New to site, recently diagnosed

So sorry you're finding yourself on this forum. I was diagnosed in May with IDC 1 cm, stage 1 grade 2 ER/PR+, I had a lumpectomy, my oncotype score was 27, considered hi intermediate for reoccurence. My onc recommended chemo, which I started last week, will have 3 more 3 weeks apart, and with each I'll have the neulasta shot to stimulate my bone marrow to make white blood cells, which my blood test indicate it has. And as lintrollerderby wrote, I'll be having radiation when I'm done with the chemo as that's standard with a lumpectomy. My surgeon told me the reoccurence rate for a mastectomy and a lumpectomy with radiation were basically the same, just a couple percentage difference.

Only you can make the decision for what's right for you, education is power so ask lots of questions, and record your Dr appointments to review later, I used the voice memo feature of my iPod. I wish you the best.

Darla,

I'm so sorry to hear of your news.  

I was also diagnosed with IDC in May.  I ended up having a lumpectomy and about to start radiation.

I think you are missing some very important information which you will likely have soon to make the right treatment decisions.  The oncatype test along with the hormone receptor info. will guide your treatment.

I was very high ER (estrogen) positive, slightly positive on progesterone, and was HER-.

The other key information needed is whether or not it has spread to your nodes.  I had a sentinel node biopsy prior to deciding what to do (lumpectomy vs. mastectomy) and it was negative so I proceeded to a lumpectomy.  My oncatype score was in the intermediate range (which unfortunately 40% of all patients end up in) and the research is not in yet as to whether or not chemo is effective.  I tried one chemo session and dropped out because the side effects for me were bad (but they aren't for everyone - you never know).

Regarding your questions:  lumpectomy is not bad at all (I've had two since this is my second time around), the sentinel node biopsy was more sore (under my arm - it pinched) - and the radiation isn't bad at all (or at least, it wasn't for me last time around).  I think you wouldn't miss much work.  With radiation - you just go in for 15 minutes a day - you could do that over your lunch break (if you are close enough) or after school.   Yours looks like Stage 1 - and if all the other things line up (HER -, and a low/low middle oncatype) - you won't have a bad time of it at all - that's the good news.

MomtoIrish/Deb

Hello Darla, So sorry that you find yourself here and that you are going through this stressful waiting period. It can be confusing as there is so much info.at first but once you see your oncologist and can move forward with a treatment plan you will find that  there are ladies here who already have or will be having similar treatments along with you. They are always here to advise, listen and support each other.

As Puffin said, education is power, so If you can it may be helpful to take somebody with you or take a notepad or recorder to the oncologist and maybe make a list of questions before you go. Its so easy to forget some of the things that you want to ask when they are explaining so much to you.

Everybody is different so this is just my personal experience but  I found the initial core biopsy more painful than the lumpectomy. I had a lumpectomy for a 1.5 cm tumor and the surgeon only removed 1 node for testing . It was done under day surgery/general anesthetic and there was not a lot of pain afterwards.

Based on the final pathology from the lumpectomy (positive for estrogen) they decided  it would be appropriate to send what they removed for an Oncotype test to evaluate the likelihood of a recurrence without chemo. Mine came back low so the plan was for no chemo, just radiation and then a daily pill as it was positive for hormones..

Radiation sounds scary but it isn't. I go for just 10 minutes in the morning apart from the first day when they did the simulation (set up) and most of that time is spent just getting into position on the table. It can make you feel tired as it goes along so I was told to eat plenty of protein for energy and try to exercise even if its just taking a walk. 

Anyway I just want to wish you the very best!!  BCO is a great community for support and info. and there are some wonderful ladies here.

Darla,

Sorry you have to join the club.  I was diagnosed within the last week as well.  My story is a little different.  My cancer showed up as DCIS with infiltrating characteristics.  Basically, it meant one of my lymph nodes tested positive for cancer and they undersampled my breast tissue for biopsy.  My path report shows that my cancer is both ER+ and PR+.  I am also a Grade 2.  I am awaiting the HER2 report.  My breast mass is tricky because it is a fibrous mass with cancer.  From what I understand, the actual cancer mass may be smaller than the 3.6 cms. that appears on the mammography report. Whatever the case, I know, I have breast cancer.  Because of the node involvement, I chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy.  My breasts are small and my mass is big, so if they were taking one-side, they might as well take both.  I will have four months of chemo, followed by six weeks of radiation.

There are a few of us here, who like you, just received the news.  Please feel free to PM at any time.  All of us, are more than happy to help in any way we can!

Kris

Darla the waiting is the worse. Be strong and know that we are all hear to listen, laugh, and cry with you!  Sending you ((hugs))

Information, knowledge is power. The more you read the clearer your questions will be. Keep us up dated.

Hi everyone!

I was recently diagnosed with DCIS.  The diagnosis came very quickly.  I had my first mammo done on a Tuesday, the second "closer look" mammo on Wednesday, the biopsy on Thursday and the result on the following Monday night.  The following week I had the lumpectomy done and I'm recovering now. Of course I'm upset that cancer got a hold of me, but overall I'm glad that it was caught early.  As I'm still in the healing process, I did not yet start radiation (I was told that I would not need chemo) and then of course the 5 years of tamoxifen.  The healing process sucks.  My underarm is swollen, I can't move the way I want,  taking showers is a major undertaking which I need help with, I can't sleep well at night, etc. But I can deal with all of these things.  What I'm wondering is if the deep sadness, anger, shock, fear of another cancer showing up somewhere, the feeling of being completely overwhelmed and the pit in my stomach  will ever go away? 

Welcome tequilla to this group that no one wants to join, but we're glad you found us.

