Worried About Treatment Delay for Breast Cancer

I was dx by MRI in January. Biopsy want till end of Feb. bc it’s a reoccurrence they sent me for CT and bone scan which all took a really long time. I finally had surgery today 4 months later! I totally understand. The waiting is excruciating! My med oncologist said it twas ok to wait. In very rare cases breast cancer isn’t an emergency. I know it’s scary to wait and it’s so hard but they told me it’s ok. In the mean time try to do a lot of research. I made appointments with integrative oncologist, did acupuncture, went on a 2 week juice fast, took a lot of saunas and medications. An MRI will give your surgeon a better idea of what the surgical plan will be. It’s awful to wait but there’re many things you can do in that for self care. Try to work out if you can and eat only really good, organic nourishing foods! The waiting sucks but it’s all part of this journey. Just one step at a time! You got this!

Thank You So Much Caitlin 💓 for replying. I pray that you will get well soon and heal soon from surgery. And you are right. it's awful to wait but has no option 😔 Will try to do the things you mentioned. Good luck to you

The waiting is frustrating! I was diagnosed with the same cancer, but also with 1 lymph node having cancer. I started my first treatment of what is called "Red Devil" this past Wednesday, 2 days ago. I have 3 more to take and will take them bi-weekly. Then I'll start on another chemo, surgery, radiation, pills for 10 years.

Hello Jen W - your diagnosis sounds similar to mine. IDC with one lymph node positive. ER and PR negative and HER negative. What stage did they say? I had my lumpectomy and now awaiting further testing from the lymph node to see if we can bypass chemo. The waiting is nerve racking but I am working on increasing my knowledge and understanding how nutrition can help in my overall recovery. How are you tolerating the Red Devil? Is it every two weeks? I will definitely need radiation but the chemo is still in question and I’m so very anxious about it - if it is going to be part of the treatment. So sorry for all the questions. I’m trying to keep my optimism and definitely have faith. I wish the best for you and to you all.

Hi! Stage 2a. I tolerated the first cycle pretty good. Tired, some constipation, and lots of pain in the infected breast a day after treatment. I understand that's normal and the chemo doing its job. I've been tired and lying in bed now typing this after attending my grandson's 1st bday party! I've stayed on top of the side effects and took meds beforehand instead of waiting for them to happen. I will take 4 cycles every other week, then a break and start another chemo. After Chemo I will have a double mastectomy (my choice to have both removed), heal, then radiation for 5.5 weeks. I will also have to take a pill or two for 10 years once I've done all of the treatments and surgery. I don't mind you asking at all! I've been very aggravated about waiting for my treatments to begin and with the doctor's not ordering tests sooner, when they could have. There was a little miscommunication about who was going to order the tests! I let my concern about it be known! Good luck to you! I had one lymph node involved, but there was even question about that being infected 🤦🏼‍♀️. Finally, they determined it was, I think!

Hi! I was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma, estrogen/progesterone/Her2 all positive on April 17, 2024. I've had an ultrasound, biopsy and MRI. I'm scheduled for a lumpectomy with biopsy of lymph nodes on May 13, 2024. It seemed like it took forever to get through the testing, but there was no additional growth during that month. Hoping you do not experience any growth during your testing either. I've been told I have to have chemo and radiation but there is no evidence it has spread anywhere else. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

God bless you all precious ladies.

Also hormone positive and Her2 negative. I was diagnosed in February and didn’t have surgery till May. Nodes and margins clear. I elected to have total mastectomy because that will rule out radiation. Now I’m dreading if hormone therapy will be recommended

Yes hormone therapy will be for sure

I don't know of anyone who isn't on hormone therapy. Are there some BCs where the medication isn't recommended?

Melani, triple negative BC does not need hormone suppressants due to the cancer not being driven by hormones as in ER/PR positive BCs.

Georgia, thank you, makes sense

I have invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2. Hormone positive her2 negative Stage 1b.clear margins and lymph node negative...the waiting is the worst. You get results of a test and next thing you know you are waiting for results of another test or scan or pathology report. The waiting is so stressful. I am 61 and now waiting for results of oncotype genetic test which will determine whether I need chemo/radiation and pills or just radiation and pills

Have u done with surgery @Nancy D

Yes. Surgery was April 24. Lumpectomy and 1 lymph node removed

Hi Nancy D, my mom recently got diagnosed with DCIs of right breast surgeon said stage 0 but very vague on grading as he is a general surgeon not breast cancer surgeon so we are getting second option with a breast cancer specialist (weird that that wasn’t what they referred her to in first place). How are you feeling after surgery? Her Dr said a lumpectomy w radiation is probably what she needs after a second biopsy is schedule to be done. I was wondering how much pain is involved after surgery and if you are doing well. Prayers to you .

Hi AK , yes I'm doing well 4 weeks after surgery. I did get a seroma after 10 days but after a week of heating pad rest and compression bra it's almost gone. I will most likely have radiation next as long as my oncotype score comes back low. Prayers to your Mom.

Every one is different. I elected simple mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. Surgery went well 6 nodes negative. I was a little disoriented the first few days but pain has always been minimal. Two weeks post it is still uncomfortable especially in my upper arm about 6 inches from scar😳but totally bearable. Awaiting scheduled visit with surgeon to see what next awaits me. Yes, the waiting is always awful

Treatment delays can feel overwhelming, especially when waiting for important steps like imaging and surgical consultations. Many community members have shared similar concerns about timing during their early treatment phase, and these feelings of anxiety are completely understandable. The medical team's approach of gathering complete information through MRI before finalizing treatment plans is a standard practice designed to ensure the most appropriate care path, and connecting with others here who have navigated similar waiting periods might provide helpful perspective and support.