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Cinkal.......
Welcome to the board, although I'm sorry about your dx.
I was told, and found out for myself, that cancer is not considered an emergency. So, sometimes things don't move along as quickly as we wpould like. Let's face it, the wait is horrible!
I was "officially" diagnosed on July 10, 2008. I got an appt. with a breast surgeon/specialist within a few days (one I tried to see had a 6 week wait before even seeing me for my first consultation). But as it turned out, the Dr. whom I saw was, in the end, the right one for me.
So, my time frame was...biopsy July 7. Officially diagnosed and told July 10. First consult with surgeon a few days after that. Bone scan, chest x-ray, labwork immediately. PET scan within a couple of days.
Mastectomy August 5. Port installation Sept. 5. Chemo started the following week.
The six day wait really should not make a difference. There are some who have waited two months or more to even see a surgeon.
Gentle hugs,
CR0 -
Hi
I'm in my 30's too. Do
Hi I'm in my 30's too. Do you live in IL? Just asking because I live in Northwest Indiana, about 90 minutes away from Chicago.
For me, it was almost a month from diagnosis to surgery. I opted for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, so I had to wait for both surgeons to get their schedules on the same page! I also had IDC in my right breast, ER weakly positive, and no lymph involvement.
I was really frustrated with the wait for my surgery, but my surgeon assured me that waiting a few weeks wasn't going to do any harm, but putting it off for months was not a good idea. I just wanted the cancer OUT of me! I found it really helpful taking xanax in the early days, the anxiety I had was almost unbearable, and the xanax really helped.
*hugs to you*
Heather0 -
Waiting...
Glad you found "us"...so sorry for the reason...this is a wonderful place to ask questions, vent, etc.
Waiting becomes part of this journey...wait for an appointment..wait for a test, wait for results...on and on and on...but to answer your question...
I found my lump, less then 3 months after routine mammo and ultrasound..Was diagnosed on April 16,2009...told at the time of biopsy, it was cancer..next day, given initial staging...and size...Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma..I am triple negative..saw the surgeon first part of May.. Had a lumpectomy on May 19.. Went from Stage I to Stage II on the table, due to size alone..2.2cm tumor...no lymph node involvement, which is BIG! Saw my oncologist first of June, started chemo on June 15...finished on August 17... Started radiation on September 15 (33 treatments) finished on October 30....those dates seem burned into my mind!
And by all means seek as many opinions you feel you need...don't be afraid of "offending" ANYONE... This is your life!
Again, This is wonderful website...full of caring, compassionat women who have walked in your shoes...a fantastic place for first hand experience! Don't be afraid to post questions, scream, yell, vent, what ever....we get it, we understand! And you can also send a private message to anyone on here if you want...
Please keep us posted...we truly care
Peace be with you,
Nancy0 -
I live in Northwest IndianaHeatherbelle said:Hi
I'm in my 30's too. Do
Hi I'm in my 30's too. Do you live in IL? Just asking because I live in Northwest Indiana, about 90 minutes away from Chicago.
For me, it was almost a month from diagnosis to surgery. I opted for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, so I had to wait for both surgeons to get their schedules on the same page! I also had IDC in my right breast, ER weakly positive, and no lymph involvement.
I was really frustrated with the wait for my surgery, but my surgeon assured me that waiting a few weeks wasn't going to do any harm, but putting it off for months was not a good idea. I just wanted the cancer OUT of me! I found it really helpful taking xanax in the early days, the anxiety I had was almost unbearable, and the xanax really helped.
*hugs to you*
Heather
I live in Northwest Indiana as well, Valparaiso. Thanks for the info and advice.
Cindy0 -
So Sorry
Cinkal,
Welcome to the boards but sorry for why you are here. I was dx'd this time last year with IDC. It was found the last week of Dec. I went to the surgeon Jan. 13 for the biopsy and a few days later was given the dx. This is the most common type of breast cancer. I also saw my onc between all this. The longest was the wait for surgery. It took a little longer because my surgeon and plastic surgeon were in different practices. It was just a matter of scheduling. Mar. 16th was the day. I had opted for a bilateral mastocemy with expanders put in at the same time. I should have had my port done at the same time but didn't. Thinking if I didn't have it done I wouldn't need it. I started chemo the first of April and finished July 16th. It seemed like a long but short journey. A short wait will not cause any major problems. Everyones journey is different but similar. These women on this board are a wealth of knowledge and compassion. We will help all we can. Keep us posted. I'm praying.
Janie0 -
Welcome Cinkal,
So sorry you
Welcome Cinkal,
So sorry you had to join but this is a great group. Yes, waiting is one of the worst things. There are many ladies here who will chime in and offer support etc. Try not to worry (so hard to do) and take it one step at a time. I would say to take someone with you to appointments. A 2nd set of ears can really help. My prayers are with you.
Stef0 -
Welcome, Cinkalfauxma said:Welcome Cinkal,
So sorry you
Welcome Cinkal,
So sorry you had to join but this is a great group. Yes, waiting is one of the worst things. There are many ladies here who will chime in and offer support etc. Try not to worry (so hard to do) and take it one step at a time. I would say to take someone with you to appointments. A 2nd set of ears can really help. My prayers are with you.
