Another new guinea pig

afterall644
afterall644 Member Posts: 6
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi all,

I was diagnosed 2 days ago with breast cancer. I do not know anything yet.... other than I have an appointment with a surgeon on Aug. 7... The wait is difficult.  Everything up until now was super fast.  I had a mamogram that at first they thought was A-OK and then when it was re-read they spoted a spot they 'didn't like'.   Two days later I had an ultra sound,,, and then less than a week later a needle biopsy. I got the results on Tuesday. Cry.   Needless to say I am on an emotional rollercoaster.  Not knowing what to expect.....

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Comments

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #2
    I am sorry that you are going

    I am sorry that you are going through this. Your biopsy results will help to determine your treatment. You are at the point where things slow down a bit. That is not necessarily a bad thing as you are in shock and need a little time to process your diagnosis and possible choices.

    Hang in there!  I know... easier said than done. But you need more information and an excellent breast surgeon and oncologist. Good luck and hugs and prayers. Keep us posted!!! 

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #3
    Sorry about the roller coaster ride.
    Unfortunately, there ends up being a lot of wait time with tests, surgeries etc. That is whynthis is such a good site to come to. We are all here to offer our support. Once you do know more, and have a plan in place, it seems to get easier. For me I finally felt like I was doing something. You knownthere is a chat line also so if you are up in the middle of the nite (cant sleep), you can usually find others on there to talk to.
    Seems like a long time thou when you are waiting. I know I read a few books and afterwords had no idea what I even read! Hoping for the best. And welcome!
    Carol
  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #4
    New to it all

    Waiting is the hardest thing which no one understands unless they have been through it. Read as much as you can so that when you talk to your breast surgen you will have a better understanding of what she is saying. If you don't have your biopsy report get it and look up all the terms they use on it. I didn't know what questions to ask until I did some reading. Knowledge is power.

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #5
    Write down your questions and

    Write down your questions and answers.  Sounds like a small spot which could be a hopeful sign early stages, always a good thing.    Tell us how you get on and then we can help you with any questions you have.  No good saying don't worry but don't panic.  Some of the on line stuff can be frightening but helpful too.  

  • afterall644
    afterall644 Member Posts: 6
    #6
    Thanks for your encouragement

    Thanks for your encouragement and thoughts.  I'm trying to learn what I can.  Tongue Out

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #7
    Afterall644.  How is it going

    Afterall644.  How is it going for you today?

  • afterall644
    afterall644 Member Posts: 6
    #8
    Sailing wind said:

    Afterall644.  How is it going

    Afterall644.  How is it going for you today?

    Still on a roller coaster.

    Still on a roller coaster. Trying to stay positive. I have lots of support form my family and fiends... but still very stressed about it all. Tongue Out  My consultation with the surgeon on Aug 7 seems like forever.  Thanks for asking.

     

    Has anyone hear of the books Radical Remission or Mind over Medicine...  and if so any comments?

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #9
    afterall644 said:

    Still on a roller coaster.

    Still on a roller coaster. Trying to stay positive. I have lots of support form my family and fiends... but still very stressed about it all. Tongue Out  My consultation with the surgeon on Aug 7 seems like forever.  Thanks for asking.

     

    Has anyone hear of the books Radical Remission or Mind over Medicine...  and if so any comments?

    I have not read the books in

    I have not read the books in question, but I feel I am living today because I have worked so hard to stay compliant with the proven therapies out there.  When I was first diagnosed 27 years ago with Stage 3 , my chances were not good.  I picked the very best in medical care and then I stuck with the program.  This was easier said than done.  I have run into many bad side effects over the years, but I have worked with my healthcare team to overcome them. 

    The statistics regarding adherence to meds and therapies with breast cancer are dismal.  I have watched so many over the years find excuses not to stick with therapy.  And, to be blunt, I have also seen them hit hard and defeated by this beast of a disease.

    Breast cancer is the **** from hell and is sneaky, insidious and lethal.  Your choices today may well determine your fate, so choose carefully.  Generally speaking, I avoid any medical advice from friends and acquaintances like the plague.  And I have heard it all:  the acid-free diet, kudzu tea, laetrile, marijuana, soursop, etc.

    I have chosen science and I am well aware of its imperfections (more aware than most), but I prefer to continue to gamble on studied and thoughtful treatments. 

    BTW, I was diagnosed in 1987 and did everything I could: chemo, mastectomy, radiation, 7 years of tamoxifen.  That bought me an unexpected 18 year remission.  I have been Stage 4 now for 9 years (ribs, lung and liver mets).  I am currently in remission again - which I find incredible.  I tell my story over and over encouraging others to stick with treatment.  If it sounds too good to be true, it is!

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #10
    afterall644 said:

    Still on a roller coaster.

    Still on a roller coaster. Trying to stay positive. I have lots of support form my family and fiends... but still very stressed about it all. Tongue Out  My consultation with the surgeon on Aug 7 seems like forever.  Thanks for asking.

     

    Has anyone hear of the books Radical Remission or Mind over Medicine...  and if so any comments?

