Just told I have Adenocacioma in the lungs..help

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Jserenityb0413
Jserenityb0413 Member Posts: 9

Hello Ladies


I was diagnose in 2013 (age of 38) with stage IIIA IDC breast cancer. Had a wedge remove from my left lung a week ago. Just got the call (after a week of calling the doctor and nurse) that I have adenocacioma. The doctor and his office refuse to divulge anything else until I see them on Thursday. However I am falling apart. I don,t know what to do..what to think and what to expect.

And the fact that the doctor refuses to release the report on my biopsy just makes me angry.

Any other ladies with similar diagnosis?

Jserenityb

NYC

Comments

  • PattyPeppermint
    PattyPeppermint Member Posts: 11,162
    edited October 2016

    sorry I have no experience with this but I am sure someone will be along soon. I just wanted to encourage you to try to not think the worst and esp don't go googling info. Sad they are making you wait Til Thur. Waiting is the worst.

  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited October 2016

    Hi Jserenityb,

    I think the big thing to sort out is whether the adenocarcinoma is a recurrence/metastasis of your breast cancer (MBC) or a new lung primary cancer. They are treated very differently and I think the treatment options and survival rates are better with the MBC.

    Sorry they won't give you more information until Thursday. Your big task now is to just keep breathing and not freak out. Denial, distraction and exercise all have their place. And you might ask for some anti-anxiety meds...stinking doctor & office for refusing to reassure or inform you now. What a scary place for you.

    best wishes in this tough time, Stephanie

  • Jserenityb0413
    Jserenityb0413 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2016

    Thank you ladies for the quick response. Stephanie than you from the bottom of my heart. I was told it is metastasis of my original breast cancer. I have tried to stay busy this last week, spoiling my boys and reassuring my husband. But at night when they all go to bed, I sit up and I plan, I research survival rates, look at life insurance policies and college funds. And all I want to do is scream and curse WHY ME. All I want is some hope.


    jackie


  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited October 2016

    Hi Jackie,

    Scream and curse and say why me!

    And remember, there are people like me who've lived with lung mets for a very long time - first diagnosed in mid-1999.

    May you too enjoy many more years with your loved ones, Stephanie

  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited October 2016

    That is in deed a bummer that they are making you wait to find out the results. I do think it is important to find out rather it is metastasis from or breast cancer or a new primary. In the original post you stated it was adenocarcinoma of the lung. That is different from metastasis. Anyway, I hope you get some answers soon. I wish you the best.

  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited October 2016

    Jackie,

    Sorry you're going through this. We all know what hell it is when you're first diagnosed with mets. I want to chime in to reassure you that many people here who have had breast cancer are living with lung mets. Take a look at my signature!

    It is infuriating that the doctor won't tell you more over the phone, but that's how they usually roll. Please consider taking someone--husband, partner, good friend-- along with you to your appointment. They can listen, help you ask questions you may forget to ask, and take notes. This can be invaluable; I know from experience.

    Good luck. Keep us posted.

    Tina

  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited October 2016

    Good morning Serenity,

    I hope you'll post to this bco community for those with mets to lung.

    It's not very active now, but there are many members who can help you find your way around.

    Warmest healing wishes, Stephanie

  • PattyPeppermint
    PattyPeppermint Member Posts: 11,162
    edited October 2016

    what you are feeling are normal. Cry , scream it's totally ok. I remember night when everyone else was sleeping was the worst time when I was dx. Can you take something even over the counter to rest at night ?

  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited October 2016

    Most breast cancers are carcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the cells (epithelial cells) that line organs and tissues like the breast. In fact, breast cancers are often a type of carcinoma called adenocarcinoma, which is carcinoma that starts in glandular tissue. Other types of cancers can occur in the breast, too, such as sarcomas, which start in the cells of muscle, fat, or connective tissue.

    Sounds like they are using a fancy word for BC mets. Is this your only spot? I guess what you need to know is the origin. Which my guess would be BC.

    Tina is right....you can live with lung met....I have lungs mets, have had them for 8+ years.

    Try not to go into the what if's until you know What it is for sure, but you can surely do the WTH?

    Get you plan, mentioned to the Doc you don't like this wait approach, and it he gives you crap, look for a new doc.


    Good luck!

  • Jserenityb0413
    Jserenityb0413 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2016

    Hello ladies

    First of all I want to thank you all for your support. Emotionally I am doing ok. Staying positive and giving cancer the middle finger! :-)

    I finally spoke to the doctor who just basically discussed the results of the pathology report. He could not answer any of my questions since he is not a breast cancer oncologist. So now I must wait until October 19th to have some of my questions answered. The only thing the doctor was able to answer was that it is not a new cancer, but breast cancer in the lungs and since I have nodules in both lungs with "similar characteristics" they will most likely all be metastatic.

    So I have been staying positive, spending time with my husband and kids. Making as many happy memories as I can. I have decided I AM NOT giving up. I can't afford to. Stay strong my sisters!!!!

    "DIAGNOSIS:

    1. Left lower lobe lung, wedge (fs) biopsy:
    - Metastatic breast adenocarcinoma, see note.
    - Tumor size: 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm and has a subpleural location.
    - Surgical margin: Negative

    ESTROGEN RECEPTOR (clone 6F11, Leica):
    100% nuclear staining with intermediate intensity

    PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR (clone 16; Leica):
    0% nuclear staining, negative

    HER2 (4B5, Ventana):
    Negative (1+)

    Jackie

  • Longtermsurvivor
    Longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,438
    edited October 2016

    Good morning, Serenity,

    At least you have a name of the beast you're living with now.

    And, having friends with both primary lung cancer and bc mets to lung, ours is the "preferable" diagnosis as there are many more treatment options, especially if your cancer is hormone or HER2+.

    I do hope you'll post to this bco community for those with mets to lung.

    It's kinda quiet, but there are a lot of us who can usually be roused to meet and help a newcomer!

    It might be wise to put more detail into your profile to tell us more about yourself and the nature of your situation, including your hormone/HER2 status and whether you have symptoms.

    Big healing hug, Serenity, Stephanie

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited October 2016

    Jackie, I went from 50'lung mets to 7 that are small and haven't changed in over 1 3/4 years now. Very scary at first but I guess now I'm used it. So just wanted you to know these things are treatable. I'm Her2+ only so on Herceptin and Perjeta as a lifer.

    Best of luck

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