Diagnosed This Morning - IDC

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HockeyChick_CA49
HockeyChick_CA49 Member Posts: 31
edited June 2018 in Just Diagnosed

I've been lurking on this board as I was waiting on my results. It really helped me get through the long wait.

Just found out this morning I have Stage II IDC. Spread to one axillary lymph node. 2.4 cm lump - Grade 3; ER-/PR- (bummer) and still waiting on HER2 status. I'm still numb. There is no cancer of any type in my family or any health issues really. The women in my family all live to be 90+. I am the first to get cancer.

LN involvement is my biggest concern right now. Hopefully it hasn't spread further. I don't know how long I've had BC. Didn't feel it. Next up - CXR and abdomen US, bone scan. Waiting to get into an Oncologist. Probably starting chemo in 2-3 weeks, then surgery, then radiation. Current chemo regimen is AC-T, but I guess that could change depending on the results of the other tests.

I live alone. My family is out west. Luckily I have good friends around. My life is going to change pretty drastically over the next year.

Hoping to be able to continue working during chemo but from home. Not sure how that will play out. Ironically, I work in oncology research.





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

    Hi Beth, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're really glad you found us. You're sure to find our Community an incredible source of information, inspiration, advice, and support. We're all here for you!

    We're sure others will be by shortly to say hi and welcome you. Please let us know if you need anything at all!

    --The Mods

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  • Mucki1991
    Mucki1991 Member Posts: 294
    edited June 2018

    I'm sorry you find yourself here. Some people do ok on chemo and continue working I did not but that's my story. I will offer this advice before you start it pre-cook soups easy foods ect, so you can have in freezer there are days you will be so glad you did. If you end up not working discuss all of the options of FMLA with your HR and ask worst case and you can't work how long will/can they hold your job. There is so much to be aware of and plan for that goes beyond treatment. I thought I was pretty on top of things but turns out I dropped the ball on a couple of important things. Enjoy life while your feeling ok .. stay on the boards for support and ask questions of those who have gone before you.

    Best Wishes for you and hoping you sail through treatment with ease!!!!

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  • HockeyChick_CA49
    HockeyChick_CA49 Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2018

    Thank you for the warm welcome. I have a feeling I will be here often for support.

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Hi Beth,

    I am so sorry for your Dx. Yes, your life will change but your are never alone. We are here for you. We will be praying for you.

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  • Meg101
    Meg101 Member Posts: 175
    edited June 2018

    Hi Beth. Welcome to the club. You have come to the right place for support. BCO has been a lifeline for many of us. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. We are here for you through all of your treatments and beyond. There is a thread dedicate to Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), but you are welcome to join all threads regardless of your particular diagnosis. There are also threads to help you prepare for chemo, radiation, and "hair" issues. We will help you through all of it.

    Take care,

    Meg

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  • HockeyChick_CA49
    HockeyChick_CA49 Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2018

    Thank you so much. It's starting to sink in. I'm feeling pretty scared right now. Trying to figure out how I will get through this next year. I guess I just take it day by day.


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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited June 2018

    So sorry Beth. We truly feel your pain. This website has been my lifeline from the start. I will be 7 years out in August God willing.

    It is an emotional and physical roller coaster ride but you will get through it. We are all testaments of that.

    You will alsoget lots of sage advice and support here. Who better to help than those who have been through it like we have.

    My suggestion would be lean on your friends for help and support. I’m sure they will be there for you.

    Keep the faith and keep us posted.

    Diane


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  • C_Elisabeth
    C_Elisabeth Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As I read your post, I got teary-eyed remembering how life-changing it all is in those first days and weeks. I was diagnosed with IDC last November, and while it's been one of the hardest, craziest years of my life, I've also experienced more blessing and joy than I can describe.

    One of the most helpful, strengthening things I've done is to prioritize time with life-giving friends--just a few safe dear ones who are happy to be with me in the yuck, who remind me of who I am, and who make me laugh! Those hours of sweet friendship have helped me through the dark days--and tanked me up for the days when I haven't had bandwidth to be around anyone.

    I'm praying that you'll be surrounded by a few of those kinds of friends right now and in the coming months. So glad you found BCO too. <3

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited June 2018

    I'm so sorry you find yourself here. You will get great support and advice. The beginning is the hardest part. I promise it gets better. I had a positive node from biopsy too but all scans showed it had not spread so it's very possible it's just in the node. Don't be afraid to ask for anxiety meds if you need them. Hugs

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  • HockeyChick_CA49
    HockeyChick_CA49 Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2018

    Thank you for the kind and supportive words. It's really helping. The positive LN has me very frightened as I have no idea how long I have had this disease. I didn't feel a new lump due to very dense fibrocystic breasts. Hopefully my other scans come back negative. It's all moving so quickly, which is a good thing I suppose. I can't believe I will be starting chemo in 2-3 weeks. One thing I know for sure, I want this damn thing out of my body! 5 months of chemo first. Hoping I can work through most of it to keep my mind busy. I work in Oncology research. Could be a good thing or a bad thing. Sometime I think I know too much.

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