Questions about all of it...

taleena
taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I don't know why, but this morning I woke up with 1000 questions in my head. Some of them my seem strange but I need to ask. First a little history.

1st. 6 yrs ago discharge from my left breast. Fam. Dr. takes sample and sends it to pathology, comes back with precancerous changes. Recommends I see a surgon. 1st surgon (the one that performed my appendectomy which left me hemmorging and in need of second surgery) says he doesn't think we need to do anything. 2nd opionon, says I need a ductectomy. Ductectomy performed.

Over the last few years (yes 2 or 3 years) I have felt little lumps in my breasts both sides, while laying down. One in particular on the left, midlower outside section. Over time it seems to be getting bigger.

May 2008 Mannogram. Dr. says have ultra sound or come back in 6 months. Go back in December, Dr. says need to have ultra sound. Have ultra sound, Dr. says fiborous breast tissue, some cysts it's okay come back in May and restart annual mamogram.

May 2009 lump has now gotten to the point that I feel it standing up. Call Mamo clinic, go in does mamo, need ultra sound, need surgery for biopsy, malignant, IDC...and now we are here. Lumpectomy & sentinal node biopsy Tuesday.

This morning, laying in bed with hubby, same sort of lump that I originally had on left, I can feel in my right breast. So here are some of the questions...

1) When I go to an oncologist, will they run any tests that will verify that everything is okay on my right side? Or since the dx is for left breast will that be all they focus on?

2)Does DCIS turn into IDC? Should have it been caught before it became invasive...wondering if it is going on in the right side too.

This next question is rather personal in nature and I hope it doesn't offend anyone, but my receptors are both positive, so I know they will be putting me on hormone blockers...
I already feel like I don't produce enough hormone.. very low sex drive... (poor hubby) but will it make it worse on the hormone blockers??? I can't imagine it being any lower than it already is.

Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling... not trying to be a pain in the a**... It's just that the closer we get to Tuesday the more aprehensive I become... the more questions I have.. are there certain tests that I should ask my oncon. to run??

Any response from your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Hope your all finding some time and energy to enjoy your weekends.

~T

Comments

  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    #2
    ~T please be sure to tell
    ~T please be sure to tell your oncologist everything that you have mentioned here. If you have to - demand more testing on the right side. If you have a good onc you shouldn't have to demand it. He should check everything out throughly before starting any treatments.

    I would say yes that dcis can become invasive if not treated. But I have heard of some pretty large dcis' that are not invasive. Everyone is so different.

    Sorry to say but sex drive can be effected by cancer treatment and hormone therapy. If he loves you ,and I am sure he does, he will be understanding.

    I think that I would be finding a new surgeon and mamo clinic. There are a lot of good drs out there you just have to find them. If you are not satisfied with the onc or if he won't answer your questions and do what you feel he should do, please go for a second opinion.

    Take care and hugs
    Jadie
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #3
    T, make sure.......
    Make sure that you tell your surgeon, your oncologist, your gyn and any other doctor you may see, that you are feeling the same type lump in the other breast as in the cancerous breast. It should be checked out.

    My cancer was in my right breast, but before surgery, my surgeon ordered an MRI for both. And something showed up in my left breast. It was very small and was only seen on MRI and I had an MRI guided biopsy. It turned out NOT to be cancer, but they did a follow up MRI on it 6 months later, to make sure nothing had changed.

    CR
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #4
    Taleena, I'm with you....
    I would be nervous & apprehensive too. I'm getting nervous about Wednesday and I've been through this 7 times before!!

    We will be here for you and always remember....if our pep talks don't help you, there is always the alternative.....

    One tequilla, Two tequilla, Three tequilla......FLOOR!!!!!!!

    Try to hang in there...........:) Pammy
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #5
    Akiss4me said:

    Taleena, I'm with you....
    I would be nervous & apprehensive too. I'm getting nervous about Wednesday and I've been through this 7 times before!!

    We will be here for you and always remember....if our pep talks don't help you, there is always the alternative.....

    One tequilla, Two tequilla, Three tequilla......FLOOR!!!!!!!

    Try to hang in there...........:) Pammy

    Oh Pammy........
    Oh Pammy, you are a HOOT!!

