Another unfortunate initiate - Ottawa ON

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BarbMac
BarbMac Member Posts: 20
edited March 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Hello everyone. I wish I could say that I was glad to be here, but I'm not. At least I am able to gain insight, guidance and support from all of you lovelies that have been, or are going through this same thing. I was called back after my screening mammo for a diagnostic and ultrasound. Right away the Radiologist said a biopsy was required for confirmation but in her professional opinion and with her experience, I am in fact dealing with BC. Her results were sent to our local hospital and I receive a call yesterday. Biopsy is booked for tomorrow 8/3 and I have a consult with the surgeon next Friday 16/3. Things are moving quickly I think and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I was told I should bring someone to the surgeons appointment with me because there will be a lot of information and it's always good to have a second set of ears. A very good friend of mine has volunteered to tag along for support and to lend me her ears. I guess that is the day that I will find out the actual dx (stage, grade etc). The strangest part for me though is that I am not down or upset by all of this. I'm pissed off that it is happening, but other than that my attitude is " Ok, what's next? Let's get on with this and do what needs to be done'. Is this normal? Or is there a normal when it comes to BC? Anyone local?

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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2018

    Hi BarbMac - I'm just south of Ottawa in North Gower. Sorry you find yourself here. There is a thread called "Ottawa Ladies?" but it isn't very active.

    I was where you are about 18 months ago.....You get caught upin this "vortex" when things start happening and it all seems pretty overwhelming. Definitely bring an extra set of ears to your surgeon appointment and to the first appointments with MO and ROs should you end up having to go down that road too. I only found out the type of BC post biopsy. The grade, stage and hormone receptor info came after surgery. There is really no normal when it comes to BC. It takes a bit for it all to sink which will come once you get biopsy results. Feel free to ask any questions about how things work in the Ottawa area.

    Good luck!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2018

    Hi BarbMac and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you found us -- as you can already see, our Community is an incredible source of support, advice, and encouragement. You're sure to get many more welcoming responses soon!

    For your meeting with your doctor, it is a great idea to bring a friend to help retain information -- great advice there! There's also some info on the main Breastcancer.org site on Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Diagnosis.

    We hope this helps and we look forward to hearing more from you soon!

    --The Mods

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  • Lafish
    Lafish Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    Hi BarbMac,

    I'm south of Ottawa and had treatment at the Irving Greenberg Center beside the Queensway Carleton. I believe I was in complete denial until I received my biopsy results, hit me like a ton of bricks simply because I had not prepared myself for bad results. I brought someone with me to all appointments and asked them to take notes for me so I could focus on what was being said.

    Let me know if you have any questions or just want to chat

    Good Luck!

    Lauri

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  • BarbMac
    BarbMac Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2018

    Thank you all for your replies. I am reading through the site trying to learn as much as I can. I guess though that I won't really know what is going on until next Friday when I see the surgeon. So until that time, I will remain dx free and ignorant lol. I am ready to tackle this full on though once I know.

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  • LiMa66
    LiMa66 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2018

    BarbMac- Geetings from Texas. Sorry you're here but also glad you're here. Great folks offering amazing support. Normal? No such thing. Pissed? Good. Hold on to that because there may be times when you're scared, confused, overwhelmed, etc...


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  • ToughCookie101
    ToughCookie101 Member Posts: 191
    edited March 2018

    Hi BarbMac, I just posted in the Ottawa ladies group too. :) I'm right in Ottawa and had my surgery at the Queensway Carleton Feb 1st. My surgeon recommended lumpectomy and rads but I opted for an MX. That's great that you get to see a surgeon that fast. I didn't get booked until after my biopsy results were in. Keep in mind that even with birads 5 it isn't cancer until the biopsy says it is.:) Someone has to fall in the 5% not cancer. I have had so many appointments all over the city at this point since I was diagnosed. It will feel like a whirlwind but it will slow down. I worked right up until the night before my surgery and there were days where I'd have to leave for hours of appointments, but it trickles off. When I received my diagnosis I was alone, I'm 33 I found the lump assuming it was a fibroid or something. Seems not! Now I usually bring someone with me to appointments, unless a follow-up with the PS. And take notes and write down questions before hand as you think of them.

    Anyhow, if you have any questions let me know. My breast and plastic surgeon were great. I finally get to meet medical oncology tomorrow. I have also attended a Breast Cancer Action support group in the area, they typically mention it at the group pre-op session at the Breast Health Centre if you attend, but if you want more info let me know. The psychological dept at the Irving Greenberg Cancer Centre is also a great resource.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2018

    Hi there, welcome and keep us posted on your dx. So much good information and support here.

    Hugs,

    Claire in AZ

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