Stef
Yes, the waiting is one of the worst parts of the whole process. I had a stereotactic biopsy done under MRI and got such a large, painful hematoma from the procedure that I had to wait 6 weeks for surgery so that it would shrink enough for my surgeon to be able to do a lumpectomy. Then, 10 days later, I had to have a re-excision to get clear margins and an axillary node dissection. Chemo followed 5 weeks after surgery (waiting for the darn drain to stop draining) and then rads were about a month after chemo.
Believe it or not, once the process gets in motion, things move along pretty quickly now that I look back. I finished rads in July '10.
As others have said, the best advice I received was to take it one step/one day at a time. If you start looking at the whole journey ahead, it'll drive you nuts. At every phase, I just tried to tell myself, okay--you can do this--just breathe and do it.
Good luck to you. Stop here often. This has been my favorite place for advice, laughter, a few tears and SUPPORT.
Hugs, Renee0 -
Cinkal
I was dx May 20 and had bilateral mastectomy June 22. I had PET scan just before my chemo started. One of my sisters had DCIS and had lumpectomy and rads 9 years ago. She took Tamoxifen for 5 years and had a recurrence in her other breast last year(had lumpectomy & rads again). She is doing ok now. The waiting is the hardest part of the bc journey! Oh, I forgot to welcome you to this board. There are so many who have been there, done that. Lots of info and encouragement. Post when you can.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
Hello, Cinkal -- I am elated that you found us, sorry whymissrenee said:Welcome, Cinkal
Yes, the waiting is one of the worst parts of the whole process. I had a stereotactic biopsy done under MRI and got such a large, painful hematoma from the procedure that I had to wait 6 weeks for surgery so that it would shrink enough for my surgeon to be able to do a lumpectomy. Then, 10 days later, I had to have a re-excision to get clear margins and an axillary node dissection. Chemo followed 5 weeks after surgery (waiting for the darn drain to stop draining) and then rads were about a month after chemo.
Believe it or not, once the process gets in motion, things move along pretty quickly now that I look back. I finished rads in July '10.
As others have said, the best advice I received was to take it one step/one day at a time. If you start looking at the whole journey ahead, it'll drive you nuts. At every phase, I just tried to tell myself, okay--you can do this--just breathe and do it.
Good luck to you. Stop here often. This has been my favorite place for advice, laughter, a few tears and SUPPORT.
Hugs, Renee
you had to. I see from the above posting, several of our sister in PINK have chimed in with warm welcomes, and several suggestions. Please do not feel rushed or overwhelmed -- which is difficult to do -- as I am sure your entire world, has been turned upside down - making no sense to your or your family whatsoever.
Please take the time to explore the possiblity of getting a 2nd opinion, or locating what is referred as a Breast Cancer Specialist -- if available within your insurance plan. Get a few hours to yourself and research the internet, library -- concentrating on your specific 'Breast Cancer'. When going in to your specialist or doctor, please bring a tape recorder .. and a good friend, husband, sister -- someone to take notes, and perhaps help with the many questions sure to be asked.
Please check let us know .. what is going to happen next.
Strength and Courage,
Vicki Sam0 -
It took longer for my
It took longer for my surgery after diagnosis because I had 12 weeks of chemo before surgery to shrink the large 6cm and 3cm tumor. I also had cancer in the lymph nodes. It's tough waiting so what I did is tried to stay busy. Good luck. I was a stage 3a.0 -
Welcome Cinkal
Sorry you're visiting under your circumstances, but you will find nothing but support and amazing survivors here!
I was diagnosed in 2001 at age 35. For me, it was about 5 or 6 days from diagnoses to surgery. So, once they're able to do all the pathology and know what they're dealing with, things should move rather quickly. Get ready for the ride.
Sounds like they caught yours fairly early given they didn't see any swollen lymph nodes. And the fact that your progestrone positive is also good because you can do hormonal therapy which is just another weapon in your arsenal you'll be able to use.
I know the waiting is hard. It's actually the hardest part, I think! Keep positive and try to be patient. Things will soon start moving faster than you'll probably be ready for.
Blessings,
Sally0 -
so sorrysal314 said:Welcome Cinkal
Sorry you're visiting under your circumstances, but you will find nothing but support and amazing survivors here!
I was diagnosed in 2001 at age 35. For me, it was about 5 or 6 days from diagnoses to surgery. So, once they're able to do all the pathology and know what they're dealing with, things should move rather quickly. Get ready for the ride.
Sounds like they caught yours fairly early given they didn't see any swollen lymph nodes. And the fact that your progestrone positive is also good because you can do hormonal therapy which is just another weapon in your arsenal you'll be able to use.
I know the waiting is hard. It's actually the hardest part, I think! Keep positive and try to be patient. Things will soon start moving faster than you'll probably be ready for.
