Wating for MRI and surgical consult

Options
Jennvo
Jennvo Member Posts: 27
edited September 2015 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

What a blessing this board has been to me over the past couple days. Thanks so much for being here for my first post.

I had a core needle biopsy in 2 quadrants a week and a half ago which came back as high grade DCIS er-/pr- central necrosis. I had an MRI on Friday which they tell me will inform the surgeon on how extensive the DCIS is. The thing is, last week, my lymph node swelled up, though at my ultrasound a couple weeks back it was not enlarged. I told the surgical coordinator and she didn't think it would change the way they are proceeding. I guess from everything I have read, what I have is the worst possible DCIS (it is over a 6cm area in the mammo). It's taking time to digest all of this stuff, With the swollen node I am convinced that the aggressive nature of the cancer deserves quicker attention...Any thoughts on time frames and surgery?

I'm pretty much thinking I am going to find out I have invasive cancer after this MRI/surgery. I guess I'm just looking for others going through a similar thing cause I really am having a hard time talking to anyone about this...I don't want to alienate people so early in the game. My kids' worlds are going to fall apart when I tell them, which is another question I have for others...How do you tell your kids? They are older (12 and 15). My husband was nearly absent as it was, so there isn't going to be any support or help there, and I feel concern for my kids seeing their father's lack of empathy for mom who is ill...

I feel alternately numb, sad, scared...Thanks for listening!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

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

    Hi Jennvo, we're so sorry that you have to be here... but wanted to say welcome! We know how scary and confusing the first days and weeks can be, and we hope you're finding support and information from the community here!

    We know other members will chime in soon with their personal experiences and encouraging words. In the meantime, the article Talking to Older Children and Teens from our main site offers some tips for talking about breast cancer with your kids.

    Good luck with MRI, we're thinking of you!

    Hugs,

    The Moderators


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jennvo
    Jennvo Member Posts: 27
    edited September 2015

    Thanks for the reply and the link. I have already learned quite a bit from it. I really appreciate this site and the other posts so much. I look forward to when I can share my story and give others reassurances as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mblinnc
    mblinnc Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2015

    Jennvo - I was diagnosed with DCIS on 4/30. Initially the invasive area was first to show up on the mammo and then the MRI results bubbled to the surface that there was 5 mm area inside the duct as well. Because of the path of the cancer in the duct (upward and somewhat toward the right armpit) a mastectomy was required. The MRI also showed three suspicious areas on the left - i decided on a bilateral mastectomy. My surgery was 6/24 - the day prior to my 47th bday. I can talk with you further about my treatment and reconstruction but right now I just wanted you to know that once You have the MRI results, you should make sure to take the time you need to feel comfortable with a surgeon and that the decisions you make are the right ones for you. It is hard mentally to know the cancer is there and still be making decisions about surgery and treatment, but taking the time you need will give you confidence in your decisions so that you won't look back with any regrets.

    I'm sorry that you don't feel you have the support of your husband. You will need to build your support system from other family and friends around you who can build you up and be there. In my case, some of those people come came from places I didn't expect. You will be surprised as you begin telling others how many around you have been affected by this disease and will be willing to be there for you and your children. Is there a Nurse Navigator at the facility where you had your mammo or MRI? If so, reach out and you will find them to be very helpful to you now. If not, there are other organizations who can provide you with help and support.

    I have two boys 10 and 11, and my husband and I told him about the diagnosis about a week after we found out. Try to keep things high-level at first, but be prepared if they want lots more detail which my boys did. Although it's introduced them to the realty of life sooner than we went might have wished, I think it's also made them better people. One additional suggestion, just prior to or right after you tell your children, call and talk with the principal at the school and explain to them what is going on and ask them to notify any teachers who should be aware. That way you can concentrate on the decisions you need to make by telling just one person, but the school can also be there to help with the support on that front.

    I know at times fear can be overwhelming and feeling alone is the last thing you need right now. If it would be helpful to you I would be glad to talk with you on the phone further (I'm doing well today and getting ready for my final reconstruction surgery on Friday), or give you a link to my CaringBridge site so you can read my journal. If so, just send me your email or phone # via private message.

    Just try to breathe, don't worry about anything far out in the future, and remember that there are many others with you on this journey and they are survivors. You are in my thoughts!

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories