Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Just diagnosed

I am a 63 year old with no familial history of female BC, but Dad had BC at age 60. I had my annual mammogram and four days later got a call back for diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound of left breast; 3 days later (day after Christmas) got call to schedule breast biopsy and lymph node ultrasound; 12 days later scared silly went for breast biopsy and node ultrasound; ultrasound indicated need to have node biopsy too; 6 days later had appointment with surgeon ~ node was clear but not a sentinel node and he confirmed BC ~ looks like size of a pea and thin as a dime. I have no further description at this time.
Now waiting for results of hormone receptors. Question #1 ~ How long after initial results received should it take for receptor results? I am on edge and trying to hold it together for the sake of family (raising 2 grandchildren ages 12 and 9 who, of course, know nothing at this time). I carry my phone around like a 16 year old waiting for "The Call".
Surgeon said if receptors positive that is good for me ~ schedule lumpectomy surgery, check out sentinel nodes; if clear have radiation therapy, go on a hormone blocker. If receptors negative he will turn me over to oncology to begin planning for pre-surgery chemo. Question #2 ~ Who has had pre-surgery chemo? Please tell me about it. Terrified hardly touches my fear factor.
If doing lumpectomy will have radioactive tracer injected and a wire locator the day of surgery ~ this is keeping me awake at night at the thought. I showed a negative reaction when dr. explained this and he assured me this was not a big deal, but it is my breast we are talking about having this done. Question #3 ~ Am I overreacting?
Finally, I have severe needle phobia ~ I get so upset I upset the medical personnel . I don't faint ~ just cry like a 3 year old. I hate I can not control this fear. I am trying to keep busy, but I am a breath away from hysteria. Thanks for any information you can provide.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
25201 tn?1255580836
Don't Panic !!! Easier said than done I know ... we here have all had our personal experiences with this demon "Breast Cancer" and here we are, telling others about it. It sounds as though you are receiving the very best of care and things are moving along on a good schedule. Somehow you have to put the thoughts of hysteria and think of this as a job that must be done; like the dishes, the laundry, etc. I don't know what to tell you about your fear of needles except stock up on Kleenex because there will be some along the way. Cry if you must ... we all have our own way of coping and it seems to get us through to the other side of the fear. As you know your treatment will depend upon the results of your hormone receptor testing. Positive cancers are considered much less aggressive than ones that do not depend on Hormones for growth. The usual time for biopsy tissue results is 4 to 7 days but this depends on the institution where the biopsy was done. Often portions of the testing may be done at outside Labs and this does take longer. I personally did not have Pre-op Chemo but it is much the same as when given after surgery. Everyone reacts differently to Chemo and this also depends on what type of Chemo drug is used so it's impossible to predict a person's reaction, especially when you don't know which drug will be used ... IF ANY. Try your best to let go of all the IF,s in your current situation and deal with "what is" ... take it all one step at a time because this is way it works and the waiting is described by most women as "the worst". I think if I were in your place I would consider introducing the very barest of essentials to the children ... kids are very resilient and can be a great comfort if they understand even the basics of what is going on. They are very good at sensing things too ... you can rarely fool a child; they always seem to know when something isn't right. We will be here awaiting results along with you so please let us know when you get further information and post on this thread as a comment so we will have all your information in one place. Hang in there ... calm yourself as best you can and face this thing head-on. You'll find that you are much stronger than you think. Kindest regards ....
Helpful - 0
1119363 tn?1330355440
I am sorry to hear your diagnosis, you are now one of  us and will support you through your bc experience.  It usually takes about a week or so to get hormone receptor results.  Waiting is very hard.  The key to keeping it together is to focus on the facts you know so far.  Then the next test and what it will tell you.  Try to to let yourself "what-if" .  It drains your energy and your resolve.  Most of our "what-ifs" never happen and why waste your energy on that?  Your needle phobia will make things more challenging, but maybe it will get better.  We do end up with a number of blood draws and often iv's in the course of treatment.  You could ask about getting a port if you think it would be easier for you.  I am not bothered by needles, but have other issues.  Try to think of it logically to help you maintain control better.  It is about the same as pinching the skin on the back of my hand. Or I have stubbed my toe harder than this.  Look at each test, treatment, biopsy or other procedure as just one more challenge to overcome for you to win the fight against bc.  Each procedure will be a victory for you.  You sound like your diagnosis is early with a small tumor which is good.  Your doctor is suggesting good alternative treatments depending on the outcome of the next tests.  I also had a small but her-2 positive tumor with much dcis, so I chose a mastectomy followed by chemo and a prophylactic mastectomy for my peace of mind.  I am also taking hormone therapy.  Almost 5 years and no cancer!  I do have lymphedema and neuropathy but manage a full life anyway.  
You will manage this well.  There will be easier times and tough times  but we all have immense reserves that we rarely use.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.