Feeling Lost

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Mystic18
Mystic18 Member Posts: 27
edited January 2019 in Just Diagnosed

Hi everyone,

I feel like I'm in the dark when it comes to next steps.
I was diagnosed on December 5 and have a tentative surgery date scheduled for January 29. I have read enough of everyone's posts to know that isn't too long to wait for surgery but it still kind of freaks me out with each passing day. Am I correct in understanding that an appointment with an oncologist comes after surgery, not before?
Also, if opting for a double MX, do they test all the tissue after surgery or just the cancerous portion? I ask because there are multiple beans on each breast lighting up in MRI but only the one was biopsied after significant growth during a 6 month interval. I am concerned about the chance of missing a second cancer if one exists.

Any thoughts/reassurances? Thanks!

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited December 2018

    I called the oncologist first but actually saw the breast surgeon first. I also saw a plastic surgeon. They were in communication with the oncologist, but I didn't actually see my oncologist until 8 days after surgery.

    I think they test throughout the breast tissue. They did even for my prophylactic side to confirm there were no cancerous or precancerous cell. It's a good questions to ask your surgeon.


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  • MoonGirlJess
    MoonGirlJess Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2018

    I saw the breast surgeon first then the oncologist. The breast surgeon was in contact with the onc regarding my case but I had not met with them yet. I had surgery prior to meeting the oncologist. Invasive, pleomorphic, multi focal, lobular cancer, and in my nodes also? Bye, boob, bye.

    Yes, anything that is removed from your body during surgery is sent to pathology. Everything! (I worked in the PACU as an RN.)

    You will get through this. I just had my last chemo yesterday. This is a long haul but you are stronger than you know.

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2018

    It is confusing at first! I saw the breast surgeon,and she said I'd go to the oncologist post surgery, once the full pathology was returned from the surgically removed tissue and once I had done some healing. It was about 1 month before I saw the oncologist and she reviewed the pathology report from surgery with me in detail, and then we discussed my treatment. For me the worst part was waiting for all test results pre surgery. You have some time until your surgery, and you can use that to prepare yourself and your environment for your recovery time.

    They do test the tissue -- more than just the area they know about and the other breast as well.

    You got this!

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  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited December 2018

    I did schedule an appt. with my medical oncologist before my surgery. She reviewed my stereotactic needle biopsy results, and my likely treatment plan, but cautioned that everything was up in the air until the final surgical pathology results came back. However, it did ease my mind a lot and I felt calmer. I met with her again 2 weeks after my surgery, once the biopsy results were back. The waiting is hard, I know! Try and keep busy to distract yourself. Good luck!

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  • Mystic18
    Mystic18 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2019

    Thank you all. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

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  • CindyL33
    CindyL33 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2019

    I am sorry you haven't gotten answers from your doctors. Sometimes they are little help. I have both surgical & radiation oncology appts before anything is done. I think this is highly important. They are the ones you can ask any questions about your cancer. I don't see the usefulness if they talk to you after when you can talk before anything is done about ALL of your options.

    After reading so many posts, topics etc. It seems to me, these doctors just want to jump right in and do surgery. I myself have a problem with that. These days, everyone is about surgery and drugs. There have got to be and there are other options....I'm looking into that route, especially since I've seen many posts where they say it takes a long time to grow.

    I also will be listening for God to show me the way.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2019

    CinyL33, what effective options besides surgery and/or drugs? Can you elaborate?

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