    CR
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #6
    Taleena, My surgeon ordered
    Taleena, My surgeon ordered a MRI on me on both breasts before she did the surgery. She said it would show us if there was any more cancer in the breasts. She wanted to know what we were up against before she went in. I have 2 cancers in right breast. 1 is DCIS 2. DCC. I think that had they picked up on this a year ago or I was aloud a MRI my cancer would not have become invasive. I don't know if this is true or not, its just how I feel. If you are on meds for depression, this to can lower your sex drive. Because you surgery is coming up, your mind is working over time. I know,I Just left that place. Take care
    Kathy
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #7
    Kat11 said:

    Taleena, My surgeon ordered
    Taleena, My surgeon ordered a MRI on me on both breasts before she did the surgery. She said it would show us if there was any more cancer in the breasts. She wanted to know what we were up against before she went in. I have 2 cancers in right breast. 1 is DCIS 2. DCC. I think that had they picked up on this a year ago or I was aloud a MRI my cancer would not have become invasive. I don't know if this is true or not, its just how I feel. If you are on meds for depression, this to can lower your sex drive. Because you surgery is coming up, your mind is working over time. I know,I Just left that place. Take care
    Kathy

    Hey Kat.......
    Love your avatar! Is that your dog??

    CR
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #8
    Kat11 said:

    Taleena, My surgeon ordered
    Taleena, My surgeon ordered a MRI on me on both breasts before she did the surgery. She said it would show us if there was any more cancer in the breasts. She wanted to know what we were up against before she went in. I have 2 cancers in right breast. 1 is DCIS 2. DCC. I think that had they picked up on this a year ago or I was aloud a MRI my cancer would not have become invasive. I don't know if this is true or not, its just how I feel. If you are on meds for depression, this to can lower your sex drive. Because you surgery is coming up, your mind is working over time. I know,I Just left that place. Take care
    Kathy

    Taleena
    My oncologist also ordered a MRI before surgery to see if there was anything in the other breast, and, to see how much was in the breast that had bc. I was lucky and "nothing new" showed up. And yes, DCIS, if left alone, can turn and probably will turn into IDCS. My oncologist told me this and so has everything I have read about it. And, if you are put on hormone therapy, it might lower your sex drive even more.
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #9
    Noel said:

    Taleena
    My oncologist also ordered a MRI before surgery to see if there was anything in the other breast, and, to see how much was in the breast that had bc. I was lucky and "nothing new" showed up. And yes, DCIS, if left alone, can turn and probably will turn into IDCS. My oncologist told me this and so has everything I have read about it. And, if you are put on hormone therapy, it might lower your sex drive even more.

    See, that's just it... I
    See, that's just it... I haven't seen an ocologist yet, and there have been no further tests ordered. All I keep thinking is that I'm going to have surgery Tuesday and that if they run more test and find something else, I'll be going through it all again.. where if I knew now I would possibly make a different decision....as far as antidepressant meds... no I'm not taking any but I tell you antianxiety ones would sure come in handy about now.
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #10
    taleena said:

    See, that's just it... I
    See, that's just it... I haven't seen an ocologist yet, and there have been no further tests ordered. All I keep thinking is that I'm going to have surgery Tuesday and that if they run more test and find something else, I'll be going through it all again.. where if I knew now I would possibly make a different decision....as far as antidepressant meds... no I'm not taking any but I tell you antianxiety ones would sure come in handy about now.

    MRI
    My oncologist was part of my team that I met before I even had surgery. I even met the radiation oncologist, nutritionist, counselor, plastic surgeon and the head of the cancer billing department. That is the way the cancer center does it where I went. And, I am glad that they did. She also ordered a MRI to see what we were dealing with and to see if anything was going on in my other breast, prior to surgery. Different hospitals do things differently obviously. If you are really upset by this, you need to call whatever doctor you are dealing with now and get some answers. You don't need any more stress Taleena. Good luck!
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #11
    taleena said:

    See, that's just it... I
    See, that's just it... I haven't seen an ocologist yet, and there have been no further tests ordered. All I keep thinking is that I'm going to have surgery Tuesday and that if they run more test and find something else, I'll be going through it all again.. where if I knew now I would possibly make a different decision....as far as antidepressant meds... no I'm not taking any but I tell you antianxiety ones would sure come in handy about now.

    T, does your surgeon know.........
    Does your surgeon know about the lump in the other breast? If not, call their office first thing tomorrow and MAKE SURE that he/she knows. Remind them there that your surgery is scheduled for Wednesday and now you have developed the same type lump in the other breast.
    Be pushy if you have to, to get their attention so that they can determine if both breasts are involved.

    And don't be afraid to ask a doctor for Xanax for your anxiety. I wouldn't have coped without it.

    CR
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #12
    CR1954 said:

    Hey Kat.......
    Love your avatar! Is that your dog??

