41 and just had a baby waiting for confirmation

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Prettyblueyes
Prettyblueyes Member Posts: 28
edited August 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello!

I'm Joseanna and I just had my 4th child 9 weeks ago.

Back in February I felt a couple of small lumps in my right breast. Well my OB just thought they were engorged ducts. But sent me to get an ultrasound. The tech saw something and sent me for a 3D mammogram. Well they compared it to my 1st mammogram I had done back in 2012 and saw dense mass but nothing else and I was told to get rechecked in 6 months.. A few weeks later I felt a few lumps on my neck, along my lymph nodes on the same side. My OB referred me to a general surgeon but I got busy with life and no one seemed all that concerned sooo.

I had my son. And I noticed the lumps were all bigger and there's a new one on my right collarbone and I'm experiencing weird numbness and tingling pain in my right shoulder and going up from the lymph nodes to the back of my head and it hurts to sleep on that side so I called my OB back and they sent me back for an Ultrasound and mammagram. We'll during the Mammagram the tech left and went and got the radiologist. He ran the machine over my breast and I heard them quietly talking and then my baby started fussing and my 7 year old tried to calm him but..

So the radiologist is trying to what seems like tell me he thinks it's cancer I'm hearing him but not sure if I'm hearing him right... He's got a strong Indian accent and my baby is crying.

So I get sent for a CT. A few days later with my hubby this time. Iam claustrophobic and proceeded to vomit during the scan:(

The last Wednesday I FINALLY met with my surgeon. He did a breast exam and told us to come into his office.

Dr S. Proceeds to tell us he's 99% positive I have breast cancer and he's pretty sure it's spread to my lymph nodes. He says we will probably go straight to chemo. Uhhhh hello! Do you see I have a new baby?! I have 3 other kids and a step son?! No family history of breast cancer...

So then the whirlwind of making appointments started.

Tomorrow I go for a PET/CT scan. Saturday I go for an MRI. Then the 12th I go for ultrasound guided biopsy if just the breast mass. Then I meet the oncologist the 18th, the day after my 42nd birthday.

I'm in total shock and freaking out!


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  • resilient74
    resilient74 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2015

    Hi there!

    I was just diagnosed in June. I found the lump 2 days before my 41st birthday. No family history, they said it looked like a harmless fibroadenoma. But then it wasn't.

    It's definitely a crazy ride. So many appts, tests, more tests. I just had the first of 6 chemos, and there will be surgery, radiation, and herceptin infusions for a full year. But, it's treatable, and I get to keep my breast. So what if I have to lose my hair? It's all only temporary. Trying to stay focused on the positives ;)

    Much love!

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  • Prettyblueyes
    Prettyblueyes Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2015

    Hello Resilient74!

    Thank you for replying.

    Our stories sound familiar.

    It's all so confusing. I keep trying to read my " Patient file" but all the lingo is baffling!

    My friend is a nurse and she is going to come over Monday to help me read them which is great because I have my MRI tomorrow and I'm hoping the results will be posted! Then I go the 13th for PET/CT and the 17th, my 42nd Birthday, for my biopsy and the 18th I get to meet the Oncologist and get my results! Eeek!!!

    I'm so happy that you get to keep your breast.

    I too can handle losing my hair! My 15 year old wants me to get a Mohawk and dye it before I lose it! Ha! Ha!!

    Hugs to you

    ~ Joseanna

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited August 2015

    Joseanna,

    It's so tough to have cancer, let alone with a young family, although they might help to distract you at times (or drive you distraction, one or the other!)

    I had no family history of any sort of cancer either. All the people I had lost were old age/cardiovascular related. Or suicides :(

    Anyhoo, yes the beginning is "hang onto your hat" time in a whirlwind of tests and uncertainty, but once you get an accurate diagnosis, you will start on a plan of action, and immediately most people find some relief in that! It seems to me that most of us go to the worst possible places in our minds, so the reality can be even something of a relief, when you know what is going on, and what is going to happen next.

    Hang on in there, and come here often, especially if it is hard to talk with those around you!

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  • Trichick1964
    Trichick1964 Member Posts: 43
    edited August 2015

    Hi Joseanna,

    I'm new here, still waiting on diagnosis, but felt compelled to respond to your post. You're handling so much right now. I'm so sorry for your diagnosis, and also so thankful that the marvels of modern medicine can treat you. Hugs to you !


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  • JLewis
    JLewis Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2015

    Hello all,

    I haven't been diagnosed but i must admit I'm petrified. I've had mammogram and US July 2015, and bx 8/7/15. My results will be ready 8/12.

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited August 2015

    Welcome Joseanna, sorry you have to be here. I see so many women on here get dx during or immediately following pregancy. Guess its the hormones. I had a crazy menopause with some off the charts estrogen levels before my dx. 

    Waiting for results is the worst part. Once you know what you're dealing with and have a treatment plan in place things get a bit easier. 

    Worrying is not going to change a thing, so try to relax and enjoy your new bundle of love.

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited August 2015

    Just a thought. There are many knowlegable people on this forum. If you start a thread asking for help understanding your reports and list sime of the confusing info someone here will be able to explain it to you. 


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  • cajunqueen15
    cajunqueen15 Member Posts: 794
    edited August 2015

    Hi mama!

