Breast biopsy - scared

[AnneMA]

Hey Anne,

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. The one year anniversary of my diagnosis is the end of this week. I can completely identify with the surreal feeling you are having, I also never thought I'd be dealing with a serious disease. I just want to offer my support and let you know that although getting through the treatments made for a rough year last year, my life is pretty much back to normal. I'm happy to answer questions if I can. I also found breastcancer.org to be a pretty good resource. Remember, the numbers are in your favor - 5-year survival rates for early stage breast cancer are over 90%.

 

[AnneMA]

Hi there:

Do you recall how long it took from diagnosis to surgery. I had to wait 2 weeks for an appointment with breast specialist after diagnosis. Then one week until breast mri and other tests which I had last Thursday. Called doc today about results and was told that she hasn’t met with radiologist yet for results, but I should hear in a couple days. Feels like there’s no sense of urgency, but this may be typical.

Thanks for any input you have.

 

[jengollf]

Hi Anne,

Here is my timeline. Mammo/ultrasound showed something suspicious. One week later biopsy. Biopsy results--next day. One week later met with surgical oncologist. 2 weeks later--mastectomy. 4 weeks later, chemo port surgery. One week later chemo starts. And that is where I am now.

Hope this helps!

 

[lily64]

Hi Anne,

My surgery was about 2 1/2 weeks after my diagnosis. In the time between those dates, I had an MRI & I think I met with my surgeon twice. They also had me see a plastic surgeon to consider a mastectomy. My tumors were Grade 1, the lease aggressive. If yours is the same, that may be why it doesn't seem that there's a sense of urgency. But I know that being in that situation you just want the cancer out of you.

Wishing you the best!

 

[ChelePA]

Thinking of you and sending prayers

 

[AnneMA]

Hi Lily:

Did you end up having a mastectomy?

Anne

 

[lily64]

Hi Lily:

Did you end up having a mastectomy?

Anne

Hi Anne,
I just had the lumpectomy. I had 3 tumors (2 known at the time of surgery, one that was detected in the pathology) and the largest was just over 2cm. So they were relatively small and located in a way that allowed for the lumpectomy. My surgeon and oncologist told me that statistically a lumpectomy with radiation is very similar to a mastectomy. I think that size and location have a lot to do with which type of surgery they suggest. I also know several women who opted for the mastectomy to further reduce the odds of recurrence which I certainly understand.

I hope you're finding your medical team responsive since you previously wrote that it seemed to be moving slowly. If you're unhappy with them, consider a 2nd opinion. The first oncologist that they set me up with was not a good fit for me. I went for a second opinion with another doctor and ended up changing to him as my oncologist. I drive a little further to see him, but it's a great research hospital, he sees only breast cancer patients, and is an expert in the field. A friend of mine who went through similar treatments for leukemia advised me to remember that I'm in charge of my medical care.

Sending good thoughts & prayers your way!

 

[maddiesmum]

Anne, Jen, Lily:

Thinking of all of you three strong, fighting women. Wishing you returns to full health in the fullness of time.

Clare

 

[AnneMA]

I wanted to follow up with everyone. I had a unilateral mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction last week. I’m home now and recovering. Its been a tough couple weeks, but I’m progressing daily. I’m off pain meds, walking a little at a time and have my appetite back. Biggest issue is having to sleep sitting up. The good news is that my lymph nodes were clear. I still need to meet with an oncologist to plan for any follow up treatment. Thanks so much for all of your support. I miss Cathe so much, I think I might watch a live workout just for fun.

 

[sherryc]

Glad to hear you’re feeling better every day.
Rest and take care.
Sherry

 

[gratefuldog]

Get yourself one of those antigravity chairs. My sister had to sleep upright for months, following surgery. She said it was perfect.
Sending you strength.

 

[Nanbo]

I'm so glad to see a smiley emoticon at the end of your post. I can't imagine everything you've been dealing with both physically and emotionally; but to see that positive element makes my heart feel lighter for you. Cathe and Crew will be there for you when you are ready!

 

[~Elsie]

......Also delighted and in awe of your positive spirit!
I've watched LIVES too. lol. Take gentle care.

 

[bonjonbart]

Thank you for the update. Your fitness and super positive outlook will get you through your recovery and healing. You are a strong and amazing woman.

 

[workout]

I wanted to follow up with everyone. I had a unilateral mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction last week. I’m home now and recovering. Its been a tough couple weeks, but I’m progressing daily. I’m off pain meds, walking a little at a time and have my appetite back. Biggest issue is having to sleep sitting up. The good news is that my lymph nodes were clear. I still need to meet with an oncologist to plan for any follow up treatment. Thanks so much for all of your support. I miss Cathe so much, I think I might watch a live workout just for fun.

I am so, so, so happy for you. Please take care of yourself and please let us know how you're doing. Wish you well and send you a bunch of HUGS!!!

 

[Muscle Car]

AnneMA, Thank you for the update, I had been checking this thread to see if you posted. Great news about you lymph nodes! Stay strong, stay positive You are in my thoughts and prayers.