Found out I had breast cancer while on vacation

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brend
brend Member Posts: 66
edited December 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I'd had a biopsy before my Thanksgiving vacation. I'd called the Friday before I left, and asked them to call me back on the phone, for results of biopsy.

I got the results the Tuesday evening, before Thanksgiving. I was in the middle of a carrot cake, getting ready for me and my great niece to ice. She's 3.

I went outside, had a good cry, called both sisters, came back in, and me my 3 year old great niece iced the cake.

I didn't let it ruin my "vacation". I knew I'd have plenty time to worry about it when I got home. I'd been a very long time since I'd got out of town. Stayed with them a week, got back Monday.

I go for bone scan, blood work and chest xray tomorrow. Then back to the Oncologist for treatment plan and results Friday.

This darn thing is growing fast too. Scary fast. Last month, it was pea size. When I got mammogram it was the size of a small pecan, is what she told me. Now it feels like the size of a walnut, and really bothers me to wear a bra. Krap, that would have been fine, if I was still 16. But I'm 57, nobody wants to see that! LOL

I knew I had to find a support board, asap. I found one for several things I've been through over the years. I know support boards are a must, as I live by myself. Only people that can really help you is someone who's "been there done that, got the tee shirt". Thanks for listening.

My mammogram was normal in April this year. Now this.

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Comments

  • Siren40
    Siren40 Member Posts: 31
    edited December 2014

    Brend, just wanted to welcome you with a warm hug. I'm relatively new here as well but I've found great solace here. You are in the hardest part right now. Once you get a plan you will feel better. Please take time for yourself and let yourself grieve. We are here with you!

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  • Manu14
    Manu14 Member Posts: 153
    edited December 2014

    I'm so sorry you got such shocking news while celebrating Thanksgiving with your family. It sounds like you're a strong woman who will work your way through all this. And you are right. Ths board is a wealth of support and knowledge that you can lean on. Going theough tests and having to wait for results is lways the hardest and most unnerving time. Hang in there and take one day and one test at a time. Please keep in touch on how things are going for you.

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited December 2014

    I'm sorry you got this diagnosis while on vacation. That's not nice. It sounds like things are moving along quickly which is great. As manu14 said you sound very strong. Stronger than me at that point so you are going to do just fine. The ladies and even the men here are very compassionate and have helped me tremendously with support. Good luck tomorrow and Friday.

    Many hugs

    Nancy

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited December 2014

    brend, so sorry you got crappy news over a holiday. Please keep us posted. We are here for you and we will be with you in spirit tomorrow and Friday. (((((HUGS)))))!!!

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  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 96
    edited December 2014

    Hi Brend! I'm really sorry that you had to join the club but like the others have said you've found a great place for support. The people here are amazing. Any question that you have ask it because someone will have an answer. This part is a whirlwind of doctor's appointments but you can do this. Once you get a treatment plan the fog gets a little less hazy. Sending you hugs

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  • Swimmom2
    Swimmom2 Member Posts: 169
    edited December 2014

    Brend- cry away and let it out. You are right, we do share your pain. Lots of hugs being sent your way. You might feel alone, but we are with you.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2014

    brend, Welcome to BCO. It could feel bigger because of the biopsy. I thought mine had gotten bigger too, but it was from the swelling. I'm glad you found this site so early in the process. There are some wonderful people here that will help you every step of the way. Sending best wishes to you!! Gentle hugs!!

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  • Nash54
    Nash54 Member Posts: 837
    edited December 2014

    Brend....my lump was the size of a pea but got large after biop too due to fluid filling in the space.

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  • april25
    april25 Member Posts: 772
    edited December 2014

    I just got the call telling me right before Thanksgiving. Definitely NO fun! Although I tried not to let it affect me, since there wasn't much I could be doing about it anyway.

    I had a clear annual mammogram in March, so I discovered mine through a casual self-exam... which meant the lump had to large enough to feel, which was rather discouraging. And I think mine must be rather fast-growing, because of that. I think you'll know more once you talk with your doctor/surgeon and get the biopsy results, with all those tests they do for hormone receptors. I only just had my surgical consult day before yesterday, so I'm still flailing about trying to absorb information and figure out what I should do next... There seem to be some choices to be made, and other things seem to be a given. The doctors keep telling me to not worry so much about the time it's taking, although I can't dawdle, either.

    My lump was got swollen from the core-biopsy. Now I can definitely feel it, but there's no pain at all. I'm pretty sure that's why you now feel like it's a walnut! Hopefully, the actual size is much, much less!

    I've got my oncologist appt. day after tomorrow. Hopefully that will help me figure out the best way to go for me.

    And, oh, joy--I guess we need to get stuff done before or around Christmas, which will just be lovely! But maybe you'll have a good work-around and be able to enjoy the holidays a bit.

    I hope you're getting the information and support you need.

    Best of luck and many good wishes to you!


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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    Like I said, I've used support boards before. Now finding a good one can be hard for some things. But looks like I hit a bingo here!

    Thanks for all the replies. I'm like WOW...that many replies. Yep, found the right place for support.

    The cost of all this is scaring me already, and I won't get test results, and possibly treatment plan till Friday. I'm on disability, but make enough off it, I usually don't qualify for anything at all. Medicare too. I can't find in the Medicare handbook where it tells me how much it pays on Cancer. Folks I know that have had breast cancer here are telling me "don't worry". Yea, RIGHT. Easy to say, when you don't live alone, and have husband that makes money too, or you make a lot more than me.

    I got the blood work, chest xray, and bone scan this morning. They did let me have 2 hours inbetween bone scan, and the blood work. Hop skip and a jump home, to get some coffee and breakfast! I needed that coffee!

