New diagnosis...start chemo right after Christmas

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Zolagirl
Zolagirl Member Posts: 15
edited January 2017 in Just Diagnosed

Hi,

I've been reading on this site for the last two weeks, it's amazing the support you give each other. I was diagnosed Nov 30, radiologist at breast u/s told me right away he was sure it was cancer and so the whirlwind began. Biopsy confirmed IDC, two spots originally thought to be masses, are a 3.6cm mass and a lymph node "full" of cancer. Breast MRI shows two other suspicious nodules in same breast so back for an MRI guided biopsy. My insurance has denied a pet scan, so waiting now for two weeks to get them to ok ct and bone scan to see if there is spread....I'm terrified!!! In the meantime both my breast surgeon and oncologist want to start aggressive neo adjuvant chemo right after Christmas, A/C dose dense for 4 cycles, then 12 weeks of Taxol, followed by mastectomy, radiation and hormone therapy. .they haven't staged me as they haven't done surgery yet ( is this right?) But said tumor grade is 2....Does this sound to anyone like they already think it's likely metastasized? I have been fortunate that my work is being especially lenient and supportive and have an amazing fiance by my side, but I haven't been able to tell any of my family yet. I just can't seem to break this news at Christmas. It's just my brother and my twenty something niece's but we've lost my dad to lung cancer and my sister (the girls mother) to colon cancer. It's a scary word in our family. I guess I'm just looking for some advice, thoughts, things to expect with the chemo and guidance before I start this unplanned journey.

Thanks

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited December 2016

    One of the most frightening things in a breast cancer diagnosis is waiting for those scans to see if it has metastasized...I'm sorry you are going through this right now. It is good that they are checking, but it certainly doesn't mean that it has! Normal procedure to make sure.

    I had a family that was full of cancer - it is hard to tell them and put them through it yet again. But, it would be helpful for you. They will be really hurt if you don't tell them, I do believe. It will be helpful to you as well.

    I started chemo 5 years ago 2 days after Christmas. It is such an emotional time anyway. Just wanted to send you some encouragement!





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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2016

    HI Zolagirl-

    We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've joined and shared your story with us. It is very scary, and can feel isolating, but as you've seen in this community, you are certainly not alone. Head over to our Chemo forum, lots of great info there, and a thread for members starting in December, which would be a great support for you! https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69

    The Mods

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  • bettysgirl
    bettysgirl Member Posts: 938
    edited December 2016

    So sorry you are having to go through this. I had to fight the insurance co to get PET scan. It took a tearful call to get it. I think we all imagine worse case scenario. You are correct that staging will happen after the surgery. The road is not an easy one, but you will find strength, support and answers here. Wishing you all the best as you move forward.

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  • chickensandgoats
    chickensandgoats Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2016

    Hi Zolagirl! Sorry you are going through this tough time. Your chemo regimen sounds exactly like mine.I have a 3 cm tumor in my left breast which I am getting neo-adjuvant chemo right now. I am getting ready to get #3 of 4 A/C and then follow with 12 rounds of Taxol. In my case though the oncologist is attempting to shrink the tumor in order for the surgeon to perform a lumpectomy. I'll follow the surgery with radiation regardless.

    As far as the scans, I was immediately sent for a bone scan and CAT scan and I assumed the worst. I was sure that the scans meant the doctor suspected the cancer had spread. I asked everyone from the nurse to the techs what they saw and of course none of them could answer me which made it worse. I was finally told that at my hospital the scans were standard for every breast cancer patient and used to help stage the tumor. I know when it comes scan time again I will be a nervous wreck all over again. I think that's part of this new normal for us.

    Good luck! Wishing you a full recovery!

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited December 2016

    Hi Zolagirl!

    Sorry to hear you have to join us. I had the same regimen as you, though I also got Herceptin and Perjeta because I'm HER2+. For chemo, it might help if you join the Starting Chemo in December 2017 or Starting Chemo in January 2017 boards. I found my chemo board to be very helpful, as we were all going through a similar process.

    Yes, I wouldn't really worry about the staging -- according to scans, I had a 5 cm+ tumor (and maybe a satellite one), as well as one compromised node. Technically, that would have put me in Stage IIIA. But, we may never know for sure because scans aren't always accurate in measuring tumor size. After chemo, my active cancer was wiped out in both my breast and node, and I ended up with a lumpectomy.

    I did manage to get a PET scan, but a bone scan and a CT scan should be fine. PET scans pick up on lots of things, some cancer and some not. Their false positives are sometimes more worrying than need be.

    You can tell your relatives on your time. I told my family in an email and didn't really want teary phone calls (my Mom is the worst). Remember that breast cancer is highly treatable, unlike lung and colon cancer. Your chances of living for several more decades are actually very good.

    ((Hugs))

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  • jadisn
    jadisn Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2016

    I'm in the same boat. I also can't tell my dad (my mother has passed away). I'm terrified of the chemo :(

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2016

    Nothing can be accurately staged until after surgery. I was told by several doctors that I had no nodal involvement. Come surgery, after SNB, turns out I had two, one with micromets, the other barely over the border from micromets to full involvement. Imaging can only give so much information. Good news is that 5 years out, I'm fine! Best wishes to you in your treatment!

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  • Zolagirl
    Zolagirl Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2017

    Thanks everyone for the encouragement! Bone scan and ct came back good....showed a couple tiny nodules in lungs but we're there ( same size) a year ago on a scan, so Dr thinks they've been there from past infection? Said they can be common but will watch...she's very proactive so I feel good about that!

    I started my chemo Friday, and while I was terrified the days leading up to it, the actual day was such a whirlwind it was easier than I thought. Having a close friend there to joke and talk with was HUGE! And nurses are amazing! I'm heading into day 3 and so far, no big issues. Headache for a day and a half, probably stress, and teensy bit of nausea yesterday afternoon. Ginger ale and sucking on Gin-gins and I ate dinner no problems!

    Again, thanks to all who responded!! It's nice to know we are not alone and yes, the waiting is absolutely the worst part!! Im now ready to kick cancers butt!!

    Zolagirl

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  • HoneyBeaw
    HoneyBeaw Member Posts: 212
    edited January 2017

    Zolagirl

    Im glad to know your chemo is going well for you . I to will be starting chemo as soon as I heal from mx on left side, also so scared of chemo and have terrible anxiety about it all . Per my Pet scan the cancer had not spread anywhere not even lymph nodes but I guess that could change once they do the biopsy on the breast tissue and the 2 nodes they did take in surgery. I wish you well with your chemo , please keep us updated on how well you are doing with it

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