Very very scared
Comments
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Just got results from biopsy last week, cancer cells found. I have a surgical consult tomorrow. I think the doctor who did the biopsy said "Type 1," but that it couldn't be known fully until the lumpectomy.
I am alone at home today, bouncing off the walls. I lost a sister to b/c and other sister had it successfully treated with radiation.
People have said the waiting and uncertainty are the worst, and having the treatment plan is easier to handle, so I am hoping that I will be able to handle this. I worry for my darling husband (and me!).
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Miranda, if by “Type 1” they meant Grade 1,that would be very good news, slow growing and well-differentiated with good prognosis,though need to wait for full surgical path to know for sure.
I stongly suggest you call your primary care doc ASAP today to get some anxiety meds to pick up, as this anxiety will likely go on for a while.
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Thank you, chronicpain. That is very helpful information. I had not considered anxiety meds, but can see where that would be helpful in coping.
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Miranda:
So sorry that you've found yourself here. But know that this part of your journey is the hardest -- and I promise as a relative newbie myself -- that it DOES get easier as you develop a treatment plan and gain knowledge and information. You may already know that from your families' fight with this disease.
Please ask any and all questions and someone will try to answer or guide you. You're not alone -- we get it.
{hugs}
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So, so sorry Miranda. When you go in tomorrow please insist on getting a copy of your biopsy report. It has a lot of helpful information, many of us can help you interpret it if you have questions you forget to ask the doctor, and indeed you will feel a lot better after you have your "battle plan" in place. You can beat this.
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Thank you so much. Had an MRI today and have to have another ultrasound tomorrow before the surgeon appointment. This is a good place of support.
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Miranda~~ Just know that everyone is here for you so feel free to vent and ask questions. The anxiety of the unknown is so hard to deal with, as others before have mentioned. Once you have more answers and a "battle plan" you will feel more in control. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Thank you everyone. Today I had to have another ultrasound, there is another suspicious spot in the same (right) breast, will need another biopsy. I then met with the surgeon, and I am less terrified than I was as a result. I have a copy of my report, but am still processing the information. The cancer type is lobular. Bottom line is that because the tumor is going into the muscle, they will have to remove some pectoral muscle as well, which she said will be painful (recovering from). It looks like it will be a mastectomy, then chemo and radiation, though that may change after consult with the oncologist (could be chemo, then surgery). There was positive news relating to my "biology," hormonal markers.
Because there is so much breast cancer in my immediate family (three out of three girls!), it was recommended to get the BRCA test. I didn't think of it before, the ramifications for cancer in the other breast and ovaries.
This is a lot to take in, but my initial response was elation. That is because I was convinced that I was going to die soon. All I wanted was to know that there is hope I can keep living. I also have a lot of confidence in the hospital where I am being treated.
Pamela (real name)
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Pamela:
I'm an ILC (lobular) girl, too. Many of us have a good prognosis, although any diagnosis of cancer throws someone for a loop. And changes us, I firmly believe. Hopefully for the better!
One step at a time. There is so much HOPE!!!
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Oh I'm so glad that you feel better. Having a doctor and hospital you can communicate with and trust is a huge first step. I have ILC as well so do keep in touch with us. All best wishes to you.
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Join us on the ILC boards. They were incredibly helpful because we have a lot of members there that have, I think, sometimes better more current knowledge than even some docs.
Consider thinking that after your surgery, you won't have any more cancer in you. And focus on your sister that recovered from this damned awful disease.
I too was grade 1 and since I had + lymph nodes (which petrified me) I hung onto that "grade 1" good news with everything I had.
I feel your anxiety and fear--but you will survive this episode in your long life! Keep us updated.
Hugs,
Claire in AZ
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Thank you all. Having a community is so important to me. After my initial relief that it wasn't the worst news, I was sleepless most of last night with all kinds of dread and fear. I will visit the ILC boards.
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Had biopsy on second suspicious tumor Friday. I was told the results won't change the general picture I've been given as to surgery and treatment. Met with the medical oncologist, and that was fairly hopeful. At least right now, it looks as though they can treat me with anti-estrogen drug rather than IV chemo.
Still terrified, of course, but less so than before. Reading up a lot on the surgery, and that's pretty overwhelming. Waiting on second biopsy results and seeing the plastic surgeon later this week.
Have just started the process of telling select friends and relatives. I find that kind of difficult.
Has anyone else had ocular migraine symptoms (I think stress-related)?
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My sister has lobular BC too. Her oncologist told her since it tends to travel she might want to consider a double MX. She said no. She had a single MX and is taking Arimidex. No chemo or radiation.
I agree Type 1 means Grade 1. I had IDC Stage 1a, Grade 1. Lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. Low Oncotype score. 5 years of Tamoxifen. 6 years out last August.
You can do this. We are testaments to that.
Diane
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Thanks, Diane. I am wondering about the single vs. double, there is also a strong family history, no genetic testing as yet. I think I can deal with the single MX (already reconciled to that), but taking off both right now seems scary.
I appreciate the support here. I'm feeling really alone (even though have a wonderful DH, he can't be home with me all the time!). And nothing is more helpful than the experiences of others who have been through it.
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Miranda2060,
My initial lump was invasive ductal; follow up testing found invasive lobular. After tests on the cancer, lots of reading, talking and thinking, I decided single mastectomy. I knew it was the right decision for me as I felt relief once I made it. 18 months later (and 4 weeks post DIEP flap reconstruction), I have no second thoughts.
Continue to ask questions, talk to your oncologist and plastic surgeon (more than one if necessary) until you are comfortable making a decision.
Good luck
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Thank you, Runcrb. Biopsy on second tumor showed ductal, so I have both types in the right breast (yippee). Am meeting with the plastic surgeon on Thursday (two days from today).
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How would I find my Oncotype score? What does it mean? There is so much to learn.
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Welcome, miranda2060.
jo6359, the criteria for OncotypeDx testing require that the cancer tissue submitted for that testing is ER+ and HER2-.
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I am just starting my journey and wanted to let you know I am here also in Support for you and I am going through the anxiety and trying to work full time and being a single parent it’s a very scary thing. There is a lot of great info here which does help with some of the anxiety. I have only had one surgery before and that was an emergency
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icietla- Thanks for the info on Oncotype testing. I feel I need to take a crash course learning new terminology and abbreviations.
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Jt3-Everything is scary but these ladies are so wonderful with sharing their experiences. It's been a month since I've been diagnosed and I still have some anxiety attacks. Fortunately they don't last more than a few minutes now. It's scary but the support out there is such a tremendous help in dealing wuth anxiety. The waiting is so frustrating and anxiety provoking. Power walking and walking my dogs has helped my mind focus on fun things. One of the ladies suggested I binge watch television. LOL I rarely ever watch TV. But I'm trying to follow my old routine as much as possible. Which means working playing with the dogs cleaning and most of all utilizing my network of friends for support. With you Being a single mom with two small children is difficult enough without this BC diagnosis. But based on the information you provided it appears that cancer is in the early stage and small. Hang in there.
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Jt3- sorry I miss wrote that you had two small children. Brain fog
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