Getting diagnosed tomorrow morning

Options
Winelvr1
Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
edited November 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

not sure how to start so I will just say hi. I disvoved a lump in my left breast and made a dr appt, within the week of my appt the lump disappeared but I still went in even though I felt like an idiot, long story short, he sent me for an ultrasound and I thought it was odd how she focused on something on my right breast and not where I originally felt a Iump, results came back that there was an abnormality, dr sent me for a biopsy, called the dr office for my results because my friend who was assisting the dr during my biopsy told me to call. Of course I freaked out, couldn't talk to the dr but made the nurse read me the report and I heard words that I didn't want to hear. Something like carcinoma and I believe she said stage 1. So I have an appt first thing in the morning and I have already cried in my car, felt like I had to vomit and now I am just numb thanks to alcohol but not sure what I am even going to face tomorrow morning and what questions I should ask.

That's my story. Day 1


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited November 2018

    Winelvr1

    I am going to guess you heard Grade I (Staging is done after surgery)

    The only abnormal thing you can assume is Grade I in the breast would be DCIS which technically is not cancer quite yet.

    Too early to panic. Don't drink and drive.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2018

    Hi Winelover

    Not a great way to find out...admittedly.

    I'd like to recommend taking someone with you to the appt. Tomorrow so they can write down what the Dr. Says and maybe catch things you might be too overwhelmed to catch properly. There can be no proper diagnosis unless you have the lump removed and they also check your underarm nodes and perhaps some whole body scans. It is way too early to freak yourself out...in fact wHat an amazing miracle that you went and got checked for that phantom lump eh?

    Can I advise not letting your mind run away with you? Some nice relaxing activities, deep breaths and just know whatever this is...you are going to manage..you are going to get through it one step at a time

    And

    Importantly

    You are not alone.

    You will find so much support here for starters.

    Sending you love and hoping for the very best.

    Please keep us posted.

    Cyber-hug

    Astrid.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2018

    Winelvr1 - We hear you, and we'll be here with you whatever happens tomorrow. You're not alone! Good luck!

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited November 2018

    Good luck today winelvr1! As Astrid stated above - just breathe!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dreamers1989
    Dreamers1989 Member Posts: 26
    edited November 2018

    my story is the same winelvr1. My partner found a lump in my left breast. My radiologist at the mammogram said it was a fluid filled cyst and not to be concerned. Then said hey would you like me to check the right breast for good measure? I said sure why not. And boom there it was. If I can put a positive spin on it ,my right side cancer was detected by accident and I consider it a huge blessing. I was signing a lease on my new practice the same day I was diagnosed. Had I not discovered this I would of have continued full steam ahead and Probably would have discovered the lump years later when it would have been palpable and much further progressed. I know exactly how you feel and I wish you well and hopethis is earlystage for you. Also thankful that yourtechnician had the good sense to check the right sidefor you. Keep us posted xoxox

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    It seriously was a blessing in disguise. Not sure what to expect next.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I was wrong, it was grade 2 whatever that means

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited November 2018

    Grade refers to how quickly the cells are reproducing. It goes on a scale of 1-3 with 1 being the slowest growing, and 3 being the fastest growing. It's sometimes used as an indication of how aggressive the tumor is.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited November 2018

    Winelrv, I'm sorry you find yourself here, but know you will find help and support. You're in the hardest part right now--diagnosed but probably no plan in place for treatment and not enough detail to understand yet what options you have. Sounds like you met with your doctor and perhaps discussed some treatment or next steps. The grade is just a measure on a 1 to 3 scale of the cancer cell activity, but after you have surgery they can determine the Stage which is more a measure of the size, type, and any possible spread of the cancer. These numbers often can and do change so try not to upset your spirit on this number. Did your doctor refer you to a surgeon or breast center? I hope you can be assigned a nurse navigator who can be your contact and go-to person for questions and help. A bigger center can offer this for you. Ask here also and we can try to point you to resources or tell you of our experiences. (((Hugs))) for you and peace of mind as you explore your options. Please let us help you. Ceanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    All my dr said was "unfortunately it's cancer" and basically gave me my report and told me to see a surgeon next so I am stunned and feeling like I got kicked in the stomach.

