Hi everyone --
I am really happy to have found this forum.
I'm 46, no history of BC in my family. I had a mammogram, and then a follow up last week. Three areas of microcalcification were found -- two in the right and one really small in the left. The radiologist scheduled me for a needle core biopsy in a couple of weeks, and she told me DCIS was suspected in the two areas of the right breast, though they would test the left too. My beloved OB-GYN, who is a wonderful doctor and straight shooter, explained that the way the mammogram looked made them suspect DCIS -- and in response to my two days of questioning (she is the type that will pick up the phone anytime I call in tears -- I am trying not to abuse that!), that, yes, it could be something worse, but there is no tumor or mass, and DCIS is the best guess, but of course, only the biopsy results will say for sure. She also said that even if it were something invasive, it is very small and very early, and she believes entirely treatable. When I asked her what to tell by 15 year old daughter -- she said "tell her Dr. R*** said you are going to be just fine." She did not sugar coat that I may need a masectomy and radiation, but that she believes my condition is entirely treatable, even in a worse case scenerio.
OK, then why can't I stop worrying?!?! Part of it is, I know, my ex's wife (who I like and is a good stepmom to my daughter) is undergoing her second round of chemo for stage 4 BC -- and my DD (and me, to be perfectly honest) are terrified that's where I'll be. Also, last year, I chucked a great desk job (which I was sick of) to start a small farm with my hubby (who I can't stand the thought of being without!) -- a life dream but so much physical work. AND, I am driving back and forth once a week from the farm to spend part of the time in the city with my DD (who goes to school there).
I can't stop worrying that I won't be here to take care of DD, that I will be too sick to work on the farm. I want to see my daughter graduated -- from HS, college, grad school, and off on her own life -- not worrying about me or taking care of me.
I am so sorry this is so long -- please help me focus on the positives. And how can I help my dd, who is worrying herself sick over this?
Thank you! Kate
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jpann39 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 2513 |
May 12, 2008 11:11 am
jpann39 wrote:
Hi Kate, Im sorry you have to deal with this, but it appears like your Dr. said, very early and likely DCIS, which is very treatable....but what I really wanted to tell you is: I was dx'd at 46 with invasive ductal carcinoma, then 9 months later during my 6 month followup after radiation treatment they found calcifications in my other breast.....FREAKED me out but good!!!!!!! They told me they thought it was DCIS, but it wasnt there in the bilateral breast MRI that I had before starting the treatment for IDC....I had a excisiontal(sp?) biopsy and it came back as completely B-9, so you see, until you have your biopsy you really wont know for sure and I read on here all the time that 80% of these things are B-9.... Jule 'Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we're here we might as well dance!!!!"
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blue16 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 260 |
May 12, 2008 11:50 am
blue16 wrote:
Kate: I hear the fear in your post and of course it is completely normal to feel panic. The first question that comes to mind is why are they making you wait a couple of weeks for a biopsy? That is completely ridiculous and unacceptable. I might suggest you call the dr and insist on having it done right away. Otherwise I would go see a breast surgeon immediately. I don't suggest this for any reason other than you are probably not going to sleep till you know what's going on. As Jule said, most of the time these things are benign, but you need to know. I had the needle core biopsy next day after my MRI. Good luck to you and let us know how you make out....I'll be thinking good thoughts for you, Maureen |
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kssdc2001 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 4 |
May 12, 2008 12:36 pm
kssdc2001 wrote:
Thank you both for the encouraging words. I am afraid the timing on the biopsy is my fault -- They want to do it over two days, said it was a lot to do both sides over one, and I wanted to be able to keep my schedule of being on the farm half the week (of course, this is our MOST busy time, animals being born, everything needs to get planted) and the biopsies will be done in the city (I also really want my husband with me those days, and it is extremely hard to find a farm sitter, especially when everything is giving birth). My doctor said the exact same thing you did, Maureen -- also that there was no medical reason to rush the biopsies (which made me feel a little better, in a sick way) but that doing so would give me peace of mind. |
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maggie23 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
May 12, 2008 03:31 pm
maggie23 wrote:
Kate - I had a biopsy just this morning, I also had to wait two weeks for an appointment. Now I have to wait until Friday for the results. I too, am scared to death. Friday is my grandaughter's 4th birthday, and I hate the thought of getting bad news on that day. I found a lump three weeks ago, with some bruising and tenderness. I thought that I had just injured myself somehow, but now, after talking to the surgeon, I admit I'm scared to death. I'll pray for you if you pray for me!! Let's keep each other informed. I really care about how you make out. |
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jpann39 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 2513 |
May 12, 2008 03:49 pm
jpann39 wrote:
Kate & Maggie Im so sorry you have the need to be here but this is a wonderful site....there are lots of us here who will hold your hand through the waiting and send tons of prayers that both of your biopsy's come back B-9.... Hugs to both of you Jule 'Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we're here we might as well dance!!!!"
