Stuck in the Middle
I see the surgeon Tuesday(I have my list of ?'s)and have come to realize that my fate in this is somewhat based on what he says. I want to make a decision, yet so many things are still up in the air so to speak. Everyone says "just get rid of it", well easy for them to say! There just seems to be so many factors involved in this, that I find myself lost and confused. I feel like I need to make a decision, the sooner the better.
Comments
-
Welcome
to our site... it is true in that your life is forever changed!!! I had the same diagnosis as you IDC... Mine was stage 1 with clear lymph nodes... Everyones journey is different... but it's still the same in that we are beating the beast!!.. I was diagnosed on May 8th and had surgery on July 29th.. My surgeon sent me for many tests and made sure I was well informed before i made my choice. it depends on how agressive your paticular cancer is in how quickly they want to do surgery. In my case they said it wouldn't make any difference if I waited... Making the right choice for you and your situation is very important... Don't be rash and make sure you are well informed of all your options...for me I could have had a lumpectomy but chose the bi-lateral instead.. After your appointment you will be better informed...
HUGZ... Calleen0 -
Hi and Welcome CrazyCat. I
Hi and Welcome CrazyCat. I had a lumpectomy and followed that with radiation treatments. That was the best choice for me. Your pathology report determines your choices and your oncologist will go over that with you after your surgery. Be sure and get all of the facts and do what is best for you and what you can live with. Good luck!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
I know....
the 'just get rid of it' advice is scary as all get out. And sometimes it is not the best route. That is what you will decide after you get ALL the info, and spend some time thinking through ALL your options.
I 'just got rid' of both mine...and here I still am 23 years later, with no regrets. Had the chemo and rads and tamoxifen, whole nine yards. That was what my onco thought would give me the best odds...and seems he was right. I am just saying that if your decision comes down to that, don't take any short cuts. Do what you have to, because there IS life after cancer and it is GOOD.
God bless.0 -
Newbie to BC, as well diagnosis on 8/14
Crazy Cat:
Is anyone going with you for support, or to take notes. Many bc terms will be given to you, as well as treatment plan (s). If you are going alone, take a tape recorder as thing will become muddy in your mind once the doctor and his team start to talk. They did for me.
Ask for a follow up appointment .. this will give you time to research your diagnosis and time to process what is discussed with you. Fate may be in your doctor's treatment plans, however the decision on what to do belongs to you.
sites I found helpful in discovering what everything meant: american cancer society, susan g. koomen, breast cancer site and webmd. Also, check out Dr. Susan Love's breast cancer book, vauable information.
I too am newly diagnosised. However, I took my fate into my own hands and located a breast cancer specialist. When I went in for my 2nd opinion appointment on Wednesday, Dr. Harness was met with the VickiSam breast cancer support team, and my tape recorder. His statment to me was ' you mean business ', HELLO, we all do.
Vicki0 -
welcome
You coming here was a good choice. Everyone here is so supportive and gives great advice and all have words of wisdom. You will find great support. Like everyone else that has replied so far, you have to make the choice you feel is right. You should of course wait and see what the surgeon has to say and find out a little more first. Dont let anyone talk you into something you dont feel is right. You will know when you make what choice is right for you. The waiting is the hardest part of it all. I myself had a double mastectomy with tissue expanders put in and will have the reconstruction after my chemo is done and they get done with the "filling" part. I go about every two weeks for my fills and have chemo every three weeks. Depending on what stage and the size of your tumor will be what they decide treatment wise for you. Good luck and hang in there. You will make it through it, we all have and are right now. Take care, let us know what is going on and keep coming back here even if it is just to read posts. It helps alot.
laura0 -
Hey crazycat
Welcome to the site...trust me if you need support, if you need to vent, if you want advice you have come to the right place. The women here are just wonderful and everyone supports everyone else. I truly have never seen anything quite like it.
The waiting really is one of the hardest things to deal with..you do need to get all of your information and then weigh your options and then you will be able to make the best decision for you.
REmember though that we are all here for you.
