How long after diagnosis did you have surgery?

Yes, it is - I had imaging done on Sept. 9, biopsy on Sept. 22, results on Sept. 27, but did not have surgery until November 1.  Coordination of insurance and multiple physicians causes a bit of a delay for many patients.  Try to remember that it took time for the cancerous mass to become apparent, and a delay of a few weeks will likely not change anything.  I know you are worried, and I understand that you want it OUT, right now, but this is pretty standard.

I know it is so hard to wait. I had asked my oncologist (who I really trust) if I should be worried about how long it was taking and he said it would not affect the outcome. Once you get a date for surgery you will feel better. I hope they all get that together soon and you have a date!

Hi Katrina,

I had a two week wait between mammogram and biopsy.  I had the biopsy results the next day and a lumpectomy a week later.  It went very quickly, most likely because I was treated at a small local hospital.

Wishing you all the best,

Bren

I live in small town but mine went fast.  Mammo on Friday, 12/6, then biopsy 12/9, results on 12/11, met with a surgeon out here for opinion on 12/11, called and got appointment later in day on 12/11 in St. Louis with another surgeon, went with St. Louis doc and had mastectomy 12/15.  I don't know if I would recommend going that fast for everyone, but it worked for me to have my daughter home during the day over Christmas break and I just wanted to get it over with.  My cancer was slow growing, they think I had it for at least a year.  Long story but had a lump for 25 years, always told it was a cyst, then whammo!  So knowing it was there so long, I think that's why I freaked and went through with it all so quick. So, since I had mine for quite a while, a month or so for you won't be a big deal.  You'll be fine, remember that. 

Katrina - how many Surgeons have you actually seen? SoCal has MANY 'decent' breast surgeons.

From your other thread, all you asked for was "nipple sparing" surgeon.  "Nipple sparing" is not always possible.

Katrina, I can't think of a circumstance where surgery should be rushed.  If your cancer is so agressive, large or growing quickly, then typically you would be recommended to have neoadjevant chemotherapy to shrink/stop the tumor.  Otherwise it does take time to get appointments, select your surgeon and decide about your treatment options.  Feel fortunate if you are being given options as many women aren't.   I was diagnosed 12/4 and had surgery on 2/18 and yes, it felt like everything was in slow motion. 

 All that said, you are the best advocate for your health.  If someone or some organization is making you wait, make sure that you stay in constant contact with them, following up, letting them know that you are flexible, and that you are willing to be inconvenienced, if needed.   And escalate the issue when you are not getting regular updates or call backs. 

Good luck, MsP

DocBabs - There are different forms of BC!  The different types have different appropiate protocol and time lines for TX.  Also how advanced at DX.  Surgery is often not the first line of TX.  Neoadjuvant chemo is becoming more common with some types though it has been 'standard' for years with IBC.  'Months'are not an option for some - days/weeks are vitally important for some - for some, months apparently aren't.