IDC and I'm so lost

And cyber hug from us as well. 

glsgls - I'm so sorry that you have this & what a way to find out. Everybody is scared and worried when they are diagnosed - moreso in most cases than once you have a plan in place. Do not, however, feel dumb because you don't understand this stuff - of course you don't. One thing you can do is call you PCP and ask for some anti-anxiety meds if you feel like you need them. It's great that you found this board - I wish I had before treatment began. The women her can answer so many questions and really make things a lot easier all around. Treat yourself well while you're waiting to see the docs - you just got hit with a very hard diagnosis for anybody to hear, you deserve to do whatever you need to do to distract yourself (within some reasonable boundaries : ) 

((hugs))

Hi Gloria - 

I think that it is pretty common to have a second biopsy done of another site - given that you have positive results in one place, they want to be very careful to look more closely at other areas that they might not have otherwise found concerning. It also helps to guide treatment. It is good that they want to assess everything carefully (check off all the boxes so to speak before determining a treatment plan). I had an RI guided biopsy done of the 'good' breast after the original finding & it turned out to be B9. I think it's also common for the hormone receptor tests to take longer - they first want to make a determination about whether it is or is not invasive etc. before moving on to more in depth tests).

Your choice of surgeon and oncologist are important. You want to know that you are getting the best treatment possible - generally speaking most people would suggest a breast surgeon over a general surgeon. In larger facilities you tend to have a 'team' and they consult with each other to coordinate & best manage your care - your team might include a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon (for instance). 

It is both fast and slow at first. There will likely be a number of different tests, this is good because the tests are to make sure you get the best treatment. Right now, you have to remember to stop and take some deep breaths and take things one step at a time. And be good to yourself. And stay off of Dr Google. ((((hugs))))

glsgls I had a scare 4 years prior to diagnosis. All said it was nothing. I did continue to get mammograms but it was never followed up with an ultra sound. 4 years later I had this 6.5cm very fast growing, aggressive tumor. It's been 3.5 years since diagnosis and I'm doing just fine. Most of the time breast cancer doesn't grow as fast as you would think. Your fingernails grow faster.

Hang in there. It's a lot of hurry up and wait. Once you have your plan then things start to move quicker than you would think. I had to wait 6 weeks post biopsy to get surgery but they wanted to start chemo pretty quickly after that.

Gloria ...this is truly the hardest time.  My only advice at the start would be to seek opinions at a NCI facility.  You will find a team of doctors who specialize in breast cancer treatment .  I drove 4 hours to the closest NCI hospital (after reading the same advice on these boards) and I was seen by a breast cancer surgeon, a oncologist and a plastic surgeon in the same appointment. . They worked together during my surgery and treatment.   They offered resources for everything, even discounted hotel rooms for cancer patients.  I still travel 4 hours for my 3 month check ups.  

 I'm not saying there aren't excellent doctors in other places but it never hurts to seek 2 or even 3 opinions.  You're going to be overwhelmed with information.  Please try to have a second set of ears at your appointments.  I missed half of what was said at every appointment in the beginning.

Ask questions on these boards ....you will find valuable information and much support from all of us.  Take a deep breath and know we are here for you.  Sending a big hug your way......