Hugs
Linda T0 -
Thank You! Not so glad to beCalleen said:Welcome
to our site... it is true in that your life is forever changed!!! I had the same diagnosis as you IDC... Mine was stage 1 with clear lymph nodes... Everyones journey is different... but it's still the same in that we are beating the beast!!.. I was diagnosed on May 8th and had surgery on July 29th.. My surgeon sent me for many tests and made sure I was well informed before i made my choice. it depends on how agressive your paticular cancer is in how quickly they want to do surgery. In my case they said it wouldn't make any difference if I waited... Making the right choice for you and your situation is very important... Don't be rash and make sure you are well informed of all your options...for me I could have had a lumpectomy but chose the bi-lateral instead.. After your appointment you will be better informed...
HUGZ... Calleen
Thank You! Not so glad to be here, yet grateful that there is such a place to go. I don't know what stage I am in. All I know is the lump is 2.8cm. The Ct/Bone scan showed no other Cancer. They found a mass on my liver (4cm) so now I have an Ultrasound on the 3rd to find out what that is. But, here's a ?...from what I understood the doc to say, he said there wasn't any cancer in the chest nodes and I thought he said we wouldn't know about under the arm until they get in there, is that true? He kind of scared me when he looked at me & said he may do a lumpectomy/radiation or because I'm so small a masectomy.(I'm not THAT small!) Big difference! What form of treatment did you go through after the bilateral?
Hugz back
Cathy0 -
Hello & Thank You!jnl said:Hi and Welcome CrazyCat. I
Hi and Welcome CrazyCat. I had a lumpectomy and followed that with radiation treatments. That was the best choice for me. Your pathology report determines your choices and your oncologist will go over that with you after your surgery. Be sure and get all of the facts and do what is best for you and what you can live with. Good luck!
Hugs, Leeza
New to
Hello & Thank You!
New to all of these "terms"....what is an oncologist? After the surgery? Is this someone you see then? It all seems so overwhelming right now. Choices that have to be made before the surgery, then not knowing all there may be to know until afterwards!
I have been sponging all kinds of info between here, the Susan B. Komen, and WebMd websites.
I'm learning more about my body than I ever thought I needed to know!
Hugz back
Cathy0 -
n oncologist is the cancerCat64 said:Hello & Thank You!
New to
Hello & Thank You!
New to all of these "terms"....what is an oncologist? After the surgery? Is this someone you see then? It all seems so overwhelming right now. Choices that have to be made before the surgery, then not knowing all there may be to know until afterwards!
I have been sponging all kinds of info between here, the Susan B. Komen, and WebMd websites.
I'm learning more about my body than I ever thought I needed to know!
Hugz back
Cathy
n oncologist is the cancer dr. The one who you see before or after your surgery depending on what kind of treatment you may need. Some have chemo before and after surgery and some have it after surgery. Again it just depends on what treatment is recommended. I know it feels overwhelming to you right now. It will feel that way through all of it off and on. Just try to stay calm and keep your spirits up. Take care
laura0 -
so FarCat64 said:Thank You! Not so glad to be
Thank You! Not so glad to be here, yet grateful that there is such a place to go. I don't know what stage I am in. All I know is the lump is 2.8cm. The Ct/Bone scan showed no other Cancer. They found a mass on my liver (4cm) so now I have an Ultrasound on the 3rd to find out what that is. But, here's a ?...from what I understood the doc to say, he said there wasn't any cancer in the chest nodes and I thought he said we wouldn't know about under the arm until they get in there, is that true? He kind of scared me when he looked at me & said he may do a lumpectomy/radiation or because I'm so small a masectomy.(I'm not THAT small!) Big difference! What form of treatment did you go through after the bilateral?
