I received by biopsy results on Christmas Eve, stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. GREAT!I was given a referral which was marked urgent and sent to the surgeon and told to call them on 28th December. That was a wonderful Christmas period, NOT. But once I thought I could get the ball rolling I felt a bit better. I rang to find they are closed until 9th January, and so is the other surgeon I am referred to. I cannot find anyone open, the GP is sweet but not helpful and I am going quietly mad.The receptionists say that is a problem at this time of the year, which is not helpful and I feel like screaming at them. This is cancer here, it doesn't pause for the Christmas period.Another 10 days waiting to even get to find someone let alone get an appointment.Keeping busy helps for a while but I just hope to heaven it is not progressing while I wait, it has already been over 3 weeks of tests and scans since I found it.I am so glad to have just found this site.

Hi Unicornkisses!!!! So sorry to hear you have found yourself here!! I totally hear you, timing is everything isn't it? Now you say you are Stage 2 IDC, this is just from the Biopsy. The hardest part is the waiting absolutely, but take a deep breath and know this for certain, the time between now and then is going to be OK! The Surgeon will most likely order a Lumpectomy based purely on those results, and until you get those results you won't have a definitive pathology. The biopsy is only a guide, so you will get a much better picture once that has happened. I know its incredibly hard with the urgency of it, but it really will be ok. Ive had BC twice in 5yrs, 2 major lumpectomies, radiation, tamoxifen, chemo and now Arimidex. If there is anything I can help with or answer, ask away!!! Hugs Melinda xo

Hi Unicornkisses. Sorry you had to join us here on this network but I am glad you did. The ladies here were such a comfort when I was first diagnosed at the end of last year. I was beside myself with worry because like you the christmas holidays interfered with the commencement of my treatment. I didn't have surgery until 5 weeks after diagnosis. Chemo started 10 weeks after diagnosis. The waiting is the worse!!! Take a deep breath. I know it won't take the anxiety away but trust me, a few deep breaths certainly help. Unfortunately it is out of your hands at the moment. It won't progress that much in 2 weeks. I know it doesn't feel like that, but I was told it won't make a difference with that little extra you have to wait. Once the ball starts rolling however it will be a whirlwind of appointments. For now, as you wait, take time to take stock. Do something nice for yourself even though I am guessing you'll be consumed with worry. It will help you later on. This is just something you cannot change at the moment, so take charge of what you can control. Go out. Do something nice. And come on here and rant all you want. We are here with you every step of the way. I pray that you get an appointment as early as possibleKeeping you in my thoughtsNadine

I have to agree with Nadine here! she is absolutely right, in 2 weeks it really wont change at all, so step at a time, we certainly are all here to help! Melinda

Thank you, ladies for your input. I will be leaning on you for a while, I think. My husband is great but overwhelmed too. I will take your advice and take the time to prepare for when the appointments start. I did not realise that the first biopsy was only an indicator. I am not sure that is reassuring. I have been told for so many years that I was low risk, no family history etc that it has come as a big shock. When I can concentrate for a few minutes I will read through some of the other posts related to mine and take in what is said. I am sorry too that you both have been through it before and hope you feel it helps to pass on your knowledge.

Ask away there is an enormous amount of wonderful ladies here sharing their experiences and encouragement xo I only had my Mum who had Breast Cancer, no other family history at all and I didnt meet any other criteria of being higher risk at all for it. Luckily Id been getting Mammos at my Mums insistence in my mid 30's my first diagnosis was in my early 40's, then at the 4yr mark last year. Its a terrible thing, and doesn't discriminate and strangely stats say only 5-10% is inherited. You're going to be OK! xx

Just diagnosed but cannot even contact a surgeon until 9th January. Stress levels high.

83 Replies

primek
Member
9 years ago
I know of woman who have had tissue expanders put in at time of mastectomy, quickly inflated ( sometimes a wee bit more than finally needed) then they have their radiotherapy. After all nicely healed the changeover to the softer silicon ones are done. It is possible. And as you've already had reduction and lift it should be a lot less work. My mastectomy and tissue expanders were put in ...without knowing for certain if radiotherapy would be needed (need node results to be certain) .That way it could still happen. So have your consults during your chemo and they can plan the date for when finished and before radio. Best of luck. Kath x
Unicornkisses
Member
9 years ago
Primek, my surgeon said to consider the surgery during chemo.
But I am not sure what options I have now. As I have to have radiation, after the mastectomy, doesn't that limit my options?
I didn't think I cared about a mastectomy but now I have had a reduction on the other side it seems a pity not to do something on the right.
And by then it might be nice to do something just to make me feel good?

and then again, do I trust the whole mammogram and ultrasound system enough to leave the left breast on anyway?

the positivity goes up and down, along with my emotions.
mostly I just feel sick.

but I guess that will pass and I will just get on with it again.

my husband and I had booked a cruise in two weeks time, before all this happened.
We are going on it and will try not to think too much about cancer.
I can't go swimming, but I sure can enjoy all the pampering, no cooking, no cleaning.
Then back to the Chemo and onto the cancer roller coaster once again.
primek
Member
9 years ago
Keep a mind to reconstruction. I had my reduced skin wise and a tissue expander implant put in 3/4 filled. Woke up with boobs. Looks good. Not the same sensation of couse but they look good. It's a lot to think about but you have time during chemo to decide x
Nadi
Member
9 years ago
Good on you for your positive attitude. That's the way to go. You can get through this.
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Oh no, what a terrible shock for you. I'm so very sorry for your news - as the other ladies who have been through this have said, one step at a time. You can do this and we are all here for you. Sending a hug, Jane xx
Vivianna
Member
9 years ago
Im so sorry to hear your news, keep strong and keep looking forward.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Right on! Step at a time, we are all here. Xx Melinda
Pammy46
Member
9 years ago
Oh bugger thinking of you it's so hard this journey just when we think one thing bam, I started off from biopsy 1 small tumour tubular
to final pathology after lumpectomy
3 tumour satellite DCIS
sending loads of hugs we are all here for you xx
Unicornkisses
Member
9 years ago
Thank you, ladies. I was so sure the pathology would be good. I was telling myself that being so scared about the appointment during today was unnecessary.
It almost seems unreal, as I am sure everyone feels.
it would be really nice to just climb out of this body and go somewhere else.

I have to ring for the body scan day on Friday as they were closed when I finished my surgeon appt. I also get my oncologist appointment then too.
Well, I guess I only get to keep one of my nice new boobs. Though I can enjoy it for a few months during chemo, then it has to come off.

Okay, I won't write the year off, 2016 I found the cancer. 2017 I will defeat it!
I will try and look at it that way.

I guess I will be calling on you all for advice for a lot longer now.
primek
Member
9 years ago
Oh bugger on the result. But onto chemo you go. They won't start hormone therapy until finished that. You'll get through it. But so darn devastating for you. Hoping no issues for your scans. Our thoughts are with you and we know how hard this first part is.

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Just diagnosed but cannot even contact a surgeon until 9th January. Stress levels high.

83 Replies

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