Diagnosed 26/16 with IDC and new to Forum

Options
Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited November 2016 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Diagnosed 26/16 with IDC and new to Forum
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Skyesmum12
    Skyesmum12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2016

    Back in September 2016 I felt a huge lump in my right breast went to my Dr. who examined me then put me on antibiotics thinking it might be a cyst. Three weeks later I had a Mammogram done on both breasts with the left being clear and the right having a mass. I had a needle biopsy done six days ago and the results came back that I have IDC and I have been scheduled to see a Nurse Navigator this coming Monday 28th and then the Surgeon on December 6th. I havent been told anthing other than I have IDC. This is making me quite nervous and scared as I don't really know what to expect this Monday. Any advice would be great!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited November 2016

    Oh so sorry - my best advice is to make sure you take someone with you to take notes for your medical appointments. There is so much information that your brain just goes numb, and it is good to have someone else's memory and notes!

    Nurse Navigators are usually quite good at being thorough and answering your questions, so make sure to have a list ready. You simply cannot rely on your memory because again, you just freeze up with all the information.

    Also, do your homework on your physicians. It is good to have that behind you and then decide if it is in your best interest to get a second opinion. And ask the Nurse Navigator what she thinks! Sometimes they are very candid.

    This is the worst part - waiting for the plan, all the worst thoughts going through your head...it is really awful. If your anxiety is more than you can handle, you might want to ask for a temporary anti-anxiety medication. Looking back, I should have. My sister, also a survivor, did and it was a great help to her.

    Sending you courage, strength, and much HOPE!!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Variable
    Variable Member Posts: 77
    edited November 2016

    Hey there Skyesmum12. It is ok to be scared. I was recently diagnosed in late July and had several weeks of confusion when the earliest treatment plans were developing. In retrospect, the time you are in now is where I was most terrified as I did not know much or what to expect. Monday, and appointments thereafter will clarify what is going on and what you need to get better. You will likely be recommended for genetic testing and the results of that will take three weeks to come back and let your team know the best course of treatment. Everyone will tell you the waiting is the worst! It truly is, but you are living while you wait, so appreciate your life and all you have in it! The wait will exhaust you, but hang in there! I had surgery more than five weeks after diagnosis. I started radiation more than 8 weeks after surgery (13 more treatments to go), and have yet to start my recommended Tamoxifen for 5 plus years. I am always worrying, but I am also still living :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2016

    Skyesmum12, sorry for your diagnosis, but glad you've found this wonderful community. It is always a good idea to come prepared to your Doctor's appointment, so maybe would be good to take a look at the following pages:


    We know how scary and confusing the first days and weeks can be, so let us know if we can help you get any further information.

    Best,

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Skyesmum12
    Skyesmum12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2016

    Thank you... The wait is the hardest. Fear of the Unknown.

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

    Skyesmum12 the waiting is the hardest part. You have come to the right place, these ladies are so knowledgeable and caring. This stupid disease has indeed made us all sisters. Once you get some news and a plan, things fall into place. I was dx Oct 18 having sx on Dec 9 and then what is next? I dont know but I will breathe in and breathe out and take one minute, one hour, one day at a time.

    We are here for you and please reach out to the ladies who hava been through this before us. I havent found anyone who didnt have support or answers for my questions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Skyesmum12
    Skyesmum12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2016

    Thank you I'm trying not to be anxious about tommorow... I will take it one step at a time and breathe in and breathe out


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2016

    The waiting was hardest! Keep busy if you can and make time to take notes before, during, and after each call or meeting! It's so hard to remember everything!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2016

    Skyesmum12 You are not alone! I was diagnosed Nov. 4 w/IDC and have a mastectomy scheduled for Dec. 6th. When I was first diagnosed oddly, I wasn't worried, nonetheless I developed insomnia. Someone said it would dissipate once I had a plan in place...and that's exactly what happened. The waiting and the unknown can be extremely difficult for sure, but I trust you'll feel at least somewhat better once you meet with the Nurse Navigator and understand what your immediate future holds in store. I trust it will be a bright one w/just some bumps thrown in there. And I can honestly say that the bumps I've experienced have already provided innumerable unexpected blessings. You will be fine...deep breaths...and a scheduled lunch w/a friend or mani/pedi thrown in for good measure.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories