Really scared

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MOA
MOA Member Posts: 1
edited April 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I was diagnosed with IDC on March 7, had an appointment with Breast Surgeon 3 weeks ago. The BS surgeon explain the pathology report. I am ER+ PR+ HR-. She did an ultrasound and found that a I have a swollen lymph node, this came back benign. I also did the BRCA test and it came back negative. Before the MRI my tumor was at 2.3 cm. My surgeon said it's early stage 2. I had my MRI last Wednesday, and went to see my medical oncologist on Friday. I found out that the MRI showed that tumor is 6 cm. This really scares me. How can it be that big, I am really scared and having a meltdown. I was doing a lot better, before this news. I went to see my PCP last week and told me that the bloodwork showed good kidney, liver, thyroid function. I am really scared that this already spread. My medical oncolgist ordered a PET/CT scan for this Wednesday. I also have chemo talk appointment this Wednesday and may start my chemo on Thursday. The port is not in yet so my onco said that we will use the vein. I will have 4 rounds of AC every weeks and 12 rounds of taxanes. Does anyone have any experience where the MRI showed a larger tumor? Before the biopsy, I could hardly feel the lump and now it feels hard and large!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2015

    Hi MOA,

    One step at a time. It is really about finding out about the nature of the lump. Take a look here: Size of Tumor (from this page: "Size doesn't tell the whole story, though. All of the cancer's characteristics are important. A small cancer can be aggressive while a larger cancer is not — or it could be the other way around."). We are happy you found us, and we'll all be here for you!

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  • TripleP
    TripleP Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2015

    I had a breast exam at doctors in late Nov. And she felt nothing nor did I but a mammogram in Dec, another in January found what was thought to be a small tumor. But after MRI it was found to be much larger like yours and another tumor was found in the same breast. I started chemo right away so first treatment was Feb. 12th. I'm scared, too

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  • nowheregirl
    nowheregirl Member Posts: 894
    edited April 2015

    My diagnosis was very similar to yours, except one of my lymph nodes was affected already. The tumor was measured nearly 4cms. My onc immediately put me on almost the same chemo regimens a yours - 12 x weekly Taxol followed by 4 x every other week AC. By the time I finished with chemo, the tumor was less than 1 cm. Then I had a lumpectomy followed by another 12 x weekly Taxol, moved on to radiations and hormone pills.

    Now look at me. Cancer is already a thing in the past. I will celebrate the 10 year mark in this coming July. Been healthy as ever and enjoying the life like everyone else. Trust me, you will soon be where I am before you know.

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  • NATSGSG
    NATSGSG Member Posts: 231
    edited April 2015


    Hello MOA:

    This National Breast Cancer Foundation has a video presentation that gives you some basic info

    http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-clinical-trials

    Read as much as you can...the more knowledgeable you are, the less fearful you will be, and the more you will be able to ask questions of your doctor,

    I found out in March 16 I have breast cancer. Stage 2, Grade 3, ER/PR-  HER2+...Got best news yesterday of clear margins, negative sentinel mode (0/1).  If you are interested, you can go to my BlogSpot to read of the different test and steps I have done thus far to give you a sense of the journey next week as I am still writing it...Be aware that  Everyone's journey is different....

    DO NOT LIGHTLY GO WITH ANXILLARY DISSECITION. IF YOU CAN AVOID IT, DO. I SIGNED CONSENT FOR IT A WEEK B4 SURGERY. ON DAY OF SURGERY, I TOLD MY DOCTOR I WILL HAVE SURGERY, LUMPECTOMY AND SENTINEL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION (SLND) BUT THAT I WANT TO CANCEL AXILLARY CLEARNACE EVEN IF 1/4 OR 2/4 OR 3/4 LYMPH NODES ARE +VE (ESP IF IT IS IN MICROMETASTASIS STAGE).

    If it is macrometatasis, then, perhaps one have no choice, but if it isn't, save your axillary if you can. Coz removing your axillary means that hand cannot life anything heavy, like carrying your child, heavy groceries anything over 5 pounds...also longer recovery, and you cannot have anything done to that ar eg vaccination, take blood, IV insertion, taking your blood pressure, practically everything. I was very very lucky my Doctor is such an understanding person. She gave me caring and support all the way. If you can find a doctor who you feel totally comfortable, who is willing to address all your concerns, who takes the time to call you back like my current doctor.

    The more control you can have over your decisions, the better you feel. Please go also to pubmed where there are many information posted by doctors and medical professionals and experts. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/9/254

    I know you are pretty scared right now, but the sooner you overcome it, the more you can benefit yourself. You are fighting for your life, and for your child. BE STRONG. If you must cry, cry. YOU WILL SURVIVE when your MORE PREPARED. TELL YOURSELF EVERYDAY - YOU WILL OVERCOME AND SURVIVE IT, FOR ME, FOR MY CHILD, FOR MY FAMILY.

    This site, breastcancer.org at this link has this pdf  at the bottom of this link page you can print out.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/getting_path_report

    It explains many things you have questions over. Print and read through them. I have found it to be EXTREMELY useful. These knowledge & my doctor's patience kept me calm thus far on my journey, gave me ideas to do more research online.

    May STRENGTH be with you always.

     

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  • lrjleyba
    lrjleyba Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2015

    Hey Kiddo,

    Just wondering how you are doing. I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and can empathize with the "floor dropping out from under you" feeling.

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