Hugz back
Cathy
I haven't had any treatment yet other than the bi-lateral. My surgery was just a short 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting to see what the final path report is..(guess I better call?? but no news is good news??) I had 2 lymph nodes removed before my surgery which came back clear and my tumor was a stage 1. I don't have to have radiation and maybe maybe no chemo... I have to wait and see what the oncoligist says (Cancer Doctor)...
and yes they have to remove some lymph nodes and do some testing on them to see how many are affected if any at all...I was really glad they removed my lymph nodes before surgery so I had some peace of mind before I had my masectomy...0 -
From what I've understood sozahalene said:I know....
the 'just get rid of it' advice is scary as all get out. And sometimes it is not the best route. That is what you will decide after you get ALL the info, and spend some time thinking through ALL your options.
I 'just got rid' of both mine...and here I still am 23 years later, with no regrets. Had the chemo and rads and tamoxifen, whole nine yards. That was what my onco thought would give me the best odds...and seems he was right. I am just saying that if your decision comes down to that, don't take any short cuts. Do what you have to, because there IS life after cancer and it is GOOD.
God bless.
From what I've understood so far, the odds of it NOT returning with a Mas. is better than that of a Lump/with or w/o rad. however, it CAN still return. True?
I was that type of person that takes care of everyone else but themself and always took into consideration what "everyone else" says or thinks. I have now come to realize that this is My body & MY life and I have to make these decisions. It is such a blessing to have this Discussion Board, it has made me laugh, cry, feel not so alone in this, and given me hope that there is infact life after Cancer as you said!
If you don't mind me asking-did you get reconstruction or implants?
Thank You and GBU2!
Cathy0 -
The odds are the same with aCat64 said:From what I've understood so
From what I've understood so far, the odds of it NOT returning with a Mas. is better than that of a Lump/with or w/o rad. however, it CAN still return. True?
I was that type of person that takes care of everyone else but themself and always took into consideration what "everyone else" says or thinks. I have now come to realize that this is My body & MY life and I have to make these decisions. It is such a blessing to have this Discussion Board, it has made me laugh, cry, feel not so alone in this, and given me hope that there is infact life after Cancer as you said!
If you don't mind me asking-did you get reconstruction or implants?
Thank You and GBU2!
Cathy
The odds are the same with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy from what I know. Even with a mastectomy, you still have breast tissue where it can return. They can never remove all of your breast tissue. Just do what is best for you and see what your options are. What did your oncologist and plastic surgeon recommend? And, what do you want?
Good luck!0 -
This is definitely the placemlmjt1 said:Hey crazycat
Welcome to the site...trust me if you need support, if you need to vent, if you want advice you have come to the right place. The women here are just wonderful and everyone supports everyone else. I truly have never seen anything quite like it.
The waiting really is one of the hardest things to deal with..you do need to get all of your information and then weigh your options and then you will be able to make the best decision for you.
REmember though that we are all here for you.
Hugs
Linda T
This is definitely the place to be for advice, care, concern, laughter, tears and the whole 9 yards. You have already received great advice from the others so I will say prayers are coming to you from all.
Stef0 -
Welcome Crazycat! Likemlmjt1 said:Hey crazycat
Welcome to the site...trust me if you need support, if you need to vent, if you want advice you have come to the right place. The women here are just wonderful and everyone supports everyone else. I truly have never seen anything quite like it.
The waiting really is one of the hardest things to deal with..you do need to get all of your information and then weigh your options and then you will be able to make the best decision for you.
REmember though that we are all here for you.
Hugs
Linda T
Welcome Crazycat! Like everyone says, you are at the right spot for encouragement and support. This site has helped me a lot and I hope it helps you!0 -
I have only seen my MD andAlexis F said:The odds are the same with a
The odds are the same with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy from what I know. Even with a mastectomy, you still have breast tissue where it can return. They can never remove all of your breast tissue. Just do what is best for you and see what your options are. What did your oncologist and plastic surgeon recommend? And, what do you want?
Good luck!
I have only seen my MD and meet with the Surgeon Tuesday. All I know is he is a General/Vascular Surgeon. Of course I want to keep my Breast!I've gotten kinda use to it being there! I saw a picture of a Mast. with the staples still there and was horrified by the site! I also don't want it to come back either! Decisions Decisions!
