am.  Meeting with the surgeon at 2.  He's still recommending only taking the right this time and at recon taking the left and recon.  So we are going to talk through my concerns and his and go from there.

    It's going to be a long weekend.  Mom has a one way ticket here coming in on Sunday.  I always thought I would be doing all this for my mom, not my mom doing it for me.  I can't wait to get a hug from my mamma!

    Hope everyone had a good day and got some good news or relief!

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  • unowhoandwhy
    unowhoandwhy Member Posts: 73
    edited November 2012

    Hey everyone, wish we could all "meet" under different circumstances! I went in for my 1st mammogram at age 4 less than a month ago. I had no expectation of problems, since as far as I knew there was no history, but I went because my doctor (who had just performed a yearly breast exam & found nothing) said that's what you do when you turn 40. Honestly, I preferred my take on turning 40, which was to buy a Harley & get a bellybutton ring!

    Anyway, they called me back for a "better picture" and the mammo tech started talking about "the spot"... which is NOT the way you should find out there might be a problem, by the way! Anyway, I was sent for an ultrasound as well & they found a 1.5 cm lump. Needle biopsy the next week confirmed my fears, it was IDC, Stage 1, ER+/PR+. When I told my family, both of my grandmothers mentioned a history, so I have it on both sides (including a maternal great-grandmother who died in her early 40s) and am awaiting the results of my genetic test.

    Considering my age, history, fear of recurrence, etc. I have decided on a BMX with immediate reconstruction (silicone implants). I'm hoping the sentinel node biopsy goes well and that I don't end up having chemo or radiation, but only time will tell. For now, I'm waiting for the surgeons to coordinate schedules and give me a date for surgery.

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  • Tracy23
    Tracy23 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2012

    Hi everyone,



    I am new to everything breast cancer related. I found a lump in my left breast mid October and am starting my first round of chemo on Wednesday. I was diagnosed November 1st with HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma, with at least 1 lymph node impacted. My oncologist recommended 20 weeks of chemo before surgery. I have no family history. I am 34 and just had my second child 5 months ago. My team of doctors thinks it is a pregnancy associated cancer. These past two weeks have been a whirlwind!!



    Honestly, I felt I was handling the news well, considering. I am determined to beat this, but am feeling very anxious about the chemo and how much it will impact my two boys. So far, my friends and family have been amazing! I am a high school special education teacher and the students and staff at my school have been supportive as well. I would love any advice on products or tips that helped you get through all the tough times (certain inspirations, bible verses, lotions, scarves, foods, books, ANYTHING). Tank you in advance!

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  • min937
    min937 Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2012

    Hello! I, too, wish we could meet under different circumstances. I was diagnosed in September with DCIS after a routine mammogram. I turned 40 in August and felt great, so it was quite a surprise. Because it appeared to be scattered, I had an MRI to better determine the exact dimensions of the area to confirm mastectomy vs lumpectomy. The MRI confirmed mastectomy, and also "enhanced" a couple of other spots that weren't on my mammograms. I elected to have a BMX (left was prophylactic) with tissue expanders on Oct. 24, 2012. My pathology report showed two areas of IDC (probably the two areas that enhanced on the MRI), my lymph nodes were clear (0/5). I have an appt tomorrow with my surgeon to discuss it, and for oncologist recommendation. I was hoping for no chemo, especially with clear lymph nodes, but we'll see. They have alluded to more aggressive treatment because of my age. Trying to take things one day at a time, but sometimes it's not easy :). I think I'm more anxious about the possibility of chemo than I was about surgery.



    Tracy23 - Keeping busy helps me not to dwell on things yet to come. I'm a stay at home mom, and my youngest just started kindergarten, so I have more time on my hands now, thus more time to dwell on my situation! I think I'm going to focus on Christmas shopping for a while :). I also find this site to be extremely helpful, but I have to limit my time on it or else my mind starts spinning all over again.



    Mindy

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