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maggie23 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 5 |
May 12, 2008 03:57 pm
maggie23 wrote:
Jule - I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to have found this site and to know that there are others out there who understand and care!! Thank you so much! |
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kssdc2001 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 4 |
May 12, 2008 04:03 pm
kssdc2001 wrote:
It is a wonderful site! I stumbled around on a lot of others before I got here, but this seems to be a place where I understand what people are talking about, they seem real, and hopeful. It helps to focus on all the positives here -- especially when my brain keeps running through worst case scenerios. |
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blue16 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 260 |
May 12, 2008 04:37 pm
blue16 wrote:
Kate and Maggie: I know this is easier said than done but try not to worry too much until there is actually something to worry about. Whatever happens, know that there are women here to support and encourage you....the waiting game is the pits! Keep us posted... Maureen |
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3girls4me Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 115 |
May 12, 2008 07:10 pm
3girls4me wrote:
Hi Kate! Glad you found this site....it has been my lifeline since I was diagnosed with DCIS last June! I certainly understand your worry.....it's completely normal! Your doctor is right, DCIS is completely treatable, and is the "good kind" of breast cancer. DCIS is not life-threatening, so your life is not in danger. But it does need to be treated, and it sounds like that's what you're doing! So.....yay you!!! I was diagnosed at 36 (no family history or any other risk factors). I have 3 daughters who were 7, 10 and 14 at the time! Don't let the "what ifs" get to you......that'll really drag you down. Focus on just getting in there and getting it treated and getting on with things. And of course be thankful that it was caught so early. DX 6/12/07 Stage 0, Grade 1 & 2, 0/0 nodes, Bilat Mast w/recon 9/12/07
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kssdc2001 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 4 |
May 13, 2008 11:08 am
kssdc2001 wrote:
Thanks 3 girls! Lucky you! I think girls rock -- I just have my one princess, but she is an incredible gift! How did you deal with your girls as you went through the diagnosis and treatment? My 15 yo is so worried for me, and I hate that! She is such a great kid, I want her to enjoy her life -- not spend time worrying about me. |
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jpann39 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 2513 |
May 13, 2008 11:19 am
jpann39 wrote:
Kate She's going to worry, but I found that being up front and honest when they ask questions helped them trememdously.... Both my kids are grown and on their own, but I spend alot of time with my then 13 yr old nephew as my youngest brother is a single dad.....my nephew lost his grandmother within 2 months of being dx'd with a cancerous brain tumor a couple yrs before my dx, so he has some really nasty memories of what cancer can do..... The first few weeks after my dx he started to withdraw and be really clingy.....finally on Thanksgiving morning while we were stuffing the turkey he brought up the subject of my bc.....we talked, he asked tons of questions...I showed him the books from the doctors office and showed/explained my pathology report to him and discussed my treatment options...(this took place about a week after I had my lumpectomy/snb)....I hadnt realize how everything was effecting him..he was around during alot of conversations on what I should or shouldnt so, but I guess I never really included him....He was fine after our talk... Jule 'Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we're here we might as well dance!!!!"
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Misty3 Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 93 |
May 13, 2008 12:57 pm, edited May 13, 2008 01:00 PM
by Misty3
Misty3 wrote:
Hi Kate, Just saw your post. I think those feeling of worry and panic are normal when you get an abnormal mammogram. There is quite a lot to process and come to terms with--I have gone thru this myself just recently. I know your doc suspects DCIS but you really don't know this for sure until the bx results are in--could very well be benign. I'm sure she is preparing you for worst case scenerio. Remember, even if it is an early cancer it is very treatable and entirely survivable. Take good care, Misty |
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