Biopsy scheduled

Sun Whitey said:

Breast cancer confirmed.

I received the call today.    A "preliminary" report was sent to my doctor so we could start "taking steps."  Only 2 of the 4 lumps were finished being analyzed, but both showed breast cancer.  I see a surgeon Wednesday afternoon, and an oncologist after that.  Dr. said the only thing we know right now is that I do in fact have breast cancer, we just don't know how much or how far it's spread.  I think I'm okay.  I think.  In a bit of shock, but, those of you who have read my past posts know that I have been mentally preparing myself.  Does anyone know why I am not seeing an oncologist before I see the surgeon?

I think I'm okay.  I am not sure.  I called my mom.  I am lucky to have her.  She will now tell the rest of the family.  I have good friends and a good support system.  Living alone doesn't make it any easier...

No one here with me tonight.  I suppose if someone were here, I may fall apart, so perhaps it's for the best.

I actually don't know what to do right now.  I will have to notify work.  I do have a cancer policy with Aflac, so, I'm glad about that. I'm rambling.  Breast cancer.  No history of it in my family.  WTF.  I couldn't even remember today was Monday.  My mind feels blank.  Am I supposed to feel scared?  Perhaps it hasn't registered yet.  Should I see a nutritionist?  Sigh.  Sigh.  Sigh.

 

So Sorry

I am so sorry you have to go through this. It totally sucks to hear those words It's cancer. There was absolutely no BC history in my family either. I was convinced my lump was an infected cyst when I went for my mammogram. It wasn't and my journey began. I am sending thoughts and prayers your way! And (((Hugs)))) 

Sandy

Sun Whitey said:

Breast cancer confirmed.

I received the call today.    A "preliminary" report was sent to my doctor so we could start "taking steps."  Only 2 of the 4 lumps were finished being analyzed, but both showed breast cancer.  I see a surgeon Wednesday afternoon, and an oncologist after that.  Dr. said the only thing we know right now is that I do in fact have breast cancer, we just don't know how much or how far it's spread.  I think I'm okay.  I think.  In a bit of shock, but, those of you who have read my past posts know that I have been mentally preparing myself.  Does anyone know why I am not seeing an oncologist before I see the surgeon?

I think I'm okay.  I am not sure.  I called my mom.  I am lucky to have her.  She will now tell the rest of the family.  I have good friends and a good support system.  Living alone doesn't make it any easier...

No one here with me tonight.  I suppose if someone were here, I may fall apart, so perhaps it's for the best.

I actually don't know what to do right now.  I will have to notify work.  I do have a cancer policy with Aflac, so, I'm glad about that. I'm rambling.  Breast cancer.  No history of it in my family.  WTF.  I couldn't even remember today was Monday.  My mind feels blank.  Am I supposed to feel scared?  Perhaps it hasn't registered yet.  Should I see a nutritionist?  Sigh.  Sigh.  Sigh.

 

I've been there.  I had a lump that I found in the shower.  My ob/gyn thought it was nothing.  The radiologist thought it was nothing.  Guess what?  It was invasive lobular carcinoma.  And, my one lump ended up being three.  

I went to a breast surgeon first.  The priority is getting that cancer out, out, out.  In my experience, you need the full pathology to decide the best course of treatment.  The oncologist is going to want that pathology.

My breast surgeon referred me for genetic testing, and to my medical and radiological oncologists.  For some people, the process is a little different.  But, what you're saying sounds a lot like what I just experienced in October.  So take heart.

What I would advise is to take one step at a time.  Make a list of all of the folks you need to call and plow through making appointments and such.  Get yourself a notebook or planner and start writing down questions for your appointments.  If you have a friend who you can bring with you to the appointments, it's a good idea.  Then, they can help you take notes or ask follow-up questions.

Of course, these discussion boards provide a great resource.  But, if you're comfortable telling people that you have been diagnosed, you may end up finding your own network of ladies willing to chat with you.  I call my network my "Breast Friends."  Through friends and friends of friends, I created a network of folks who went through all sorts of permutations of cancer treatment.  

I'd also advise doing some searches online to find local cancer groups that may have helpful resources.  My local hospital has various breast cancer support groups available where you can be with people who have walked this road.  They also offer fun classes that help to get your mind off of your cancer and on to thinking about the rest of your life.

You're in my thoughts.

Megan

Sun Whitey said:

?

Megan,

Thank you for writing.  I'm in tears. I don't understand why I am seeing a surgeon before an oncologist.  Everyone is giving their opinion.  I'm new at this.  How do I know what is recommended is the right thing?  I don't want a 2nd opinion.  I believe in my PCP. If she recommeneded this surgeon I trust her.  I didn't even know there were different "types" of breast cancer.  

I'm frustrated.  Anyway, just venting.  Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.  I will take all of your suggestions to heart.  They are great suggestions.

Susan

I wish the results were better.Stil hope the other 2 are beinign. I had other tumors found when I was first dx after the bc was found.At my lumpectiomy when I was being prepped a tumor was found besdies the cancer one.It was taken out also and benign.It was a surprise.Then 3 weeks later with my check margins surgery I found a tumor 2 days before that surgery.Told the doctor as I was being prepped and he said  we'll see what it is when we get in there.Another benign  tumor.So 1 malignant and 2 benign and then a year ago anoither benign tumor was found and it's being watched.I know how you feel and your fear.Still Praying the other 2 are benign when those tests are back

For having 2 different cancers it happened last year with my sister. Cancer in both breasts and different cancers in each one.She had a masectomy and recontruction.Then chemo and now taking Armidex.She's doing fine.

