Just diagnosed, what can I expect?
I'm 48 and got the results back a few days ago…2.2 cm tumor left side ER+ PR+ HER- ki67 20.6% with atleast one confirmed positive node. I’m seeing the surgeon in a few days to discuss treatment. There is so much information and i don’t even know what questions to ask. My first grandbaby is due in a few weeks, I love my job and I was planning on starting grad school program this fall. Now i don’t know how or if I’m going to be able to show up for these things. What can i expect?
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Hi @janak2200, I’m sorry that you have to join us here but this is a good site for information and support. A breast cancer diagnosis temporarily disrupts your life but things eventually work out. Even though you have the results of the biopsy there are still questions which can only be answered after surgery that will determine the details of your treatment.
If you have 1 -3 positive lymph nodes an Oncotype DX genomic test will be done to see if chemo is recommended. With 4 or more nodes you usually have chemo. With any number of positive nodes radiation is done although the extent of it depends on the number of nodes. This can affect what kind of surgery you opt to have. Radiation is done with all lumpectomies but is also done for those having a mastectomy with positive nodes. This can influence the type of reconstruction you might choose if you opt for it.
Depending on the circumstances the surgeon you see in a couple of days may order further imaging and/or genetic testing. These results can influence the type of surgery recommended. It’s hard not knowing exactly what lies ahead.
Once a treatment plan is in place things do get better. Initially things move more slowly than you think they should so chances are you will be able to see your grandchild early on. Some people work through treatment with limited time off while others take a leave of absence. You will get through this like the rest of us did even if you don’t know what to plan for yet. Congratulations on the new grandbaby and all the best going forward.
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Thank you so much, this is incredibly helpful. No one close to me has had cancer and this is all new to me.
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Just diagnosed yesterday. I am 82 ( birthday today) Former nurse. Overwhelmed, will see a surgeon next week week. I know I have invasive ductal carcinoma with some lymph node involvement. I like hearing other breast cancer stories. Not a club I wanted to join but here I am.
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First, congratulations on the grandbaby coming. Hold onto that.
Your tumor's characteristics (ER+/PR+, HER2-) place it in a category that oncology teams have a lot of experience treating, and that matters. The ki67 of 20.6% and node involvement will likely shape conversations about sequencing, meaning whether surgery comes first or systemic treatment does. Both paths exist for situations like yours, so try not to assume the order is fixed until you hear from your team.
For your surgeon visit, some people find it helpful to ask about the full staging workup, what additional imaging or testing might be recommended, and how the multidisciplinary team (medical oncologist, radiation oncologist) gets involved and when.
Writing questions down before the appointment, even the ones that feel too basic, genuinely helps. Bringing someone with you to take notes is worth doing too, because a lot of information comes at once.
Full disclosure, I work at Radical Health, a company focused on supporting people navigating exactly this kind of moment. You are asking the right questions at the right time, and that counts for a lot.
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Hi @nano519, welcome, and happy birthday, though we’re so sorry you’re spending it with this difficult news. Being newly diagnosed can feel incredibly overwhelming, even for someone with a medical background, and many of us remember those first days as some of the hardest because there is so much uncertainty all at once. We’re glad you found us, and you are definitely not alone here.
We also wanted to thank members like @flipster for sharing such thoughtful and practical support. Writing questions down before appointments, bringing someone along to take notes if possible, and taking things one step at a time can really help when everything feels like too much. We hope your upcoming visit with the surgeon gives you a clearer picture of the road ahead and helps you feel a little more grounded.
Sending you all a warm welcome and support as you move through these next steps. 💗0