I had my lumpectomy Jun 16 and can sympathize with the swollen underarm and poor sleep. I slept for several nites in the recliner with pillows strategically placed, and even though I'm back in my regular bed I do find one of the soft throw pillows from the couch feels good to rest my arm on. Keep doing your arm exercises, even though they only did a sentinel lymph node dissection he says my chance of developing lymphedema is about 3-5%. So no blood pressures or IV's or injections into that arm for the rest of your life unless it's an emergency, and do the exercises faithfully that they give you. It's normal to have the painful lumps along the incision, my doc told me they'd be better in a month and they are, but that the lumps would stick around for a few months. He said I could use heat or cold or both. I found a long grain filled sock meant to be microwaved and used behind your neck worked really well. I could start it by my neck and wrap it down around my breast and under my arm as I sat in my recliner and the heat did help the pain. Just be careful that you don't get it too warm as you're probably numb in that area and not able to sense temp accurately.

My oncotype test came back too high so I'm on chemo, have #2 next week. Glad you don't have to do that, I'll be needing radiation too. I imagine they'll wait about a month after your surgery to start your radiation.

I haven't felt the big dread of cancer coming back, I just don't let my mind go there. I just finished reading the book "Mind over Mind", about how our expectations affect what actually happens in our lives - you get what you expect. So I'm thinking positive and know that whatever happens I'll deal with it.

I've found lots of support on this forum, as well as in the chat room at cancer survivors network (http://csn.cancer.org). There are also cancer specific Discussion Forums at that site you might want to scan over and see if they can answer questions you have.

I've found it's a waste of precious energy worrying about all the what-if scenerios, focus on what you have control over. and remember that education is power. Focus on what you can do now to feel better, what you can do to get yourself ready for radiation, and that will give you the strength and power to deal with the next steps in your life, whatever they might be.

Hang in there Darla.  Like you I was diagnosed with IDC (which is the most common type of BC) but no one told me that it would take about a week more to find out (after initial biopsy results) that I'd find out if it was ER/ PR (hormone) positive or negative, or the HER2 status.  I called my GYN who had those results and she walked me through quite a bit, even though I had already met with a breast surgeon (BS) but that meeting was overwhelming.  I like my GYN so I knew she would happily answer my questions, and I suggest you call whoever you need to get those answers (whoever had your pathology report).

Like a lot of people already mentioned, after my surgery on June 12 (was done in a few hours and went home), I recovered fairly quickly and had good results (clear margins, 7 nodes removed all negative) but it was suggested that I get the Oncotype test too (primarily for early stage ER/PR+ BC) and after sending 2 samples because the first wasn't big enough, the results are a 21 for me.  If you have this test, it will help you determine if you would benefit from chemo which would come before radiation (rads).  But if you score between 18-29 you are in middle range and its a tough decision.  So my oncologist ordered the Mammaprint - which is similar but primarily for those of us in the middle oncotype scores, and now I'm waiting.  Yes, there's a lot of waiting for results, but hang in there, and don't be afraid to ask questions here or with your Drs.  I am trying not to read too much up on chemo in case I don't need it, but rads comes after chemo (if you have a lumpectomy) and then typically some type of hormone treatment (tamoxifin, etc. but you decide with your Dr.) So it can be a long process...so hang in there but you will face it head on!!

Hi, welcome to this wonderful home! I am 16 years post treatment and try to come on the boards when I can. This is a "no fun" year for sure, but remember, about 80% of us are cured. One of the best cancers to get, funny as that sounds. Come often, post often, you can rant and rave at the unfairness of it all, and you don' t have to reassure worried family members. This is so tiring. You are in our sisterhood, wonderful women who help each other. Gentle hugs, Shirlan

Shirlann

It is not my intent to hurt anyone but your post upset me terribly. You chosen not to share your medical treatment history so its difficult to tell where you're coming from.

So here goes....

#1 There is no cure. There is remission. There is NED ( no evidence of disease). But there is no cure for breast cancer. If your physician has the recipe for the secret sauce he ought to share it with others.

#2 If you were to read more posts I am certain that you would see that every stage and type of BC (even DCIS) can be disfiguring. The long term chemo effects are devastating. Radiation also harbors its potential long term horrors. Surgery and treatment for any kind and stage of BC is painful . Hormone therapy is riddled with so many side effects there are too many to name.

#3 All women diagnosed once with breast cancer will forever fall into a completely different medical category than women without. You are now confirmed that your body can and does make cancer cells.

#4 The possibility of recurrence never, ever goes away.

#5 Lets add to the mix the devastation this disease has on a persons finances, careers, and family life.

Many women diagnosed with DCIS are able to be treated with lumpectomy only. Those are few. Most have at least lumpectomy and radiation. Some have all the same as other BC patients (MX, chemo, rads, hormone therapy)

I just can't wrap my head around the statement "One of the best cancers to get"

I know I will get allot of flack for this post.

Raidergirl:

I can tell you are very angry at BC...and I can certainly understand. It is occuring in epidemic proportions it seems. You had ZERO node mets, which gives you such an excellent prognosis, and less of a chance of it ever recurring anywhere in your body in the future!

DC197, I will try to figure out how to start a brand new post...I only saw a comment box below and nothing to click on to start a brand new post. Help!

Saw my Med Onc yesterday...got my OncoTypeDX score and it was LOW!! (13) Well below the dreaded "grey area" (18-30) which basically takes you back to square one. NO CHEMO is needed...yes!!

The average woman has a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime...that calculates to 12%. With no chemo and taking Arimidex for the next 5 yrs, my risk of recurrence is 9%!!

(Of course I had a BMX so there is very little to no breast tissue left. I don't need another mammogram ever again my Breast Surg told me. And I have no uterus or ovaries left so that helps.)

Big hugs to all.