For seeing the oncologist first.Not the way it was for me.I had this surgeon for years.Went in for a check up because my breast hurt after my grandson elbowed me.Doctor  didn't find anything but said wait for 5 months till my mammo.Tumor was found and it was cancer.It was a breast for many years that had benign tumors since I was 20  and I did fear this would be  cancer after the blow. The oncolgist was  the one who prescribed tamoxfin and also did check ups but I didn't see her till after surgeries etc.

Lynn Smith

Sun Whitey said:

Finally sinking in. And so is my fear.

Meghan, thank you for your response below.  I think "Team Susan" sounds like a good name, and they will look good on the pink bus.     

I just returned from the surgeons office.  I have invasive ductal carcinoma. (something close to that, I think that is what he called it). Since I have four tumors, one of which is in the axillary node, we have elected for a modified radical mastectomy.  My doctor was caring, kind, patient, explained everything slowly and step by step and made me feel so comfortable.   A few weeks after surgery, oncologist, chemo, then ????

I told the doctor I was giving up breast cancer for Lent.  

Humor will get me through this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you my beloved new friends.  Your comments mean more than you know.

Pink hugs and kisses.

Susan

Hi Susan.  I am so glad that everything seems to be moving so quickly for you.  You are getting all your ducks in a row and that is the best thing you can do right now.  I absolutely love the "Team Susan" name that Megan came up with.  You will be amazed how big that team will become.  Family, friends, co-workers, doctors and of course your new pink sisters!   One day at a time. You can do this!!  

Many hugs,

Ginny

I'm sorry about your dx but I see you have been through different emotions, which is very normal and you're now ready to fight like the warrior you are. Always remember you're stronger than you think. I will add you to my prayers list. I was dx at 32 in 2011. Taking tamox. for over a year now and checking with my Doctors every 4 months. IDC, stage 2a.

Wishing you strengh, hope and quick recoveries.

Sun Whitey said:

Finally sinking in. And so is my fear.

Meghan, thank you for your response below.  I think "Team Susan" sounds like a good name, and they will look good on the pink bus.     

I just returned from the surgeons office.  I have invasive ductal carcinoma. (something close to that, I think that is what he called it). Since I have four tumors, one of which is in the axillary node, we have elected for a modified radical mastectomy.  My doctor was caring, kind, patient, explained everything slowly and step by step and made me feel so comfortable.   A few weeks after surgery, oncologist, chemo, then ????

I told the doctor I was giving up breast cancer for Lent.  

Humor will get me through this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you my beloved new friends.  Your comments mean more than you know.

Pink hugs and kisses.

Susan

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it's like reliving mine. Mine is still fresh since I just finished my chemo 3 weeks ago. I was a mess, I was waiting for the results of my biopsy the whole day, so when they haven't called at about 3:45pm I was feeling better but then the phone rang before 4 pm and the nurse told me to go to the office and my doc wanted to talk to me. I didn't tell my daughter and I drove by myself numb, I didn't know how I got there. I already know in my heart that it was not gonna be a good news. i saw my surgeon first, had the surgery 2 weeks after. I saw my onco and my rad onco after my surgery.its not gonna be easy, just take things day by day, one step at a time but things will get better. I have to learn how to be patient, to take a deep breath and learn to listen. I am a nurse  but when this happened to me, I was lost. But thing are getting better and so will you. Cry, be angry and vent, you have all the right to do that. I still do. But read, ask questiona from your docs, give yourself time to digest all the information and then plan. You will be ok, you sound like a strong person. You take care.

Sun Whitey said:

Hi Kristin, 
Surgery is

Hi Kristin, 

Surgery is tomorrow.  I think I've spend the last couple of days finally coming to terms with this whole thing and I finally broke down.  I've been very strong and positive but I suppose it was time and I know that's okay.  My mom is here for the week...got some new jammies yesterday, slippers and a house full of food.  So, I've declares today "2 Boob Day" officially.  

Thank you for thinking about me doll....see you on the bus.

Much love,

Susan

Ofcourse it is ok to break down.  We understand and have been there Susan.  I just wish we all could be there physically to hug you and to actually be there for you.  We are there in spirit holding your hand and giving you all the strength and support that we can.

Good luck with your surgery and I am so glad your Mom is there for you.

Don't forget to check in with us and let us know how you are.

Gentle hugs for you,

Kristin

telecomjd said:

It Will Get Easier

Susan,

I wish I could say that I didn't know how it feels, but unfortunately I do.  I know it's confusing.  But, your experience sounds a lot like mine.  

Perhaps the way to think about this is that you're building a team.  I saw my breast surgeon first, and she referred me to my oncologists and plastic surgeon.  These folks work together all of the time.  They communicate with each other constantly.  Some folks may see other team members first -- and that works, too.  In the end, what matters is that all of the players are on the bench -- it does not matter who you drafted first.  In the end, you're assembling "Team Susan."  

All of the pieces are going to fall into place.  It's really scary until they do.  And, sometimes it's really scary after they do.  And, that's totally okay.  You're going to have good days, and you're going to have bad days.  There are going to be tears, and there are going to be hugs and high-fives -- sometimes in the same doctor's appointment.  I agree with others on this list that the worst part of this process is the uncertainty of waiting for appointments and test results.

When I was diagnosed, I spoke to a friend whose infant daughter had Stage 4 germ cell cancer -- and beat it.  She told me that what I needed was a "plan."  Once you have a plan you can execute on it with drive and focus.  But, the morass of uncertainty causes a ton of heartburn and heartache until that plan is cobbled together.  Once you have a plan, things feel much, much better.

Take heart.  Things will fall into place.

Megan

 

 

What a great way to look at this Megan, to have a plan, as, it will give you something to focus on.  Great advice!

Jan