Just Diagnosed
Having turned 40 last July, I went in for my first 'official' mammogram after my yearly physical in early March. I had a mammogram and u/s after my son was born 10 years ago because of some density issues found by my ob/gyn. Everything was determined to be normal back then. 10 years later, I wasn't surprised to get called back for a repeat mammogram and u/s because every physician I have had has remarked on my terribly dense breast tissue. However, I was taken aback to hear that the ultrasound found a hard mass that needed to be biopsied. The radiology clinic couldn't get me in for 12 days. I spent 12 days in a numb stupor trying really really hard not to feel pessimistic nor too optimistic. I finally made it to the biopsy day and was told I would need to wait another 24-48 hours for the pathology report to determine if it was cancer or not. The first 24 hours was easy. I was so exhausted I slept through most of it. As the first 24 hours faded into the next and I dealt with the throbbing pain in my breast from the biopsy I could no longer handle to stress and anxiety that plagues me all to easily on a good day...never mind something like this. At the 48 hour mark, I started walking around with the phone..just in case. I answered the phone with heavy anticipation every time it rang. I got the IRS scam call. I got the I won a "free cruise" call. I got several other stupid sales calls. At 50 hours, I called the radiologists office to inform them that their 24-48 hour window had indeed come and gone. They said they were still waiting and would call asap. At the 54 hour mark, I received the call. The radiologist asked how I was feeling. I told him I was anxious. He clarified that he meant how was my biopsy site feeling. Um...It hurts. He talked for a few seconds about something to do with the healing process..yadda yadda....come one....tell me! And then he did. I have breast cancer. He told me he would send the report to my physician and to follow up with her. I hung up the phone and texted my husband the word "cancer". Almost immediately, I opened a window on my computer and looked up the phone number for a cancer treatment center previously used by a family friend who had recently fought and beat colon cancer. I called the number and as soon as someone answered I broke down and fought the lump in my throat to get out the words "I've just been told I have cancer." I spoke with two very compassionate people and am now awaiting a call back tomorrow about getting further testing, information and speaking with someone about my treatment. I've even filled out some paperwork, scanned it into the computer and e-mailed it back to them. I told my 10 year old son and promised him that I am going to fight this cancer with everything I've got and thanks to his love and support he's given me plenty of ammunition. I don't know what to do next. How will I get through from moment to moment.
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DizzParkMom....I can absolutely relate to your anxiety. I was diagnosed on March 20th and having surgery April 29th. I am a newbie so I really have no experience to offer you except the experience in the same feelings you have. The ladies here will guide you. You will get through this just like I will. You are not alone. I can't stand to be alone because my mind doesn't stop. I still can't believe I have cancer. Seriously. I don't believe it. But I do. I saw the report. Do you know what type of cancer you have. How big. You might want to ask for a copy of the pathology report. Keep all your paperwork together. Start a file and journal. This is what was told to me. Take someone to your dr appointments because you will forget what you talked about. It happened to me. I see my bs on Monday and have no idea what we discussed last week when I saw him for the first time. I was in a fog. I know you feel overwhelmed and scared. So do I but together we will get through this. I know this because all the women here tell me I will. So will you. One day at a time or one moment at a time. The other day I cried all day long. If you looked at me I cried. It was horrible. But that is what I had to do. The women here told me it was okay. That it is normal. All of these feelings are normal. Hugs, Lori
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Dizzparkmom, sorry, it all sucks. Being diagnosed & waiting for the necessary appts. is a nightmare.
I did not find this website until I was 5 months into the treatment process. BCO is a lifesaver for many of us. You can talk to so many women that are going thru the same treatment plan that you are. Friends & family mean well, but they are not living it. I did not follow this advice, which I regret ( until later on ) but, anti anxiety meds help. They just take the edge off & help keep the panic feelings from becoming overwhelming. There are different names, ativan, lorezapam. They saved me. The Drs. are usually willing to prescribe them short term. I believed in the first 6 months that I was tough. I could suffer in silence. That motto wears down, especially during chemo. Ask you personal Dr. for these.