    CR

    CR
    She is my dog. Her name is Tucson. I know don't say it, a siberian Husky,winter dog with the name Tucson. The breeder had named all the puppys and thats were she got her name. I could have changed it, but we liked it. She is a love.
    Kathy
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #13
    CR1954 said:

    T, does your surgeon know.........
    Does your surgeon know about the lump in the other breast? If not, call their office first thing tomorrow and MAKE SURE that he/she knows. Remind them there that your surgery is scheduled for Wednesday and now you have developed the same type lump in the other breast.
    Be pushy if you have to, to get their attention so that they can determine if both breasts are involved.

    And don't be afraid to ask a doctor for Xanax for your anxiety. I wouldn't have coped without it.

    CR

    T Ask the questions, Don't
    T Ask the questions, Don't be intimidated by the doctors. You have to trust your doctor, if you don't, find one you do trust. I also had a team of doctors.Check out other hospitals in you area. My hospital has a cancer center, and thats were I go. Look these are the people who are suppose to keep us alive we have to have trust in them. If you want an MRI before surgery, ask for it. If told no, ask why. I am not telling you to put off your surgery, but if you are this worried about your doctor and the treatment, then do what you have to to make it right. Going into surgery scared is ok, but going in not having faith in your doctor is another. You have to believe you are getting the best possible care. I am so sorry that this is a burden for you, when you two days away from the surgery. Now if your only worried about not having spoken with an onc. There job comes into play after surgery when they have all the details. Like CR said ask for some Xanax the wonder drug.Take Care
  • TrishyG
    TrishyG Member Posts: 40
    #14
    Kat11 said:

    T Ask the questions, Don't
    T Ask the questions, Don't be intimidated by the doctors. You have to trust your doctor, if you don't, find one you do trust. I also had a team of doctors.Check out other hospitals in you area. My hospital has a cancer center, and thats were I go. Look these are the people who are suppose to keep us alive we have to have trust in them. If you want an MRI before surgery, ask for it. If told no, ask why. I am not telling you to put off your surgery, but if you are this worried about your doctor and the treatment, then do what you have to to make it right. Going into surgery scared is ok, but going in not having faith in your doctor is another. You have to believe you are getting the best possible care. I am so sorry that this is a burden for you, when you two days away from the surgery. Now if your only worried about not having spoken with an onc. There job comes into play after surgery when they have all the details. Like CR said ask for some Xanax the wonder drug.Take Care

    I'm really surprised that
    I'm really surprised that the doctors did not order more test before surgery. When I was originally diagnosed I had something show up in my left breast on the MRI. I thought I was going to faint. However the dr ordered another ultrasound, mamo, and biospy the same day. He wanted me to feel better and find out what really was going on. Call your dr with your concerns asap!!

    Your other question about the sex drive is very valid also.

    I am 2 months from my last chemo and 1 month from surgery and I just started Tamoxifen. I have zero sex drive. It sucks!!! Hopefully that will change. I have an appointment with a new obgyn and you bet I'm going to discuss low libido with him.
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #15
    TrishyG said:

    I'm really surprised that
    I'm really surprised that the doctors did not order more test before surgery. When I was originally diagnosed I had something show up in my left breast on the MRI. I thought I was going to faint. However the dr ordered another ultrasound, mamo, and biospy the same day. He wanted me to feel better and find out what really was going on. Call your dr with your concerns asap!!

    Your other question about the sex drive is very valid also.

    I am 2 months from my last chemo and 1 month from surgery and I just started Tamoxifen. I have zero sex drive. It sucks!!! Hopefully that will change. I have an appointment with a new obgyn and you bet I'm going to discuss low libido with him.

    I didn't see my oncologist

    I didn't see my oncologist until after I'd had my lumpectomy. Since the core biopsy didn't show invasive cancer, I didn't have a lymph node biopsy at the time of the lumpectomy. (It was in 2000 when the sentinel lymph node procedure was very new).

    After the lumpectomy, it was determined that I also had a small area of invasive cancer. The first thing the oncologist did was order a lot of additional tests, including a sentinel lymph node biopsy, blood tests, a bone scan which led to a back MRI, and probably others that I don't remember. She was very concerned about determining whether there was any other cancer in my body. I was on Tamoxifen for six months and then developed blood clots, so had to come off from it. At that point in time, she had a genetic test done to see if I had the 'mutant' gene that causes blood clots, so that she would know the constraints if she needed to treat me in the future.

    Although the oncologist hasn't given me any treatments other than the Tamoxifen, she considers that she is my primary cancer doctor and wants to followup with me on a regular basis.

    Regarding your question about DCIS: doctors normally want to get rid of DCIS if they find it, since they are concerned that it will become invasive.

    I'm saying a prayer right now for your procedures tomorrow. One ggod thing about anasthesia is that you don't remember anything after they give you the relaxation drug.

    Joyce

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