Just beginning the journey. What breast cancer treatments will I get?

I wish I could give you simple yes / no answer, but everyone is unique.

The first step is a biopsy to determine if lump is cancer and type. The type of breast cancer help determine treatment plan.

From first discovering the lump, the diagnosis test and determine treatment plan is a stressful time. There is so much information out there that you might end up with information overload. Take it one step at a time.

You might do some research on Mayo site on breast cancer, or American Cancer Society web site (cancer.org). Then create a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Laurie

Thank you, Laurie. You are right. It is information overload! And everyone has an opinion on what to do. It is definitely breast cancer. The MRI was to see if it just in the one area, which is right behind the nipple, or if it is other places in the breast and lymph nodes. I don't find out the results until next Friday! Just waiting, praying, and trying to do some research.

I’m agree, waiting for test results was probably the most stressful part after the breast cancer diagnosis. I know everyone approaches it differently, but it was helpful for me to learn about the disease. There are a lot of good books and online sources.

Thank you, cfacarol. Yes, the waiting game is a difficult time. I am just praying for wisdom and guidance.

Hello @cfacarol,

I appreciate your comment, "but it was helpful for me to learn about the disease." I have found it quite helpful to gain knowledge about my cancer. While different than yours, it was a rare form of cancer and the more I learned the better I felt. Knowledge about a health problem does give patients a sense of control, which is important.

Hi @pegannie, I believe that you have been back to see your cancer care team since you last posted. Did you get a treatment plan? I bet you've got lots of questions. Ask away.

Thank you, Colleen. I had an MRI last week to see if the cancer is only in one spot. I won't get the results until this Friday. But I do have 2 questions that maybe you can help me with. I am experiencing gum soreness ...someone said that is related to breast cancer?? Also, I have major pains in my left leg - could that have anything to do with the cancer? A cough...fatigue...ugh..I'm too young to act this old! (I'm 61)

@pegannie
I, too, will be interested in Colleen's reply. I have been having gum problems as well over the past two years (since the initiation of anastrozole). I have been attributing it to not tolerating blood pressure meds (my PCP has changed it 6 times in the past two years). This month, I have been wondering about the anastrozole being behind it. Since September, I have acquired osteoarthritis in my hands, Trigger Thumb, and lost a half-inch in height... all in three months. I have read that AIs can promote arthritis and Trigger digits (and carpal tunnel syndrome which I had last year), and the orthopedic hand specialist I consulted noted that the anastrozole could be at play. Tomorrow I see a spine specialist for the height issue (and aching back). What a trade-off...!

@elizm @elizm
I've been on exemestane now for 3 months and for the last month started having bleeding gums. I've also had right-sided pains...any time there's a new pain one wonders, is this more cancer? But the doctor checks me out and says it's fine. Also having swollen glands in the neck which she says "we'll watch." The joint pains are annoying as well, but that's where we're at. Phooey!

Thank you all for your response to my questions. I am so new at this journey that we don't even have a plan yet! I am on no meds for the cancer or anything. So my issues could just be coincidence but it seems every ache an pain my mind goes to thinking it is probably due to the cancer. I will learn as the days go by.