Hopefully yours was caught "early". Many ladies do not need chemo, there Cancer is in situ ( contained ) or very early with no lymph node involvement. keep posting, vent your fears, it helps
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DizzParkMom-
First, we want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for what brings you here, but we're very glad you've joined us, and hope you find the support and information you need.
The first days and weeks after diagnosis are so very difficult. It's a lot to process, on top of being thrust into this world of cancer and treatment and surgery and a hundred other things that you probably hadn't thought twice of before your diagnosis. Just try to take it a day at a time, and don't think too far ahead. Focus on each day and what it brings.
We have some links put together that many of our newly diagnosed members find helpful, a Breast Cancer 101, if you will. You can find it here, in our Just Diagnosed forum: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/5/topic/8....
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
The Mods
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Thank you for your responses. I do feel alone, but having some support from women who have walked in my steps definitely comforts me. The Dr. who called with my pathology report simply told me that it was cancer and that he would forward the report to my doctor. He called at the very end of the day and I was so shocked that I just hung up the phone without asking any pertinent details.
I do know that both U/S techs said it was very small.
I have done a little research on this and other websites over the last 2 weeks while awaiting the biopsy, so I am looking back over my notes now. It's horrible. I felt like I was over reacting before and that I shouldn't have done the research. Now, I am thankful that I at least I know a little. I am a "rip off the band-aid" personality and I just want to jump into action to do what I need to do. I'm also worried about my husband and my son. I don't know how to comfort them.
Holeinone: Thank you for the suggestion about something to help me deal with the stress and anxiety.
LMonelli: Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone!
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Hi there - Dizzparkmom - it's going to be ok - you have just heard one of the scariest thing to hear so it is NORMAL to feel that terror and anxiety - i suffer from high anxiety anyways like you said you do - on a regular day! get in to your primary DR or your gyno or a walk in and try to get RX for .25 or .5 dose of xanax (even if you don't take them - just knowing you have the bottle in your house just in case you begin panick attack - you have it). the .25 is a tiny dose but it can help you get a bit of sleep and sort of settle you down in next few weeks as you research and set up appointments -
where do you live? I had excellent rferrals for Breast Surgeon near me from someone I know who out of sheer luck works at the hospital in DR relations so she knew all the DRs and who had best reputation and she knew me well so that was very helpful - you should try to identify a Breast Surgeon whom you click with - my anxious personality - i prefer calm, quiet thorough DRs who don't talk fast or rush - i lucked out and was directed to an absolutely amazing Doctor - she is also Director of the Cancer Center at the hospital here - before you decide this is the person for me - line up a few appointments and know you don't have to go with that DR unless you feel you like them a lot etc..
I opted for Mastectomy on right as I had had scare in 2007 on that side and needed biopsy (stereotactic lying with breast hanging through table - it killed!) - then in 2014, same area on right looked like a NODULE on ultrasound - I knew when I saw it on the monitor - that looks like a cancer lump - it was! anyways opted take it off - the breast had been watched for years and after 2007 i never actually worried about them finding anything - it was far from my mind so I was in shock in 2014 when got called back next day after my annual screening - totally was not planning on hearing that - so set up two biopsies 4 days later - at that point one stereotactic biospy set and one ultrasound guided biopsy (on the nodule that I already knew in mind had to be cancer) - i have gone ot same Mammo?ultrasound center for years so when the radiologist I had seen in hall came in and said he saw a Nodule - and some other cluster area on other part of my right breast - i said "this means trouble!" - i knew then by looking at him and listening to him that he was pretty sure i had BC,,, i had a gut feeling - and yes that was the result of biopsy from Ultrasound - my stereotactic biopsy failed to reach the tissue that she was trying to clip for analysis - it was too deep and after MX it did show that area was DCIS... i felt being young in realm of things - most women are mid 50's/60's when get it - that having it