    Afterall644. Could you call

    Afterall644. Could you call the Dr. office and see if they would put you in sooner if there was a cancellation. 

     

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #11
    CypressCynthia said:

    I have not read the books in

    I have not read the books in question, but I feel I am living today because I have worked so hard to stay compliant with the proven therapies out there.  When I was first diagnosed 27 years ago with Stage 3 , my chances were not good.  I picked the very best in medical care and then I stuck with the program.  This was easier said than done.  I have run into many bad side effects over the years, but I have worked with my healthcare team to overcome them. 

    The statistics regarding adherence to meds and therapies with breast cancer are dismal.  I have watched so many over the years find excuses not to stick with therapy.  And, to be blunt, I have also seen them hit hard and defeated by this beast of a disease.

    Breast cancer is the **** from hell and is sneaky, insidious and lethal.  Your choices today may well determine your fate, so choose carefully.  Generally speaking, I avoid any medical advice from friends and acquaintances like the plague.  And I have heard it all:  the acid-free diet, kudzu tea, laetrile, marijuana, soursop, etc.

    I have chosen science and I am well aware of its imperfections (more aware than most), but I prefer to continue to gamble on studied and thoughtful treatments. 

    BTW, I was diagnosed in 1987 and did everything I could: chemo, mastectomy, radiation, 7 years of tamoxifen.  That bought me an unexpected 18 year remission.  I have been Stage 4 now for 9 years (ribs, lung and liver mets).  I am currently in remission again - which I find incredible.  I tell my story over and over encouraging others to stick with treatment.  If it sounds too good to be true, it is!

    CypressCynthia. You have done

    CypressCynthia. You have done well sticking to the plan. I admire you. You have a great attitude in a yucky situation. 

  • afterall644
    afterall644 Member Posts: 6
    #12
    CypressCynthia said:

    I have not read the books in

    I have not read the books in question, but I feel I am living today because I have worked so hard to stay compliant with the proven therapies out there.  When I was first diagnosed 27 years ago with Stage 3 , my chances were not good.  I picked the very best in medical care and then I stuck with the program.  This was easier said than done.  I have run into many bad side effects over the years, but I have worked with my healthcare team to overcome them. 

    The statistics regarding adherence to meds and therapies with breast cancer are dismal.  I have watched so many over the years find excuses not to stick with therapy.  And, to be blunt, I have also seen them hit hard and defeated by this beast of a disease.

    Breast cancer is the **** from hell and is sneaky, insidious and lethal.  Your choices today may well determine your fate, so choose carefully.  Generally speaking, I avoid any medical advice from friends and acquaintances like the plague.  And I have heard it all:  the acid-free diet, kudzu tea, laetrile, marijuana, soursop, etc.

    I have chosen science and I am well aware of its imperfections (more aware than most), but I prefer to continue to gamble on studied and thoughtful treatments. 

    BTW, I was diagnosed in 1987 and did everything I could: chemo, mastectomy, radiation, 7 years of tamoxifen.  That bought me an unexpected 18 year remission.  I have been Stage 4 now for 9 years (ribs, lung and liver mets).  I am currently in remission again - which I find incredible.  I tell my story over and over encouraging others to stick with treatment.  If it sounds too good to be true, it is!

     Wow! What an incredible

     Wow! What an incredible journey.   Sorry to hear it came back.... but glad to hear you are in remission once more.  Good luck on the rest of your journey.Laughing

    I had endometrial cancer 12 years ago and had a total hysterectomy, with no other treatment. They said it was really early so no further treatment necessary. I have some fear that it is this cancer resurfacing, but my doctor says."no". (In the last few years I have had 2 cousins that had their cancers return 15 and 20 years later in differnt areas of their body, and both died from the returning cancers.) But I will have to wait to see the actual pathology report.  I also have been followed for the last 10 years for pre cancerous cells in the cervix, which was treated twice with laser sergery. After the first time it was fine for almost 6 years and then flared up for the second time after I developed Psoriasis, and took and allergic reaction to the meds for the psoriasis and had to be put on prednisone .... 2 1/2 years ago. The dorctor treating me for the precancerous cervix 'blamed' the prednisone for the return of the pre cancerous cells.  I do wonder if it was the prednisone weakening my immune system for the onset of this cancer.

    Not that 'what caused it" matters. It is here now and I have to deal with what is now.

     

     

  • afterall644
    afterall644 Member Posts: 6
    #13
    Sailing wind said:

    Afterall644. Could you call

    Afterall644. Could you call the Dr. office and see if they would put you in sooner if there was a cancellation. 

     

    Good idea... Thanks
     

    Good idea... Thanks

     

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #14
    afterall644 said:

    Good idea... Thanks
     

    Good idea... Thanks

     

    Afterall how was your day?
     

    Afterall how was your day?

     

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #15
    Aug 7 appt

    If there wasn't a cancellation, then that means you'll be seeing your Dr tomorrow. I too had an initial negative mammo/bx that was repeated and came back positive, and hated the waiting.

