Afraid and scared just recently picked up my pathology report

I am so so sorry you find yourself here! But you have come to the right place for information and and a lot of people that will care about you.

I’m not a dr but I can say from what you wrote (estrogen and progesterone positive and Her2 negative) those are all good things if you can have good things in cancer.

I assure you breast cancer treatments have come a long long way and it’s not as bad as it sounds.

I too was so upset when I found out. And some days are still tough. But know that there are many many women that join you and go on to live long lives. Take a deep breath. Try not to Google. Trust me it is NOT your friend right now!

I’m praying for you and I know you’re scared. I was too. Lean Into your friends and family and if your religious God! Let yourself feel all the feels. Have your pity party, just don’t stay there. There is every reason to believe that you will live to see everything you want to see and more!

Love and Hugs coming your way! If you want to chat please feel free to message me on here. I have learned a lot in 5 short months!

LoverofJesus

Stop with blaming yourself for neglecting your mammos, looks like you saved yourself some radiation exposure, recently got mammo with an all clear and THEN found a lump YOURSELF and followed up quickly. Good Job! Your original doctor has a major problem, you were wise to switch.

I didn't tell my adult children about my diagnosis until I had a plan in place. Unfortunately we all weren't together until Mother's Day which still causes a bit of outrage - so avoid what would otherwise be happy holidays. Bring all your records: mammos/ultrasounds/path reports to your new surgeon, write out your questions and bring someone with you. Sorry you are waiting so long but you are wise to keep busy.

Toolmom, I'm sorry of the way you found out your own diagnosis! It actually angers me if you are in the US, which I am assuming you are. There's not much of a benefit of the doubt but if I were to give one to you perhaps your primary is busy setting up a team for you. A surgeon, an oncologist, a nurse navigator should be assigned to you as well. Did they really expect you to take all this information in at once? Take it a day at a time, The wonderful folks here will help guide you through as best we can. This part is the hardest. You don't need to learn everything in a day. Be kind to yourself. Breathe! I'd give that doc a piece of mind though for not at least calling!

Toolmom - Just want to underscore what jhl said about the new law. They have to release your results now as soon as the tests are completed. They get posted to a portal if your facility uses one. Some prefer to wait for the call and hear the details from their doctor, but many (like myself) prefer to have access as soon as the info is available. I think some doctors used to take as long as a week to get in touch with people to go over their results. That just adds to the waiting anxiety if you ask me.

Sorry you've had to wind up here, and wish you the best of luck!

So sorry you had to find out that way but glad you took control and got your results. I think I would have blown into my PCP office and laid into him/her. No way he/she did not know results unless they completely ignored patients charts etc.

In regards to kids, I was 51 when diagnosed 4 years ago with 2 in college and 1 was still in high school. Whether some think I was right or wrong, I waited until I had all my facts, knew what I was going to do, then I told them as gentle as I could but the truth. I had breast cancer and I was going to do all I could for it, and I certainly had every plan to be around for a loooong time. I also told them life goes on for them, and I wanted them to go back up to college (it was the summer) do well and enjoy.

Just like you did with getting your reports yourself, do what you feel is right for you and your family.

toolmom….if you read my signature, you will notice that my tumor, while larger, has similar characteristics to your tumor. I was also diagnosed at 53. This week, I received my Medicare card and it kicks in in January as I turn 65. That same month, I should be celebrating 12 years of NED….

With regard to your children’s reaction to your Covid hospitalization and now THIS, I promise you, they will be okay and….so will you. Throughout my adult life, I have had some real major health zingers. My children have learned first hand how to be resilient….and more loving and kind.

Cancer never takes a holiday and sadly, often comes along while you are living life and making plans. There is NEVER a good time to be the bearer of sad and scary news.

My suggestion….wait until you have a protocol in place and then calmly gather your family and explain to them your situation. Practice what you will say to them in front of a mirror. Most importantly….tell them firmly and often that you are making plans and they should continue to do the same. And finally, tell them and remind yourself that for many of us, breast cancer is a very treatable disease.

i wish you well.

I’m right there with you. I am 38 and received my pathology report yesterday. I have grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative. I had a unique situation. My sister is the office manager of my doctor and she actually received my results over the phone. So, since she knew I was at work, she told my parents, husband and other sister. They met me at home to tell me together. I feel so supported and loved. It’s crazy to think of the unknown right now. Hoping and praying for the best but trying to also prepare for the worse.
My family joked and said cancer picked the wrong family member because I’m the strong and stubborn one. I am a fighter and will do what I have to do to make it through this. You will too. The hardest part was telling my teenage kids. I am waiting until Monday so I can schedule an appointment with my oncologist to come up with a plan