Waiting for test results
I was dx with stage 2B breast cancer in December 2006. ER+, PR+, HER - . Three tumors, 4 positive lymph nodes. Mastectomy, dose dense Chemotherapy and Radiation. It was a long year and I had a high risk of Mets.
I have celebrated 17 years NED, good health and a wonderful life. I left my job and went to nursing school (a lifetime dream). I relocated to an ocean front community and left a bad marriage. All in 3 years.
Now I’m here again. I have a large mass near my sternum and collar bone, larger than a golf ball. Firm, immobile, no pain. But I’ve also had fatigue and shortness of breath and lots of aches and pains I assumed were “old age.” Since I relocated I don’t have an oncologist. My GP sent me for an x ray, but said I will need a CAT or MRI but insurance wants the x ray first. That was 4 days ago.
My question is, how do you deal with the wait for results? This is already making me crazy, and I know it’s just the beginning. I have confided in my son and boyfriend but have downplayed my concerns. I don’t want to be chicken little. And getting them upset won’t help me. But besides “staying busy” any other advice?
Thanks for any advice
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one would think that with your bc history , it would be no trouble getting the MRI done . Have your GP facilitate that !!!
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got the mri. Breast cancer. They are thinking it’s a new primary, but it is on the same side as my last one—and where I had a mastectomy. Large 3.3x3.5x6.8, resting on my sternum and lung, encircling the 2nd rib. Estrogen positive. Surgeon appointment next week still waiting on the others protein receptors and hormones results. I’m sure there is a PET scan in my future so in many ways still waiting for results
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I'm sorry, that is not the news anyone wants. Wishing you peace and strength for whatever is coming your way, and hoping that it's as easy as possible!
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You beat it the first time, you will this time as well.
My hat is off to you. Within 3 years of diagnosis you changed your job, left a bad marriage. You're strong and you will overcome this set up too. Best.
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Next step in treatment starts tomorrow, when I will have the tattoos and positioning for radiation. 6-7 weeks of daily radiation treatment 5x a week. Goal is to shrink the tumor, but unlikely to eliminate it. Is a grind, with the drive about 2 hours out of my day, but I am taking a leave from work until mid July. Fingers crossed.
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It’s a long drive so take your favorite music or audio book with you. Praying for your favorable test results. Please update us on your progress.🤗
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Went for my radiation set up yesterday. Not too bad, no new tattoos, they can use my old ones. Have to do the breath hold, which I find difficult and anxiety provoking. I’ll practice as instructed.
decided to make one treatment a week an “outing” with friends. Drive together then do lunch, cocktails, a walk, shopping, sit at the beach—whatever, something fun. Plenty of volunteers. Grateful to have so many friends
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Very good plan, @owensgrandma . Keep finding the joy in life.
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I didn’t know they could do radiation twice on the same area. Your plan sounds good. Sitting on the beach sounds so nice to me. I enjoy doing that too, just close my eyes and breath. So relaxing?
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Back when I had cancer the first time, it was the case that the same area could not have radiation again. However there are new technologies that allow it. I was told side effects are worse the second time, and since I already have discomfort from grade 2 fibrosis, it will probably mean increased pain. And although my saline implant should be removed doing that now would cause an unacceptable delay in treatment, and after 2 courses of radiation “there isn’t a plastic surgeon who would touch you.” But since surgery was ruled out, this is the only way to shrink the tumor. As always, assessing risk vs benefit, I hope this is the right choice right now.
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I didn’t know that there is new technology for radiation. That seems like the best option for you since delay in treatment is not a good option. If you login with Mayo Clinic Connect, you find quite a few recommendations to prevent radiation burn. Most recommendations suggest using certain lotions several times a day. Praying for your best results. 🤗
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