Confused and scared

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CENOK2017
CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
edited December 2017 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)


Hi All,





I recently had a call back after screening mammogram. From there, a compressed mammogram of right breast and ultrasound of left. The radiologist suggested sterotactic biopsy of right breast due to segmented calcifications. Left breast 'spot' not suspicious.





Waiting 4 days for pathology report from biopsy was awful. Pathology came back 'at least DCiS'. More tissue has been sent out to see if invasive. I wish they would have just waited for final results as now I have to wait up to a week more to see what 2nd pathology report says.

I live in a somewhat rural area with larger cities 2 hours away. I am torn whether to talk to general surgeon here that does breast surgeries or go to the larger cities and talk to breast surgeon that specializes in oncology. I am grateful the facility found the microfications and they have been very kind.

I seriously never worried about breast cancer. Life has a way of humbling us. I am 68 and have dense breasts

Guess I just needed to vent. On top of this, we have just moved to this area so don't even know reputation of facilities.


Thanks for this site to help us all


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2017

    Hi Cenok2017-

    We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've joined our community. It can be a very lonely feeling, but you're in good company here, and we hope you find comfort and support in these forums. We know the waiting is difficult, especially with the holidays just around the corner! Please keep us posted on what you find out, we're here for you!

    The Mods

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited December 2017

    Good morning C and I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. My suggestion would be to go to a hospital in a larger city, preferably one with a breast cancer center. Over time you will need to see a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. So even with the travel you will save time, and get better care, if everything is coordinated for you.

    Hang in there and let us know how we can help.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    So sorry that you've found yourself here needing advice. But know that we're here for you and understand.

    My vote would be to go -- at least for an opinion if you're not sure you'd do surgery there -- to a city and speak with the BS who specializes in breast surgery. Advice given to me (and I read) was: you want someone who does this type of surgery every day. And it's all they do. Plus, you will, I'm assuming, have better options for the medical oncologist (MO) or anyone else you may need to talk to. Also, a larger facility may chose to redo your pathology (they will assist with gathering all they need, they made it easy for me) and this is never a bad idea. I went to larger teaching hospital for 2nd opinion and surgery and they took care of things basically after the first phone call. Very easy. These places are built for speed and efficiency.

    Take care.

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  • CENOK2017
    CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Thank you for your kind words. I really need this outlet

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  • CENOK2017
    CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I really need this site to help me through this! Good luck to you and thanks for your posts

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Ask questions when you have them. Someone on this forum will answer. We've all been there in some way.

    Take a deep breath when you need to. You will get through this.

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  • CENOK2017
    CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Thank you. I am so grateful for your response. I just wish I knew more about this new area we have moved to. Have no idea of a reputable where is best to go. I feel paralyzed especially so close to Christmas.


    The moderstor did send me a link to find others in the area but so far no responses.


    I pray you are feeling well and will continue to do so

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  • Snickersmom
    Snickersmom Member Posts: 926
    edited December 2017

    I agree with everyone else - definitely go to the larger hospital in the city. I live in central Florida and drive an hour each way to Orlando. I could have stayed with a general surgeon at the small hospital near home, but wanted someone who is dedicated to breast cancer surgery. I didn't like the thought that the general surgeon could operate on an infected cut one day and my breast the next. My medical oncologist and breast surgeon are both at the same hospital and each patient has a team, so they schedule my appointments on the same day and I always see the same people.

    Waiting is the absolute worst part because your brain starts coming up with all kinds of scenarios. I was told not to go on the internet and look at anything but of course, I did. That wasn't a good thing to do, but I just couldn't help myself. I don't know about anyone else but after a few days, my anxiety level was on overdrive and so I was put on Xanax. That really helped until I had surgery a few weeks after my diagnosis. After that, they put me on Zoloft (low dosage) and that has been perfect. I am pretty calm and if that's what it takes, that's fine with me. Don't be afraid to ask. Nobody expects you to be a hero. You are new to this - like I was 7 month ago - and it's so scary. I thought at 70 I would be able to handle this. Ha! The physical side is easy - it's the emotional aspect that kicks us in the butt

    We are all here for you so don't hesitate to rant, rave, vent, ask questions, etc. Lots of hugs and prayers being sent your way.


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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    What cities are closest to you or driveable, if I may ask. Perhaps someone on the boards will be near you and can recommend.

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  • CENOK2017
    CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Tulsa, OK and Oklahoma City. There is a teaching hospital in Oklahoma City. OU has a breast center which sounds like a good possibility. It is a teaching hospital with a comprehensive breast cancer center. There is also an Intregis Breast Center in Oklahoma City


    Tonight I am just praying that I finally get the final pathology report from my biopsy. Waiting is so hard.


    Thanks for your post and hope you are feeling well!

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Search the forums because I was just talking to someone (I'm sorry, I can't recall exactly on which forum) and she is from OK and going to OU. Or start a post saying Oklahoma advice or something like that. ;)

    Good luck and try to enjoy the holiday season a little if you can. Hang in there.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Here it is. Discussion on Oklahoma and OU. I hope this helps! Perhaps you can contact the poster.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/62/topics/859782?page=1#idx_22

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  • CENOK2017
    CENOK2017 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Thank you so much. I will definitely check out the link. I found out today I have HER2 positive but I don't understand it yet. Just want to get to OU Breast Institute and hope someone can explain things as they told me nothing in McAlester today since they are not oncologists


    Enjoy you Christmas and I pray for a healthy new year fo all of us!


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