Diagnosed 9/8 - wondering about speed of first steps

For most people, breast cancer is not am emergency in the sense that it needs to be taken care of tomorrow. That’s not to say it should be neglected, but once you have all the biopsy info and meet with your oncologist to map out the next steps, you’ll have a clearer time line. In my case, between second opinions and coordinating the surgeon and plastic surgeons schedules, it was almost 2 months after my initial dx that things started moving. I know some people just want everything done immediately but if you’re seeking a second opinion or trying to coordinate surgeons schedules it may well take longer. In the end you need to go with what makes you comfortable! Best wishes

sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know your emotions must be all over the place. It took me about 1 month to start treatment. I was diagnosed initially in 6/25 and started chemo on 7/24. Once I was established with a cancer center I did more testing to see if the cancer had spread anywhere. Once that was done I had a port placed for chemo. I was definitely quick to get appointments done and start chemo...I did not want to wait around.

When I went for my first visit to my Breast Surgeon she said that my surgery wasn't a medical emergency--it was my emotional emergency. She said this with compassion and professionalism you can't see when I write it out. Like you, I wanted to get the cancer show on the road! I wanted to schedule a BMX right there. She talked me down and agreed that I should have genetic testing (my grandmother died of ovarian cancer by age 60). So I was diagnosed on 5/6/2019 I had my first appointment with my Breast Surgeon on 5/13/2019. I had genetic testing on 5/16/2019. Had my first meeting with my MO on 5/23 and the RO on 5/29 Monday June 3rd I got the genetic tests results back that said I had the BRCA 2 gene- so I canceled the 6/5/2019 MRI that was scheduled for my breasts- because I had decided if I had a genetic mutation the boobs had to go. I called my BS as soon as I had the BRCA2 test result and asked to scheduled a BMX with no reconstruction.

They said they needed me to go for a plastics consult so I could give informed consent to go flat. This was the most annoying part of the whole process. Anyway I said fine. The nurse said if you decide not to do the reconstruction we have 6/25 set aside for you. I said I don't want reconstruction so is there anything else I need to do to make sure to keep that date. The nurse said I needed medical clearance from my PCP. I didn't have a PCP at the time! So I found a PCP and got an appt on June 14th at 8am for surgical clearance then at 11am on the same day I went and had my plastics consult. Told him thanks for the exam but I was going to go flat. I called the BS office from the parking lot and confirmed I wanted to have a BMX with no construction on 6/25. I had a pre op appt on 6/20/2019 and had bloodwork done --surgery on 6/25/2019.

Path results from the surgery were given to me on 7/3 from the BS and then I went to see the MO on 7/3 as well-and got a couple drains out I had a PT session on 7/8 to learn about lymphadema and get measured for a sleeve. 7/9 I had a pre chemo CT scan and an Echo--and got the other surgical drains out! Then on 7/10 I had a pre chemo bone scan. On 7/17 I had an MRI to check on a spot that was seen on the bone scan - then I had an appt with my MO and then that same day I had a port put in. (on 7/18 got MRI result- spot was a bony island - phew) On 7/24 I had my first A/C chemo treatment and the next day had appt on where I got a sleeve and gauntlet for my surgical arm.

**** So as you can see LOTS of appointments. **** 5/6 to 6/25 diagnosis to surgery and then a month to chemo. Right after I was initially diagnosed I had one purpose and that was to get rid of the cancer asap. I pushed to get in to see the BS as soon as possible and to get surgery done as soon as possible. Once I had the surgery I didn't want to start chemo until like mid August but my MO was like, no time like the present, it's been long enough, the sooner you start the sooner you are done. She was right it's better to start chemo as soon after surgery as you can- if you need chemo-.

Being on top of my medical needs helped me feel like I had some control over my situation. If it seems like a lot to juggle, don't hesitate to ask for help and/or to contact a nurse navigator. They want to help you navigate the system.

Do you have any more info from the biopsy?

I had surgery two weeks after diagnosis but then there was a longer delay in deciding whether to do chemo ( if hormone positive and HER2 negative, a test called the Oncotype Dx is usually ordered after surgery and gives info on whether chemo would be of benefit or not) or only hormonal meds.

1.3 cm is on the small side

Many of us are doing fine !

AbbyRhodes3 and Jleath, we're sorry you have to be here, but glad you found such this wonderful group of people!

Please keep us all posted as to how things go for you. Let us know if we, Mods can be of help.

Warmly,

The Mods

So..... waiting sucks. There is a thread here for newly diagnosed. I went on there and picked up a few pointers. I am writing here what I have been busy doing. Hopefully you and others will find it helpful.

First couple of days were rough. Fog, anxiety. Crying. Optimistic. In my mind, I had everything from mastectomy to chemo to radiation etc...Truth is. I do not have a clear path yet. Hard pill to swallow for me.

#1 Against family advise, I chose to tell as many people as I knew about my diagnosis. My family has a belief that people's bad energy can get on your disease or something wierd like that. I found the opposite. I spoke to over 14 women and have gathered a bunch of information and a bunch of referrals to oncologists, surgeons, and plastic surgeons.

#2 I already had a relationship with a surgeon, so I called and made an appointment. During my second biopsy yesterday, I picked the girls brains at the breast center. Found out my surgeon has a team that she works with. I have names of recommended Oncologists, Have an appointment with one, but am now waiting to see what my surgeon says. Appointment next Tuesday.

#3 I read many of the threads in the newly diagnosed section of this site. That day, I gathered all of my paperwork. I also made an appointment to see my primary doctor (had not thought of that!)

#4 I had been taking zoloft at a super low dose for PMS. My primary increased that to a clinical dose. She also prescribed a little xanax just in case. I only took a 10 pill prescription of that because it can be habit forming. We talked about a possible pre-operative consult that will include EKG, XRAY and whatever labs anesthesia might want to see. On that day, I will also get my updated tetanus shot. I forgot to ask, but I need to ask about shingles vaccine. Already got my flu shot this year.

#5 My mood swings have lessened. I am trying not to let my emotional brain take over my rational brain, but it does not always work. I let myself cry, but I try to suppress thoughts about information I do not already have. (NOT EASY).

I wish you luck. Will share any other tips.....