What can I expect after a breast cancer diagnosis?

How quickly it happens honestly depends on where you live took me 3 months to go from MRI to biopsies and seeing doctor this being in Nevada. However, my sister who had bad mammogram at same time in GA, had everything done and down to double mastectomy and reconstruction done before I even saw my first oncologist doctor. I have IDC and she has Lobular. I have now relocated from NV to GA and everything happing quickly here. Within month seen multiple doctors, had port surgery and echocardiogram and starting chemotherapy in 3 days. I have both breast involvement with one mass being HER2 positive. They caught my sisters early and she is just on hormone blockers.

I’m glad you were able to relocate to get great care. My daughter lived in Vegas and had a serious medical situation and experienced the lack of urgency and follow up you experienced. She moved as well and the Drs are now very involved in her care!

Hi Pam, I had a similar diagnosis. I didn't need a MRI, I had my surgery on Jan 31th. No cancer spread in lymph nodes and had to wait for oncatype results which came back a 38. While that's a bummer, I will need 4 doses of TC chemotherapy, followed by radiation then hormonal therapy for 5yrs. I'm walking in faith and trusting God. Don't be afraid. Get your family and pray. We're survivors.

Pam, I had DCIS stage 0 3 years ago and had a double mastectomy within a month. It all went so fast but I wanted it behind me. I didn’t have to have radiation or chemotherapy. Prayers for you as you begin this journey.

I had the very same thing they processed very quick for me seeing the whole team gave me a nurse navigator that was great . I had the removal I was sore a few days and slept my mental health and my future has been my most struggles but they did say they removed everything and no cancer it sits in the back of mind could this come back I wish you much luck and lean on your family and friend Tracey

Thank you Tracy

Prayers if you need someone to chat with do not hesitate to reach out to me I know it's scary but your not alone

Hi Pam. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at the end of January. Everything went really fast. I had surgery a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and biopsy of some lymph nodes February 3rd. I had to wait for the the results. February 25th I got the results. I had a lymph node that came back positive for cancer. I also had a test done called oncotype which determines the best treatment. I’m waiting for the results of that and have a appt on march 18th to discuss treatment. So basically for me it’s been a whirlwind. Barely over a months time, I have had surgery, lymph node biopsy, testing, and coming up on determination of a treatment plan I believe next week. My recommendation, don’t ever go the appts alone take some one, it’s a lot. Pray. Find things to do that are fun and distracting it helps. I’m here if you wanna talk

The period right after diagnosis often feels overwhelming with all the unknowns, but your medical team will guide you through each step at a pace that's right for your situation. Many people find that once they meet with their oncologist and develop a treatment plan, the anxiety lessens because they have a clearer picture of what to expect. Support needs vary greatly from person to person - some manage daily activities independently while others benefit from help with rides to appointments, meal preparation, or household tasks during treatment phases. The community here has many members who understand exactly what you're experiencing right now and can share their insights about navigating this journey.