removed made most sense - as a lumpectomy didn't feel like would give me comfort for years ahead - and only work well when DR gets clear margins and sometimes Lumpectomy requires another lumpectomy or a Mastectomy anyways as the DR can't get clear margins,,, and that would emotionally be easier for me vs having to worry about follow up testing on the lumpectomy side - they may see things like scar tissues that cause concern and i had just decided my mind would be better off knowing all the tissue is taken out - that way no tissue to worry about cancer growing in again on that side,,, PLUS I have super sensitive skin and thin fair skin so I was absolutely SCARED about radiation on my skin and by having Mastectomy and ONCA test score and gene tests done - thankful - i was not in need of Chemo and by having Mastectomy - that meant no need to radiation at all - - - that was how I determined MX vs Lump + Rads,,, you will need to research the pros/cons - all depends on your size of tumor or amount of DCIS - what Stage you are, what grade they are guessing you may be - your family history and history cancer in your family,,, etc.. feel free to post any questions you have back
Dana Farber in Boston is said to be great treatment center, Sloan Kettering in NYC, Norwalk Hospital (Smilow Center) in CT, not sure where you are - or what type insurance you have - since you are under 45, the gene testing should be free for you - it is when so young - i think that was what I was told - maybe $400 co-pay but it won't be $4,000.00 as some people over 45 have to pay - you'll have to ask the Breast DR you choose and they will put you in contact with a Nurse Navigator that will meet with you and help you understand the diagnosis and next steps -
buy a three ring binder and 3 ring hole punch and create a binder with all your test results, copy of a monthly calendar and mark down all your appointments, type of sheet with the Dr name, tel number and put in list in front of binder as you will be calling them often and in case anyone else needs to call for you - it will be on one page in front of the binder! you can put in your notes, type up your questions, keep notes in a journal to refer back to conversations, questions etc,,
Surgery - it isn't fun but you'll do great - and healing takes time - but don't get too scared - tons of us made it through and did very well,,
you will need to meet with Plastic Surgeon who specialize in Breast Reconstruction and the Breast Surgeon you choose or those you have consult with should have 3-4 names to refer to you to go meet - in my experience you want a top notch Plastic Surgeon - if they have training as hand surgeons too - that means they are very precise as hand surgery takes high level of skill - google them - ask to see pictures of women they have performed work on who had breast cancer - you'll KNOW when you meet with them if feels right -
I'm almost 1 year out from my Diagnosis - which it was Early stage - I am age 43 now - it is terrifying news,,, yes it is,,, but I have to say that having this site was one of the best things for me. there are tons of kind women on here that will help answer your questions and offer support during the next few months and year or years,,,
once you identify your team of DRs - you'll feel so much calmer and then plan your surgery date and get prepped for that - it's now when all is so NEW that really is one of the toughest parts
and be careful how many people and whom you tell you have Cancer too - it changes way people look at you and for your future (career or friendships) maybe best to only tell a few close people and make excuses for why you are not out and about or can't attend certain things - not everyone handles hearing you have BC well - just know that and maybe keep it under wraps - esp since you have anxiety - too many people knowing your business is not always = wise to share,,,
Rest - research - really!!! it's going to be ok - - - hugs to you too Lori - how are you feeling? there are lots of ups and downs - it's emotional, physical, stressful, can be a blessing in disguise - a wake up call of sorts, an opportunity to look at things in new ways - - - but right now you feel and post your questions.
lots boards - you'll learn a lot in next few weeks!!! My prayers are on way for you both!
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I feel like I can breath a little easier this morning. I still abhor the idea of waiting to hear back from the clinic on my next step, but at least the ball is rolling. Since the biopsy on Monday, I was in a constant panic of "What if I have cancer?, I can't have cancer!, Please don't let me have cancer!" This morning...I woke up and the first words on my lips were "I have CANCER!" It's not a fear or an uncertainty anymore. It's a reality. It's here. It's inside me. I fear what it's in there doing. Is it growing? Is it invading? I'm already certain that I want a complete bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.