    I am right there with you with about being diagnosed shortly after pregnancy. I have no family history of breast cancer either, am 35, and have 3 children under 3. The waiting is TOUGH! I strongly suspect that by biopsy only revealed part of the picture and that there is lymph node involvement (based on my MRI) and I won't know that until after surgery, which is going to be in September at the earliest! Aaaaaah!

    Who knew breast cancer was so much "Hurry up and wait!"

    I'll be praying that you get some answers soon. As the previous poster mentioned, everyone tells me that it gets easier once you have a plan in place.

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  • Prettyblueyes
    Prettyblueyes Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2015

    Hello everyone!!!

    Thank you all so much for all of your encouragement.

    I've tried to stay away from the boards because I've just been obsessing over every cough and ach n pain I'm feeling!😝😁

    But alas I've missed you all and I'm back!


    I was supposed to have my PET/CT last week and had been eating my low carb diet and resting and drinking my water for 2 days and then the night before I get a call and the darn Technicians were BOTH out sick! Ohhh I was so frustrated! But my Dr. Got on it and got me rescheduled for this Thursday! I did have my MRI Saturday. They only let females do the breast so she only comes in on Saturdays. It went surprisingly smooth! I didn't get sick, although laying on my stomach was a bit uncomfortable and I had to take some deep breathes, I made it!!! Yippee 😁😎

    So now I have my PET scan Thursday, biopsy Monday and Oncologist Tuesday with my results/diagnosis.

    My hubby is taking my step son to scout camp from Thurday-Sunday and his parents are coming out this weekend to be there for us during my Birthday, Monday, and my diagnosis. So I'll be super busy cleaning house and maybe doing some yard work.

    Ohh we went shopping g and I've started collecting HATS! Dr said he's pretty sure I'll be doing chemo so I'm getting a head start on my newest accessory!! Ha! Ha!!

    Hugs, strength and positive thought to you all.

    ~ Joseanna


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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Hi Joseanna!

    Sorry you had to join us. Glad to hear you survived your MRI, and managed to get your PET scan rescheduled. I will also be having a PET scan on Thursday (to check on something that showed up on two previous PET scans), so I'll be joining you with the high protein/low carb diet soon.

    Sounds like you're already getting some help from your DH's family, and have a sense of humor about the hair loss. Mine came back about two months, post final chemo (PFC).

    Hugs to you!

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited August 2015

    Nice to see you back, sorry its under these circumstances.

    Shopping is a great distraction. Hair loss is no fun, but pretty scarves and fashionable hats make it bearable. Pre-chemo I wasn't much of a hat person, but now I love them!

    I got a wig for free from my infusion center, but I only wore it once. Too hot and scratchy.  

    Keep busy, worrying won't change anything. Wishing you the best results possible.

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  • Prettyblueyes
    Prettyblueyes Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2015

    Hi Elaine,

    Thank you. Its day 1 of my low carb and I'm dying! Lol!! Why is it when we can't have something it's ALL we can think about?!

    I'm sitting here stalking my " patient records" to see when they post my MRI results. The Technician that did the scan said it should be posted today. I'm not sure even what it will say or if I'll even understand if it's bad news or not.

    I'm sorry you have to go back in for another scan. Sounds a little scary.

    I'll be thinking positive/calming thoughts for you.

    ~ Joseanna

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Joseanna -- I'm a huge pasta/bread fiend, so pre-PET scan diets are always a challenge!

    If you get your MRI results today, you can always post them on the board and see if someone can explain them.

    My PET scan will be checking my left femoral neck (bone in the hip area). In two previous PET scans, it lit up. MO says that the femoral neck is a weird place for a single bone met, but she wants to make sure it's not cancer. If it lights up again, MO will probably order a biopsy. It's not as scary as you think; since I've been on this board, I've come across dozens of ladies who are managing with bone mets. I'm one of those weird people who doesn't mind scans. They don't change our physical condition; they just increase our knowledge of it.

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  • KSkier
    KSkier Member Posts: 467
    edited August 2015

    I noticed the lump in March, while seven months pregnant, age 43. I was diagnosed in August. It became reality for me when I had to dump out breast milk in the parking lot after having had the PT scan: it was radioactive. The tears came when my mother-in-law fed my baby girl her first bottle.

    That baby girl is an amazing seven year old today. I turn 50 an a couple of weeks. I also have a ten year old son, and I am the bread-winner for our family. I run, ski, swim and live life the best I can around the medical appointments. I have read the veteran's advice here about the initial terror, panic and despair, and how once you are on the path of fighting it becomes bearable: they are right.

    But also, be sure of your care team. If you have any doubts regarding their expertise or whether they have your best interests in mind, ask questions. Insist on answers. Get an advocate-a friend, sister, husband who can listen and speak on your behalf when you are overwhelmed. Consider enrolling in trials, becoming a research guinea pig. I feel that breast cancer has become so common that every local hospital treats it like drive-by care. They have their protocol to follow, and that's fine for the "little" cases. If the cancer has spread beyond your breasts, go for the best care that you can travel to. I will forever be thankful to the woman who picked up the phone and made an appointment for me at an esteemed research center two hours drive away.

    Strength to you and your family. You can count on our continued support here @ BCO.

    KS

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