Just diagnosed on Dec 10th

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Ok thank you. Does insurance cover the cold cap

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  • jarris77
    jarris77 Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2015

    I, like everyone else, am sorry you have to be here. I was diagnosed over 2 1/2 years ago with triple negative breast cancer. I too was a nervous wreck at the thought of chemo, but I did it...and it really wasn't bad at all. I did lose my hair but got lucky and found a wig that looked exactly like my hair. I went to my place of employment and was discussing my treatments with my boss. She said, "Well, at least you didn't lose your hair." She didn't believe me when I told her I was wearing a wig! My surgeon had the same reaction and did a double take when I said I something to the nurse about losing my hair. He said, "That's a wig?" When I said it was, he said I sure did a good job matching my hair.I can't tell you the number of people who commented on my "pretty hair."

    The point I'm trying to make is, please try to look at the positive...if you do end up having chemo, please don't listen to all the horror stories. Some of us do very well. You may not be 100% every day, but it is doable. You may not lose your hair, but if you do, be thankful that you have options. Not one person I encountered during my treatment knew I was a cancer patient unless I chose to tell them. 

    The same goes for surgery. I have had several surgeries and my mastectomy was, by far, the easiest. I'm not trying to sugar coat everything for you, I just don't want you to automatically assume that everything is doom and gloom once you are diagnosed. A positive attitude can go a long way in how well you deal with your situation. I wish you the best.


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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited December 2015

    Hi there. Im so sorry you have to be here but welcome. I know you will find this site very comforting. The women on this forum are wonderful. I sent you a private message in case you want to talk in detail. Hang in there and good luck.....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2015

    Hi Breezy, stay far away from Dr. Google! That information is often excerpted from a larger, more factual body of information. As well, a lot of what is shared on the web comes from research that is YEARS old. Very little research includes our own physiology, environment, etc. which also helps in our overall longterm survival.

    I'm sorry you have to be here too. It's a complete shock. Sometimes I'm still shocked that I'm part of this community, but I am, and most of the information I've received here has been nothing but helpful and comforting, so keep coming back to these boards. You're going to be okay, but it's hard to believe right now.

    Hugs

    Claire

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    thank you. Yes, it's hard to see the light at this point- especially with so much uncertainty. I'm staying away from Google now. Lol

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Hi,

    I went to the doctor today. This is what I found out:

    so far I've learned that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ductal Carcinoma in-situ. Grade I-II, estrogen receptor positive Her2 was +2. I will have a MRI tomorrow as well as genetic testing before surgery.

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  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 3,039
    edited December 2015

    Thank you for checking in! When's surgery? (and what will it be?) Do you know yet what the next step will be after that?

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    I will have surgery after the results from my genetic testing come in- results should take about 10 days. The specific type of surgery will be determined based on whether my testing was positive or negative.

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  • Essential
    Essential Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2015

    My dear lady I was just diagnosed on Dec 2nd. I am also new in this new journey but the feelings of sadness and worries we all share are in my GOD hands. I have a lot hope as one of the menbers sugested get in touch with a good Uncology he will order more test to get all the pieces of the puzzle together and then you will see little by little the light in this tunel. Then look for a good TEAM of doctors in your comunity they can discuss your case and gave you a better idea of your condition and options. Pray and cry with you need to.

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Thank you!

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

    Welcome, Essential! Thank you for joining and sending your support!

    We look forward to hearing more from you and please know we're all here to support you through your diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond.

    --The Mods

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited December 2015

    Do you know how large your tumor is? Chances are you will be - for BRCA gene. Most people are. I would strongly urge you to spend some time reading on here before making a decision about your surgery. Many women find out they have cancer and panic and rush to the OR to get it out NOW. I know for me, that would have been a mistake. My original BS wanted me to have a lx and rads and I didn't feel that was right for a number of reasons and after consulting another 2 BS's, I found out my gut was right. On the other hand, I think women sometimes get a mastectomy who don't need to. I will never, ever regret the time I spent researching my options and seeking second opinions.

    How did the MRI go? Did you get the results yet?

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Hi, the ultrasound originally showed 1cm but when I went in again, his physical examination of my breast let him to believe it was possibly 2cm. I'm still waiting on confirmation of the size.

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  • SofiaC
    SofiaC Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2015

    Breezy, I was just diagonosed the day before you. It is no real in my head yet. Are you going to have surgery? When?