    Besides taking a second person with you to the appt to help listen and take notes, I'd encourage you to take your iPod/smart phone, have it all set up on Voice Record, and when the Dr comes in ask if it's OK to record your appt cuz you know you're going to get hit with way more than you can remember. I've since recorded all my Dr appts and it's been so helpful to relisten after I get home to review what they said.

    My tumor was small, 1 cm, sentinel lymph nodes negative and I had clear margins with my lumpectomy. They did an oncotype test of the tumor which tests 21 genes and gives the percentage that the tumor will reoccur in 10 years without chemo, in other words, how aggressive it was. The score needs to be under 10 to safely skip chemo, mine was 27 so I'm doing chemo, have my second of 4 chemo rounds tomorrow. I knew with a lumpectomy that radiation would be required, wasn't planning on the chemo but you do what you have to do. The first few days after chemo I felt icky, but I'm so grateful I had 14 good days after that and I'm ready for the next round.

    Someone mentioned that you should check out the chat room on this site. I have found some wonderful supportive people there with cancers of all types. Busiest time in the chat room is from 8:30-midnight central time, during the day it's sporadic and in the middle of the nite it depends on who is having insomnia from their steroids. Just keep checking back. They're a fun group of people, conversation can vary from recipe sharing, to where have people traveled, to what side effects people are having and how have others dealt with them, etc. Guarentee if you show up in the room people will immediately stop and say Hi and welcome you to the group. Just go to the bottom of the page and starting typing back and tell them you're new to the room and glad you found them and you'll be part of the group just like that.

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #16
    Puffin2014 said:

    Aug 7 appt

    If there wasn't a cancellation, then that means you'll be seeing your Dr tomorrow. I too had an initial negative mammo/bx that was repeated and came back positive, and hated the waiting.

    Besides taking a second person with you to the appt to help listen and take notes, I'd encourage you to take your iPod/smart phone, have it all set up on Voice Record, and when the Dr comes in ask if it's OK to record your appt cuz you know you're going to get hit with way more than you can remember. I've since recorded all my Dr appts and it's been so helpful to relisten after I get home to review what they said.

    My tumor was small, 1 cm, sentinel lymph nodes negative and I had clear margins with my lumpectomy. They did an oncotype test of the tumor which tests 21 genes and gives the percentage that the tumor will reoccur in 10 years without chemo, in other words, how aggressive it was. The score needs to be under 10 to safely skip chemo, mine was 27 so I'm doing chemo, have my second of 4 chemo rounds tomorrow. I knew with a lumpectomy that radiation would be required, wasn't planning on the chemo but you do what you have to do. The first few days after chemo I felt icky, but I'm so grateful I had 14 good days after that and I'm ready for the next round.

    Someone mentioned that you should check out the chat room on this site. I have found some wonderful supportive people there with cancers of all types. Busiest time in the chat room is from 8:30-midnight central time, during the day it's sporadic and in the middle of the nite it depends on who is having insomnia from their steroids. Just keep checking back. They're a fun group of people, conversation can vary from recipe sharing, to where have people traveled, to what side effects people are having and how have others dealt with them, etc. Guarentee if you show up in the room people will immediately stop and say Hi and welcome you to the group. Just go to the bottom of the page and starting typing back and tell them you're new to the room and glad you found them and you'll be part of the group just like that.

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My doc said no chemo Ferrara is what will make a difference for me ER 100% and PR 99%. It is different for everyone. Please keep in touch

     

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #17
    Sailing wind said:

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My doc said no chemo Ferrara is what will make a difference for me ER 100% and PR 99%. It is different for everyone. Please keep in touch

     

    yeah, no chemo

    I am SOOO happy that you get to jump over the chemo square on this game of Life!

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #18
    Sailing wind said:

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My doc said no chemo Ferrara is what will make a difference for me ER 100% and PR 99%. It is different for everyone. Please keep in touch

     

    I am so happy to hear your

    I am so happy to hear your news!  My younger sister has been on Femara for many years now and it has kept her healthy. :-)  She takes it in the evening because it was making her tired when she took it in the am.  Other than that, she has done great on it!  Good luck!

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #19
    Sailing wind said:

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My

    My onco was 17. I'm 68. My doc said no chemo Ferrara is what will make a difference for me ER 100% and PR 99%. It is different for everyone. Please keep in touch

     

    Didn't check spelling. Femara

    Didn't check spelling. Femara

  • Sailing wind
    Sailing wind Member Posts: 31
    #20
    Sailing wind said:

    Didn't check spelling. Femara

    Didn't check spelling. Femara

    I feel blessed. Great

    I feel blessed. Great doctors. 

     

  • Pixie Dust
    Pixie Dust Member Posts: 424 Member
    #21
    Sailing wind said:

    I feel blessed. Great

    I feel blessed. Great doctors. 

     

    NICE TO HEAR GOOD NEWS !!!!!

    Sailing wind, so good to hear the good news about you. It always puts a smile on my face and a blessed feeling in my heart when others like you get good reports. If I am remembering right I think I chatted with you the other night in the chat room. I hope that that the rest of this journey down the road with this wicked beast turns you into a warrior an you are able to kick this beasts in its butt quickly. I am all the way with you, and praying for you.  hugs, Pixie Dust

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