I have always hated my breasts. When I was a little girl, I hated the ever increasing protrusion of my nipples. I was teased in 4th and 5th grade. I hated wearing my training bra. It itched and chaffed and always seemed to 'show' under my clothes anyway. I was teased about wearing a bra. I watched my older sister as she exuded such confidence in her blooming shape. Boy did she bloom. My 'blooming', on the other hand, stalled not soon after my development began and I've been an A cup ever since....well at least one of them filled out an A cup. There's always been a little extra room in the A cup of my right breast. By high school, I was teased again for being so flat-chested. When my son was born 10 years ago, and my breasts filled with milk, I was almost a B cup for the first time in my life. Between filling out my maternity bra and breast-feeding my son, I began to have a better appreciated for my breasts. Maybe they weren't so bad after all. I had to return to work when my son was about 6 weeks old and had to switch to a breast pump. Apparently, my breasts didn't like that and my milk dried up prematurely. Slowly, they shriveled back to their original size.. perhaps a little more saggy and less plump...and covered in stretch marks. As I've gotten more into fitness, I've come to appreciate how handy it's been not to deal with large bussoms getting in my way. On vacations, I relished in the idea that I could easily rock a cute halter top without any concern of spilling out/over. Lately, I've even gotten more and more into bra shopping. Living with my husband and adolescent son, going shopping by myself is one of the 'girly' things I do when the testosterone level in the house gets overbearing. I used to hate the padded, under wire supported A cups I would come across. I felt like a fraud wearing them. I would gravitate to a tight fitting one 'size' fits all sports type bra. In the last couple of years I've come to appreciate a more feminine padded a-cup. I found a beautiful satin bra with a sexy criss-cross detail in the front. I liked it so much, I went back a few months ago and bout 3 more in different colors. I was finally starting to look in the mirror and see a sexy, "voluptuous" appearing woman staring back at me. I felt good.
And now.....I hate my breasts. They have let me down and are threatening my life. If getting a complete mastectomy can help me feel even just slightly safer and more secure in my prognosis then I am all for it. I would do it today if I could.
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I just wanted to let you know that I'm in the same boat. I had a biopsy that returned as a fibroadenoma. I was so relieved! I decided to have it removed anyway (had that done on March 26), and once that was done I was feeling great only a couple of days later. Then, six days after the excision, my doctor called to say they surprisingly found "some cancer cells" inside the mass. I still thought to myself that it must be DCIS and it would be no big deal to treat. Then I saw my doctor on Friday (April 3). I have IDC, 2.2 cm at the largest point. That's all I know because I haven't had any nodes checked and the margins of what they removed weren't clear of cancer. Since then I've been waiting and wondering. I have an appointment with a surgical oncologist next Tuesday but I'm not sure when they'll check my lymph nodes. I think the waiting is the worst part! I've mainly been angry, mixed with depressed. I haven't cried at all. I'm worried, though. I'm 45 and a single parent to three teenagers. I'm their only source of support, emotionally and financially.
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SummerAngel, It sounds like you are on a roller coaster. Recovering one minute and then thrown right back into it. I can understand your anger and depression. I am feeling anger towards everything...I hate being out of control. I wish I could control my crying more. I break down every once in a while and particularly when I have to talk to someone on the phone.
My physician is out of town until next week, but I begged them (while sobbing) to have anybody in the office go over my pathology with me. It's MY CANCER after all and I deserve to have the facts. The are trying to get the reports still...saying that their systems are 'down', but they will tentatively see me at 10:30am tomorrow. I also begged for and got squeezed in to see a nurse at the dermatology office to look at a suspicious bump on my arm. I've already had a basel cell carcinoma excised from my face 5 years ago. It looks like the same thing. When it rains, it pours.
SummerAngel: I will pray for you and your teens.
And everyone who has been so kind to reach out to me and allow me to express these thoughts that need someplace to go...thank you and I pray for all of you also.
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I am so sorry you have to join our 'club'. But you are in the right place. Keep bugging them to give you your pathology. Sounds like they are stonewalling you so that you have to get the details from the doctor. Perhaps they have an online site you can sign up for to see all your info like my hospital does?
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DizzParkMom, I hope you are able to get in tomorrow morning. Definitely ask for a copy of your pathology report if they don't offer one. It's very frustrating not knowing all the facts! I will pray for you and your family as well.
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Hi Everyone...SummerAngel, I read your post and just felt my heart swell for you. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am so sorry we are all going thru this. I had a crappy,frustrating and angry day. I live in South Florida and the driving really sucks down here.
