Normal for it to take so long to get things going?

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lkellyr
lkellyr Member Posts: 19
edited January 2018 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

Hello all! I noticed a large lump in my breast mid Nov. Waited a few days, then went to see my PCP on Nov. 17. She referred me to the Breast Center (Kaiser). The dr. there did an ultrasound, said it wasn't a cyst but didn't look like cancer either (Dec 5). Came back for an ultrasound & biopsy on Dec 13, got a call on Dec. 16 - breast cancer. Went in for bone scan & CT on 12/21. Dr. called on 12/22 to give results (no spread to bones or organs, yay!), but need PET scan to determine if biopsy needed on lymph nodes mid chest. That happened yesterday, met w/ Dr today and now I'm waiting for thoracic surgeon to call me to ask a few questions to determine type of biopsy he'll do. The Dr examined my breast again and now she's concerned about the skin on my breast, took a biopsy of that.

It seems like this process is insanely slow. It seems like they would be doing the scans and tests and phone calls closer together. My breast is getting larger and worse, but no treatment. Is this normal? Yes, there were holidays in there but it seems like I'm waiting and waiting and waiting.

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  • Silbar
    Silbar Member Posts: 163
    edited January 2018

    To me it looks like they are being very thorough and the tests are moving right along, especially considering the Christmas and New Years holidays we just had. Try to be patient...easier said than done, for sure :)

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    Hi there. I know it seems painfully, horribly slow but honestly, that pace seems like what most of us experienced. In general, most forms of breast cancer are slow growing, so surgeons like to have as much information ahead of time as possible. And if I'm hearing you correctly, there is possible lymph node involvement and the mass may be close to your skin.

    My only practical advice is to go ahead and get appointments set up with a medical oncologist and/or a radiation oncologist if you can. And do you like your surgeon? If you have any doubts at all you can use this infuriating "down time" to get copies of all of your reports to date (mammograms last three years, US, biopsy) and go get a second opinion. It was hugely valuable to me.

    Emotionally, I can only send you a virtual hug and encourage you to stick to your normal routine. Sometimes on this journey all you can do is wait and that requires a huge reserve of patience I'm afraid.

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  • lkellyr
    lkellyr Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2018

    Thanks for that, Silbar. I'm trying but I'm not the most patient person in the best of times. I'm working on it. :)

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  • lkellyr
    lkellyr Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2018

    Thanks much, Georgia1. It really helps to know the process time is fairly normal. I guess this is a great opportunity to work on my inner strength and patience. I need it! :)

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  • AgathaNYC
    AgathaNYC Member Posts: 473
    edited January 2018

    I know it can seem frustratingly slow, but it took me over 6 weeks from diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to first chemo session (I'm doing chemo before surgery.) There are a lot of tests to go through so that the doctors can devise a plan specific to your cancer.

    All the best wishes for your treatment. Hang in there - we're all with you in spirit.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited January 2018

    I was 2 months from diagnosis to surgery. Getting info, tests (MRI, genetics), etc. I did seek 2nd opinions with BS and PS. And talked to an MO and RO, too. Only so fast you can do it AND make decent decisions.

    Hang in there. Hugs to you!!!

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  • ToughCookie101
    ToughCookie101 Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2018

    I’m about three months from diagnosis to when I will have my surgery. I needed genetics testing and abothervlump found biopsies, etc. Immediate recon and co-ordinating plastics added a couple weeks on that time line. When my mom had breast cancer it was about the same timing.

    The waiting sucks, but I think it is best to have all info before deciding. I opted for mastectomy instead of lumpectomy and now I know I made the right choice for me. Had it been a month ago before all my tests I might not have been able to say that.

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited January 2018

    I am from California so I know about Kaiser, They move pretty effectively because all their doctors work closely together. For me took me good two months to have my surgery. I felt it took a long time, even MRI I did three times along with PET scans. Do keep track all your appointments and ask for a copy of he reports.


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  • houmom
    houmom Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2018

    Yes it will be 2 months for me between finding the lump and surgery. The biggest holdup for me was both surgeons having time on their schedule for a 10 hour surgery. I also found I could get tests done quicker by offering to drive a little further to other locations that might be less busy.

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  • lkellyr
    lkellyr Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2018

    Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback. Knowing things are moving along 'normally' definitely helps me to not stress out. I have a surgical biopsy scheduled for Wednesday so at least things are not at a standstill.


    I wish everyone a lovely day.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited January 2018

    Apologies if I've said this on this post, but my doctor told me that BC is usually a personal emergency but not a medical one. Meaning: we have time to research and make solid decisions.

    ;) Hang in there, guys!

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  • Jt3
    Jt3 Member Posts: 122
    edited January 2018

    My process is taking awhile as well through this horrible flu season the MRI tech called in sick and another tech who mainly does CT was able to do it. I am traumatized from the MRI machine sounds and frequencies. One frequency made my leg jerk uncontrollably!

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  • lkellyr
    lkellyr Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2018

    I'm sorry to hear that, Jt3. Every holiday between Thanksgiving and now MLK Jr. Day is interfering with me starting treatment. I got really upset last night, as I've recently had a surgical biopsy on a couple of lymph nodes near my esophagus and now I'm a stage 4, but I can't see an oncologist until they set an appointment for me, which 'should happen sometime next week'. It really bothers me that there doesn't seem to be much of a sense of urgency. The only person who seems to understand my anxiety and desire to make things happen quickly is the surgeon who did my biopsy!

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