New to the journey
I just found out yesterday that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Carcinoma In Situ with lymphovascular association in my left breast. I got a phone call from the doctor’s office to schedule with the breast specialist and was told her first available was in three weeks! I told her that I was anxious about it possibly spreading and she was going to talk to the doctor and see if they can get me in sooner. I used to work as a phone triage nurse at an OB/GYN office and luckily have them in my corner so hopefully we can get that moved up. I know we are still waiting on biomarkers but I feel like we should start more tests before three weeks! I told my girls and my husband but there’s so much l don’t know yet that I tried to be positive with them, while inside I’m scared to death. I have several other autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and have a feeling this could be a hard road. I don’t think I have any questions yet but am happy to have a place to vent.
Thanks,
Jen in OP
Hi Jen. I'm only three months into the journey myself and want to offer that the first few weeks are the very worst. The waiting is almost worse than the diagnosis! Not sure where you're being treated but I found that St. Luke's was super speedy. Love their breast cancer center. I have finished my (20) rounds of radiation. Mostly nothing more than a nuisance, although the "burn" in the last week was definitely real. (It wasn't terribly uncomfortable; just looked crazy.) I'm now 3+ weeks out from completing that and you almost can't tell the discoloration is there; I will start "targeted meds" a few weeks from now, and enjoying the respite. I'm offering this because I went through the horrible emotional upset for weeks and now am so much calmer. There is a ton of research about the efficacy of treatments and I am thinking if three weeks were going to make a difference, they'd find a way to shorten that window. That said, VENT AWAY! Cancer sucks. Once you know more, and you begin telling more people, I predict you will be stunned by the love, support and kindness that comes your way. I'm sending you some right now!
Thank you so much for your reply! I’m anxious and ready to get going, but I’m trying to be patient knowing I’m not the only one these doctors are caring for right now.
Hi Jen,
I am also new in this journey and was diagnosed right around Valentines Day. My total mastectomy is scheduled for next Thursday and I too have experienced anxiousness around the wait. My surgeon told me that from diagnosis to surgery, it’s usually three months. She assured me that this time in wait would not affect the staging or growth. I have Stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma. All I can do it place my trust in my doctors and in this process, take a deep breath and hope for the absolute best. This has been a scary time and I am right there with you.
Hi Jen. I was also recently diagnosed. I am going to KU cancer center in Westwood. They said they try to get patients in within a week to 10 days. My PCP who referred me is a KU doctor so I’m not sue if that makes a difference. Good luck to you. 😊
I felt the same way about hurrying things up! The doctors know what is safe so try to breathe and take it one step and a time, but I just wanted to say I so understand how you are feeling! XO