What to Expect After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Hi Jennifer, do you know what type of breast cancer your biopsy showed? Treatments vary greatly according to stage and receptor site status.

Invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3

What about receptor sites? Estrogen, progesterone, HER2??? Size of your tumor is also taken into consideration. My tumor was 6cm, so too big for an immediate lumpectomy so I’m doing chemo first. I’m ER positive.

Her2 negative er and pr positive. My pcp said masectomy and chemo.

I’m having 12 sessions of weekly Taxol and then 12 weeks of adriamycin and cytoxan, every 3 weeks for a total of 4 sessions. I’m on week 10 of Taxol and I’m doing really well. No bad symptoms at all. When doing the taxol ice your hands and feet to prevent peripheral neuropathy.

You mentioned pcp, have you been seen by a surgeon or oncologist? If you have the tumor removed first, ask for an oncotype test to determine if you need chemo.

Appointments next week. The treatments you mentioned. Did you lose hair?

I can only speak to the taxol, but yes, my hair thinned out, I was dropping hair everywhere and every time I washed it clumps of hair came out. I had it buzz cut to 1/2 inch all around. Much more sanitary and I felt that I had some control over my situation.

Lost my hair. Had a buzz cut cause there was hair everywhere. Soon after chemotherapy hair came back nice and thick. I am 76. Had a double mastectomy and doing well

Facing a new diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to have questions about what lies ahead. While everyone's experience with treatment is unique, connecting with others in this community who have walked similar paths can provide valuable insights about the journey. Consider reaching out to your medical team with specific questions about your treatment plan, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your individual situation.