Im already worried, its all just so fast

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kearly4
kearly4 Member Posts: 4
edited August 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

So, about a month ago I discovered a lump in my right breast. started out the size of a hard pea and now I describe it as a peach pit (shape and all). I discovered my first of many lumps when I was 19 (I am 31 now) and they always seemed to be pregnancy related and have gone away on their own. Well last week I decided to get this one checked out because it was different from all the other mysterious lumps I have had. Right away my general Dr was concerned and referred me to a mammogram and ultrasound. due to my work schedule I couldn't get an appointment until a week later (today). It was supposed to be a mammogram and ultrasound but after they sent the images to the radiologist I was sent to the emergency room radiology section and was met there by the radiologist and asked me to sit down and explained that the lump is suspicious and that he has seen this before and that he wasn't going to lie to me that it looks like cancer. Everything turned foggy and my mind went blank. he named the type of cancer he suspected but I cannot for the life of me remember what it was. he started explaining how common it was but said although it was not common for my age I am not the first person my age he has diagnosed this too. He then explained that they normally schedule biopsies for a later date, but he would much rather do one right now and send it in and I should get my results tomorrow. I am freaking out of course. I spoke with my sister who said that years ago this same thing happened to her and it ended up being nothing to worry about. I am concerned about what he said and concerned with how fast this all is. of course, I don't have a long wait but is this common? what type of questions should I ask when I get the call tomorrow I guess for either outcome?

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2018

    Whatever the result, ask how to get paper or electronic copies of your mammogram, ultrasound & biopsy pathology reports asap. You want your own copies to read calmly later.

    Assuming it's benign, then you'll just file these & find out from your GP how frequently you should monitor this.

    If it's not benign, you'll want to know what type of cancer, what size they're estimating it to be, what grade, if there's any sign of lymph node spread in the imaging reports, and what the hormone receptor status is (ER, PR & HER2) .

    Fingers crossed for good news for you & that you'll just end up with papers to file away.

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  • kmajor
    kmajor Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2018

    Hi Kearly4 ~ I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July 2017. Some doctors move very quickly mine did. I had a mammogram on July 10th and then a biopsy on July 12th and the surgeon who did my biopsy called me on July 13th and said he wanted to see me ASAP that day cause he had my results. The questions I would ask if it is cancer is what kind, stage, and grade. The beginning is the worst. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow, we’re all here for you

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  • kearly4
    kearly4 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2018

    Results just came back. It is in fact cancer

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  • Polly413
    Polly413 Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2018

    Kearly - I am sorry you got the answer you didn't want and have cancer. At the beginning there is so much to take in. It will help if you have a family member or calm friend who can go to appts with you and take notes so you can concentrate on what is being said and ask questions as you go. Sounds like you are getting speedy attention and will have a treatment plan sooner rather than later. It seemed better to me when I had a plan and could see what I faced. This forum gave me a lot of help in formulating questions for my doctors. So ask questions here if you want to or just read the various threads than seem helpful. Good luck and best wishes. Polly

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2018

    aw, damn. Sorry to hear that. This is the hardest part - when you know you have it but don't have a plan yet. Hang in there. It gets better.

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  • AnxietyGirl85
    AnxietyGirl85 Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2018

    Hi kearly,

    So sorry that you've found yourself here with us, but you're in good company and you'll find lots of good support here.

    I was diagnosed last November at 32, totally out of the blue, so I can relate to how you're feeling right now. Trust me and the other ladies here when we say that this is the worst part, having the diagnosis but not knowing what's next. It's overwhelming and terrifying, but once you have more information and know what you're up against and what you have to do, it'll get better, promise.

    I'm on the other side of treatment now, just finished up a couple of weeks ago - I did it, I got through it, and so will you. Take it one day at a time. <3

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  • kearly4
    kearly4 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2018

    so far the results i got (which i still dont understand) is Infiltrating, poorly differentiated, duct carcinoma Stage II grade III. I have a MRI in the morning aswell as meeting with a surgeon. so far the team has been great and my mother is flying out tonight to stay with me.

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2018

    I think based on what you're saying it's probably IDC invasive ductal carcinoma - the most common type.

    Grade 3 refers to how quickly the cells are replicating. It's a measure of how fast it was growing & potentially its aggressiveness. 3 is alas the highest score for grade which means it's fast & aggressive. On the plus side, high grade tumors tend to respond well to chemo if that ends up being part of your treatment plan.

    Stage refers to the staging of your cancer. You can read about staging here. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/st...

    It's based on the size of the tumor and if/how far it's spread. Usually final staging is done after surgery because the size of the tumor on imaging can be inaccurate but you get a preliminary clinical staging now. Your MRI will hopefully confirm there's no spread.

    It's a lot to take in. Good luck with your MRI tomorrow & hope you have an informative meeting with your surgeon.

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  • Erinashley19
    Erinashley19 Member Posts: 104
    edited August 2018

    I just want you to know I am praying for you kearly4. Praying for the Lord to provide you with peace and courage to face this. *hugs

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