    See Oncologist again Friday. I don't know if she'll order more tests, or give me treatment options.

    Thanks for letting me know, that the biopsy can make the lump feel much bigger. I really thought the darn thing was growing by meets and bounds.

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  • kacee311
    kacee311 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2014

    Join the club, sister. I was diagnosed 4 months after my marriage in 2011, 4 days before my 60th birthday. Happy marriage...happy birthday! I think I cried for just about 10 minutes. Then you go strictly into BUSINESS MODE. Though I was stage 1 and microscopic, my Oncatype DX score was 38 (off the charts as far as I am concerned), so because of that I made sure and got the most progressive procedures I could...pushing to make sure I did the MOST I could do...double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, where I think the doctors would have taken a more conservative approach.

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  • kacee311
    kacee311 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2014

    My diagnosis was November 1. My lumpectomy was December 7 (2011) and my double mastectomy was December 30. Did spend new year at home with hubby and sister in law though. I don't mind the surgeries at all, and I was just glad that the chemo was started until the first of February. You can still have a good holiday after surgeries. Think positive!

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  • armamp95
    armamp95 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2014

    Brend, I too live alone on a limited Social Security income. At the time of my first DX 9 years ago, I was still under 65 and did not have a Medicare supplement plan. Medicare covered my care, but the deductibles and copayments ate me up. This time around, I do have a supplement plan, so my direct medical expenses are pretty well covered ... but the incidental expenses are really adding up (gas, recommended OTC meds, etc.).

    I was worried about being able to care for myself through the various parts of treatment, but that has gone very smoothly. When you are deciding on a treatment plan, the comparative costs and logistical issues for self care often don't really get lined out for you ... ask a LOT of questions!

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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    Kayb, that is an excellent idea. I don't know if they have a social worker yet. Only seen oncologist there 1 time, so far. Haven't pulled their website up yet either.

    This whole website here, is FULL of great info. I have read enough, that I know I don't care for breast implants. I had those removed after one ruptured in 2012. I do NOT want any more. Dang things do pop, in spite of what they told me in the early 80's. I don't care to be cut on again for those darn things.

    I may not even opt for reconstruction. I'm 57, had hysterectomy in the 90's, took care of sex drive, LOL. Been living alone for 14 years, and its too peaceful this way to even consider dating. And I'm sure my dog doesn't care if I have big boobs or none at all. What she thinks of me being flat, is all that matters.

    Actually, they can have both these boobs. Been nothing but a major pia since that one implant ruptured. I had both removed and not replaced.

    So if you have mastemctoy, (got to learn to spell it), can you use your same bra, and get something to go in it?

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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    good news, is I AM handy with needle and thread! And I have a good sewing machine too.

    Thanks for that link. But until I get my treatment options, not going to go there yet. I don't even know what type of cancer it is.

    i know a few folks here in town who've had breast cancer. But if ONE MORE tells me not to worry, I'm going to get in my dang car, and go find them, and knock the krap out of someone! Dang step sis said "lets just hope its not the invasive kind". UGGHHH.

    Seems my doc knows what kind it is, or she wouldn't have ordered the bone scan.

    At first, my first fear was loosing my hair and getting sick on chemo. Now my worse fear is $$$'s. They can have BOTH boobs. As long as they can promise I will NOT get it again.

    Got off the hormone pill 2 weeks ago. So yep, I'm a b*tch.

    Seems I'd rather get my info from here, than people around town I know that have had it. At least you all know I won't be swinging at ya,

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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    Geez, I did not have new oncologist phone number in my phone.

    People I rarely hear from, are calling one right after another.

    Looks like I missed 2 calls from their office this afternoon/evening!!!!!!! If I'm on the phone, I do NOT switch over, especially if I don't recognize the number. I finally did put their number in my cell now.

    Older sister smothering me. I need SPACE.

    and as Mom used to say, why after all this time, you suddenly start calling me?

    Oh yea, off that hormone pill, and aggitation is bad.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Brend-

    We just wanted to welcome you to Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but we're so very glad you've found us, and we hope you find the support you need here.

    Warmly,

    The Mods

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  • Dixie1
    Dixie1 Member Posts: 49
    edited December 2014

    Brend, I'm sorry you are here but you have found a great group of people. Where are you being treated? Southern Cancer Center's website has links to financial assistance. I wish you the best.

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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    Dixie1, I'm being treated at USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. If your in Mobile, its that newer building next to Mobile infirmary, and kinda on the way to USA Womens and Childrens Hospital.

    I did find out the missed calls from Dr office was to remind me of my appointment tomorrow. Geez, I do NOT know why they didn't leave me a voice mail! UGGHHH.

    Tomorrow can't get here soon enough. They won't even tell me what type of breast cancer on the phone.

    I know I found a WONDERFUL support forum here, as well as the website! Thank you all for the warm welcomes.

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  • brend
    brend Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2014

    I didn't find out much on this visit, except that it is IDC Invasive Ductal Carcinoma possible stage 2.

    She wants more test before she comes up with a treatment plan. So i get a heart test out of this, along with a few more tests.

    Did tell me I'd be starting chemo really SOON. Our next appt is Dec 19th. Guess I'll have a treatment plan then.

    I told her I'm NOT attached to either of my boobs, and she can give me a mastectomy. She said actually that would be easier, to make sure she got it all out.

    Did see one spot on my bone scan. I guess that is what a few more of these tests are about.

    So yet again, its hurry up and wait!

    Since I know I'll be doing chemo, I guess I can make some bandanna like things for my head while waiting.

    Friend that went with me said hair on legs goes too. I'm like WHOOHOO, no shaving legs!

    Sometimes, you just got to laugh.

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