    My report said that it is infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

    Focal in-situ ductal carcinoma

    And some other mumbo jumbo that I can't understand

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I went straight to the breast specialist and made an appt for the 19th

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I have a friend who showed my report to the dr where she works as a radiologist and she said that it is really tiny and they were amazed that they even caught it in the ultrasound because they usually don't catch them that small so I am hanging on to this right now

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited November 2018

    Winelrv, from the size, it sounds like it was caught early. Glad you are able to get in to the surgeon by the 19th. You might find in your report what they list as type--whether it is estrogen, progesterone or HR2 negative or positive. If you have that information, we can probably point you to some other threads here that may give you additional information that could be helpful. Try not to just Google--the information is often too broad and overloads your thoughts. Sorry your personal doctor wasn't more helpful. I know it's hard to wait 10 more days, but if in the meantime you can connect with a nurse navigator in the breast surgeon's office, you may find them very helpful or at least reassuring. Ask here also and we'll try to help.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2018

    I'm thinking of you and wishing you well as you move forward. Take care of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sparrowhawk
    sparrowhawk Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2018

    I'm thinking of you and wishing you well as you move forward. Take care of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited November 2018

    welcome back DJ Mammo!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I think this is the hormone part of it

    ER negative

    PR negative

    Her 2/neu negative

    Ki-67 borderline 15%

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited November 2018

    winelvr - your hormonal report indicates your tumor is the so called "triple negative"

    the estimated size of the tumor should also be on your report. It is usually listed in mm or cm.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Winelvr1
    Winelvr1 Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    what does triple negative mean?

    I believe the size is

    0.9x0 6x0.5cm irregular mass

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited November 2018

    winelvr, you may want to start reading some of the links here that match your report, although I wouldn't put much confirmation in all the information. So much is individualized depending on many, many factors you may or may not have. Sorry to be so vague, but sometimes the more you read, the more confusing it gets. Best to start out with your breast center nurses and see what specific information they can give you based on your diagnosis.

    https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis

    Trust me, it does get easier once you have your specific information and a treatment plan in place.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited November 2018

    Winelvr, just wanted to add that we understand how upsetting this can be. Try to rest, eat well, and keep busy. If you feel you need, contact a doctor to see if any anxiety meds might be helpful, but please don't mix with alcohol. I found it easier not to tell a lot of people so you don't hear unwanted and unhelpful stories about everyone's great-aunt so and so's diagnosis!!! Vent and question here--we are a safe place to talk. (((Hugs))))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited November 2018

    Triple negative means your two hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) were negative, so your tumor is not being fed by hormones, which means things like tamoxifen if you are pre-menopausal will not be prescribed. Her2 is a protein that is overexpressed in some tumors (“Her2 positive”) but not in yours. When you’re a little farther down the road you can start reading the triple negative threads. As you start to process this, keep in mind most women’s first decision is whether they want to get a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It’s a process but keep in mind you will get through it and come out the other side. It won’t run your life forever. This is a blip but you will get through it

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited November 2018

    This is such a hard process. I absolutely second getting anti anxiety meds. I waited until my anxiety was so bad I practically couldn't work. They take some time to kick in so I wish I'd started earlier.

    For me, I didn't really research anything until after my first appointment with my breast surgeon, and not much after that. I followed exactly what she told me. Since then, I've started reading a ton. Follow your feelings. It is totally ok to follow the doctor (maybe with a second opinion). It is totally ok to nerd out. Whatever feels most sanity preserving for you in the moment.

    I'm so glad they found yours this early! That is really good news.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited November 2018

    Because you appear to be triple negative, you may want to talk to a medical oncologist (MO) as soon as you can. Many triple negative breast cancer patients do chemo before surgery. You are very fortunate that your cancer was caught early. ((Hugs))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories