Is this the normal process?
Nix
Member Posts: 28 ✭
Hey Guys,
I posted recently that I was diagnosed last Friday with triple neg breast ca stage three. All this week I’ve had the CT scans, bone scans, tomo the PET scan then Friday I’ll meet up again with the doctor that is looking after me and also meet my oncologist.
I received a call today from the genetic councillor and my appointment with her is not until next Thursday. Apparently it takes the councillors up to four weeks for my results to see how I’ll be treated.
I posted recently that I was diagnosed last Friday with triple neg breast ca stage three. All this week I’ve had the CT scans, bone scans, tomo the PET scan then Friday I’ll meet up again with the doctor that is looking after me and also meet my oncologist.
I received a call today from the genetic councillor and my appointment with her is not until next Thursday. Apparently it takes the councillors up to four weeks for my results to see how I’ll be treated.
I have never felt this kind of anxiety before. Four weeks? Omg this thing has grown so much in four months.
Is this normal?? I thought I’d be getting treatment as of next week. I’m beside myself with worry. I know my surgeon is a good one but far out. I thought I knew what stress was but this thing is a whole new level.
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In most cases, there is a multidiscilplinary team who will consult with each other regarding your treatment. Typically an oncologist, breast surgeon and radiation oncologist. All breast cancers are not alike, and each different type and subtype have treatments which are best for them. Then you add in the stage (how advanced) and the grade (how aggressive), the age of the patient and any other medical conditions. All these will be factored into whether you have chemo first (and what type and dose), or if surgery will come first. (Lumpectomy or mastectomy), will reconstruction be wanted...this will have a bearing too on the sequence of events. So we have a situation where the professionals will decide which weapons to use, and in what sequence. Much as a general in the army wouldn't say to his troops..."Hey you lot, grab a weapon...any weapon..and shoot anything that looks like the enemy"..they would carefully plan their strategy, then hit with force. I know I freaked out whilst waiting...in my mind, there were all these malignant cells plotting and planning their attack, and were breeding like mad, and spreading to distant parts. The doctors were playing on their fiddles and in the mean time, Rome was burning. Take heart that this is their bread and butter...they know our disease (all types) well, and once the ball starts rolling, you'll wish for just one day off to catch your breath. Having said that, at the same time you will be massively relieved that someone is DOING something. Hang in there. xoxo5
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Garden variety cancer treatment can kick in very quickly. High end topiary and any exotic variant takes time.
Genetic testing is a relatively new component, it does take a couple of weeks to get the results. Realistically, that extra time is not likely to be a major factor--unless, of course, it is. If there is any urgency, you will be informed.
Whatever is going on under your shirt didn't start yesterday, so there is every chance that the short wait to get a better idea about what is going on is well worth it. It sounds like you are getting the full gamut of tests, which is a good thing. Mxx3 -
This is probably one of the most difficult times - waiting for results and to know what your treatment will be. But genetic testing is good - most people don't get that opportunity up front and I'm guessing that your team expects to get information to help tailor treatment from it. All you can do is keep moving forward as best you can. Believe it or not, it's likely to get better once you start.4
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Hi @Nix, I had genetic testing and had to wait 4 weeks for the result. I was referred by my oncologist to a geneticist. I had the appointment via video call as we were in lockdown at that time. The specialist went through my pathology and my family history, included my parents and their siblings and their children. I went prepared to that appointment with a cancer family tree which included the types of cancer and the ages of people who died from it. He was particularly interested in anyone with ovarian cancer.
I only had one cousin with ovarian cancer and they passed at age 56. I also had a cousin who had breast cancer and an aunt with cancer of the cervix. I had another cousin with liver cancer and another with bowel cancer and lots of relatives with various skin cancers.
He recommended i get tested because of the ovarian cancer in the family. He also wanted me to get tested because I had 3 malignant melanoma which were successfully removed but there is a link with breast cancer and melanoma in brca2. He did say that there was only a very small number of people with the mutated gene of Brca 1 or 2. He said most breast cancer has nothing to do with genes.
I had to order the test online as it came from America. He had approved it. It arrived by courier it is a saliva test. I gave the saliva, called the courier to collect it and waited 4 weeks I received a negative result 4 weeks later via an online report and a letter from my dr.
Here in Brisbane there is alot of work going into genetic testing and using the gene results to target the breast cancer treatment. I guess your team of medical people are looking at this for your treatment. When you have your appointment go prepared with your family cancer history. Write down any questions you have for them. Take a support person if you need to as well.
Good luck with it. Sending you a hug x2 -
I've had two AC treatments now and got my blood tests done for genetic testing before my second treatment which was last Monday and No my treatment hasn't been cancelled, my next treatment is on the 7th April.
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@Belleindy how are you feeling? I’m just waiting to go in now. 🥺0
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I'm just tired. Don't want to get out of bed but I will now. Craving soup 🍲
First sess was yesterday. Geez it's gon be a long road and I try not to think too deeply about it cos I'd get angry.
Thanks for thinking of me @irb_o3, that's lovely. Ok, soup and try and exercise time. At least it’s a lovely day in Melbourne today. ❤️💕❤️3