Thank You! :-)
Cat0 -
CrazyCat... I just wanted to
CrazyCat... I just wanted to say welcome to the boards... though I am sorry for the reason you are here. You will find a wealth of support, information, and friendship here... Some people who have never experienced our journey make ignorant comments, personally I believe some of those people should come with a warning sign... if you haven't experienced it you just don't truly "get it"... Come here and post whenever you want... we are all here... keep us posted...
Gentle hugs to you.
~T0 -
Only HubbyVickiSam said:Newbie to BC, as well diagnosis on 8/14
Crazy Cat:
Is anyone going with you for support, or to take notes. Many bc terms will be given to you, as well as treatment plan (s). If you are going alone, take a tape recorder as thing will become muddy in your mind once the doctor and his team start to talk. They did for me.
Ask for a follow up appointment .. this will give you time to research your diagnosis and time to process what is discussed with you. Fate may be in your doctor's treatment plans, however the decision on what to do belongs to you.
sites I found helpful in discovering what everything meant: american cancer society, susan g. koomen, breast cancer site and webmd. Also, check out Dr. Susan Love's breast cancer book, vauable information.
I too am newly diagnosised. However, I took my fate into my own hands and located a breast cancer specialist. When I went in for my 2nd opinion appointment on Wednesday, Dr. Harness was met with the VickiSam breast cancer support team, and my tape recorder. His statment to me was ' you mean business ', HELLO, we all do.
Vicki
I only have my husband by my side at the time. He's just scared to death and although I am greatful for him being beside me through this, he's just, well....a MAN! Taking a tape recorder is a great idea! I have been to all the same websites as you recommended, which has helped a great deal. I just ordered the book as well. I really appreciate all the suggestions and info I've been sent!0 -
Welcome
Welcome CrazyCat to the best site for information and answers to some of your questions. I'm new to breast cancer too, had surgery in July and started chemo on 8/13. I was diagnosed in June and went through the weeks of questions. As the others have said until your tests are done and you've met with your surgeon and oncologist, it's hard to make any informed decision at this stage. I had an MRI and PET scan prior to the decision on the treatment. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, grade 3, estrogen and progesterone positive and HER2 negative and opted for a lumpectomy. My prognosis was basically the same for a lumpectomy versus mastectomy. I will do 4 rounds of chemo every 3 weeks, 6 1/2 weeks of radiation and then a hormone therapy for 5 years. We can and will beat this beast and be dancing with NED soon!!1 -
Have youCat64 said:I have only seen my MD and
I have only seen my MD and meet with the Surgeon Tuesday. All I know is he is a General/Vascular Surgeon. Of course I want to keep my Breast!I've gotten kinda use to it being there! I saw a picture of a Mast. with the staples still there and was horrified by the site! I also don't want it to come back either! Decisions Decisions!
Thank You! :-)
Cat
Looked at the breasts that have had reconstruction?? depending on what your DX is they can do immediate recostruction so you don't wake up with nothing there!!! sometimes reconstruction has to wait... some Women here have had lumpectomys and have been thrilled at the results.. same thing with reconstruction.. It's a matter of personal choice.. Have you got the book called Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book? My surgeon recomened it to me at my first visit and It's been very informative.. it has everything in there.. all the types of surgeries, the odds of recurrance. It's easy to find at most bookstores..
HUGZ... Calleen0 -
Your plastic surgeon shouldCat64 said:Only Hubby
I only have my husband by my side at the time. He's just scared to death and although I am greatful for him being beside me through this, he's just, well....a MAN! Taking a tape recorder is a great idea! I have been to all the same websites as you recommended, which has helped a great deal. I just ordered the book as well. I really appreciate all the suggestions and info I've been sent!
Your plastic surgeon should have before and after pictures too. For some, they don't have a choice, they have to have a mastectomy. Sometimes women with small breasts that would have a lumpectomy wouldn't have anything left after the tumor was removed, so they do a mastectomy. There are several on here like that. I had a lumpectomy and am so glad that I did. My breasts are important to me, important to my husband too. Just do what you want. And, if you have a choice, make the right one for you. Good luck!0
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