Breast cancer: Q&As "URGENT"

[rowan1]

hi i'm sorry to hear your news. i went through this same time last year. i was very lucky to have a very understanding surgeon and a dr liason. she told me when and which dr to see in what order, because i couldn't think. so to answer your ? the type i had was DCSI, it was non-invasive and no lymph nodes where involved. they strongly recommended a lumpectomy instead of a masectomy - the survival rate remained the same. i felt like i wanted the whole thing GONE! but i had only the lump removed followed by 6 weeks of radiation and it was hormone receptive so i am on tamoxifen for 5 years. so far so good. i'm not on the computer too often, but feel free to pm me. i feel like i made the right decision for me.

one thing i found out You Will Get Through This. we're conditioned to think cancer is the end of the world. but there are Many survivors. sending prayers your way, debra

 

[rowan1]

ditto what seachick said. one website i found very helpful is www.breastcancer.org. it will give you very good info and some ideas on what to ask your dr.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

I do see I have a lot of questions that need to be answered. You guys have eased my mind just a tiny bit.

 

[eggchel]

Sara,


This is the time to put computer search skills to work. Go to the websites of all the major medical centers (Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc.) and read up on the different types of breast cancer and the different treatments recommended. It will help you make a list of questions for your doctor and may help you make a decision regarding treatment.

Stacey is absolutely right in advising you to take someone else with you to the doctor appointment to take notes and help you get your questions answered. Preferably someone who is clear headed and will read up on the subject ahead of time.

Meanwhile, if you are feeling completely overwhelmed, cant sleep, cant eat, etc., dont hesitate to call the doctors office and ask them to give you an anti-anxiety medication to help you get through this.


My very best wishes for you.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Ask if it is TOO close to the lymph nodes. Have the lymph removed as well if that is an option and you do not want to go through masectomy. My aunt chose to simply bc she wanted one surgery and only one and for it to be over. She has never regretted that even though the lymph nodes were unaffected. She did it for the peace of mind. My aunt had it for 5 years stage 2.

Some questions you can ask: Options on chemo/radiation and whether or not you need to do it.
Options on how much tissue to take, but make sure you get a thorough reason why and make sure that you understand it all.
Ask about the chemo pill if that is necessary to have and for how long.
Ask about the different stages and get an understanding of them so you don't wonder later.
Ask about ALL side effects of chemo/radiation.

My father recently was diagnosed with lung cancer. The biopsy showed nothing. He and the doctor decided to have it removed anyway. It turned out to be cancerous. Biopsy results are not always correct. If you have not had one yet, don't be alarmed by a lump. If you have, and it is positive, educate yourself and know we are praying for you. Feel free to PM me if you need/want. If I have forgotten anything i can always call my aunt or many of the folks i know who have been affected. It's rampant in my family!

 

[chickflick]

 

[joyous]

I am so sorry! Be encouraged that the successful treatment of breast cancer has risen astronomically in the last 10 years. I have three close friends raging in age 28 to 65 that all had lumpectomies, one had radiation only and two had chemo and radiation and they are all doing well with no sign of recurrence. I will be praying for you!

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
Excellent ideas ya'll. I don't even know what to do with my self right now. I'm still sitting here with my coat on from getting home from my appointment today. I'm totally lost. I know I gotta pull it together real fast like.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

That's the typical reaction dear. Just start a plan and focus on getting well sis!! We're here for ya!!

 

[Scoop]

We're all thinking of ya.