Blessings,
Sally
Welcome Cinkal, I'm so sorry you have a reason to be here. But I am glad that you found this site. You will find an amazing support group here with a wealth of knowledge. I know that the waiting is the hardest part, but once things start moving, I promise it goes very quick and you will have days that you swear your head is spinning. I wish you good luck with this courageous battle that you are on and please know that we are all here for you.
God Bless you,
Dawne0 -
WelcomeTexasgirl10 said:so sorry
Welcome Cinkal, I'm so sorry you have a reason to be here. But I am glad that you found this site. You will find an amazing support group here with a wealth of knowledge. I know that the waiting is the hardest part, but once things start moving, I promise it goes very quick and you will have days that you swear your head is spinning. I wish you good luck with this courageous battle that you are on and please know that we are all here for you.
God Bless you,
Dawne
I too am sorry for your need to be here but glad you found us. It is a great place to get answers and support. I was dx'd on Jan 29th saw Onc. in about 10 days,saw surgeon a couple of weeks after that. I had another mammo, an ultrasound and an MRI. I did not have surgery for a little over 7 weeks after dx. I too have IDC stage 1 ER+ PR+ HER2-, no node involvement. The waiting is so hard but as someone else said this journey has a lot of waiting in it. God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice0 -
Waiting...MAJW said:Waiting...
Glad you found "us"...so sorry for the reason...this is a wonderful place to ask questions, vent, etc.
Waiting becomes part of this journey...wait for an appointment..wait for a test, wait for results...on and on and on...but to answer your question...
I found my lump, less then 3 months after routine mammo and ultrasound..Was diagnosed on April 16,2009...told at the time of biopsy, it was cancer..next day, given initial staging...and size...Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma..I am triple negative..saw the surgeon first part of May.. Had a lumpectomy on May 19.. Went from Stage I to Stage II on the table, due to size alone..2.2cm tumor...no lymph node involvement, which is BIG! Saw my oncologist first of June, started chemo on June 15...finished on August 17... Started radiation on September 15 (33 treatments) finished on October 30....those dates seem burned into my mind!
And by all means seek as many opinions you feel you need...don't be afraid of "offending" ANYONE... This is your life!
Again, This is wonderful website...full of caring, compassionat women who have walked in your shoes...a fantastic place for first hand experience! Don't be afraid to post questions, scream, yell, vent, what ever....we get it, we understand! And you can also send a private message to anyone on here if you want...
Please keep us posted...we truly care
Peace be with you,
Nancy
Nancy,
How are you doing as I see the date this message in May 2009?
Your cancer diagnosis, and treatment, seems very similar to mine, and I am in agreement that waiting is the worst. After radiation, was your next step to go on Arimidex everyday for 5 years?
Take care....
Barb0 -
Welcome Cinkal
Gald you found us but sorry for the reason. I was told on March 25 which was 2 days after my biopsy. My surgery was on April 12. I had a lumpectomy and 7 nodes removed. Thankfully none of the nodes were involved. Waiting is really hard and most of the time I was really scared. If it had not been for all of the support and advise I got from all of the pink sisters here I don't know what I would have done.
Hugs,
Georgia0 -
I just want to add my
I just want to add my welcome to all the others. Please check in often and let us know how you are doing.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
I live in South Bend! AreCinkal said:I live in Northwest Indiana
I live in Northwest Indiana as well, Valparaiso. Thanks for the info and advice.
Cindy
I live in South Bend! Are you on facebook Cindy? I'm on there ALOT
I'm under Heather Kaylor Grontkowski on there.
*hugs*
Heather0 -
hi!Thankful to God said:Waiting...
Nancy,
How are you doing as I see the date this message in May 2009?
Your cancer diagnosis, and treatment, seems very similar to mine, and I am in agreement that waiting is the worst. After radiation, was your next step to go on Arimidex everyday for 5 years?
Take care....
Barb
Hi Thankful!
Knock wood I am doing well...I am not taking Arimidex nor Tamoxifin..I am not estrogen positive...unfortunately I am triple negative so once I finished. Chemo and rads, there is no further treatment available..Just being very diligent about follow ups, and blood work...I'm on the 6 month plan...check ups every 6 months. Had a scare in October but, thankfully everything turned out okay.. I've found my " new normal"and tend to go about my life pretty much as before the beast entered my life...not to say it doesn't lurk in the back of my mind, because it does.... Some days I think not " if it comes back but when?" Especially being triple negative...but what are we to do? I can't live my life wondering when the other shoe is going to drop.
I hope you are doing well!
Peace be with you
Nancy0 -
Welcome to the board, so
Welcome to the board, so sorry you had to find us but glad you did. I know the waiting game is really hard and I'm sending positive thoughts your way for quick answers.
Hugz
Kari0 -
Yes Heather, I am on faceHeatherbelle said:I live in South Bend! Are
I live in South Bend! Are you on facebook Cindy? I'm on there ALOT I'm under Heather Kaylor Grontkowski on there.
*hugs*
Heather
Yes Heather, I am on face book. I am under Cindy Summers Kallen.0
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