Feel like I can’t breathe!!

Hi Egirl-

We know how scary the first days and weeks after diagnosis can be. You're in the right place for support, and we hope that once you have some more information, things will start to become more clear for you. You're not alone, we're all in this with you!

The Mods

Egirl,

I too am sorry you are having to go through this. I was recently diagnosed and am just now finishing surgery prep. My first appt after the biopsy was with the surgeon. The MRI is good because it gives them a better image of the breasts. Doesnt necessarly mean something else is wrong. Then i met with the plastic surgeon because he is doing a lift at the same time as the lumpectomy. I dont meet with the oncologist until after surgery. Will probably be the same for you. You will feel better after you meet with the surgeon and a plan is in place. It really looks like it was caught very early for you. Come back as much as you need to, everyone is so helpful.

🤗 Cindy

Egirl,

I will offer some advice. This initial period is hell. Try not to over think everything. Grab a notebook and keep it nearby - put all of your questions in it and refer to it at each doctor visit. Find a friend who will go to appointments with you to take notes (and ask him/her to type them up and send them to you). Your spouse, if you have one, may be too close to the situation to take good notes.

After my initial diagnosis my PCP got me in to see a breast surgeon quickly. We thought lumpectomy and radiation based on what we knew from the first biopsy. He ordered an MRI and I remember him saying "Let's take a good look at both breasts because we don't want to miss something now and have to have a second surgery later." He also warned me that MRIs find lots of things and to expect more biopsies but often those are benign. My MRI technician had a good inkling that she saw things that would need biopsies and knowing other pressures I had (sick husband) got me on the biopsy schedule before I heard from my doctor. That was my only surprise appointment.

The MRI and any additional biopsies will provide a great deal of information to guide your next steps. As Rrobin0020 said, advocate for yourself. If the results indicate radiation or chemo, ask to get consults with radiation and medical oncologists. I saw both as well as two plastic surgeons prior to my mastectomy. I was also able to have a sentinel node biopsy prior to the mastectomy and the results put me on the path for chemo. It took about 6 weeks of consults, tests and follow ups to develop my plan of treatment. Breast cancer is a personal crisis but rarely is it a medical emergency. But do ask questions until you understand and be comfortable asking the same question multiple times.

Try to take deep breaths and continue with as much of your normal routine as possible. If you exercise, keep it up as fitness going into treatment is a huge piece of managing the impacts / side effects of treatment. I would also advise you to keep the circle of people who know what's going on small until you have the knowledge and plans in place that make you feel comfortable. The last thing you need is to have people crying on your shoulder or telling you horror stories.

good luck.

Egirl,

I think the MRI will reveal some info about the lymph nodes. But they take a few lymph nodes during surgery to test them. If they are cancer free, they will not any more lymph nodes. If you are worried about your lungs, you can ask for a pet scan before the surgery. I hope this helps.