I need to vent here as well. I vented on another thread I hang out in. I went to reply to a private message and it told me I reached my quota for the day. WTF does that mean. Does anyone know?? I would have like to chat with some of my new friends but I can't. Now that I got that off my chest...I've been hanging out here but never really introduced myself. I am Lori, 54 years old and I live in South Florida. Married 20 years and have three children. 25 and 17 yr old twins. The rest you know.
Hugs to all that are suffering, peace to all that are recovering!
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Yes, there is a limit on how many PM's you do. I just got outside email addresses when I wanted to talk more.
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Some good info...Iast week I called the ACS and they sent me a list of local support groups one of which I am attending Monday night. Hope it works out. There is so much out there for us. They also had someone call me tonight. She spoke to me over an hour and shared her experience with me and answered all the questions I had. It really help put me so what at ease. She was so nice. I just wanted to share that.
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I am so glad you are finding some support.
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I've had an appointment with the PNP at my physicians office. I've gotten me a nice big prescription for some klonipin that should at least keep me sleeping some at night. She was more interested in hearing about how I was doing emotionally and what she could do to help me with that than going over the pathology report. Basically, that was just handed to me on the way out of the office with the prescription. I'm not upset with that, but I guess I would have liked a little more of an explanation.
The report says: The final pathologic diagnosis is invasive ductal carcinoma, high-grade (grade 3/3), with extension to surrounding adipose tissue. No definitive lymphovascular invasion is identified. Desmoplastic response and marked lymphocytic response.
I understand what IDC means and I also know what grade 3 is. Beyond that...??? I'm stuck on the grade 3 part. This means that the cancer cells are dividing quickly right. So my impulse is get this BOOB off ASAP!!!!
My physicians office already had scheduled me with a local breast surgeon for Monday afternoon. CTCA is working on getting us flown to Illinois on Sunday 4/19. I'm going to at least meet with the local surgeon to hear how swiftly things can progress here locally. If it sounds like CTCA is a better option, then that's what we'll do. CTCA says that surgery could be as soon as 4/23 if that's the route that's best to take.
I've always been a quiet mouse, but I feel like I need to morph into a fire breathing dragon to face this challenge. Fear is a powerful emotion. Normal everyday things often cause me to feel afraid. Do people like me? Why don't I have close friends? Am I doing a good job as a mom? Will the cashier at the grocery store hate me for using too many coupons? At the same time...I've gone sky diving, I've miscarried one baby, I've lost another baby at birth and almost died of sepsis afterward, I've had skin cancer carved out of my face, and now I'm on the road to being a Breast Cancer Survivor. Maybe it is time I stop fearing the everyday and feeling like a mouse. It's time to stare cancer down and knock it out. Do you hear me CANCER? I'm coming for you!
Okay.....anybody buying it? I'm not sure I am this strong yet, but I am sure going to get there!
Again...Thanks for taking the time to read these words. Without a place to write this, these words are just flighty thoughts bombarding my head. It really helps to get them out and know that someone will hear me. I emailed a friend I did have, but who moved across the country last year. I told her how afraid I was and that I was glad that I could reach out to her as my friend. She responded that she was so sorry, but that she was on the way to work and would reach out to me later that day. That was yesterday and I still haven't heard from her. I know that she has her own life and people get busy, but it's just frustrating. I also talked with the neighbor across the street last night. I don't know her very well, but we talk on occasion. She was very compassionate and grabbed me for a big hug. It was nice.
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Dizz - my biobsy also showed a grade 3, but after the lumpectomy it came back a 2. I was feeling great that I had a 1.5 cm tumor, removed with clean margine and no lymph node involvement. I got through my lumpectomy and was ready to start radiation. However, my my oncotype score came back a 20, which is intermediate (as is my grade and KI-67--20). I was stunned to think I'd have to consider chemo. I've been optimistic since dx 2/16, but the reality of chemo took me for a loop. I'm having the mammaprint test done, but even if shows I'm in the low risk vs. hgih risk, I question if orego ingchemo is the right decision. If my cancer recurs own the road, if I have chemo at least I'll know I did everything I could. I feel if I don't, I'm just a coward.
Sparkle--mind if I ask what your Onco score was?
