Recently Diagnosed....No treatment plan yet

Sorry about the bad news. I know it is very scary. When I had a biopsy the pathology was looked at by two pathologists independent of each other. When their opinions differed it was automatically sent to Vanderbilt for a second opinion. Be sure to ask your doc for copies of all reports. You'll probably want to refer back to them. A cancer dx is such a shock and it shakes you to the core. It is going to take time to digest the news. Please let us know how everything goes.

Hi!

Your samples may have been sent to the Mayo clinic to determine the profile of your cancer. My radiologist sent mine there. Your MO will want to know whether your cancer is being fed by hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and whether it is characterized by an over expression of the protein, HER2. In order to devise a treatment plan, your MO needs to have that information. In the meantime, if you're anxious, you can always ask your doctor for some anti-anxiety meds. Best wishes!

Nichcosmo,

I'm sorry that the radiologist failed to follow up on your suspicious lump. But, if it's any consolation, most breast cancer doesn't grow that fast. There are some exceptions -- mine was Grade 3, HER2+, and grew pretty quickly -- but a delay of three months may not have made much of a difference. Did your MRI show any suspicious lymph nodes? If not, that's good news!

Nichcosmo,

Treatment for HER2+ cancer is a marathon not a sprint! In fact, I'll be getting Herceptin infusions, every three weeks, through September.

Beginning about a year ago, I began what is called "neoadjuvant chemo" or chemo before surgery. Because my lump was big (5 cm.+!) we were hoping to shrink the tumor so I could have the option of a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. I had four infusions of adriamycin and cytoxan, every two weeks (this is known as dense dose AC, in contrast to AC that is infused every three weeks). That is when my hair fell out and I began wearing a wig. AC made me spacey and lethargic. I had heartburn one week, but didn't have it for the rest of my treatment. Days 4 and 5 were the worst as far as fatigue went.

After AC, I did twelve weeks of Taxol and Herceptin (a targeted therapy for HER2+ cancer) every week. I also had four infusions of Perjeta (targeted therapy for HER2+ cancer) with that combo every three weeks. Taxol/Herceptin/(Perjeta) gave me mild diarrhea, starting Day #3. I managed that with OTC meds like Imodium.

When I finished chemo, I had an MRI and a PET scan. They showed that chemo had destroyed all of the active cancer in my breast and compromised lymph node.

In January 2015, I had my lumpectomy. My surgeon took out a golfball-sized amount of tissue from my right breast, and 20 lymph nodes from my armpit. Recovery was OK, though I did have to have a seroma (excess fluid) drained.

In February 2015, I started hormonal therapy (Aromasin). It's a pill that you take once a day. My cancer was fed by estrogen, so Aromasin helps suck all of the estrogen out of my body. Normally, premenopausal women get Tamoxifen, but the recent SOFT study showed that premenopausal women who go into chemical menopause and who take an aromatase inhibitor (like Aromasin) have better outcomes. To achieve chemical menopause, I get a shot every month of Zoladex. So far, my side effects from Aromasin have involved mild hot flashes and moodiness. To deal with these side effects, I take Celexa (it's an SSRI) daily.

In March 2015, I started radiation therapy. I did whole breast radiation and seven or eight boosts (radiation that is directed solely at your surgical scar). Radiation turned my breast red, like it had a sunburn. It felt tender. But, the burn faded in a few weeks.

I was very lucky, as I have had few problems with any of my treatments. I worked through chemo and rads, though I reduced some of my workload. (I resigned from a few committees in my department at work -- I teach at a university.) I am also fortunate to be able to work at home on the days I don't teach.

Hopefully, you won't have to get all the treatment I had. I was Stage IIIa when my cancer was detected. I feel very fortunate to be feeling good and to have excellent treatment options in my community.

Today is my year anniversary from my diagnosis. I have finished chemo, two surgeries, radiation, and started on hormone therapy pills. It's been a long year, but you will keep chugging along. I am feeling pretty good considering, and getting better each day (I just finished radiation six days ago). It takes a while to really get your arms around it, it's scary and crying helps! It will be better as you start getting your pathway together. Ask folks on the boards for help. This has been a lifeline for me! I hope it serves you well too. Good luck!

I'm sure the lovely helpful ladies on the boards will come up with more comprehensive advice than I ever could, but what I wish I'd known before my diagnosis not so very long ago:

1) the diagnosis itself is overwhelming--I got brain freeze when I first heard "You have cancer." and I'd known since mammogram one (eight years ago now) that there was something suspicious in my breast AND one of the least disruptive diagnoses.

2) the emotional roller coaster does start slowing down as you find out more about your diagnosis and treatment plan, but don't be shy about asking about psychological support at any point in the process.

3) get all the written information you can from your doctors you can, especially the pathology reports (I don't know how Canadian medical practice and protocol work--I think it's similar to that in the U.S. but better to get that from someone undergoing treatment in Canada!)

4) if your oncologists offer you a choice of treatment paths, don't rush into a decision. There's no single right answer, only "Which is the least disruptive for me?"

Invasive Lobular diagnosed 10 days before my 39th birthday. I have a 8 and 12 year old. I was kicked out of the home I shared with my fiancé and children for 9 years. He has turned his back on me and I am alone and scared. I meet with the Dr on the 11th. He wanted an mri with contrast and genetic tested before we came up with a plan. I also just started a new job, so I am worried about them letting me go as I have not told them yet. Because I don't have answers to give them yet.

hi Carol

I live in British Columbia and wasnt able to get a copy of my initial pathology report from the breast clinic, but they told me i would be able to get one from my GP. I dont know if that's helpful to you or not, thoughts are with you!

Kim

My mom told me and my sister she has breast cancer this week. She broke down in tears as she told us, so did my sister. I didn't cry infront of my mom or sister, I don't know if it was because I was in shock or just trying to be strong for my mom; she's been my rock for 30+ years. I've been very anxious since she told us and feel on edge. I take her to the breasts surgeon in 2 days and to the oncologist in 3 days to find out the best course of treatement.

I love you mom. We will get through the this together, stay strong and fight.

Thanks Kimmer, my GP did give me a copy of the initial Pathology report, with a caveat that I not use Dr Google 😄. While I didn't understand a lot of it, it was almost calming to get a copy.

Surgeon appt today so I am hoping to get a lot more info.

Take care
Carol