just got dx

Options
Goincrzy8
Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
edited November 2016 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

On Oct 18 got the results that the breast biopsy was positive. Appointment set up with Oncologist, which was yesterday only because they called me first, calling surgeon today. I was told by Oncologist that it is Invasive ductal carcinoma. She would not let us record the conversation, so my daughter in law took some notes. She did say something have ER PR, but not documented. She did say I would need hormonal therapy. Based on her thoughts and exam she thinks a lumpectomy and radiation. I am and have been praying for this as I am not wanting Chemo. But that is a question for the surgeon I know.

The waiting from last Tuesday till yesterday has been the most stressful time of my life. The emotions that come thru, the depression, the denial. After meeting yesterday I feel a load has been lifted off my shoulders.The scary part of telling my kids, then knowing they are there for me. You see and feel the love that you take for granted daily.

To the ladies on this forum thank you for all your knowledge and comforting words you have for all the newbies who are inducted into this group that no wants to be a part of.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Lisey
    Lisey Member Posts: 1,053
    edited October 2016

    Goingcrazy... Getting a lumpectomy + rads, doesn't mean you won't have Chemo. Nor does getting a BMX mean you will have chemo. Chemo will be determined by if it's in your lymph nodes or if you have a high Oncotype score or aggressive tumor. All of that will be determined when they take out the tumor. There are side effects to every procedure - rads is something you should look into. Everyone is different, but I chose a BMX because I'm 1) younger, and 2) my breasts were so dense the mammogram missed my tumor - I wanted them gone and never to deal with them again.

    I thought I'd need chemo, but was happily surprised when my mammaprint came back low risk and my oncotype came back intermediate. Welcome to the age of customized care. I'm on Tamoxifen with no side effects at all, so happy about that. I consider myself cured unless I find otherwise - always vigilant for a recurrance but feel it's gone... I guess I'll know more in 10-15 years. : )

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited October 2016

    I know you're getting a lot of information now and it's overwhelming. Your surgeon will help best guide you about your surgical decisions. Once the pathology comes back from that, your medical oncologist will be the one to guide you in the decision making regarding chemo. As Lisey said, if you're ER+ and HER2_, the Oncotype or Mammaprint will be a tool to help with the chemo decision making. Hoping the surgery goes well for you and that you have a speedy recovery. Best wishes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2016

    Is it standard procedure now for them to do Oncotype? The MO is a young female, and I was quite happy with her. My Daughter in law didnt feel comfortable with her. My thoughts are she has new and improved options vs a guy doing it for 30 yrs. I am basing that information based on the dr I work for. He has been doing his job for 30 yrs, he doesnt do new technology. We have a new EMR system, and he is the only person in the office who does not use it like it is meant to be used. He still wants that paper chart with 100s of papers in his hands. I feel comfortable with her and I have a surgery appointment for Tuesday. So lets get this show on the road, I have things to do.

    Sherry


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2016

    Thanks for the info Lisey. Very aware of Radiation. Was office manager for imaging facility for 13 yrs. Helped to build a new radiation therapy department from the ground up. From the pouring of the cement walls to the crane bringing in the radiation machine thru the roof.


    You ladies are so helpful, there is too much information out there.

    Sherry

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited October 2016

    goingcrazy...sorry you have to be here but welcome. I know you will find this forum both comforting and informative. The beginning is the toughest part. Once you have all the facts you will feel better, I promise. I agree with what others have already told you. I just wanted to add one thing. I believe where you get treated is a key component of your treatment plan. IMO a university based teaching hospital is much more important than the age of the doctor. Good luck and keep us posted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2016

    Well with my insurance, not sure where or what but I do live 10 mins from Loma Linda University. Have an HMO and will have to see what they have in store for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2016

    So met with the surgeon yesterday, dissapointed I cant have a lumpectomy due to size and other areas of denseness he is concerned about. So now I have to have the breast removed today has been a crying day. Any mastectomy pts who can ease my mind?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories