My breast cancer journey: Seeking support and experiences

I found a lump Jan 30th this year. Had imaging and biopsy done. It can back as Triple Negative and my ki-67 was 90% ( this rates the aggressiveness of the cancer and anything over 30% is high) it has spread into lymph nodes in my arm pit, under and over the collarbone. I had my first oncologist appointment scheduled for March 21st. On Feb 26th I saw my biopsy results online and I called the oncologist, the breast cancer surgeon and my primary doctor saying that I didn't have the time to wait almost a month to get into my first appointment. I got calls back from everyone within 24 hours with updates on my scheduling. Now, March 4th I met with the oncologist who said I did the right thing by calling everyone. Now I start treatment next week on March 14th. I met with the breast cancer surgeon 2 days ago and she said that with how aggressive the cancer is, this type responds really well to chemo. The faster it grows, the more it takes everything in, so it should suck up the chemo like a sponge. She is putting the port my chest Tuesday. I can't believe that you had a biopsy done in October and it took 5 months for you to be seen. Please remember, you have to be your own advocate for care. It is your life and you is your #1 priority (it isn't their #1 priority). As my oncologist said "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". Thoughts and prayers!!

Oh what I wrote was a bit misleading, yes I found the lump myself on Oct 22 and saw my PCP right away, she ordered the Mammogram AND ULTRASOUND. I asked my PCP if it was cancer and she said it looked suspicious but breast cancer didn’t hurt and my breast hurt, the lump was behind my areola. I left with the lap slips but have no insurance and thinking it was a cyst since she said breast didn’t hurt I put the lap slips aside hoping to get insurance then go get the tests done. Well by Feb 13th pain had increased and it felt to me as if the lump had grown larger so I paid out of pocket to have the Mammogram & ultrasound and that’s when they were sure it was cancer and had the biopsy done Feb 26, met with surgeon on March 5th and get MRI AND PET SCAN on March 17 and see Oncology on March 18 th, sorry I left out the dates

Hi Wanda!! Thanks for the update! Not knowing what cancer you have, I can just tell you my treatment for my triple negative: I get weekly injections of 2 drugs for 12 weeks. I get immunotherapy injection every 3 weeks. Then after 12 weeks, I get 2 drugs once every 3 weeks for 4 months. The immunotherapy will continue after chemotherapy for another 5 or 6 months after chemo. Talk to your oncologist on the 18th, or wait for the chemo class you will have that goes over each drugs you will get, the side effects and what to do about them. Also at that class, ask if there are any assistance and resource programs. I had my Chemo Class on Wednesday with the oncology team and found out that there are several assistant programs for people going through this. At least here in Oregon, they will pay a household bill up to $500. They also have programs for financial aid and grants (if you qualify) to help pay for your treatment. In our state we also have Paid Medical Leave that pays you for work time and days missed for medical issues so you at least get some income for all the time that is spent dealing with all of this. Hope some of this helps!

Wanda, just went through the same. But with invasive ductal carcinoma er+, pr-, her2- , stage two grade3 and in my lymph nodes . Now I’m awaiting the ONCA score so we can determine treatment path, likely chemo then surgery just like you said. Bound and determined We will get through this!!! ❤️

What a challenging and overwhelming time this must be for you. Many community members here have walked similar paths with aggressive breast cancers and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and their shared experiences often provide valuable insights about treatment responses and managing side effects. The waiting period before meeting with your oncologist can feel especially difficult, but connecting with others who understand this journey firsthand can offer both practical advice and emotional support during this uncertain time.