Sue
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My tumor was a grade 3 and my ki67 was 60. My BS said even with those stats it takes a while to grow. I did chemo first because chemo works really well on fast growing cells. I started chemo 6 weeks after diagnosis. This of course was a suggestion from the tumor board. After the first treatment I could feel the tumor shrinking, this gave me the will to continue on with a smile on my face.
I did end up with a near complete pathological response. Original tumor about 2.5 cm after chemo 5mm. One node came back showing possibly a micro met that was destroyed by the chemo.
The reason for this is to reassure you to take your time and get all the options to make a good decision. I was just like you I told her I wanted them cut off ASAP and she said not until I could see what the tumor board recommended. I took a week cruise and then came back refreshed and moved forward with the tumor boards recommendations.
Relax as much as possible and proceed after hearing them out. I will pray for your strength to get through this.
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Thank you for mentioning the oconotype test and mammaprint. I didn't know about these tests.
Does anyone know if it is normal that my report doesn't say anything about er/pr or her2 status? Does that mean it wasn't analyzed for that and I'll end up with having another biopsy for that information?
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Just means that report not back yet. Will be an addendum to first report & tell you your ER, PR & HER results. Prayers & good luck. I am new to this too & just had my lumpectomy 4/7 with 1 sentinel node removed. Told 7 to 10 days for results. I have IDC.
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My husband picked up hard copies of the films that the local breast surgeon wanted us to bring to the appointment on Monday. He laid them on my desk last night and I didn't think another thing about them. I walked by them a few minutes ago and couldn't resist peeking in the side of the envelope. Holy cow there are like 10,000 films in that thing. I also saw some papers stacked on top of the film. I slid them out of the envelope, but assumed they were the same incomplete reports that I have already seen. NOPE! It was the actual complete pathology report from the lab that did the tests and not just the faxed summery that they sent to the radiologist. So...I have more information and I am even more scared than I was before. In addition to IDC Grade 3...now I know that it is ER- and PR-. So I guess the birth control pills I've used to control my migraines aren't a concern. However, it also says that the Ki-67 Stains = 55-60% and "Lack of HER-2/NEU Protein Overexpression (Her-2 Stains 0 out of 3+). Oh, and I also now it's at 12:00 3 cm from the nipple.
So...I am reading that this is Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Am I right?
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It sounds to me like you are correct. I am not knowledgeable on triple - but there are plenty of people who are on here.
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I can't believe no one called you with this information and you're reading it out of a report. I'm sorry for that.
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I'm also sorry that no one gave you your actual report. That's just wrong. My doctor gave me an exact copy of what she had and went through each item with me.
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Dizz Park Mom - sorry to hearing how you had to sort things out to determine what type cancer you have - wow,,, i feel grateful for the team i found here all with 15 mins away,,, blessed actually and I reach out to say i hope you have a team there you bond with - triple neg women here i know - met --- they fear not having any way to prevent recurrence like ER+ women do,,, but the few i met did go through chemo and are trying to follow anti cancer diets and exercise and holistic stuff,,, after having surgery to remove the cancer,,, good thing is early stage - even though grade 3, yes get it out quick! that is wise,,, there is triple neg boards on here.
Sue my Onca test score was a 7 or 9,, my Breast Surgeon said my overall risk 12-15% risk without TX... and with it more like 7%.... that test was very helpful as ruled out chemo for me,, i am grateful, humbled by this whole experience, feels surreal, almost a year later and i delayed my 2nd surgery due to winter and that given me tine to ponder what to do next,,, i feel numb on side with MX, so removing both will leave you numb both sides,,, but that may be best to get two new breasts and good symetry and no fear cancer in one you keep....? pros and cons to every thing we decide or need to do to fight through the DX.
Dizz Park Mom - when will you have surgery? keep us posted, you will be feeling relief when it is OUT,,, i felt oh thank god it is OUT next day after - even with the pain and recovery - my mind felt whew thank goodness they found it ,,, it is really an emotional roller coaster your first year or two - other things may also pop up out of blue so just try to get as strong emotionally as you possible can chant, pray, believe you will be ok, God has your back or the angels are on your shoulder,,, talk yourself into good place,, this board is so helpful.\
onca dx test free if under 45 yr old,,, ask,,,,,, and i also had gene test and came back in the rare 15% UNKNOWN category!!! not positive, not neg just UNKNOWN,,, that was odd, DRs never had that type person here,,,,,,,, anyways tired,, keep us posted on your plans,,, we are here for you - friends also have no clue usually how tough this all is or choose to act very aloof when hear cancer dx,,, sad but true for me,, they don't want to hear about the day to day and i guess i don't blame them,,, not happy stuff to discuss,
g night, gotta get sleep...
