The waiting is agonising

Give yourself some time to digest the information, it’s a lot to take in and is an emotional journey. It’s ok to cry and get upset . My journey started 2 nd August I also have invasive ductal carcinoma and at this early stage they can give you some piece of the jigsaw picture. As they do more tests the pieces become clearer or they get more pieces. That then helps them be clearer each time on the  plan of action. Be kind to yourself , it’s ok to feel whatever you are feeling at whatever time. Good to let it out and talk about it x

Thank you for your reply.  I know everyone is different, but can I ask what your plan is?  It says on my clinic letter that I have grade 2 IDC with DCIS.  No receptors report yet.  Hopefully I get them next week x

Yes I have grade 3 IDC and DCIS oestrogen and progesterone + HER2 - . Diagnosed on 16.8 after mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies. Confirmed 1 week later after biopsy results , had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy surgery on 31 august. Lymph nodes came back clear. Margins clear around the tumour apart from one area but that was next to skin so could not do more surgery to get clearer margin. Sent off tumour for Oncotype DX testing which would determine if I would have chemo ( < 26 ok 26> chemo) just told today it was 21 so no chemo. Yippee. 
so next steps radiotherapy x20 , bisphosphonate 3 yrs ( I am 53 so peri/ post menapoausal) and hormone therapy 10 yrs. 

I have took somethings under my control I.e totally changed my diet to try to manage other factors that can contribute and reading up and studying how to starve cancer. X 

everyone’s plan will be possibly slightly different dependent on different factors but ask any questions you want and I am more than happy to share x 

Thank you so much for this infornation.  The consultant seemed positive in my last consultation but I just keep thinking the worst.  I have to have an MRI scan on Monday as clinicall my lump feels 30-40 mm but on ultrasound it is 18mm.  Hopefully the MRI will give a definite size and will have some sort of plan next thursday x

So sorry you are feeling low.    It is hard seeing it in black and white. Hopefully after the MRI you will get some further clarity on whether it is hormone receptive.  Ask the consultant about all this as , once you get that you will really have the full picture.  With any luck you can start treatment really soon . Do you know what the initial treatment might be.xxx

My lump only really concluded on measurements after surgery. It’s hard not to think of all sorts and I am sorry it’s so hard at the moment got you. As Harleybear says the MRI will give some more info and talking with your consultant will help with understanding what it means. You should have a specialist breast care nurse you may be able to talk to alas. Sending hugs  

In my appt when she told me it was cancer, she was talking about lumpectomy but depending on size of lump could do lumpectomy/reduction but then when I asked if she had the receptor results, she realised she didn't have them so left the room to go and check.  The receptor results where not ready and then she explained that I would need chemo and herceptin first if HER2 was positive.  I just want a plan now.  9th August I went to see GP so nearly 2 months has gone by already.  The anxiety is driving me crazy, I am so up and down xx

I really feel for you that does seem a long time .  I found my lump on 19th august .  I am seeing oncologist tomorrow .  The speed at which it has happened is both reassuring and a bit scary as maybe it is terminal which is why they are rushing .  I know that it is not helpful to speculate but that’s all I have right now .  I truly hope you get some news really soon. On the plus side if it is HER. Positive there are more treatments open to you  xxx

I’m definitely not terminal and they saw me within days of my mammogram- getting you in fast means they get to nip the problem in the bud. I will be keeping everything crossed and hope yiu get optimistic news

Thanks , that’s reassuring .   I just want to see the oncologist and ask loads of questions.  Mainly though , can they save my life x