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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited December 2015

    im one year out from getting the news and I agree the unknown and waiting for answers is what causes the fear. It's a terrible feeling. I was scared to death of chemo and then radiation but they are very doable. Keep your goals in front of you that you are doing all this for those babies. As you get more direction from your medical team be sure to join the surgery thread, then chemo thread then radiation if they apply to you. I didn't know about this site before surgery but I can tell you that having the chemo thread was literally a life saver for me. Again the unknown is scary but these sisters understand more than anybody else and are there for all you ladies just diagnosed. You can share anything you need to. Blessings to all.

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited December 2015

    Do you know if you have to have chemo? I am not sure because of the HER+. I was -.

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    I don't know if I'll have to have chemo yet. We are still waiting on confirmation of the size of the tumor.

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  • Valstim52
    Valstim52 Member Posts: 1,324
    edited December 2015

    Just diagnosed today. May possibly be IBC. Can anyone help? I have multiple tumors in one breast, they think it's ductal, like a tree branch.from my nipple.


    At least I know but 

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  • Ozoner
    Ozoner Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2015

    Hello, all. I'm on the ATEMPT clinical trial thread and just started reading here.

    Like you, I was in a stunned haze when diagnosed, and I have finished chemo and radiation treatments and am taking Herceptin infusions until April (one year anniversary). I took one step at a time with the help of my breast surgeon and the oncologist. Advice: accept the help of family and friends. They so want to help. I found I needed the most help after the situation was old news. Spending a pleasant lunch with someone was a wonderful gift.

    I wasn't particularly religious, but someone knitted me a prayer shawl, and that touched me deeply. Several friends added me to prayer lists. I only told strangers and acquaintances about my situation when I felt moved to, and accepted kindnesses from thecaring community of people waiting for treatment at the chemo lab.

    That's a fantastic idea about having someone to take notes, because it's hard to absorb everything. Living Proof is an inspiring movie about the targeted therapy for HER2 positive cancer.

    I had the most energy in the mornings and tried to do something I liked every day. Xanax settled me on chemo days and I took Ambien to sleep. I have almost always felt healthy, so even being tired and sleepy was new.

    And finally, a lumpectomy wasn't bad, and although I was fatigued from taking external breast radiation, it's not painful and it's something positive you can embrace in your treatment. I am humbled by the kindness of others, amazed at effective new treatments, and encouraged by chances of success. This isn't a journey I would have chosen, but I hope all of you find some positive value to your situation.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2015

    Mammograms do not give a diagnosis - it takes the path. report from a biopsy to DX BC. Mammos might give where to biopsy or it many take an US (or MRI) but it takes a biopsy to actually DX any and all types of BC (Invasive/Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, Invasive/Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma or Inflammatory Breast Cancer).

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  • snowmagick
    snowmagick Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2015

    Take a deep breath, breezy. I'm right there with you. Keep us updated! ~Snowy

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Thank you. I'm trying....

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2015

    hey Breezy, just checking in on you. Hope your tests are moving along and you are getting some answers!!! Stay strong!!

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Hi! I'm waiting on the results of my MRI and genetics test. I'll be having surgery soon after that. I'm doing better than I was before though. Thanks for checking on me!

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited December 2015

    Hugs Breezy95. This is a place none of us want to be but you will find an amazing wealth of support, understanding and caring in this community.

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  • Breezy95
    Breezy95 Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2015

    Thank you. You all are amazing. I really mean that.

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  • phrogger78
    phrogger78 Member Posts: 115
    edited December 2015

    I am sorry you are going through this too. I am 37 and this was not something I was expecting at all, but as soon as I saw the changes in my breast I knew I had cancer. I still have a lot of questions and this is a whole new learning process for me as well. I am sorry you are going through this, but I figure we can all kick cancers butt together. I hope you are able to at least try to enjoy the holidays.

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited December 2015

    Breezy, this is the scariest and hardest part. Once you find out the size, type, grade and genetic-mutation status, you have a clearer picture of what’s next, including what kind of and whether surgery comes before or after other treatment; and after the surgical path report (and OncotypeDX if you have an early, hormone+/HER2-, node-negative and clean-margin tumor), the next steps of your treatment plan will fall into place, and you will “click” from panic & fear mode into “get it done” mode.

    You. Will. Get. Through. This!

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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2015
    Dear Breezy
    I too just got diagnosed 12/1. My first thought was: Why am I getting punished? Then I spent a night crying and telling my husband "I don't want to do this." But really what choice do you have? You have to do it. You want to LIVE.
    So I can totally relate to where you are. I have had a MRI, and now lumpectomy. I'm currently waiting for onoc testing BRAC testing. Next step? Who knows...I have several appointments coming up.
    All I can say is hang in there, you are not alone and someday it will all be over. hopefully we will learn something from all this.
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