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Sparkle, thank you for your motivating words. Since I've last posted I traveled to cancer treatment centers of america in Illinois. After meeting with the various drs, I chose to receive neo adjuvant chemo asap. I had my first on 4/21 and I go back every 3 weeks (3 more rounds of A-C, then 4 rounds of taxotere/carboplatin). U/s did not show any sign of nodes being enlarged at all....very stressful not having surgery immediately, but picked neo adjuvant chemo so I would be at me strongest for it and not facing chemo after a stressful surgery. Dr. Hopes for complete pathological response from the tumor and that the chemo will take care of any spread that could have been in process. I have tremendous faith in the drs there based on my experiences. Can't wait for next 6 months to "fly" by and get my surgery done. First chemo was horrible. Got neulasta shot the next day to improve immunity and was in tremendous pain for 2-3 days on top of nausea. Then dealt with more tummy issues and am now suffering through a migraine. I learned a lot this time that will hopefully lead me to a more comfortable recovery next time.
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Dizz: I am sorry you are having a hard time with your first chemo. Did you join a chemo group? They are a lifesaver both with tips on dealing with side effects and emotional support. I know there is a April group.
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Hi DizzParkMom, I know when I was told I had breast cancer in January of this year (2015), I already had accepted it and make jokes. My way of not getting upset and thinking positive. I had my mastectomy on February 19, 2015 on my right breast. Had some lymph nodes removed and the cancer hadn't spread. I also did a genetic testing done and found I have a gene that suggests I may get colon cancer. I found for myself that keeping a journal as this is just another chapter in your life (my 11 year told me about the chapter), I keep pictures of my breast before, with the expanders and the process. I'm at the end and scheduled for reconstructive surgery on May 15, 2015. The process I hate to say is very painful. Skin stretching hurts. My breast looks like a little football, but feels like I'm carrying a large basketball.With regards to not receiving information from your doctor's I have in the past (not experienced this with my cancer) reported the doctors. Nothing wrong with doing this. It just reminds them that they need to step up to the game when doing their job.
I've never had the chemo, but I heard in the beginning it's rough and once you know it, it will be over and hopefully you don't need surgery.
Keep a journal. I was told earlier this year from my breast surgeon that many women that have breast cancer consider it a personal ordeal. I don't agree! I found this website after having my surgery, and it helps a bit with information. Writing to express your feelings helps 100%, and I hope it helps you.
I can only say, stay as strong as you can. If you can get a genetic testing, I found out insurance companies won't pay for them (but from posts below: It depends on the insurance company). Mine cost $250, which to me was worth finding if I was going to get any inherited cancers.
best regards, and keep posting.
Lee
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Some insurance companies do pay for them. I was told mine wouldn't and it would cost like $2k but they paid it for some reason. Maybe because they found more cancer in my breast and node than originally diagnosed. I don't know. But I didn't complain about it.
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Mine (UHC) paid 100% of mine, and it was $3,500. Check with your insurance company.
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the genetics counselor at my hospital told me if you are under 45 yrs old and have BC as diagnosis (early - young person) and or maybe history bc in close family, paid for,,, ask! only <10% breast cancers are associated with having a genetic mutation,,, that was what i was told,,,, i would not have paid 4k to get it done that is fore sure,,,, i paid $325 or some co pay near that - i don't think everyone actually wants to hear news they have gene that May or Could cause xyz cancer in their lifetime - too vague and then that IDEA lingers in your head everyday,,, sometimes not knowing everything is better quality of life!!! if you go searching too hard for things - usually you stumble and find many other things that all can turn life upside down,,,
many things people live with for years and never have any idea anything isn't perfect and that thing never causes them any pain, inconvenience or trouble - - and it never kills them either,,, just some thoughts to ponder,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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