Breast biopsy - scared

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%.
 
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.
 
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!
 
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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!
 
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!
 
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. :)
 
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.
 
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!
 
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.
 
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!!!
 
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.
 

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