Coping with a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Diagnosed with the same type of cancer. I have a grade 3 I'm getting treatments now and tbh don't let fear take over because my cancer did not spread anywhere else.. You got this

Hi Tonja. Same thing here, I was pretty it was scar tissue, so I was shocked when I was told it was invasive ductal carcinoma. I was diagnosed the middle of January so I’m a little further along. The unknown is the worst part. Mine is grade 2 stage 2 I had one lymph node that was positive for cancer. I’m waiting for a test called oncotype to come back which helps to determine what treatment should be. It’s a lot at first. Keep people around you, do things that are fun, this helps distract the mind, and gives a sense of normalcy which helps me.

Hi Tonja! Diagnosed middle of January with IDC. Just had my lumpectomy and 4 nodes removed on March 3rd, 1.1cm mass. PR & ER positive. They didn’t “stage “ me until they had test results back from lymph node biopsy (thankfully, none shows cancer). Started on an estrogen blocker the day I met my surgeon. I will now have radiation, but will not opt for chemotherapy based on the very low percentage of reduced risk of reoccurrence. This takes a toll on everyone who goes through it. It’s normal to be scared and freaked out. Ask for clarification from the doctors, ask questions and be careful where you research! Stick to approved sites by your medical team so you are getting correct information online. Take a deep breath, and know that you have support from all of us here!

Jennifer S. I’m at the same exact step you are. Going to oncologist tomorrow and hoping to have treatment plan and that they’ve got the ONCA score back. I had DCIS two years ago and was also convinced the discomfort I was having was scar tissue. I guess I’ll say I was lucky that there was a swollen lymph node this time because mammogram did not pick up the tumor. Had to find it due to the lymph node via MRI. I’m glad to know we are all in this together!

There with you. Not having access to a plan or a real doctor to discuss with is the worst feeling ever

I saw the oncologist last Wednesday and was supposed to have a bilateral MRI with and without contrast this morning but they called last night and said the MRI is down. I will see the Breast surgeon oncologist tomorrow and have a PET scan Wednesday. Then see the regular oncologist again on Thursday. They also did loads of bloodwork and sent off for the BRCA testing.

Staying calm is next to impossible and the searching the internet endlessly is also a given - at least for me. What I’m trying to do is think of all the people who I know will be there for me and provide what I need as I navigate this mess. They are out there and they may not be who you expect them to be. Focus on that. And stay positive

Michelle R… I’m hopefully getting ONCA test results today to develop a plan. I’m glad they found it through the lymph node.

There with you too. Went for a routine mammo on 2/28 and got a call back. Had more pics taken and a sonogram with biopsy and sure enough cancer. IDC 5 cm right breast. Just did genetic testing and had MRI with and with out contrast. That test sucked for sure. Waiting results. My appt with oncologist/team is this Friday. I cry all the time over this. I’m so depressed, scared and not looking forward to any of this. I’m 58

Having a clear treatment plan can really make a difference in managing the anxiety that comes with a new diagnosis. Moving from the fear of the unknown to having concrete next steps shows tremendous strength, and finding out it was caught early is encouraging news. Many others in this community have walked similar paths and understand both the initial worry and the relief that comes with having an experienced medical team and a structured plan ahead.