Just found out I have cancer, have questions.....

I had a mammogram last month that showed a lump the size of an M&M...so my gyno referred me to a surgeon that set me up to take out the lump and check for cancer...the results came back last week that it was positive, so my surgeon said he wants to do surgery again within 2 weeks and do a 'BREAST CONSERVING LUMPETOMY'(sorry if spelled wrong)and do a procedure called a 'SENTINAL LYMPNODE BIOAPOSY'....he wants to take out about 1/4th of my left breast(he says it want be noticable since my breasts are a size c cup)He said the good news was that they couldn't feel the lump, only were able to see it on the mammogram, so that it is in the first stages. Needless to say all of these words and procedures are 'GREEK' to me, and I only know english. I have never talked to anyone that has had cancer and know nothing about breast cancer or any other kind....My sister suggested for me to look it up on the internet and that is how I saw this 'SIGHT'.....I'd like to talk to anyone that can give me information about should I ask for a 2nd opinion about the pathologist report and surgeons report...or get on in to surgery asap....or who do I talk to about other procedures....thanks & God Bless, Debbi

Dear Debi,

Welcome to this wonderful group, although I'm sorry for the reason that has brought you here...

I am here because my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec/00 and I wanted to learn as much as I could about her condition and about how I could best support her....

I am sure you will hear very soon from many here who are more knowledgeable than I about breast cancer...the people here are amazingly helpful and compassionate while 'telling it like it is'...

One thing I can suggest is to get ahold of 'Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book'...I have found it to be excellent and it has answered many/most of my questions...however, the 'personal' contact with the members of this group has been a real blessing...and the combination of the two was just what I needed....

Wishing you strength and courage in the coming months...and sending healing vibes your way...

Love,

{Note to everyone else....why don't I see an original message on this thread? Does everybody else see it? I'm really confused...not to mention feeling very left out.}

Debi,

I didn't see the original note but I can guess from your subject line why you're here. I'm sorry as well to welcome you to the group.

Since I don't know anything else about you, I'll just say that this is a good group. We've got people who have experienced just about every kind of breast cancer and treatment and all are very open and willing to share war stories. We're also pretty good about listening to complaints and vents

I am sure others will give you more information and advice.

My wife had Sentinel Node biopsy and in this procedure they take out the first node along the flow of lymphatic fluids and check if there is evidence of cancer in it. If not, they do not take out any more. This saves a lot of problem slater on such as occurrnece of lymphedema. It was negative in my wife's case.

We wish and pray for the best outcome for you.

Please also see www.cancersupporters.com

Best wishes,

R. Chandrasekaran

Lisa, I can't see it either, but my news server fell over yesterday and I have quite a lot missing. About half the new messages are 're-'s

Tim Jackson

Hi Lisa,

Yes, I saw the original message on *this* thread...but I don't always see the original...I don't know what the problem is but posters in other groups also mention this problem...sorry I can't be of more help...

Take care,

Dear Debbi I would have thought your onc would have explained everything to you, or a breast care nurse. At least, that is what they did with me in the UK. Mine was pea sized and could not be felt at all and could only be seen at first on the mammogram and more clearly later on on the ultra sound they did. They did a lumpectomy first and left me with a dent in my breast. Two weeks later they removed around 15 lymph nodes, all clear.

My advice is to write down any question that occurs to you and take that the next time you see your consultant. Take your sister or friend with you, so they can listen to the answers. Two pairs of memory is better than just your own, for you will forget some what is said, or even worse, mix them up.

The other advice about Susan Love's book is sound too. It is very easy reading and you can look up anything that may be relevant to yourself.

Any questions you have you can ask here as well. There are (too) many like you in our group who are only too happy to share their experiences. Sometimes all we can do, perhaps, is just to be there and listen and to give a big cyber hug and send good vibes.

Hope your results for the nodes are ok. Keep us posted, Debbi. Love and hugs

Tim pretty much explained the procedures to you so I won't elaborate too much on that. I do have a couple of suggestions:

1) Take a small tape recorder with you when you go to the doctor's office. You and anyone who goes with you will not remember all that was said. There will be many technical terms used and w/o tape you may not remember them. You can play back what was said and listen to it again when you are not as anxious. I have never heard of a physician who minded this so I wouldn't worry about that aspect of it.

2) Read, read, read, read, read everything you can get your hands on about this disease. The more educated you become, the better able you are to make educated decisions and choices about the things to come.

Here are a few good sites for you to look at:
www.cancer.com = American Cancer Society http://www.nci.nih.gov/ - National Cancer Institute www.susanlovemd.com - Dr. Susan Love's website www.komen.org - Susan Komen Foundation for BC research

3) Do not be shy or afraid to ask questions of anyone on your health treatment team. Forgive my bluntness but the only dumb question is the one not asked.

4) Remember that you are not alone. Many of us have traveled the road you are about to go and we will not let you travel it alone.

Keep us posted on how you are. This is a place for questions, support, feelings and whatever else you need us for.

Robin Lowe

DEBBI U SHOULD AT LEAST GET A SECONG OPIONON. MY MOTHER HAS BEEN BATTLEING BREAST CANCER FOR 4 YEARS. HOPEFULLY U HAVE CAUGHT URS EARLY.

ANSWER WHAT I CAN OR IF U JUST NEED TO TALK U MAY CONTACT ME KIM DODD

nothing can be added to what has been said, i did find this link extreamly helpful in figuring out what the dr's had said to me
http://breastdoctor.com/index.htm

it takes you thru everything starting with non cancerous problems and every cancer type etc,

welcome to the support group!

Stick around, Debbi, this is the place for you. There are some very knowledgeable and kind people on this ng and I'm sure they'll be able to help you. They've helped me and lots of others.

I am sorry to hear your news and hope you have good support.
Do not be afraid to ask questions of the health professionals its a scarey place to be where you are right now make sure you let those around you know what you need. put yourself first remember how special you are.
most of all remember you can win and one day you will look back and see it as not the end but a new beginning a different journey in a new direction.
its hard at first but i really appreciate the fact it made me reevaluate my life i found out what amazing friends i had and what was really important.what might surprise you is you will discover how many people you know have been down this road and til now you didnt know it.
take care you are in my thoughts please look after you.
belle

i found it really important to take notebook and pen i found the most positive cheeful note book i could i wrote the things i needed to ask in case i forgot my fri

i found it really important to take notebook and pen i found the most positive cheeful note book i could i wrote the things i needed to ask in case i forgot my friend also came with me to a cple of appointments i made sure i took someone who would stay strong as the last thing you need is having to worry about whether they are coping.
i also wrote the good stuff in my notebook the unexpected kind and thoughtful things that happen along this journey. read ask questions make sure you ask whatever you need to big or small or even if you think its silly just ask???????????????????
questions are healthy
good luck debbi and keep in touch

you are really in my thoughts as you begin this journey
hugs belle

Thankyou belle, I love the way you have alot of things we where taught but might have forgot. Hang in the and Merry Christmas everyone.

I suggest that you see a doctor for second opinion. Here's a website I found and I bookmarked it. I thought this would help, California Oncologists. Never hesitate to talk to a health professional. Good luck.