Diagnosed 9/28

Options
Dawn1982
Dawn1982 Member Posts: 15
edited October 2017 in Just Diagnosed

Hi all.

I'm 34 years old and was diagnosed on Thursday with IDC. It's around 3cm, and HER2+. I've met with two surgeons and liked both. Given the Her2 status they are suggesting chemo plus herceptin and perjeta, prior to surgery and radiation. I meet my oncologist Wednesday. In the meantime, MRI, brain, bone, and pet scans.

It's surreal and I am in shock. But also ok. But I have a gnawing low back ache that has me paranoid that this is further along. How long do the staging results typically take?

My partner and I were planning a wedding for November 3rd, which we've decided to postpone. I'm trying to be strong and calm but deep inside I'm very afraid. I thought this might be the right place to admit that.

Much love to you all and thanks in advance for your support.

Xo

D





· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • randrgirl
    randrgirl Member Posts: 83
    edited October 2017

    Hi Dawn,

    Someone who has more answers will be along soon I'm certain. I'm relatively new to this journey myself. I can tell you that there is a clinical staging that takes place before surgery, but the true staging is decided after surgery when the pathology report on the tumor has been completed. Again, others will chime in shortly, in the meantime, know that you are not alone. I'm sorry that this situation will change your plans to getting married in November, but I hope it won't delay them for too long. Hang in there. I know. Easier said than done, but you will be okay and will get through this. - G

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawn1982
    Dawn1982 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2017

    thanks so much G. I'm sorry you're on this journey but I thank you for your reminder that we are strong and not alone. Hugs to you

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GardenGirl11
    GardenGirl11 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2017

    After much reading I understand that the stage isn’t as important as other factors. I was told mine on Friday but they didn’t tell me if it was an A or B. I am impatient and need to know everything and it’s hard to wait and not know. I’ve been sitting around reading about cancer all weekend, which answered a lot of my questions, but I’m still wanting things to go faster. It is scary and you’re not alone.

    I’m sorry that you lost your brother and now have to go though your own cancer diagnosis.

    Hugs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited October 2017

    Hi Dawn,

    Eight gave you a good answer, you will get your final stage after surgery, however, with the pathology report from MRI, your MO should have an idea what stage you are. Most important you do all the scans and find all the tumors location. Hang in there, the journey is a tough one.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited October 2017

    Welcome to BCO and sorry you are here. Yup, see how the scans come out and go from there. You won't get staged until after surgery once they take out a couple lymph nodes to check them, but they can guess at the stage. My stage changed after surgery. Don't get bogged down with stage though... I don't think anyone even told me my stage, I figured it out but I didn't hear it officially until I got my survivorship care plan after radiation and saw it written on there.

    Sounds like they are making a good treatment plan for you and that they are going to try to shrink the tumor before surgery!!

    Hang in there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited October 2017

    Dawn:

    So sorry you're here -- but as I told Gardengirl moments ago on another post -- you've found the absolute best place for support/understanding/advice. Unfortunately, we all "get it". And many will have a very close diagnosis to yours, so they will be able to share even more relevant info.

    I did not receive staging in any way until after surgical pathology was discussed. But some doctors, I've heard, will propose what you may be. But until surgical path. is back, it's not conclusive. And don't get hung up on that IF you can. That part, trying to figure out where I was, made me really nervous. And I don't think I did myself any good at all. I think you get results from the scans quickly in these cases. I did. You'll be moving on a quick path now. Try to breathe through it all. Deep yoga breaths.

    Take care. Know we're here for you. And ask questions! Any and all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawn1982
    Dawn1982 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2017

    Thank you all so much for your responses. It's so helpful to hear. These days of not knowing if this lives elsewhere in my body are really hard. I look forward to learning more, knowing more, and getting into treatment. That will be empowering.

    The yoga breaths have been good. And I've done guided meditations that have been very helpful as well.

    Sending you all so much strength and gratitude.

    D.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited October 2017

    Hi Dawn1982,


    Sorry you have found yourself here, but it's a great place for support. I can't say much more than the other posters have said, but it is very overwhelming. Feel whatever emotion(s) you feel at the moment. Things are moving forward and information will be coming in.Sometimes fast sometimes slow...and waiting just plain stinks! Sorry you have had to postpone your nuptials, but glad you have someone special in your life by your side.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sd2906
    Sd2906 Member Posts: 35
    edited October 2017

    dawn, your note was very raw and honest. My wife was diagnosed in august and we were miserable. She had a 3cm tumor and the waiting around for tests were very difficult. She just had her surgery Monday and I can tell you with confidence that you aren't going through the toughest part right now. It will get easier from here. You will get answers, make a plan, and figure out how to beat this

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited October 2017

    I received my results within a week or so, of course my scans revealed a surprise bone lesion, once biopsy confirmed, hello Stage IV. I found chemo easier than anticipated, you should do well :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • randrgirl
    randrgirl Member Posts: 83
    edited October 2017

    Dawn - you will feel more calm when you have more information. Before you know it, you will have a treatment plan and you will be able to breathe better. It's sad that everyone here has an understanding of your fear but at least we can support each other.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PeppermintPatti
    PeppermintPatti Member Posts: 24
    edited October 2017

    Dawn, hi,

    I wanted to give you a hug across the miles! I'm a 3x breast cancer warrior! I learned quickly on my near 19-year journey, everyone's story is very different. Keep asking your doctors and nurses, even write questions and concerns down to discuss.

    You are a member of the pink sisterhood! You are among the many beautiful souls who do whatever it takes to beat this "mf" called breast cancer!

    My very first mammogram yielded in a bc diagnosis. I've stayed diligent all these years and never missed one appointment. I will be 60 in January. Last December I had a bmx. For the most part I feel fine. I just completed my third 5K this past Sunday and in June I walked a half marathon...13.1 miles, baby!

    Once you find out your recourse of action, you can prepare accordingly. Find a support group. Keep reaching out. You are NOT alone. ❤

    Love & Hugs...

    Patti from Long Island

    aka 3xacharm



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawn1982
    Dawn1982 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2017

    Thank you all so much. Yesterday I met my oncologist and his staff, and really liked them. It was so empowering to ask questions and start to sketch out a treatment plan (even before we have the full picture). Completed my PET CT as well.

    I do well with plans and calendars, so it is true that with each day it's getting a bit more manageable.

    Patti I am in awe of your 5ks!!! And I love the idea of a half marathon... you've just added a goal to my plan. :)

    Sending you all hugs and support today.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbiej
    barbiej Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2017

    Hi Dawn,

    I am sorry you are here, but I am glad you reached out this early in you journey. I waited until much later to reach out and it did me no favors. Take a deep breath and try not to get too into your head. This is the hardest part because so much feels like a mystery. Trust me... I definitely remember that. There are so many factors that go into your diagnosis and you are about to learn so much. We have a similar diagnosis, so I can tell you that your upcoming treatment is not as bad as you think. Most people base their chemo fear from movies or past experiences of loved ones. But, the reality of chemotherapy has changed dramatically. I always tell people that "this isn't like the movies." It is not a death sentence, it is not constant vomiting.. it is very different than you imagine. It isn't easy, but I have managed to work full time, work out three times a week, and take care of my husband and toddler through all of this. The results won't take long and, once you get moving, the adrenaline that you feel to defeat this will push you forward. Hang in there.

    Heart

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories