Got the news today and am trying to wrap my head around it

bestauntever
bestauntever Member Posts: 10
edited August 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I posted this just a few minutes ago on Kimmer33's thread, but thought I'd start my own - don't want to impinge on her topic.

My name is Chris and I'm 48. No history of bc in my family at all. Have had complete hysterectomy a few years ago. Everything's been fine until 2 weeks ago. I felt a small seed-like lump in my left breast and went to dr. to check it out. Ended up a few days later having a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The seed-thing had disappeared by then and I thought everything would be just fine. La la la. Not a care in the world. I had no idea the radiologist was going to come into the room and tell me in no uncertain terms that I had breast cancer. "We caught it early," he said. I lay there speechless and almost turned my head to see if he was talking to someone else. "We caught what early?" He: "It's very tiny about 1 to 1.1 cm. You'll be fine. You're going to live." Me: (seriously wondering if this was a nightmare) "Are you saying you think it's cancer?" He: "Yes. I am." I lay there shaking and crying and they had to go get my cousin who had come with me to the appt. The past two weeks have been a horrible fog. All I can do is sleep (when I get upset, I sleep.) I've lost about 15 lbs from not eating and worrying so far (which I can stand to lose.) I do not know how I made it through work.

Had my core biopsy on Monday and got partial results today - Invasive well-differentiated ductal carcinoma. That's all I know so far. I asked what the 'well-differentiated' meant and he said that is much better than 'poorly differentiated.' Thank God my sister was there with me. I just sat there and wept and she asked a lot of questions while the dr (who was very kind) made arrangements for me to see a specialist (I just can't write the name yet. I just can't do it.) She was on the phone with some friends who went through this and some friends who are nurses and had the name of a doctor in a minute flat. I go next Tuesday. Am terrified, but reading posts from this site is very comforting. Thank you to anyone who can let me know what to expect in the coming weeks.

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited July 2015

    So sorry you are joining our club but glad you found this group. The beginning is the hardest part as it is full of so much unknown....once you get going on a treatment plan it somehow gets a little easier. Take it one day at a time....lean on the girls here. They are the best! Good luck!

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited July 2015

    Sorry about your diagnosis, Chris. I was diagnosed at 49.... out of the blue!

    Where are you located? (since that can effect what the next step is.) The US, which state, UK, Canada... Australia?

    For me, the next step was to go to the local BC center and meet with a breast surgeon. I wanted a good treatment team, with a lot of experience. The BS did an exam and reviewed the reports. She said I could have a lumpectomy or mastectomy and asked me which I preferred. I also met with a geneticist, a radiation oncologist and a plastic surgeon. There was also a therapist. I had an entire team!

    Advice: Take notes, ask for hard copies of any test results, bring someone with you in case you miss some of the info, ask for a number to call when you have more questions. Ask for some meds to help you with the anxiety.... very common. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to think straight and make good decisions about my treatment, so I took the meds.

    Honestly, the waiting and unknown was the hardest part of this process.

    Let me know if you have any specific questions.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited August 2015

    so sorry Chris!

    We are running along at the same pace, i too was just diagnosed today, however i have had a few weeks to wrap my head around it. Take one day at a time, and one step at a time. You can get through this. I actually feel better than i have in the past 4 weeks as now i have answers and a PLAN!

    Meds, get meds to help with the anxiety, they are really helpful. BTW i am 46 and no history of BC in my family at all - this has hit me from waayyyyy out in left field.

    Kim

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  • bestauntever
    bestauntever Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2015

    I'm in Michigan. The reg dr. (gp?) referred me to an oncologist and from there I guess I'm supposed to go through some tests - blood, ct scan, or mri, or pet, or bone and then see the breast surgeon. My sister asked her nurse and bc friends and they all said that's the protocol around here. The gp gave me some meds to help calm me down. I will ask the onco (I hate writing that. I will always hate writing that) when I see him/her on Tuesday what the plan is. Still waiting for someone to wake me up. Thank you for your replies.

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  • CAMommy
    CAMommy Member Posts: 437
    edited August 2015

    hi,

    I know the roller coaster. I couldn't believe when my radiologist told me "be prepared to have cancer". I thought I was going to pass out.

    I wouldn't admit it in the beginning, I couldn't even say the word to my family. But after meeting with all my specialists I felt so much better about everything. Having a treatment plan changes everything. You can do this. Everyone is here for you

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited August 2015

    chris, almost one year ago exactly, I was in your shoes. Your post brings me to tears, remembering. It captures the shock so well. This community saved me, and you are in a good place here.

    I had IDC, also well-differentiated, with no history, and I had it spread to one lymph node too. I am all done with active treatments and had a complete response to chemo. My chemo port removed today. You CAN do this.

    It is not gonna be fun, but it is not all bad.

    This is a new language, so best to read about definitions, protocols and procedures right here on BCO vs. google. Take your path report (get copies of all your test results and scans from now on, so you can research terms, etc.) and ask your oncologist to explain it in layman's terms. These things really help you to get used to this idea and advocate for yourself. Most important are Stage, Grade, hormone receptor status and whether its HER positive. These will be in your path report. Detailed, accurate and up to date info on all these terms is right here on the regular BCO home page. All these factors will play into determining your treatment plan.

    Another vital thing is to get the best oncologist (breast cancer specialist) and BS surgeon--not a general surgeon. Find an onco that has a bedside manner, and is not an arrogant a-hole. it may be ok to compromise, If the technical skill is there. You are going to have a long, intensely personal relationship, so choose wisely. Second and third opinions are a good idea.

    It is different for every woman, depending on the variables, so try not to (not easy) get overwhelmed by the whirlwind of treatment you will soon be thrust into, and not to research anything but YOUR exacttype of cancer for now.

    Come here often and ask questions, or just vent.

    Many women find that a mild anti anxiety drug short term helps. I needed that, and it did wonders for me.

    Phew! I won't throw anything else at ya tonight, cuz I know you are reeling.

    PM me anytime, I'll be sending you positive vibes!

    Candy

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

    Chris-

    Welcome to BCO. We're so sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but as you can see from the responses to your post so far, this is a safe, supportive place. The beginning is so hard, but it will get better! We're thinking of you!

    The Mods

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited August 2015

    hey Chris

    I also keep waiting for someone to wake me up from this bad dream! Yikes, what a crazy ride so far.

    Will be thinking of you Tuesday as I also head back to see the breast surgeon!

    Kim

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  • bestauntever
    bestauntever Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2015

    Thank you everyone for your kind words and good advice. I wish you good luck Kim, as well. Wish I had the rest of my biopsy report though.


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