Haven’t been diagnosed, patiently and anxiously waiting.

Your left breast is 2 times larger than your right. How long has it been like this? That is very concerning. Why did your doctor order a head biopsy? Hopefully this is something other than cancer. Please let us know how you are doing. I will be thinking about you.

I had BIRADS5 and was told to expect cancer. I don't think that was appropriate but I suppose in some way it helped me. What does "biopsy of head and neck" mean? Is there a lump on lesion on your neck and scalp? The only B-scan I can find online is for eyes...do you know why they are doing that for your lungs?

Is your biopsy on 5/19? That is a long wait! You will get information soon from the biopsy and from the other tests. And more info still from surgery, if that is needed. This is the hardest time. Once you know what you are dealing with and what the treatment plan is, you just go ahead.

I hope you have good distractions and support. I actually got a few Ativan from my doc during this waiting period, walked, watched Netflix because I could not concentrate. The Ativan helped me sleep but I didn't take it often.
That was more than 8 years ago! Keep us posted!

@katrina123, yes my left breast is bigger and I’m not sure how long it’s been this way because the first of the year I was dealing with abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids and low iron, which had me back and forth at the doctor and ER. I finally had my hysterectomy last month. I had to wait for scheduled mammogram and US appointment, which was after the surgery. I’m not sure why he ordered that unless he believes the “cancer” spread to my lymph nodes. I will definitely update you once I get the results.

@windyshores, yes I agree 5/19 is a long time. I’m sorry the estimated bill shows an US exam, Chest BSCAN and US exam of head and neck. I also noticed some puffiness above my left breast and center of my chest but I’m not sure why he wants to do all of these tests. I guess being proactive. 5/19 will be my first time seeing the breast surgeon so I have a lot of questions.
I have some good and bad days and on the bad days I usually go over and help my sister out. And since off work on STD, I’m watching plenty of TV. I haven’t been released by gynecologist yet to do any workouts but I will walk to the mailbox or around the corner. My husband and oldest son have been really supportive. My youngest son and I no longer speak to each other since March but I’m okay with that because I have more to worry about at this time.
I appreciate your feedback and will definitely keep you posted.

@gigi2016
Only one more day! Try to put your mind in neutral.
After I got my biopsy results I actually felt more focused- so much to learn.
Chin up!

@gigi2016 how are you doing? Any update?

@colleenyoung Sorry for the delay. I’m just getting over a really bad sinus infection. Well I met with the breast surgeon on Friday, 5/26/23 and I have Invasive Lobular Carcinoma stage 1 and my lymph node in the left are cancer free. I am scheduled for a lumpectomy and radiation in 2 weeks. I will need hormone therapy but I’m really freaking out about the radiation. Will it damage my left lung or heart? Should I get a 2nd opinion or do a mastectomy? My mind is just in a whirlwind right now. Since my dad died at the age of 48 from stomach cancer, I found out that ILC and stomach cancer can be genetically tied if there is a family history of SC. Any suggestions on the best bra to wear after surgery and during radiation? Thank you for the support ❤️

I have been there, when all the things I am trying to process just won’t stop going around in my head.
This is when I try to stop, take a minute and take a deep breathe and blow it out forcefully and then refocus on something else for a while. Repeat as necessary, lol
It is sometimes necessary for me to trick my brain, so that I can start to sort through the avalanche of information. Here are a few ways I do this.
I put all of my energy spent on this into time slots, maybe a half an hour twice a day. Then if I have a question my brain keeps going for, I write it down quickly on a slip of paper and say I will save it for that time slot.
This gives my brain a chance to focus and other things and become calm again. This makes it easier for me to then put all of my decisions and questions on paper. Sometimes those question have to be asked of the doctor and I just have to have them on paper, in order to keep my sanity. Sometime this will help me decide what things are most important to me in the treatment plan.
Thinking about the whole situation, what is most important to you?

@gigi2016
Get a second opinion if you are anxious about the planned treatment. You should feel comfortable with decisions made.
Another thought, since cancer has affected close family members you could get a referral for genetic evaluation. There are some mutations that could be associated with certain cancers.
It would benefit your children to know if they are prone to certain cancers.

I would also encourage a second opinion, and find a doc who specializes in lobular. Lobular cancer doesn't from lumps that are easy to see on imaging. Dr. Metzer at Dana Farber is one.

I chose a mastectomy (two actually) to avoid radiation but I have lupus and heart and lung issues. Everyone is different. I also had very high ER and PR scores and a low Oncotype. Do you have these numbers?

Just make sure you are certain of your path and feel good about it.