What is an expected lag time between dx and surgery?

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ps0705
ps0705 Member Posts: 122
edited December 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I am curious if I'm over-reacting.

I was diagnosed the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (11/21) and am having trouble getting into BS for consultation with Nuclear grade 3, TN, DCIS from stereotactic core biopsy positive 4/7 samples.

Now I just found out I have to schedule the appointment with the PS. Could have used that info. 9 days ago.

So more waiting to get int there. Then they have to coordinate schedules and bam! Christmas time. So they are scheduling into January.

We are talking 8-9 weeks. 56-63 days from diagnosis until sx.

What?! Isn't the life altering possibility of it turning invasive a real concern made by the lag time here? Especially with grade 3 cells.

Is this is an expected lag time or is it excessive?

Do I need to be talked down off the ledge here? (deep slow breathing to calm myself)

Thanks for your perspectives

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Comments

  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2017

    Sorry you are here but welcome to the waiting game. Its all about waiting. I was diagnosed Oct 18 2016 had surgery Dec 9. Just remember to breathe, and hang out here you will make wonderful helpful ladies and friends

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  • ps0705
    ps0705 Member Posts: 122
    edited November 2017

    Thank you and sorry you are here too. I love your quote in your signature line.

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited November 2017

    Ohhhhhhh,I felt the same way, you can see from my beliow information I was diagnosed late March and my sugery was not until May.

    But I was awaiting genetic testing and other MRI biopsies to guide me for final surgery outcome.

    You might want to think about scheduling a second opinion in there based on your diagnosis to make you feel more at ease.

    This process can be extremely anxiety provoking at this stage, I was frustratied in the same way as you. But once you become comfortable with your surgeons you will be able to move forward much more ease.

    Always be proactive in your process and don’t be afraid to ask the questions that you need to get you comfortably through the procedures.

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  • swg
    swg Member Posts: 461
    edited November 2017

    I was diagnosed Sept 11 and surgery 2 days ago. 2 tumors in the right breast. Grade 2..I wasn't worried too much about it spreading but more about getting the right team and treatment plan.and making sure all diagnostic tests were done.

    I turned out to be node negative.

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  • Meshell5324
    Meshell5324 Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2017

    Hi, I remember thinking “hello - people I have a tumor here- Get it out of me!” But 6-8 weeks seems to be a typical time frame and that’s with already invasive cancer. The waiting and initial doctors appointments are brutal. I had some really great advice given to me from ladies on this board, 1-don’t be afraid to get 2nd opinions- you have time, 2-be completely confident in your medical team,3- understand your treatment plan and options. 4- it gets easier when you get your plan is in place. Try and enjoy the holidays.

    Swg- great news about node neg! Hope your recovery is going well

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  • ps0705
    ps0705 Member Posts: 122
    edited November 2017

    Thank you taking the time for sharing your timelines with me.

    CBK - good advice about the 2nd opinions. I now have 2 plastic surgeon opinions lined up along with 2 breast surgeons.


    SWG - hope you are recovering fine and glad your nodes were negative. that's the big scare for me with the waiting.

    Meshell - exactly "get it out of me!"

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited December 2017

    ps0705- Awesome proactive work! This is what will move you forward and not be a victim to the waiting game

    Keep us posted, Here for you! 👍

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  • chronicpain
    chronicpain Member Posts: 385
    edited December 2017

    It is unlikely that waiting until January, with a benefit of time for proper research and second opinions, as opposed to getting surgery next week, is going to change the nature of your tumor. I had similar concerns (diagnosed early October, but lumpectomy and sentinal node surgery was not until 11/22, and was reassured by the BS and oncologist that a few weeks would not likely matter at all, even if it was a higher stage ( I am stage I Grade 1 IDC).


    Of course no one has done controlled experiments on this, nor will they, and you really do not want an operative team preoccupied with their Christmas shopping and holiday plans and a second string of cross-coverers for after hours.

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  • sharchap
    sharchap Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2017

    Hi, I also was diagnosed on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, invasive ductal carcinoma on my right breast. It is slow growing, which is I think why they didn't mind giving me a surgery consultation date of 12/34 this Monday. Three days after my diagnosis my father passed away from brain cancer. It has been a rough road. I can post again once I find out my surgery date this Monday. My heart is with you. --Sharon

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  • chronicpain
    chronicpain Member Posts: 385
    edited December 2017

    One other thing you can use your lag time for is to make sure your insurance preapproval is properly set up so there are no surprises, Facility fees are separate from doctor fees which are separate from imaging fees etc., and most require preapproval.

    My surgeon and admin team had said all was set up for my surgery to be done at a certain facility they use, with my insurance , and I understood the surgeon's out of network fees, and then the morning I appeared a clerk at the facility surgicenter said oh BTW this surgery has not yet been approved, per the computer, so please sign here for a pledge to pay $130,000 in case it is not approved, for my four hours at the surgicenter. Was I supposed to go home?


    Fortunately it was then approved after the fact. Make sure you have the preapprovals documented in writing in advance for each step, to avoid surprises, as these days there can be tremendous administrative confusion



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  • chronicpain
    chronicpain Member Posts: 385
    edited December 2017

    So sorry you have to deal with the loss of your dad while at the same time coping with BC, so much stress. See the sections on relaxation approaches, etc.


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  • Meshell5324
    Meshell5324 Member Posts: 54
    edited December 2017

    So sorry for the loss of your father Sharchap. Keep strong and post an update when you can.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2017

    My DX and SX were a month apart. You can look up the NCCN guidelines online if you are curious.: www.nccn.org/patients/clinical/. You may have to copy and paste. I'm computer-challenged!


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  • ps0705
    ps0705 Member Posts: 122
    edited December 2017

    Sharon -Hugs to you. Sorry to hear that your dad just passed and while you are dealing with your own diagnosis.

    Chronicpain - thank you for helping ease my fears.

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