So the last couple of weeks has been a whirlwind of suspicious mammograms, biopsies and now a breast cancer diagnosis. Nobody in my family has ever had breast cancer (much less at 40 and on their FIRST "official" mammogram), so I've really been kinda blindsided by this all. It is Stage 0, non-invasive, ductal carcinoma in-situ (all new terms for me). I'll be going in for a lumpectomy sometime in the next few weeks, followed by radiation.
But first, I have to get an MRI done - tomorrow, in fact. I'm not afraid of the MRI itself. But I AM concerned that it'll pick up something that the mammogram didn't. My doc told me that because MRIs are so sensitive, they can pick up stuff that eventually turns out to be no problem. But in my case, if it finds something, it'll have to be biopsied and I'm back to square one. Has this happened to anyone? A breast cancer diagnosis of Stage 0, non-invasive, non-lethal, basically a massive inconvenience, but NOT life-threatening which became much more serious after an MRI was done? Did the MRI find more/different cancers/tumors? Did you have an MRI that DIDN'T show what the mammogram found?
This is all so new to me. I don't personally know ANYONE who's had breast cancer, so if any of you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear about your experiences.
And as I get closer to the surgery, I'm sure I'll be asking about that as well...but for now, one step at a time.
K., I have no experience with this, but I really want to say that I'll be thinking of you and praying for this to be quick, relatively easy surgery and that they will resolve this totally. Hugs to you,
Dawn
I like the thought that your team is being as proactive as possible in the approach to your case. Kudos to them!
I wish you Peace & Serenity through this difficult time. My best friend is a breast cancer survivor....almost 15 years now! As is my grandma & one of my cousins. The lesson best learned is to be as proactive as possible, because this is not something you want to have to repeat because of missteps or caution.
I would also recommend researching as much as possible. Know the terminology & content of each phrase, phase, & step along the way. Ask as many questions as you can think of, & allow loved ones to help! Sometimes 2 sets of ears.....hear a lot more! Prayers to you.....
My sister and sister in law had breast cancer. Both had different types of it but both are doing well now and it sounds like your diagnosis is pretty treatable if it's stage 0. I wouldn't worry about the MRI picking up more or worse, etc. You do want to get it all or you'll be back there again. I think if they find more they can get it out all at once and be done. I really can't answer the questions that you asked myself but am so thankful my sister and sister in law got it all and hope you get yours all taken care of it in one treatment/surgery and that you do well. I'm sorry you have to go through this but so glad they found it on your first mammagram and at your age.
Hi K.!
I'm the daughter of a breast cancer patient and I just have to say that I think Breast Cancer Mommas are super heros! You'll fight this bad boy hard, I know you will.
When my Mother was diagnosed her mamogram and MRI missed the lump, it wasn't found until it was seen with a sonogram and it was stage 3!
I encourage you to get the MRI. yes it can pick up things that turn out to be no big deal BUT it can also pickup things that would have otherwise been missed and not caught until they were a much bigger deal.
Regardless of the stage your cancer is at now the treatment for it will be invasive. Medicines, biopsies, scans, blood draws, it's all invasive and no fun. And because your body will be focus on healing what is being treated other things could pop up in other areas and develop at a much faster rate than they would if you were "healthy".
Sendling lots of positive thoughts and prayers and healing energy your way!
